... had a great flight and arrived happy and safe. Stuart's happy because drinks are free on all international flights ;-)! And I'm glad we are finally here. And feel great - probably because I slept upright on both planes! My own CCSVI treatment.
Had dinner at a Hungarian restaurant in downtown Stockholm! We LOVED the food when we were in Budapest last year so were happy to enjoy it again. Everyone is beautiful, beautifully fit and speaks English beautifully. Puts us to shame!
Time for bed to adjust to new time zone,
TPP
Friday, March 16, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
At long last, the adventure begins ....
.... in three sleeps! We are leaving the acreage, the dogs AND all the kids behind to go to Stockholm. I am working for the Royal Institute of Technology there - for one month. This is the first of six one-month trips there over the next three years - so it better be fun! Thankfully, Stuart's work is flexible enough that he can come with me and share this experience.
This time we are staying in a studio hotel room as Stockholm is high-density, and it takes 14 months on the waiting list to get a 'scholars apartment' for a month. Luckily we don't have to shoulder the costs - and we don't have to clean or cook for this brief time ;-). It's not the Fairmont, but our hotel is clean and close to the school. http://www.venere.com/best-western/stockholm/hotel-time/
Aaric is staying in a variety of places - including at home with Ashley and the dogs, his friend's house and possibly the Hayter/Innes condo at Kimberley. Then he flies solo to Stockholm on April 5th to join us for the last ten days. I will be SOOOO glad to see him .... we've hardly traveled without him!
We have hit that age where annoying but not yet serious health issues are creeping up. I have hypercalcium and some of the problems associated with that and Stuart has high uric acid - leading to occasional bouts of gout! Luckily, Sweden has an excellent health care system .... we expect to come back healthier than when we left!
More soon,
TPP
This time we are staying in a studio hotel room as Stockholm is high-density, and it takes 14 months on the waiting list to get a 'scholars apartment' for a month. Luckily we don't have to shoulder the costs - and we don't have to clean or cook for this brief time ;-). It's not the Fairmont, but our hotel is clean and close to the school. http://www.venere.com/best-western/stockholm/hotel-time/
Aaric is staying in a variety of places - including at home with Ashley and the dogs, his friend's house and possibly the Hayter/Innes condo at Kimberley. Then he flies solo to Stockholm on April 5th to join us for the last ten days. I will be SOOOO glad to see him .... we've hardly traveled without him!
We have hit that age where annoying but not yet serious health issues are creeping up. I have hypercalcium and some of the problems associated with that and Stuart has high uric acid - leading to occasional bouts of gout! Luckily, Sweden has an excellent health care system .... we expect to come back healthier than when we left!
More soon,
TPP
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A stronger commitment ....
... to telling my story emerges. I have been waiting to share big news about my upcoming trips to Europe ... but they are taking forever to arrange. In fact, I am losing interest. There are so many wonderful and amazing things to do right here at home!
And I have so may articles and books to write. I want to be a famous writer. Now if I can just figure out what famous means, I shall get started ;-). Really what I want is to tell stories that are illustrative, interesting and insightful - no, inspiring. No, impactful. How is this for a scene ...
"Her little face crumpled and her mouth opened wide. Out come sobbing wales. My heart sank, as I knew she would cry for a long time and I just couldn't bear to hear her cry. 'Miss Evia, I said, it's okay. Please don't cry, it makes Nona so sad! Everyone spills ... come and we will clean you up.' She rubbed her fists into her beautiful eyes, making me wince because those hands were so dirty, and now so close to her precious eyes. 'Come, we'll wash your hands and wipe off your clothes.' She didn't respond but got up and moved toward me. I took her soft, warm and very dirty little hand in mine and to the restroom we went ..... "
More later. Thanks for listening.
Cheers,
TPP
And I have so may articles and books to write. I want to be a famous writer. Now if I can just figure out what famous means, I shall get started ;-). Really what I want is to tell stories that are illustrative, interesting and insightful - no, inspiring. No, impactful. How is this for a scene ...
"Her little face crumpled and her mouth opened wide. Out come sobbing wales. My heart sank, as I knew she would cry for a long time and I just couldn't bear to hear her cry. 'Miss Evia, I said, it's okay. Please don't cry, it makes Nona so sad! Everyone spills ... come and we will clean you up.' She rubbed her fists into her beautiful eyes, making me wince because those hands were so dirty, and now so close to her precious eyes. 'Come, we'll wash your hands and wipe off your clothes.' She didn't respond but got up and moved toward me. I took her soft, warm and very dirty little hand in mine and to the restroom we went ..... "
More later. Thanks for listening.
Cheers,
TPP
Thursday, January 13, 2011
This quote keeps coming to mind ....
I did not forget on purpose
But I did forget my purpose
At one point in time
But now I am remembering
That my sole purpose
Is to find my soul's purpose.
- author unknown
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Getting ready ......
I am aware that I exist in the calm before the storm! I am resting, and getting ready. Getting ready to start the quest again, the quest for true physical fitness and comfort. I always fancied myself a jockette; show jumping, racquetball and aerobics. Me and Charlene Prickett were quite an item! I can feel it again, and know I can get back there. Fit, agile, energetic ... before July 15, 2011.
That is the day we leave to tour South America with the short one's dance troupe. It is so exciting! Who would not want to tour Brazil and Argentina? And we get to see the sights and watch the Arts Festivals as we travel along. We will be camera ready, and blog as we go.
I will be back in Spain in the Fall of 2011 for a doctoral exam of one of my favorite students! And sometime next year I will be a visiting professor for 6-12 weeks at a European university. I am holding my breath as arrangements fall in to place, lest I breathe too hard and blow it all away! My work as a teacher and researcher sustains me; without it, my engagement with my soul's purpose would cease to exist!
Some day, I will also report that I am an accomplished musician. How will I know when I get there? Grade 6 exam coming up in June .... and who knows after that? I continue to study the history, the theory and the voice performance of magical, squiggly lines and dots on a page - symbols created by those far more creative and competent than I - that have so much opportunity and meaning in every one!
May this year find you all healthy, happy and prosperous!
TPP
That is the day we leave to tour South America with the short one's dance troupe. It is so exciting! Who would not want to tour Brazil and Argentina? And we get to see the sights and watch the Arts Festivals as we travel along. We will be camera ready, and blog as we go.
I will be back in Spain in the Fall of 2011 for a doctoral exam of one of my favorite students! And sometime next year I will be a visiting professor for 6-12 weeks at a European university. I am holding my breath as arrangements fall in to place, lest I breathe too hard and blow it all away! My work as a teacher and researcher sustains me; without it, my engagement with my soul's purpose would cease to exist!
Some day, I will also report that I am an accomplished musician. How will I know when I get there? Grade 6 exam coming up in June .... and who knows after that? I continue to study the history, the theory and the voice performance of magical, squiggly lines and dots on a page - symbols created by those far more creative and competent than I - that have so much opportunity and meaning in every one!
May this year find you all healthy, happy and prosperous!
TPP
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Inspiration comes .... and goes
The journey continues ... with the usual peaks ad valleys. We suffer from the stereotypical ridiculous pace imposed on us by the season! To the usual craziness we add the creation of a Christmas newsletter via CD, with caroling to boot! So, I'm not here to complain, maybe just moan a little, as Christmas looms and much of the work that must be done before the big day remains UNDONE!
We still take time out to enjoy the social activities, and especially the music, that are/is part of the busyness. We heard God's Great Love today; very inspiring! And someone from church reminded me that I am still on the prayer list - amazing! The person wanted an update - so I asked that they pray that I continue to get better ;-). I said I was humbled that they would bother about me - and she said I was an inspiration. Inspiration in, inspiration out!
So what's better about my health, and why? The first question I can answer; not certain about the second. My balance is definitely better. I can carry things even going up and down stairs. I can stand on one foot, for almost forever - longer than anyone would want to. I am stronger than I have been for about ten years. I was on my feet while shopping the other day for 90 minutes with no more support than my cane. Tonight we were in the recording studio for 6 hours, and I stood for at least half that time, although with breaks. No problem - I'm standing right now while I'm typing.
I haven't taken my Copaxone for a month although I say every day I am going to do so. I am about the same energy level and clear headedness as usual with the Copaxone - but without it! It never really improved my mobility, but certainly my mood, energy and ability to think clearly. Hmmm - I really want to know what I will be like if I take the Copaxone, too! Energizer bunny, move over!
So, to what do I attribute this new state of being? I am convinced that MS is a vascular disease first and an immune-system disease second. A number of things may have changed my vascular wellness .....
1. a catheter inserted into my jugular veins (in Poland) may have diminished the amount of 'webbing' in those veins
2. 9 days of strong doses of blood thinners
3. 3 months of ProArgy9
4. 3 months of EmuOil
5. 1 month of 8000 IU of vitamin D daily
I am now a patient of Dr. Bill Code, integrated medical specialist. Dr. Code took my angiograms pictures and MRVscans done in Poland to California, to an Interventional Radiologist there. The IR feels I have blood flow problems that could be solved with a removal of valves in the veins that are not working properly. We'll see ..... it may mean a trip to California soon.
In the meantime, work continues to be exciting and satisfying. It especially looks that way right now as I am on holidays for three weeks. I do plan to get a head start on an article about how emotion affects online learning that's demanding to be written, but that doesn't really feel like work ...... it's fun!
May the peace and love that defines Christmas surround you, now and forever.
TPP
We still take time out to enjoy the social activities, and especially the music, that are/is part of the busyness. We heard God's Great Love today; very inspiring! And someone from church reminded me that I am still on the prayer list - amazing! The person wanted an update - so I asked that they pray that I continue to get better ;-). I said I was humbled that they would bother about me - and she said I was an inspiration. Inspiration in, inspiration out!
So what's better about my health, and why? The first question I can answer; not certain about the second. My balance is definitely better. I can carry things even going up and down stairs. I can stand on one foot, for almost forever - longer than anyone would want to. I am stronger than I have been for about ten years. I was on my feet while shopping the other day for 90 minutes with no more support than my cane. Tonight we were in the recording studio for 6 hours, and I stood for at least half that time, although with breaks. No problem - I'm standing right now while I'm typing.
I haven't taken my Copaxone for a month although I say every day I am going to do so. I am about the same energy level and clear headedness as usual with the Copaxone - but without it! It never really improved my mobility, but certainly my mood, energy and ability to think clearly. Hmmm - I really want to know what I will be like if I take the Copaxone, too! Energizer bunny, move over!
So, to what do I attribute this new state of being? I am convinced that MS is a vascular disease first and an immune-system disease second. A number of things may have changed my vascular wellness .....
1. a catheter inserted into my jugular veins (in Poland) may have diminished the amount of 'webbing' in those veins
2. 9 days of strong doses of blood thinners
3. 3 months of ProArgy9
4. 3 months of EmuOil
5. 1 month of 8000 IU of vitamin D daily
I am now a patient of Dr. Bill Code, integrated medical specialist. Dr. Code took my angiograms pictures and MRVscans done in Poland to California, to an Interventional Radiologist there. The IR feels I have blood flow problems that could be solved with a removal of valves in the veins that are not working properly. We'll see ..... it may mean a trip to California soon.
In the meantime, work continues to be exciting and satisfying. It especially looks that way right now as I am on holidays for three weeks. I do plan to get a head start on an article about how emotion affects online learning that's demanding to be written, but that doesn't really feel like work ...... it's fun!
May the peace and love that defines Christmas surround you, now and forever.
TPP
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Back in the groove
Hello all! I have missed writing here very much! Coming home after a month away takes significant readjustment, especially when one has had such an eventful trip!
My health is definitely changing, and to date I feel confident in saying I am better than I have been for a long time. Details to follow in a few days ... I have so much to report.
In the meantime, work continues to capture the best of me. This is an exciting time, and I hope to have an important project to announce by January .... one that involves more travel to Europe! Negotiations are underway ....
Tomorrow the short one performs with his dance/choral group at the Jubilee Auditorium - their annual Christmas Show. One daughter and one grand daughter will be in attendance, while the tall one and I chaperone. Look for pictures coming soon.
TPP
My health is definitely changing, and to date I feel confident in saying I am better than I have been for a long time. Details to follow in a few days ... I have so much to report.
In the meantime, work continues to capture the best of me. This is an exciting time, and I hope to have an important project to announce by January .... one that involves more travel to Europe! Negotiations are underway ....
Tomorrow the short one performs with his dance/choral group at the Jubilee Auditorium - their annual Christmas Show. One daughter and one grand daughter will be in attendance, while the tall one and I chaperone. Look for pictures coming soon.
TPP
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