Bobbi' suede faux-croc bootie from Banana Republic
Sunday, August 31, 2008
This shoe is so ugly...
that it doesn't even bother me that there is no way I could walk in it.
Bobbi' suede faux-croc bootie from Banana Republic
Bobbi' suede faux-croc bootie from Banana Republic
Hummingbird sighting confirmed!
Lexi and I watched a hummingbird at the feeder tonight from the sunroom. They seem to come in the early evening. Lexi chirped at it in that odd way cats chirp at birds.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Day 2 begins
Does this mean hummingbirds came to the feeder yesterday or is Lexi completely bonkers?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Our new hummingbird feeder
We just got a hummingbird feeder. Lexi is waiting for the hummingbirds to arrive. She's taking a little nap because she's been at it for over an hour.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Please don't tell Angby...
Please don't tell Angby (my Ikea loveseat) that if I were ever looking for a replacement, this is perfect!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Redecorating the kitchen
I think a table like this one with two of these neat stools would look great in our kitchen. Too bad my husband is more in favor of an island in the kitchen than an eat-in kitchen...The table is a craigslist find and the stools are the Marais 18 stool available from DWR for $140 each.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Flu-like Symptoms
I spend most Monday nights tossing and turning, unable to sleep and feeling icky. I'm not sure why this side effect hits me on Monday nights and why it's still happening to me after 2+ years on Rebif. Does that happen to anyone else?
Dolores Park Movie Night
It's Jaws 3 in 3D this Thursday, August 14th at 8:30 P.M. They are handing out a limited number of 3D glasses but encourage you to bring your own if you've got them.
Why stay home and watch the Olympics when you can sit in a park and watch a terrible movie in 3D with your neighbors?
Greening the trailers
My husband runs an office at a construction site and I'm trying to encourage him to ditch the water bottles from the office supply company and buy a set of reusable bottles for everyone. This one looks good!
Monday, August 11, 2008
MS FAQ from WebMD
Ordinarily, I'm a huge fan of www.nationalmssociety.org and avoid other sites altogether but I noticed this Q&A on WebMD over the weekend and like it. The first few questions and answers seem helpful and concise, something to send to a friend with no knowledge of MS.
Multiple Sclerosis Frequently Asked Questions - WebMD:
1. What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is an autoimmune disease, whereby the body's own immune system, which normally targets and destroys substances foreign to the body such as bacteria, mistakenly attacks normal tissues. In MS, the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system).
2. What Causes MS?
Doctors still don't understand what causes MS, but there are interesting data that suggest that genetics, a person's environment, and possibly even a virus may play a role.
Researchers believe that MS may be inherited (passed on from parents to children). First, second and third degree relatives of people with MS are at increased risk of developing the disease. Siblings of an affected person have a 2%-5% risk of developing MS.
Some scientists theorize that MS develops because a person is born with a genetic predisposition to react to some environmental agent, which, upon exposure, triggers an autoimmune response.
In addition, some studies have suggested that many viruses such as measles, herpes, and the flu
viruses may be associated with MS. To date, however, this belief has not been proven.
3. What Are the Symptoms of MS?
The onset of MS may be dramatic or so mild that a person doesn't even notice any symptoms.
The most common early symptoms of MS include:
* Tingling
* Numbness
* Loss of balance
* Weakness in one or more limbs
* Blurred or double vision
Less common symptoms may include:
* Slurred speech
* Sudden onset of paralysis
* Lack of coordination
* Problems with thinking and processing information
As the disease progresses, other symptoms may include heat sensitivity, fatigue, changes in thinking or perception, and sexual disturbances.
4. Is Multiple Sclerosis Fatal, Contagious, or Hereditary?
MS is not considered a fatal, contagious or directly inherited disease, although there may be a familial predisposition of MS. Prevalence in families of individuals with MS is somewhat higher than in the general population.
5. Is There a Cure for MS?
Unfortunately, there is not a cure for multiple sclerosis, but there are many drugs that may slow down the progression of the disease. There are also many treatments available that can help a person with MS manage their symptoms and live a productive and fulfilling life.
6. Am I Going to End Up in a Wheelchair?
Most people with MS usually get around without assistance; however, there may be a time when you will need some type of assistance. Approximately 25% of people with MS will need a wheelchair. There may be a time when you would need to use some type of other walking aide like a cane or walker.
7. How Do I Decide Which Therapy Is Best for Me?
Choosing to begin therapy can be a difficult decision to make; learning about your treatment options and discussing them with your doctor is the first step in deciding what treatment to begin. Some other factors to consider are effectiveness, side effects, your current lifestyle, and how the therapy is given.
8. How Do People With MS Benefit From Deep Brain Stimulation?
The main purpose of deep brain stimulation in those with MS is to control tremor. In the case of multiple sclerosis, other problems such as loss of vision, sensation, or strength are not helped by deep brain stimulation.
9. What Alternative Therapies Are Recommended for MS?
* Positive Attitude. Having a positive outlook cannot cure MS, but it can lower your stress and help you feel better.
* Exercise. Exercises, such as tai chi and yoga can lower your stress, increase relaxation, and increase your energy, balance, and flexibility. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor before getting started.
* Diet. It is important for people with MS to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet. Ask your doctor what diet is right for you.
10. What Is Optic Neuritis?
Optic neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve, the nerve located in the back of the eye that transmits light and visual images to the brain and is responsible for vision. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 55% of people with MS will have an episode of optic neuritis. Frequently, it's the first symptom of the disease. Although having optic neuritis is very suggestive of MS, it does not mean that a person has or will get MS.
The symptoms of optic neuritis are the acute onset of any of the following:
* Pain in the eye
* Blurred vision
* Graying of vision
* Blindness in one eye
It's rare that both eyes are affected simultaneously. Loss of vision tends to worsen over the course of a few days before getting better. This usually takes about 4-12 weeks. Treatment may include intravenous and/or oral steroids to control the inflammation.
Reviewed by the doctors at the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Research at The Cleveland Clinic.
Multiple Sclerosis Frequently Asked Questions - WebMD:
1. What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is an autoimmune disease, whereby the body's own immune system, which normally targets and destroys substances foreign to the body such as bacteria, mistakenly attacks normal tissues. In MS, the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system).
2. What Causes MS?
Doctors still don't understand what causes MS, but there are interesting data that suggest that genetics, a person's environment, and possibly even a virus may play a role.
Researchers believe that MS may be inherited (passed on from parents to children). First, second and third degree relatives of people with MS are at increased risk of developing the disease. Siblings of an affected person have a 2%-5% risk of developing MS.
Some scientists theorize that MS develops because a person is born with a genetic predisposition to react to some environmental agent, which, upon exposure, triggers an autoimmune response.
In addition, some studies have suggested that many viruses such as measles, herpes, and the flu
viruses may be associated with MS. To date, however, this belief has not been proven.
3. What Are the Symptoms of MS?
The onset of MS may be dramatic or so mild that a person doesn't even notice any symptoms.
The most common early symptoms of MS include:
* Tingling
* Numbness
* Loss of balance
* Weakness in one or more limbs
* Blurred or double vision
Less common symptoms may include:
* Slurred speech
* Sudden onset of paralysis
* Lack of coordination
* Problems with thinking and processing information
As the disease progresses, other symptoms may include heat sensitivity, fatigue, changes in thinking or perception, and sexual disturbances.
4. Is Multiple Sclerosis Fatal, Contagious, or Hereditary?
MS is not considered a fatal, contagious or directly inherited disease, although there may be a familial predisposition of MS. Prevalence in families of individuals with MS is somewhat higher than in the general population.
5. Is There a Cure for MS?
Unfortunately, there is not a cure for multiple sclerosis, but there are many drugs that may slow down the progression of the disease. There are also many treatments available that can help a person with MS manage their symptoms and live a productive and fulfilling life.
6. Am I Going to End Up in a Wheelchair?
Most people with MS usually get around without assistance; however, there may be a time when you will need some type of assistance. Approximately 25% of people with MS will need a wheelchair. There may be a time when you would need to use some type of other walking aide like a cane or walker.
7. How Do I Decide Which Therapy Is Best for Me?
Choosing to begin therapy can be a difficult decision to make; learning about your treatment options and discussing them with your doctor is the first step in deciding what treatment to begin. Some other factors to consider are effectiveness, side effects, your current lifestyle, and how the therapy is given.
8. How Do People With MS Benefit From Deep Brain Stimulation?
The main purpose of deep brain stimulation in those with MS is to control tremor. In the case of multiple sclerosis, other problems such as loss of vision, sensation, or strength are not helped by deep brain stimulation.
9. What Alternative Therapies Are Recommended for MS?
* Positive Attitude. Having a positive outlook cannot cure MS, but it can lower your stress and help you feel better.
* Exercise. Exercises, such as tai chi and yoga can lower your stress, increase relaxation, and increase your energy, balance, and flexibility. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor before getting started.
* Diet. It is important for people with MS to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet. Ask your doctor what diet is right for you.
10. What Is Optic Neuritis?
Optic neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve, the nerve located in the back of the eye that transmits light and visual images to the brain and is responsible for vision. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 55% of people with MS will have an episode of optic neuritis. Frequently, it's the first symptom of the disease. Although having optic neuritis is very suggestive of MS, it does not mean that a person has or will get MS.
The symptoms of optic neuritis are the acute onset of any of the following:
* Pain in the eye
* Blurred vision
* Graying of vision
* Blindness in one eye
It's rare that both eyes are affected simultaneously. Loss of vision tends to worsen over the course of a few days before getting better. This usually takes about 4-12 weeks. Treatment may include intravenous and/or oral steroids to control the inflammation.
Reviewed by the doctors at the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Research at The Cleveland Clinic.
Cool site: Gardening Know How
Gardening Know How - The Answer to Your Gardening Question
I just found out that I should give up on my cilantro plants. I've been pruning and watering them and trying to revive them but cilantro plants just don't last that long. I like this website!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Nearly finished projects
Why is it that the fun part of a project is the brainstorming and finding the right materials and details and then actually executing things to completion is not that much fun at all? I have so many nearly finished projects that were so fun until they hit that point.
Here's a perfect example:
I've had the paint for this desk for a MONTH. It's Benjamin Moore AF-525 Fiji:
Here's a perfect example:
I've had the paint for this desk for a MONTH. It's Benjamin Moore AF-525 Fiji:
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Feline Greenies® Dental Treats
These are the treats I give to Lexi. Don't tell her that the serving size for her weight is 8-10 pieces twice a day. She gets 3 or 4 each morning.
What does Lexi eat?
Vitality™: Wysong's Online Store
I told my husband I'm trying to include more posts about Lexi as she has been underrepresented lately and he suggested I write about her food and treats.
Huh? He doesn't read any blogs and I guess since he just picked up her food and treats, it made sense to him.
For the record, I change the litter pan, give her food and fresh water every morning and dole out the treats.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Lexi's schedule
Lexi is currently waiting for the mail delivery. It's a very important part of her day. Rather than try to fit our mail through that tiny slot, our mailperson has realized she can just shove it under our door through the big gap between the door and the floor.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Rug for the sunroom?
I spotted this rug in Better Homes & Gardens the other night and I'm thinking it might look good in our sunroom. I can't tell if the green is too minty for our room though. It's an indoor-outdoor rug made of polypropylene. Probably not very green but at least it would hold up and be cleaned easily.
It's from the Dash & Albert Rug Company and it's St. John Stripe.
Dash & Albert Rug Company
Friday, August 1, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
