New Home (sorta) New Life

For those who don’t know me, I am a singer, voice teacher who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998. I have been living in a nursing home for two years and four months. I will not move out until I leave in a casket. Sounds grim, at least I thought so when I came to that conclusion. Well, I was mortified. But, if you know me, you know I wasn’t going to stay mortified very long.

I thought that I wouldn’t have to clean house, make dinner, or drag myself to work anymore. I am, in the world, the richest woman on Earth. The food here is good. The staff is top notch! I have my iPhone, which is my communication hub, my entertainment center, and my Solitaire deck. I literally want for nothing!
,
The downsides are: I can’t walk or even stand, I lost my ability to sing classically, and
knit trousers are my only pants, though Mom bought me leggings that look like denim!
All in all, I’m a satisfied woman.

The most beautiful thing about my life is that I nothing better to do than philosophize,
 Thus my pen name.

Fighting Demons

Here I am, working the list, fighting my worst enemy, Procrastination. Still, it seems as though this is my best battle yet.

I have the driving conviction to use my disability-inspired free time to see what I can accomplish. The daily list that I spoke of in my last post has been a task master whom I mischievously ignore for a few hours every week until I get back to my new healthy habits.

Interestingly, my head is constantly trying to either entertain or distract me. There seem to be tiny, but persistent, little crickets in my ears (maybe Jiminy and his buddy) that chirp, singing a maddening duet if it’s quiet. Combine that with the nystagmus in my right eye that makes the room look like it’s doing the jitterbug; my head is always playing a really bad music video!

Undaunted, I’m still reaching for my goals.

Do something great for yourself today!

Jodi

"The List"

“The List”

So, Here I am, once again trying to get organized -- only this time I’m SUCCEEDING!!

My secret? Evernote.

https://evernote.com/

I’ve tried to use this amazing  product before with displeasing results. However, This time, I have desperation motivating me. That sounds rather unpleasant, but really it’s just finding my burning desire to contribute to society. I want to matter, not just as a pet project for loving people to dote upon, but to use my time to contribute.

My first project?

Me!!!

Not as a point of self-aggrandizement, but as a way to be self-sufficient, burdening others as little as possible. Admittedly, it’s a bit of a power trip. See, always thinking of myself. How conceited.

I have devised a list of things to do to make myself as healthy as I can. Here it is...

Before rising

☐Kegels

☐Stretch

Breakfast table

☐Meds/supplements

☐Coffee/Breakfast

☐Water

☐Gratitude Journal

☐Happy Hints

☐Pranayama

☐Lumosity

☐Kegels

Once up from table

☐Water

☐Work out

☐Walk

☐Stretch

☐Sing

☐30" reading

☐30" Writing

☐30" Facebook

☐Kegels

At Desk

☐Water

☐Kegels

Evening

☐Water

☐Work out with house

☐Stretch

☐Kegels

When retiring

☐Kegels

☐Meds

Keeps me out of trouble most of the time. If I don’t complete the list, I don’t beat myself up, but this does keep me accountable to myself.

So, you probably don’t need something like this, Leave me a comment about your unique method!

Later!

Jodi

New start, again, but this time, I mean it!!

Now I’m living in a group home in Euclid, OH. I share a beautiful home with two other women who are dealing with Multiple Sclerosis. I have all the help i need from a beautiful aide who takes care of me 7 hours a week.

The home is nicer than any I imagined I could live in. So beautiful and only a few doors down from Lake Erie!I spend my days working hard at the only job I have right now,guarding my mind and body from the effects of Multiple sclerosis. I have a daily checklist of tasks, such as taking prescriptions, stretching, doing aerobic activity such as walking, strength training, and brain fitness, such as reading and writing, thus this blog.

Also, I fully identify as a Secular Humanist, seeing the whole world as one gigantic family, including the love and support we give each other - and also the quarrels as we endeavor to share this home.

Sharing and caring.

Wise enough to know how ignorant I am!

I just listened to an impressive discussion between Richard Dawkins and Steven Weinberg. I listened with fascination and gratitude that such brilliant minds exist.i could not get my brain around much of which they spoke.

I could shrivel up in embarrassment that my intelligence is nothing compared to these gentlemen, but instead, I can glow with a sense of satisfaction that I know enough to appreciate the wisdom and education of others.

I allow myself to soak in the brilliance of my brethren. What joy can we feel when we replace jealousness with wonder and curiosity! 

If, Instead of crumbling into feelings of inferiority, we take the opportunity to step up, even by inches, to celebrate our humanity. I grasp joy eagerly and hungrily at every opportunity.

That's how I roll!

Imitation is not always the best form of flattery

Well, today I'm still swimming in gratitude. Thank you all very much for that! However, I just got a bug -- you can decide where -- to look at a photo I admired as a teenager. I always wanted to try to emulate that picture. Now, in the selfie age I can. Trouble is, now my face is thicker and my hair is thinner. Ah, well, where is the adventure when everything is at your disposal all at the same time? Looking at life from your teenaged perspective can leave you feeling disappointed, scared, angry, grateful, and excited at the same time. Cool thing is, that we get to decide the proportion of each of those emotions. It's a good time to reevaluate and come to terms with some things. Sobering? Yeah. Still it's a great place to be! It's a great time to enjoy your power of determination as an adult. As I look at my face, I see rather deep lines, but fortunately they are all smile lines! Crows feet are beautiful ornaments to one's eyes. Age is not a terrible thing, but it does tell you how you're living your life and affirms that you are resilient. When counting up all that's right in your life, you can count that in! Excuse my little Pollyanna rant, but its great that the little brat still comes out to play! Thank you Karen Machleit for your contribution! It is greatly appreciated!

Here's a giggle for you...

My sad imitation of Hedy Lamarr as seen in Leading Ladies
Published by Crescent,
Authors:Don MacPherson and Louise Brody

Sailing on waves of gratitude

I feel like the luckiest woman I could possibly

imagine! My beautiful friends have shown me so much love and also have given me the money that will help me get better. I still have a chronic illness and I still use a walker and a wheelchair sometimes, but a load has been lifted from my shoulders. Now I will be able to see a counselor to deal with the stress that has been crushing me. Also, the causation of the stress has been greatly lessened. n addition to the appointment with the counselor, I will soon be seeing a neuro-ophthalmologist to see what can be done to ease my maddening case of nystagmus.

I'm glad to report that I will be using a pedometer (free app, yay!) to exercise and strengthen my legs in conjunction with my the treadmill downstairs. My next body adventures are re-commitments to Pranayama and stretching.

I am also inspired to put energy into singing again, due to your outpouring of support!

I wish to thank Leslie Sharp. Lee Maier. Robbie Richard Warinner, Diane Haslam, Sonya Green, my mystery heroes, and, of course, Rupa Chatterji, who was the mastermind of the campaign!

Thank you all so much!

Jodi