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

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

The last hurrah .....

We had a fabulous day today!  We toured the Vajdahunyad Var and the Hungarian Agriculture museum housed there.  Then off to the thermal baths and later the Art Museum.  Absolutely spectacular.  Had dinner at a restaurant of Aaric's choice, which turned to be an excellent choice because there were Hungarian Gypsy Musicians playing there!  It was an enjoyable ending to a wonderful day, and our trip!



I am sorry to be leaving Budapest so soon!  There is so much more here for us to experience. If you haven't been here before, put it on your must see list.  I certainly will be searching for Hungarian Restaurants in Alberta ... wish me luck.



It was a busy day so not feeling great tonight.  My recovery chart is emerging in my head.  In spite of my apparent vascular health, I am still interested in looking further into the relationship between vein health and other diseases.  More research to do - the fun part!


TPP

Breaking camp .....

At last I have a moment to get back to blogging.  The birthday dinner for Ashley was so much fun.  Food was so-so, the sights breathtaking and visiting as a family fun, fun!  The chamber group on the boat played Happy Birthday, and all clapped and sang.

Tonight was the highlight of the whole trip for Aaric!  As part of the conference activities, we watched a performance of the Hungarian National Folk Dancers.  First, the performance was held in The Hungarian Heritage House - a building started in the late 1700’s and developed over the next 200 years!  It is palatial, ornate, and elegant!  Here is a photo:

We were wined and dined, and treated to the most amazing dance performance!  The costumes, energy, agility and skill of the dancers were more exciting than anything we had ever seen before!  We had to share this with you – click here to see the video:

The conference has kept me (us) very busy for the last few days!  As always, discussing the progress, challenges and futures of education with my global colleagues is very inspiring! There are 29 countries represented at the conference, and while we have unique issues we also have many shared experiences.  We come together to review the state of the field and consider directions that will help move us into desired futures – quality education for all.  Did you know 2/3 thirds of world's children have access to grade 10 or less?  Many have NO access. This is not a situation that will lead us to creating a more civilized, greener world.  First, the best education for the greatest number … then we really have the capacity to solve the complex problems of the world.

So, what to do, what to do!  Tonight I feel a little overwhelmed, as now it is time to set goals and make decisions about what to focus on for the next year.  Usually this is just a professional quest … but this year I believe I have some pressing personal decisions to make as well.  What is the best set of activities for my family?  Aaric is almost 16! And my health?  I would like to state with confidence and accuracy “I am healthy.”  Maybe even “I am a vegetarian.”  And “I exercise regularly,” “ I feel really good,”  “ I am very fit.”  Wouldn’t that be nice!!!

Perhaps this is a function of transition ... going home is as big a deal as getting ready to go away for a month! Okay; two more days before we go home ... we're going to make the most of it!  Tomorrow the conference ends at mid-day, and we head for the Thermal Bath that Budapest is famous for.  Thursday is a whole day for sightseeing ... while I ponder my future(s) ;-).!!!!

More later ......

The beauty of Budapest

A very special person I know had a poster in her office that read “when you are at peace with yourself, any place is home.” We are at home in Budapest, awed and enthralled by the opulence and order of this fine city.  Built up along the banks of the Danube, the Hungarians are proud of their 1000 year history.  One person told me that other post-Soviet nations ‘hate Hungary’ because of its strong identity and notable culture.  These characteristics are evident here!  Budapest is one of the three highest ranked ‘livable cities’ in Europe and a place where much international investment is going on.  The food is outstanding!  Beautifully presented and very tasty – my family does like interesting cuisine!

I got to see the hospital where Semmelweis did his famous hand washing experiment with doctors in 1847, and reduced the mortality rate of mothers post partum by a drastic rate.  Then he was laughed out of the medical profession and later died in an insane asylum.  A sad end for such a noble physician.  I tell this story when I teach research methods … now I can say I saw where it all happened!  It is an interesting story of how change takes place in medicine, and what happens to doctors who want to implement new ideas – poor Dr. Zamboni!

I’ve developed a terrible kidney infection – a little souvenir of my procedure in Katowice.  And my fellow sufferers will know what follows a urinary tract infection … yes, I am thinking I am on my way into a major attack.  Taking Copaxone seriously now and getting more sleep.  I recommend those of you who may go for this procedure at Simka’s shop think twice before allowing use of a urinary catheter.  

Two days until the conference starts and looking forward to seeing colleagues I only see once in a while. 

Tomorrow we celebrate daughter #2’s birthday with dinner and a river cruise …. Then she flies home Sunday ;-(.  We will miss her.

Pictures tomorrow …..

TPP

Now wait just a second ....

... in the words of Jerry Seinfeld.  I didn't mention our trip to Auschwitz.  Maybe that's because I'd like to forget it.  Or because there is nothing, nothing anyone could say in words that would describe it.  Absolutely unbelievable.  The dark side exists .... maybe persists.  Do something nice for someone today ...or 10 people ... no, as many as you can. 

More later .....

Next stop Budapest, Hungary

Today was just a day to rest in lovely Bratislava, Slovakia.  Beautiful surroundings and fantastic food .... sigh.  This was a great day! 

I do recognize the calm before another storm ... busy conference then back to regular routine of work and home.  And still looking for the central piece of the puzzle ... like what does make your hands buzz one day and not the next?  Your balance better one day and not the next?  I believe it has to be metabolic and dynamic ... not a single, stagnant condition.  Caffeine and alcohol out at the moment as they make me feel quite sick ... how sad given the quality of the wine here ;-).

Feet and hands still warm ... would like to know why.

Look for pictures tomorrow after our first tour of Budapest.

Cheers!