Don't drink unattended water at my house...

Lexi drinks out of glasses if she can fit her face into them and sticks her paw in them if she can't.

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

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.

Huh?

New plants in the front

Day 2 begins

Does this mean hummingbirds came to the feeder yesterday or is Lexi completely bonkers?

Lexi is still waiting for the hummingbirds!

IMG_1455, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

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.

Window boxes on August 25, 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!

Looking for a background...

blades, originally uploaded by saramarie.

...for an Evite for our O Brother Where Art Thou party.

Here's our actual table

IMG_1227, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

What about this one?

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.

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?

August 12, 2008

IMG_1425, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

August 1, 2008

New windowboxes, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

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!

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.

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!

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:

Desk BEFORE, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

I've had the paint for this desk for a MONTH. It's Benjamin Moore AF-525 Fiji:

Top view of windowboxes

Top view of windowboxes, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

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.

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.

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

AFTER

BEFORE

Tomorrow is the big day! Here's what the bay window looked like in April when we moved in.

We replaced the window boxes last month and tomorrow I'm going to pick out new flowers with my mom and my grandma. So exciting!

Long Greenbrae flat leather boots in camel from J. Crew

Long Greenbrae flat leather boots in camel from J. Crew $325, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

Seriously though, I think these might be this year's boots for me. The left shoe of my pairs of flats is all scuffed up because my foot drops. I do like summer but I miss wearing boots.

The J. Crew fall collection

Antiqued-gold sequin top from J. Crew $400, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

It's a good thing the J. Crew fall collection that came out today includes an antiqued-gold sequin top for $400. My old one is pretty much worn out.

Annie's Annuals!

I've never been to Annie's Annuals in Richmond, CA but my dream for my currently empty new window boxes is to go there and buy lots of cool flowers.

My mom and I are plotting the trip now! She's coming next Tuesday and Wednesday and we're working out the details. I'm afraid it will be too much and I'll get too tired but I want to do it!

Let's hear it for on-line ordering & free delivery!

I ran out the door this morning headed for the Giants game and realized halfway there that I forgot to take my meds this morning. I didn't really miss the Provigil until about 4 pm. I don't usually do much on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I pretty much always take Provigil. I didn't realize that it really IS working. I take half the dose my neuro prescribed (100 mg instead of 200 mg) but it's still doing something because I'm really dragging now without it. Anyway, dinner tonight is being prepared and delivered by the nice folks at Brandy Ho's. On-line ordering and free delivery, try and top that! And to think I was sad when the Thai restaurant that used to be there closed...

Take me out to the ball game

Today I'm sitting in a luxury suite at the Giants game. One of my clients invited me to go! My firm has a suite, so I've sat there before but it's always cool.

The Giants are playing the Nationals which doesn't happen often. The Nationals are cool because my dad lives in Charlottesville, VA and it's neat he has a team now. Go Giants!

I bring my own mug to get coffee

I bring my own mug to get coffee, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

so I don't throw away (or recycle or compost) a disposable cup every morning. I know, the mug on the left is made of plastic. I'm in the process of switching the mugs out but haven't finished. I'm drinking iced lattes this summer so it's hopefully not as bad (leaching less than in hot liquid).

As for washing the mugs, I throw them in my Energy Star dishwasher with an Ecover dishwasher detergent tablet.

No more bisphenol A

At home and in the office, I have Sigg bottles that I fill with filtered tap water. This way, we avoid the (possibly) bad chemicals in plastic bottles and don't lug home bottled water from the market and which then fills the recycling bin with plastic bottles.

Has anyone read this book?

Amazon.com: The MS Recovery Diet: Ann Sawyer, Judith Bachrach: Books

Any feedback regarding this book and diet? I had never heard of it until this morning. I followed the Swank diet the first year after I was diagnosed but have fallen back to eating whatever. I can't say that the Swank diet made a huge difference. It's very tough to tell about these things because you feel so different each day anyway. What drives me crazy are all the testimonials describing disability and amazing transformation. Um, isn't that what happens? I was in terrible shape and had trouble walking but I have almost 100% recovered with PT and hard work. I mean, recovery is not always possible but periods of increased disability followed by recovery pretty much sums up my MS experience.

You've met Lexi...

I take pictures of her so frequently
that I think she's learned
how to pose!









Now it's time to meet me and my husband. We're on our honeymoon last summer in this photo. We had a picnic that day and snapped a photo of ourselves.

Products that have changed my life: SLS free shower gel

I'm switching to natural products for cleaning, laundry and bathing. I'm trying to avoid icky stuff like parabens and looking for products that don't harm the environment or test on animals. During this process, I found Avalon Organics. Their products are great, meet all my criteria, lather up nicely even without SLS and smell great. I didn't realize that the dry skin on my back and the red bumps on my husband's back were caused by the reaction to SLS in our old shower gel. Not even a month after we switched to Avalon Organics shower gel, we both had soft, smooth skin without red bumps or dry patches. Cool!

Avalon Organics | Bath & Shower

How was your day, dear?

I had an MRI of my cervical spine today. The sensory FLAIR that started last month seems to have worsened and I want to do another round of IV steroids. Dr. Green wants to review an MRI first to see if there are active lesions and decide whether steroids make sense or not. I was in the tube forever!

McKenzie bedding in ink

McKenize bedding in ink , originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

I just ordered pillow shams for our bed. I hope that the color looks good with our azure bedding!

My double life

My office building, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

OK, now it's time to talk about me a little more. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week I work in the financial district of San Francisco as a corporate paralegal for a big law firm. I spend Tuesdays and Thursdays at home with Lexi. My husband's boss asked me recently what I do those days. He clearly doesn't have MS or know someone with it. Generally, I relax, water the plants, practice yoga and nap. Sometimes when I'm full of energy and feeling industrious, I'll run a load of laundry or put away clean dishes from the dishwasher. That's about it.

Hell no, we won't go!

Hell no, we won't go!, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

Lexi seems to know that the box contains the TV bracket that will spell the end of her beloved tube TV.

Disposing of old medication

Don't know what to do with all the meds that you're not taking anymore? I searched the internet for safe disposal instructions and came up with "put them in with kitty litter and throw them in the trash" which works and does discourage anyone from eating them but then I had another idea. I emptied the pills that I'm no longer taking into my sharps container before I dropped it off at Walgreens to exchange for a new, empty one. I removed the labels from the plastic prescription bottles and then recycled them.

Of course, yesterday my neurologist suggested that I take Tegretol (the pill I dumped unto my sharps container a few months ago) again for something new so now I've got to go back to Walgreens and get more. Oh well, at least it worked well in theory and I'm sure I'll do it again in the future.

If it's Monday, it must be my arm...

In the past year, I've made some real improvements to my Rebif routine. I stick to a schedule for rotating injection sites so I don't have to record the locations on my calendar anymore. We do an arm on Monday, midsection (love handle or tummy) on Wednesday and wrap up the week with the easiest of all, top of the thigh. I try to remember which side we used the prior week and alternate but it's OK if we goof since it's been at least 7 days no matter what. This system has really cut out a lot of work (staring at my skin, trying to remember where we did it last, scribbling on the wall calendar in the kitchen late at night) and has made my life easier.

Wall calendar in kitchen, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

Hiding the sharps container

blogged to http://pooksagirl.blogspot.com/ on 7-7-08, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

I've been hunting for a box or basket to hide my sharps container and I noticed this lidded basket at McMaster & Storm this morning. It's cute but I haven't checked the dimensions yet. Where do others keep their sharps containers? Am I the only one who wants to hide mine but have it accessible three times a week?

New window boxes!

IMG_1345, originally uploaded by Cynthia in SF.

The window boxes at Smith & Hawken that I've wanted since we moved in went on sale so we got them! They fit the space perfectly and I'm really excited to plant them. I'm thinking about using blue, white and purple flowers. I'm trying to find a good trailing plant to trail over the sides, too.