I loved the "where are you from thread". I am getting to know some of you related to this damn ra but it makes me curious about WHO YOU ARE because none of us are this damn disease. So here I go.
Some of you know I am a ranger. That is because I absolutely love the outdoors. I am one of those people that will drive you crazy because I want to stop and look at every flower, look in every nook and cranny for critters, look up at every bird I hear fly over and then come home and read about what I saw. I have taught natural science to children for a decade.
I have always loved to push my body and am very competitive with males especially when it comes to hiking. My girlfriends - I will hold their hand and help them if they need it just because I am glad to have a girl to pal with that I can share my soft side and secrets with.
I have a 22 year old daughter who is my biggest heart break in my life. She was in the gifted program, very athletic, absolutely gorgeous, very witty and a blast to hang out with. Then she started acting out in Jr. high, became very reclusive and after 18 months of not being able to figure out what was wrong, she really got scary and worried me sick. I finally got her hospitalized and she was diagnosed schizophrenic. I have tried having her home with me several times but she ends up on the streets, so she is in an institution.
OK lets see. I am madly in love with a railroad man. He is a big country boy, with a gentle nature that I totally adore. I met him on match. com. After one year, we decided we are getting married in Sept. We were going to have a wedding with relatives and friends but because of ra, we have decided to have a small ceremony instead. I just can't handle planning a wedding, but that does not change how much I want to be with this man the rest of my life.
OK last but not least. My two dogs, one weimeraner, one yorkie are my babies. I go everywhere with them and they are great hikers.
And I love Prairie HOme Companion on NPR.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Tell me about you I'm a newbie here, but I LOVE getting to know people, so I thought I'd
throw my details in
I'm 22 and I got married last year to the love of my life (I know I'm pretty
young to say that, but we met at 17, so it's a substantial chunk of my life)
whom I met in a chatroom in 1999. We were chatting and things started
to get serious, so I dumped my boyfriend at the time and we embarked
on an online relationship thing. In April 2000 I flew to Queensland
(originally from Perth, WA) to meet him, still underage and not knowing
anyone else there! My dad was ready to kill me. Thankfully it all worked
out great (though in hindsight I shouldn't have done it) and he moved to
Perth to live with me. In 2003 we moved back to Queensland and tied the
knot
I work in pharmacy as a dispense technician, and I look after the
medications and charts of 950 people in nursing homes. I LOVE what I do,
but in a few months I'm moving sideways within the company to take on a
similar job, but one that's less stressful on my hands. I'm lucky I have
understanding bosses. I used to be a youth worker and it was a tear
jerker of a job. The problems are so great and the resources so few.
My hubby bought me a puppy for Christmas and he's my little baby
His name is Beaker (named after the Muppet) and you can see pics of him
on my website at www.happyonprozac.com under gallery then beaker. I
attempted to make a hyperlink but today it doesn't like me! I used to be a
competitive ballroom dancer and on good days I consider taking it up
again
I think thats about all! Looking forward to hearing everyone's replies.
Hi everyone
Great idea Roxy!!
I as some of you know already am 45 years old and live in West Hills, California. I was born and raised in a lazy California Beach town called Hermosa Beach. I feel very fortunate to have grown up in such a mellow layed back little town (though I'm sure it has changed some since I was there).
I was a pre-school teacher for 4 years before becoming an Ophthalmic asst which I loved and did for 14 years. My husband Darryl is an Optician....yep "office romance"
I had to leave my position in 1997 because Oscar was sick so much I could not cope with all the stress. My stepdaughter that has lived with us since age 5 needed open heart surgery at that time(she was 10) and it was just to much even working part time, my children needed me to be with them full time. My daughter recovered quickly and is now 18 years old and doing just great. She goes to a local jr college and works at Target. She is never ever home. My son Oscar is just turned 12 he is smart, funny, kind and full of love.
I work now for a friend that has a in home business processing and packing orders. It has worked out great for me because I can bring Oscar to work with me when he is sick and that has unfortunately been alot.
My favorite things are (not in order):
Just being home with my family
The Beach
Oscar's face, voice, laugh and hair
my doggies "yoshi" and "kui"
Going to breakfast just me and Darry
Babies
And of Course You guys (please, please remember this is not in any kind of order
That was a fun one Rox!
I can't wait to see the rest!
Pam
This was a wonderful idea Roxy!
Well, to keep a long and storied history short, I'm 45, and a single mom. I was married when I was 21, divorced when I was 28. Moved to California (Malibu), had way too much fun, ended up pregnant, and here I am.
One of my girls has been dx schizoeffective disorder/bipolar type. She's bipolar, but shows symptoms of schizophrenia. It's all so confusing to me. Anyway, she's a very bright, very friendly girl. Loves everyone. Not shy at all, and will tell you exactly what she feels and thinks.
The other one is very gifted, very shy, and an honor student. She's a very talented "artist", who loves spending her time drawing and sketching. She's very imaginative, and loves trying to figure out any kind of puzzle. Loves having to think.
My other kids are a German Shepherd named Baron, a Shih-tzu named Pepper, a mouse named Cali, three Cockatiels named Sultan, Anna Marie, and Z-Man, a fish named Fwirl, and four cats named Cody, Kiara, Gabriel, and Candi. Yup, I live in a zoo.
Currently, I'm a Store Manager for one of the stores in an outdoor mall, and I love my job. I'm just hoping I can keep it, and this RA doesn't cause me to give it up.
Well, not much else to tell. I look forward to getting to know all of you, who have grown very dear to me.
Cris
I am loving this Albear, Cris and Pam. Now I feel like I am really getting to know you guys. I think this may bring us even closer. You have great stories and now when things happen in our lives, we will have some context.
Cris, How old are your girls? I know how stressful mental illness when it is your child. It broke my heart and I still think that is why I probably got ra. My immune system was severely taxed for years with the stress. If you ever want to share about our girls or have questions, I have been immersed in the mental health system for many years now. My daughter has been diagnosed bipolar, shizo -ffective, and now schizophrenic. Another condition that doctors have a hard time diagnosing but even worse, it is very hard to get help in the mental health system. I know it all too well. It is also a terribly misunderstood condition.
I forgot to say my age. I am 49. On good days I feel thirty and on ra days I feel 85.
Looking forward to more stories and now we can refer back to these to understand a little bit better.
Thanks you guys for adding your stories, and you can always add more. I love personal stories and all of you.
I This is awesome Rox. Stuff like this shows us all what we have in common. Just like Pam and Wayney can help each other through everything with their boys and JRA now you and Cris will be able to share the confusing and heartbreaking experiences with your girls. It means a lot when you have someone else that has been through your situation....as we all know here with the website. My real nam is Ashley. (There...I said it! I'm out of the closet) My husband calls me Lovie just as I call him Lovie. (It's a "Love" thing) I got married the first time when I was 18....had my first son not long after (I think you can understand that one) a short 4 years later I had a daughter. 11 years after I was married that marriage desolved. He's not a jerk...but we grew up in different directions. That so often happends when your married at such an early age. I was single more than 4 years before I met my "Lovie" on line. (Interesting that we've already heard of 3 stories of on line love!! It does work) So I have an 11 year old daughter, and a 15 year old son (with a drivers permit...AAAAAAAAAhhhhhhh) I work as a personal assistant/office manager. I love my job; but at times hate it. Suppose we all know that store, right? My ex-husband (Who I'm still very good friend with) and I share joint custody of our children. They're with him exactly half the time. That gives me and my new husband plenty of time to ourselves; which we enjoy because the weeks I have my children we also have his two boys 7 & 8. It's like a zoo around here on those days!! I've always enjoyed landscaping and gardening; but this year I have a partner to do it with. It's become somewhat of a passion for both of us. When I was married the first time my husband wouldn't even mow the grass...so this is a real pleasure for me now. Guess I could go on all day about me, me, me...but at least you know a little more about me; right? Great idea Roxy. Lovie (I'll still continue to use the screen name; ok) Hi Everyone, My name is Kelly and I'm from Ontario, Canada. I'm 43 and have 2 children. My son is 24 and getting married this October. My daughter is 22. I was married the first time when I was 18. Which is probably one of the reasons why I was divorced when I was 37. I met my second husband online and we'll be celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary this October. We have 4 little ones together. A sheltie named Eddie, a poddle named Monty and 2 cats named Howard and Smitty. I used to work for the Red Cross but have not worked outside the home for 10 years now. Great idea Roxy! Nice to get to know one another here
Kelly I forgot to mention, my girls are now 14, soon to be 15 and old enough to get their drivers permits. I have to echo Lovie on this one... aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!
This is really fun getting to know everyone and the things we all have in common. Roxy, I with you on the heartaches associated with mental illnesses. We have been lucky so far and been able to find professionals who are very caring and supportive. My daughter has come close to hospitalization, but fortunately, we've been able to manage. I pray we can continue to do so. I worry about her future though. She works very hard at being "normal", and is very good about monitoring her condition, so that if anything comes up we can get a handle on it right away. Her psychiatrist is very good, and our therapy team is wonderful as well. I don't know what I'd do without them. My biggest problems so far have been with the school system. They just don't want to do their part to ensure that she gets a proper and fair education. Anyway, it's nice to meet you all and get to know a little about each of you. I agree with Roxy, that it brings us all a little closer. Cris Hey Allbear and Ashley aka Lovie (had to call you ashley just once)
Cris, YOU ARE AMAZING what you do as a single mother.
I am having so much fun visiting the board and reading new stories. Yesterday I felt pretty good, so I went on a 3 hour hike. Today I am paying for it, tried to start a normal day, get some things done, and I am exhausted. I will never forget the spoon theory. I think I have only a couple spoons left today. I can't wait to come back and read more stories. Its better than reality shows anyday
LOVE YOU GUYS. Xjenna, I shed a tear
Kelly, Another online romance. Woooooo hoooooooo
well I'm 42,I have a daughter 25yrs old-yes ,I had her really young.Live Pulaski,NY. Never had more children.I have 2 granddaughters-that I love to dearly.A 1 yr.old Mariah-and a 7yr.old Lucia.Lucia is a grama girl.My daughter is bi-polar ,she was diagnosed at age 11.She drives me crazy when she thinks she doesn't need her medicine.Just got off the phone tonight arguing about it. Well married at 18-divorced 2 yrs. later. Aug.29 will be 18yrs.the 2nd time around. I drive truck over the road with hubby,we've been working side by side for the last 11 yrs.Were together most of the time 24 hrs a day.I love him to dearly.But there are times I have to take a deep breath and bite my tongue. Have 2 babies that go over -the -road with us.Brewsky 5yrs old(sheltie)and my comedian JD-2yrs.old(jack russel terrier)don't know what I would do without these two.They are my babies.Sherry I was born in Limerick, moved to Cork when i was i young. I'm 30, and work for a U.S. company in R & D of orthopaedics ( I'm a programmer ) based here in Cork. Spent a lot of my younger years travelling and working abroad ( Victoria, B.C. Canada - Sydney, Australia - Boston, Mass and Prague, Chezh Rep to name a few. Never found it easy to settle!!!!!!) At present i live in a town called Carrig Ui Leighin ( Carrigaline ).Bought a house here 2 years back, and at present am happy enough to stay put. I reckon it'll be another few years before i settle enough to consider marriage!!!!! I am not as interesting as many of you, but here goes: I live in Philadelphia, PA. I have never lived outside the city limits. I used to live in a different part of the city, but the neighborhood went downhill and now I live in Northeast Philly, which is a lot nicer. Same city, different neighborhood. I am a social worker for the city, so I can't move now even if I wanted to. I went to Catholic schools through High School. I went to Temple University, and studied journalism. I graduated with a BA in 1989. For several years after graduation, I tried out different jobs. I taught first grade, sold cars, worked at Macy's at a cosmetic counter for Prescriptives Cosmetics. I wanted a job with security and benefits, and I had applied for several federal and municipal jobs, and was hired for my current job in 1994 and have been here since. I am a social worker in the adoption unit for the city's Department of Human Services. I like my job even though it is stressful. Unfortunately, I was never able to use my journalism degree. I dream of writing a book one day though. I am a 37 year old female, have never been married, and have no children. I have had boyfriends, but never anyone I wanted to settle down with. I am very vain and I take good care of myself but it seems that most of the good men are taken. I do have two cats who I dote on, and an active social life. I have a lot of friends and I like my own company, and I can't really say that I don't feel fulfilled without a husband, if I find one, that's great, and if I don't, I'm going to enjoy myself. I love to read. I read mostly horror fiction and thrillers. I have never read anything by Nora Roberts or Danielle Steele. I love movies. I love music, especially Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. I love animals. I love to bake. I love gardening. I love to travel. I love shopping. I love to learn. Enought about me! Goodnight everyone! , Sounds like you could treat us a thing or two about living. We're glad to have you as part of the group. Hmm. I'm not very interesting I'm afraid. I am 30 years old. I have been married to my husband Graham for 8 years (but we have been together for 15). I have three beautiful cats called Itchy (brother Scratchy died), Harvey and Jasper. I work for the NHS as a clinical molecular geneticist specialising in retinitis pigmentosa. I was born in Liverpool but live in Cheshire (England). Let's see, I like fast cars, reading, photography and animals.....oh and food hence the battle to lose weight (hehe). My husband is a software consultant (which means he is away from home a lot) and we both love football (soccer). Still not definatively diagnosed yet and I get very frustrated all of the time, ah well. I think that is me in a nutshell. Great to here about you all. Niki I was born in June of 1979. My mom wanted to name me June Lavette, but my dad insisited on naming me after her. She compermised. I never knew my dad, my mom left him when I was close to a year old (they were not married). I have 2 brothers & 2 sisters, they are all from my moms first marriage. I consider them my real siblings and they have never treated me like a half sis. I am a great-aunt 6 times!! I have a brother who is kinda like my dad, has been since I was born. My mom says she thought he thought I was his daughter...lol. He still treats me like I am his daughter. I was more afraid to tell him I was pregnant then I was to tell my mom. I have 1 sister who is jealous of me, she was the baby before I came along, and she still is jealouse of me after all these years. I started dating hubby after my ex boyfriend broke up with me to date a lesbian. If you would like more on that story let me know and I will tell it all. I remember it like it was yesterday, and I still have not truely forgiven him or my ex best friend. We have been married for 6 years now. I have 2 kids, MaryBeth 6 going to be 7 in July, and Andrew 8 months. We have 2 mutts, Peter short for Peter-Pan he got him from the animal shelter for MaryBeth's 4th B-day. And Moppsey we got him from some people 2 Octobers ago. Like I said I never really knew my dad. I met him when I was 11 and then we moved here to Alabama. He passed away in February from cancer. I have a sister & brother from his first wife. I try to keep in touch with my sister. I wanted to get to know him better but he was stubborn, he would not talk to me on the phone, he wanted me to fly out to California where he was and spend time with him, but I could not I did not have enough money for the flight. My mother is 71 years old. She is my best friend. She is all I have had in my life that was always there for me. When I was growing up she was my play mate, my mother, my father, santa, and the only person who was always there for me. She is an ex alcoholic. She has out lived every one in her family, all she has is us, her kids, and her church family. She goes to church every wednesday and sunday and to all and any church functions. My husband....well.....he is the most annoying, aggravating person I have ever met. Believe me he was not like that when we were dating. He has a very short memory span. I remember things from when we first got married and he does not. Like I remember cleaning the house and he does not remember me keeping the house clean. I went on strike....lol....got tired of cleaning up after his lazy self. He acts like a rebelous teenager. If I tell him NOT to do something he will do it. He does not believe in telling someone that he loves them. He tells me and only me that he loves me, but that is once a day and no more. He does not tell his mother, father or even his daughter that he loves them. He has only told one other person other then me that and it was his grandma when she was dying. He is very self-centered and thinks very highly of himself. He thinks other people are not on the same mind level as him and that includes me. He seems to get along better with "dense" people better. He says the reason we do not get along as well is because I am not as dense as most people. WHATEVER!! He does NOT smoke, drink or do drugs. He goes to work everyday, even when he is sick as a dog. Now on to me....I just turned 26 on the 26th. I am a stay at home mom have been for almost 7 years. I do not have a driver's lisence nor do I drive. I love horror movies. I dislike reading, that is why it takes me awhile to post replies to certain posts, I get tired of reading...lol. I like to work on my brother website. I am very computer literate. I LOVE computers and the internet. I would like to have a job creating websites or maintaining one for people. I am not real fan of kids...lol...I do not like kids after the age of 3, until they are teens...lol....they get on my nerves from the age of 4 - 12. I love to eat. I love to sleep. I like to play video games when I have time and when my hands are not bothering me. I do not laugh at cartoons, and if I do it is probably a Disney movie. I do not smoke, drink or do drugs. I have drank before when I turned 21...what is the use of being of age to drink and then not try it....lol....I made hubby go buy my booze for me....lol...since I did not have ID. It was short lived. Awww....man I guess I am a good girl after all. Hubby says I am vengeful, spiteful, and mean. I am only like that to people who have done me wrong....lol...and he happens to be one of them...long story. Sorry so long I have more tried to condense it...lol. I have a many of stories about my life. Might write a book...lol. It probably would not even be a best seller so better not...lol. Oh man I did not know it was that long
In Vegas My sisters and I each had horses and spent the majority of our time riding. During the first few years in Vegas (I was about 14) my mom became very ill. She had severe depression and I guess was bi-polar manic- depressive. She was in and out of hospitals and was very sad. I kind of took on the mother role to my sisters. After two yrs. of college, I kind of 'settled' and married my high school boyfriend-I think mostly to get of the house! When my youngest sister was in her senior year she came to live with us and I was her legal guardian. Eventually (I think when I was about 22) my mom took her own life.
About 2 yrs later my dad met and married a totally awesome women. She was full of joy
I have been divorced for about 5 yrs. Moving to SF was extremely scary for me. I had never even driven anywhere out of town by myself, had never lived by myself. I think I was in shock the first 2 years here. I love to garden, read, do crafty-type things and do tech/computer things. I love the outdoors, sunshine, water, boats and fishing, camping & hiking. (Sorry this is so long. I'm quite 'wordy' )
Now I do not feel so bad about my "short" bio...lol. Thanks Tara!!
What "wild rides" many of us have had. And then we have RA to add to our lists.
Well i am a single (and looking) 34 year old female. I own my own home just outside Detroit. I bought it over a year ago against my mothers wishes. I have one younger sister and she has an 11 year old son. I LOVE spoiling Josh! I do not have a relationship with my father, and have not had one for most of my life, even tho mom and dad were married til i was in college. This is the bane of much of my emotional turmoil.
I am a high school chemistry teacher in a public high school where most of the population is from inner city detroit. I have worked there for 6 years and have been laid off 2x, but called back. Next year will be stressful with less teachers and no money! (Gotta luv MI government and NCLB) For many years i had ferrets, but they have all passed, and now the ferret room is a guest room (with the cage still in it.) I have always been a dog lover. Big dogs. I had an Alaskan Malamute as a kid and i loved him! I will get a dog from the pound soon, but my lifestyle and activity level is too much and the dog would suffer right now. For now i have a dog sitting service in my house. Same price as a kennel, with personal attention for the dog! I am active in 2 organizations. I was in Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity in college. I am still active with that group as an alumni and i sit on the section staff to help all the other colleges. I am also a new member (within a year) of the local Jaycee chapter. I am currently putting together and running a road rally. So far it is coming together nicely, tho i did have a dream the other night that is was a disaster!
I love to travel, years ago i had a job where i was on the road for 9 months, living out of a suitcase, doing a light and laser show for schools all over the US. (S18Wheeler: I love my CB and know how it is to live on the road!!) I like to read and hang out with friends. i play on the internet a lot, especially in the summer, and i have made my mom into a internet monster! i guess thats about enough.. if youre still reading
P.S. Maybe turn this into a sticky post too?? Not sure
June Well, I'm new to this group, but here is my story. Been married twice, first time 13 years (didn't work), the second time just had our 6th anniversary to my childhood sweetheart. We have a 5 year old son, who, God Bless Him, acts just like his mother.
I'm very involved with our local National Guard group. My husband retired from it with 20 years of service. They are getting ready to go over to Iraq next month. So I'll be pretty busy with families for the next year. But I have one night a year that is all mine. I will take my full dose of pain meds, sleep most of the day before, and have a toddy or two on that night. I'm a HUGE Jimmy Buffett fan. And for that one night that he comes in concert, I can forget about my limitations, what's coming tomorrow or 5 years from now. I dance and sing and just forget. I pay for it with 3 days in bed. But it's worth it to just escape for a few short hours. That's my story.
June Sorry you have had a bunch of heart aches...maybe your children will make up for all your heart aches the dads did not. I say maybe because sometimes no matter how well you brought your children some still cause a lot of heart aches. Hopefully your children will not be. I wanted to write a book about my family. It would include all the "stuff" that would get everyones attention. I told my family if they would just write their chapter for me, I would pay them 5% of what we made from the book, just for their chapter. But no one wants to do so. My chapter would be considered tame compared to all of their's lol. Yes, I am a semi-good girl, done a couple of crazy things but nothing like the rest of my family. BUMP Anyone else?? Feel free to add your long or short bio. We kinda like the long versions...
Hi, my name is Susan. I am a native Californian, born in Long Beach. I am 59 years old and recently retired in Dec. '04 from Boeing. I worked there 40 years! Yes, believe it!
I live with my dog, Lucy, and my cat, Toby, both of whom I adore! I am an animal lover to the max to say the least. I rescued both of them. Lucy from the streets and Toby from a shelter. I love to go out with my friends dining, movies, etc. I am a Red Hatter! Am having so much fun with them. Next month we go see Johnny Mathis in concert. I am glad to have found this wonderful site! Susan Well, here goes... I am 47, born and raised in Columbus, GA. (near Ft. Benning) I met my husband when he got out of the army and we stayed in Cols. for the next three years, then moved to PA where he is from. I love living here and having 4 seasons, but the cold really makes me hurt. I have two kids, a son who is 17 and a daughter who is 13. they are great kids. I work as a receptionist for a company that makes countertops. I really like my job. My husband and I have been married for 20 years, he is my best friend. he's so supportive and takes care of me alot, due to the fact that I have had 4 orthopedic surgeries since 2001. my life sounds pretty boring compared to most of you.
well, as I said, I have a pretty boring life, but that's me
Linda That would be me, Roxy, I will keep it up towards the top for everyone. I spent 30 mins looking for the "where are you from?" post. I eventually had to search for it using the search feature. It got dropped way down to page 6!! Toni - Very well put! You really captured my interest with the way you word your thoughts. I feel like I already know ya!
Linda - I have just as a "boring" life as you...lol. To make my life more interesting I use to start arguments with hubby...lol. I still do sometimes, BUT right now I hurt to much to argue with him. Hi, I am Marilyn and am from the Portland, Oregon area - the beautiful great northwest. I guess I qualify so far as being the oldest to post on this thread. I am 68 years old and the only advantage I can see that gives me is getting on Medicare. I am a widow, have two children (both girls) and live by myself with a couple pets, Lucky the dog (who is Lucky because she came from the pound) and Thomas the cat, who used to be feral but is now a dyed in the wool house cat who won't even put a foot outside - guess he is afraid I won't let him back in. I have retired from work now but was for years a legal secretary and then manager for a law association and law firms. I also ran a boarding stable with 21 horses. Used to come home from work - kick off the high heels, put on the jeans and muck boots, and go out and work with the horses until 10 p.m. and then crash. I was in really good shape. Body gave up and I had to sell the property two years after my husband died (cancer) in 1990. Kids are great - ages 39 and 35. Four grandchildren - three great boys and a small angel girl (you can tell she is the youngest, right?). Enough about me - oh, by the way my moniker (Sewez) is pronounced like the canal and not like 'so easy'. That was the name of our Arabian horse who died last year at 32. The person who bred him throught that 'Suez' would be much too plain and so named him Sewez. He was a real card and we miss him. Thanks for the bio sewez. I was wondering how to pronounce your name...lol. Now I know!! And you are only as old as you feel.
Anyone else got a bio they would like to add? Does not matter if you think your life is "boring", WE don't!
Brit I joined this delightful group a couple of weeks ago and am happy to share my story. I am married (30 years) and have 5 children from 19-29. I also have a 29 y/o son-in-law and a 4 month old grandson. We live in a Cleveland, OH suburb and I've always lived in NE Ohio (USA). Hubby is a high school teacher and I am a computer apps facilitator for our school district. We have a 10 year old Manchester Terrier named Abbey, but the real love of all our lives is that adorable grandson, Evan, who lives 2 hours south of here. We try to see him and my dtr & SIL at least once a month for a couple of days. Hope I can continue to work until our youngest son graduates college in 4 years! Lately RA has been hard to handle.... Very enlightning bio's! I feel like I am a lil' closer to known ya'll! Welcome Back spirit1! I wanted to name my daughter Mina, but hubby did not like the name so, HE named her Mary after his grandma. So, how do you like the name Mina? Well, I have an odd name for ya'll. Andrew Xander AXW is his initials. I wanted to name my daughter Mina because I liked the name after watching Bram Stoker's Dracula. (I love hororr movies!) Hmmm better late than never I suppose. I am 36 and single. I was diagnosed with RA in Oct of 2001, it was an early birthday present.
I was married at 18 to a Navy man, and we were divorced 8 years later. I am somebody's birth mother. I have been a nursing assistent, a respiratory therapist, and an over the road truck driver. Currently I live in Oregon in a very tiny little town East of Eugene. I am planning to attend college in the Fall, and am working part-time in a convience store to help pay for it. After my diagnosis I was fired from my job and had to move in with my parents. After 3 years living with my parents I was able to move out on my own. I was approved for social security disability in May of 2003 in just 10 weeks! I own an english bulldog, 6 finches, and two cats. Actually I have one cat who owns a change of clothes since my landlady won't allow me to have 2 cats. My moniker was an attempt to say I am owned by my dog; ie: Chloe's person. Chleo's 1 How did you get SSI so fast?! I would apply again, but still afraid of being rejected again. I attempted to apply again, over the internet, but decided I probably would not get it. Hey everybody. My name is Sheila.I am 39 will turn the big 40 Feb.13.I am a born a raised southern gal.Been in North Carolina my whole life.I would love to move to Alsaka or Colorado cause I love snow and to get away from my family.Well, sometimes I don't mind seeing them but most of the time it always upsets me.Especially my mother. I have been married almost 18 yrs. I have 2 girls.My oldest is 19 her name is Amber.I had her when I was 19 and later met my husband.We married and he adopted her.5 years later came Carrie. I use to be a hairdresser.All I ever wanted to do was style hair.I went to school and worked for awhile.But being as protective as I am over my girls I ended up quiting work to stay home with them.I think alot of that has to do with some abuse I went through when I was a child and I didn't want that to happen to them. I have tried my hand at writing.have started some books but never really pursued it.I love creativity.I like to make things for my garden and house.I live what I guess some would call whimsical/rustic country lifestyle.I am also bipolar so that even helps stimulate my creativity except when I am depressed which thank God has been awhile since I have been really depressed enough to want to hurt myself.I have hurt myself a few times mostly when I was a teenager.Last attempt was 10 years ago and landed me in the hospital.Sometimes I would like to be hypnotized to see what is it in my past that has screwed me up so bad. My favorite color is purple as you can see. I even have a purple kitchen and van. If I had to describe my personality I would say I am an optimistic,daydreamer,somewhat political,I use to trust easy but have been burned to many time by my family I have turned a little suspicious of peoples ententions and if they are being honest with me,I hate phoney people.I have been through to much to play games.I am a good listener and I think I can be a good shoulder to cry on.I see both sides of the story and then make my own judgement.I love to listen to talk radio and hear the different views on our world.I am by nature very nurturing and caring.This nurturing has gotten me hurt many times.It's like I am a radar for those who need something and only when they need something.Once again my family,and then I am forgotten til they need me again.I love the idea of a family.I wish I had a mother figure in my life.It would be so nice to be able to talk to someone more exsperienced and have them really care.I think I have a great sense of humor.And I am a social butterfly mostly. Right now in my life I feel the loneliset I ever have. I take care of my husband Jimmy(he is a studly firefighter),both my daughters that have health problems(Amber has fybro and Carrie has hydrocephalus,seizures,hearing impaired,brain injury,severe difficulty processing language,very delay verbally,and some serious emotional problems possible due to the brain injury).I feel bad most of the time.Some days are good some are not.Some weeks are very bad like they have been for sometime now.I do feel ok today.SOme pain but not as bad that I need to wear my brace. I only get out of the house to go to the gym.It is my only free time.Thats why when I do get sick and can't work out it makes me even more depressed.I have made a few friends there.And now that I have lost so much weight I even notice men looking at me which I have to say makes me feel good. I am a very good party planner.We have had some great birthday parties around here.1 year we built a haunted trail and invited all of Amber's friend from her class and scared these kids to death and they had a blast.Amber's sweet sixteen was so much fun.It's hard to plan parties for Carrie.She has no friends either other than her cousins.She has such severe anxiety being around kids her age.She has been made fun of and shunded many times.Planning her parties are hard cause she wants kids there but she is afraid of them.I like birthday parties and planning them for my family.I even had one for my parents and always make a big deal of thier birthdays.I never had a birthday party,I guess I over compensate with my children. I am very intersted in people that are different.From different cultures,people who dress themselves in ways ,artsy people,intelligent people.People just facinate me.I have no problem with people that have tatooes,piercing,wear all black,dress outside the norm.I love indiviluality.I hate these shows that do these make overs on women.Let people be who they want to be.Especially the ones where they cut off there hair.Now I know I was a hairdresser but I am one that loves long hair and respects the woman that wants long hair.On these shows they always want to cut it.My hair is long and turning grey and that is how it is gonna be for me. My taste in music is all over the place.My favorite artist is Sade.I listen to rock,some pop music(my daughter loves nysnc,I have no choice there),my oldest daughter finds these artist that aren;t well heard of and I like to listen to them they all have different styles and meaningful lyrics.I like R&B especially Mariah Carey,Alliyah,Luther,Alicia Keys,Faith Evans,Mary J.I even liten to some bluegrass.Mostly Allison Krauss.My husband and I like Stevie Ray Vaughn and are creating a new library of his music and dvd's.I have sang at a few weddings and funerals.I've been told I sing pretty good but I don't know about that.I know I will never sing at another funeral...man that is hard to do. Well, I have written my story.I am gonna sit down and drink my coffee,talk with my sweet Carrie and watch spongebob squarepants, which I must say is one of my favorite shows.I will probaly be holding our puppy Alie too, she is in a cuddling mood.I love to cuddle I am finished
On the contrary....I could keep reading. You are a fascinating person. I can picture you there with your daughter, puppy and spongebob. We are Spongebob fans ourselves
Thanks for giving us a glimpse, you are a special person, I'm so glad you're here.
GREAT story! I feel Like I REALLY know ya! It was not long at all, you just gave semi-details to explain certain things, that would have made me say HUH?! And be even more intregued to know more! Great Job! Thanks for the "short" bio!!
It feels good to be a little silly. I am really overly stressed.We may lose our house,carrie is sick,may need another surgery or something else even deeper is going on.Because I am bipolar I have thoughts that are not too nice sometimes but nothing like a good old klonopin to knock that feeling right out of my head(well maybe 2 or 3 klonopins).Luckily today I have not had much pain.the hoarseness is almost one.But I have been running to the ladies room.Thats what happened before I got real sick back in June.Hope it's not a bad sign. Oh Gosh.Don't you just wish you could take your brain out of your had and just think and feel nothing for a little while.I guess you could call that sleep but my dreams are scarey enough to freak Stephen King out. Well , I have been online awhile.Carrie is still sleeping.Been atleast 3 hours.Amber and the boyfriend are here.That boyfriend has got to go.But that is another post.
Hmm, that was a run on sentance let me try that again... SS sent me to a cardiologist (go figure!) who just happened to know my rhuemy, that prolly helped. Also my sed rate was through the roof (right around a 100 as I recall) and I was also as swollen as you might expect with such a high sed rate. By all means apply! If you have had to modify your job or cannot work because of your illness then apply. An awful lot of people take the rejection and don't appeal. For heaven's sake ap
Let's see, aside from frequenting arthritis and fibro boards, I am
currently working on a large genealogical project. I love to
read, work on my webtsite and goof off basically. I'm looking
into home schooling Bastian as he is wanting to go to school
already. We're starting on the basics here at home to keep him
happy. He wants so bad to know his letters by sight. So,
that's where we're starting. He's also requested learning about
monkeys.
I was dx'ed with JRA at the age of 7 after having horrible "growing
pains". I also developed a trigger finger and then had drifting
and swan necking in my fingers early on in the course of the
disease. I went into remission when I was in my early teens and
stayed there until I gave birth. In 2001, prior to getting
pregnant, I was diagnosed with fibro. It is far far far worse for
me than the RA as I know well how to deal with RA. For me that
pain actually flares then recedes. Fibro is always there. No
hiding from it.
I'm a moderator on two yahoo groups about RA and related
conditions. I'm also associate editor of a newsletter about
autoimmune and chronic pain diseases.
hugs, wayney
I'm Lorin. I live currently in New Jersey (I can almost see
Philadelphia from my house though). I'm a college professor
(interpersonal communication, family communication, public speaking,
etc.) and mother of six children (ranging from 5-16). I am also
"mom" to two dogs and a new puppy (who is currently eating my house).
I'm 39 years old.
Factoids about me: I'm a vegan (for 4 months) and have been
vegetarian for 10 years. I don't use products that have been
tested on animals if I can help it (with the exception of prescription
meds). I have a shaved head; it's been that way for 6
years. I like it. I love to read for leisure, though I
don't have that much time to do it because I'm usually reading for
classes or for research (I write journal articles about communication
phenomenon and have a book under contract). Right now, I'm
reading "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" and "Positive Training for
Dummies" (thumbs up to the former, sideways to the later).
I'm a big music fan. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are a
personal favorite, but I'll listen to lots of different things.
Not very thrilling (I left out all the scandalous bits
Love this topic!!
What a fun life, Olivus. I love the ocean and I bet you are a great first mate. I know what you mean about refusing to give up the things you love - I refuse to give up how I define myself. Does that make sense? Maybe our stubbornness will keep us going
I've really enjoyed reading them. Wow Karen, you
have really been through a lot and have
accomplished so much. I think the idea of a book
is a good one. I think it's so important to share and
pass down family history.
Tara L
Mina
Me.
Mina