On:
In: Chronic Illness
Tagged:

One of my first memories is of sitting at the dining room table, next to one of my grandparents, peering through the edge of the large glasses he wore, amazed at how different the world looked.  I got my first pair of glasses at three years old.  As I grew older, my eyes got progressively worse, though I am fortunate enough that my vision is normal with contacts. Though technically referred to as “High Degenerative Infantile Myopia,” it is more commonly referred to as nearsightedness.  It turns out, I don’t just have bad eyesight, but I have a genetic condition known as Stickler Syndrome whichRead More →

On:
In: Dogs, Pets
Tagged: ,

Here is a bonus post of pictures because they don’t fit into this week’s photo challenge, but are just too cute not to share. I got some great action pictures with Maigee while we were out playing “snow ball.”  I use a bright colored whiffle ball because it usually stays on top of the snow instead of sinking in, making it easier for her to find, and the bright color make it easier for me to follow as well. I put these in the order you might see watching Maigee and me play out in the snow.  You can tell they aren’t quite in the orderRead More →

On:
In: Dogs, Pets
Tagged: ,

For 2013, I’m going to be participating in a 52 weeks of dogs photo challenge, which involves taking pictures of your dog each week.  Though you can sort of make up or use the rules you want, I’ve decided that my challenge will be to take the picture during that week (no reusing old pictures), and trying to stick to the theme as closely as possible.  I’m also going to try to use some of my photography skills throughout the year. This week’s theme is “This is My Dog,” and suggests taking a picture of your dog that “defines” your dog.  I decided not toRead More →

On:
In: Cavies, Pets

My project for the weekend has certainly been an interesting one.  It started when I found out about some piggies in need of a home.  I discovered they were longhaired, and hadn’t been well-groomed for quite some time.  So “Operation: Dirty Piggie” was created with the goal of getting the piggies to the cleanest, most comfortable state possible, while preserving as much of their beautiful coats as possible. The two piggies, Zero (black) and Zen (himalayan), before. Getting the supplies ready. Zero’s before profile shot From the top, you can see that the front of Zero is relatively unmatted, but her behind is very matted.Read More →

On:
In: Cats, Dogs, Garden, Pets, Photography, Rabbits
Tagged:

Maigee and I enjoying my Aunt’s beautiful garden Our town had a parade and I was able to enjoy seeing some Haflingers My peas finally produced The onions are getting quite large! Beautiful begonia My orchid is blooming again this summer Balloon flower blooming with some buds in the back Mikey isn’t fond of the hot weather, but is doing his best to keep cool Maigee is having fun in the sun Tyler discovered his paws and is trying to eat themRead More →

On:
In: Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain
Tagged:

Remember the nausea and related problems that contributed to my medical leave of absence in February?  Turns out it wasn’t the flu, an IBS flare-up, or even another kidney stone.  As my symptoms continued and even became more severe I started seeking some answers and thus some help.  My gastroentestinologist did a few tests including an EGD which showed a slight hiatal hernia, but that didn’t explain all my symptoms, even in combination with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The next step was to have an abdominal ultrasound followed by an imaging study to track the function of the gallbladder.  This showed that my gallbladder was functioning well below normal in spite ofRead More →

On:
In: Cats, Dogs, Garden, Pets, Photography, Rabbits
Tagged:

I’m not doing a photojournal anymore, but I do still enjoy taking photos.  I’ve done several walks around the house to enjoy the blooming flowers and growing plants.  I thought I would share a few of the things that have made me smile the past few weeks.  Ironically, they are all alive, I love seeing the new life living things bring.  It reminds me that even when there are the times in life when things appear dark and even dead, life comes back again in the summer.  Likewise, when I’m feeling down, I can be encouraged by thinking about the fact that life can (andRead More →

On:
In: Chronic Illness

It has been suspected (jokingly) that I’m a mutant creature, now I have the genetic proof of it.  And with the proof comes a new diagnosis.  I guess I really need to start at the beginning of the “story” since I haven’t posted about it publicly much since I didn’t know exactly what would become of everything.  Though technically, I suppose the beginning was conception, or whenever the gene mutated.  But I’ll start at the beginning of my introduction to genetic connective tissue disorders. While troubleshooting unexplained pain in my foot, my podiatrist commented on my hypermobility that caused me to be very prone toRead More →

On:
In: Cats, Chronic Illness, Dogs, Pets
Tagged:

After a friend, Kylee, was hospitalized after a particularly scary series of dystonic attacks and still chose to post 10 positives for the day, I decided to follow suite and post a list of my own positives.  I also found this very appropriate quote which reminds me of the old hymn “Count Your Blessings.” Download the full song from iTunes 1. The weather has been beautiful!  I’m loving the thunderstorms that bring the rain the crops, garden, and flowers need as well as the warm spring days. 2. The flowers are blooming like crazy, and I’m actually able to enjoy them as my meds have managed toRead More →

On:
In: Chronic Illness

I don’t usually share videos, but this is too beautiful not to share.  It certainly brought a smile to my day and I discovered the song in my head as I go through the day doing things that are difficult.Read More →