I dont mean to be rude but ......

For the last six months you have been looking like hell! A good friend of mine said that to me today. So I asked Dave if it was true. He said, "That's kind of harsh, but you definitely look run down." I don't know if that is any better, but I know in both cases its the truth. I look and I feel like hell. I am feeling run down. The simple task of showering is mind blowingly difficult some days. Its not that I don't want to finish the tasks that I set forth, I do, but I don't have the energy to do it. All my body wants and needs is more sleep. I am tired all the time.

Now I don't want you to think that my friend came out of the blue and said this to me, She didn't just call me up and say "Hey Tina, You look like crap!" No we were talking about my appointment with the neurologist today. I finally got in to see him and I am glad that I did. First off I like him because he did something that other people haven't done before. He threw out all the old diagnosis and said lets start with just the symptoms. Now I'll tell ya, hes a little, um, abrupt, factual, short, to the point maybe. He wants all the details. He listened, and when I forgot something and had an oh yeah moment he was OK with it and went back and made more notes. He didn't write me off like the other neurologist did.

So I have a slew of tests ordered. A bunch of blood work, which I have to fast for. One of those tests is B12 and folic acid (I believe) My mom said good! Someone should be testing for those, with all the meds I am on, those should be tested anyway. He also ordered an MRI, MRI w/contrast, PET scan and a CAT scan, and EMG's of the face, legs and arms. I think there was one other but I don't remember. Oh yeah a sleep study. I am going to be a busy girl.

Years ago the neurologist I went to told me that the tic in my face was only going to be managed with botox injections. This dr. told me that botox would never have helped me. It looks like I may have Tourettes and Botox has no effect on that.  To me it doesn't matter right now. All that matters is that there is a Dr. who is listening.

This has been an emotional weekend. Six years ago on Sunday September 11th my beloved Poppy passed away. The weekend he died was very much like the weekend we had this weekend but it ended on a much better note. Saturday we went apple picking. We went as a family, Me and Lex, Mom, Micci and her two kids, Dana and her daughter and GiGi. Austin had his friends stay the night so he was out of the mix. We bought over 200 pounds of apples. The walk felt good. I cant tell you how much I enjoy walking in the apple orchard with my family. Our first trip was the day before Poppy died. I thought it would be our last. Sunday we went to church, This year we had the church picnic, so church was outside at a forest preserve. I think in its own way it was fitting. Poppy was there, all around us Sunday. On September 11th 2005 Poppy was supposed to attend a baptism and a birthday party. It was supposed to be a day to celebrate. September 11th, 2011 we celebrated at the church picnic. In St. Paul style we released balloons into the air with our names and the name of the church and return address. Every year people write back and tell us how far our balloon has gone. If I had thought about it I would have put Poppy's name on it. But I don't think helium can make it to heaven.

~~~~~WELL I HAVE A CANCUN UPDATE~~~~~~

Yes we have made some progress. Thanks to everyone for getting out there and making it happen. We are now in the great state of Texas my friends. He have made our way to Lufkin. Welcome to Texas Forest Country—home of the Pineywoods Purgatory. If you’ve ridden the Purgatory before, you know this is an unforgettable ride! As you pedal the rolling hills that lead you through our thickly
wooded forests, the challenge of this terrain becomes evident. The beauty of an October day in East Texas will be a ride you’ll never forget—and it’ll make you want to come back for more! Join us for what will be an exciting and scenic ride—the Pineywoods Purgatory.  

25 mile route…takes you through gently rolling hills.
A quick, invigorating ride!
52 mile route…shows off our lush forests and the
rural communities that dot the area
72 mile route…Our most popular ride. Provides a
scenic view of three counties including an iron bridge
crossing! Recommended for the experienced cyclist.
102 mile route…wonderfully hilly ride that winds
through many small hamlets with names like Sweet
Union and Atoy—plus a finish you’ll never forget.
Should be attempted by the experienced cyclist only.

That sounds like something I would like to do one day!!!  Whose with me? I think we can do it!! I think we can!. Only 1889 miles to go! I know it seems like a lot, But we can get there. We just have to keep going.

Well I think it is time for a prayer and then I am off to bed.

Dear God, Thank You for today. Thank You for helping me find a Dr. who is willing to listen to me. Thank You for my friends who love me and encourage me and support me. Thank You for my family, without them I would be lost. Thank You for my church family they are a rock I can always lean on. God, please continue to help those who are hurting from the attacks of 9/11. Help us as a nation to heal. Where were you when the world stopped turning? Right where you always had been. In your name we pray. Amen.