January& February...Blahs!

Wow, hard to believe already a month has passed since Christmas! We had a great holiday at home with family and friends. Ben and Sarah were a lot of fun this year and very excited about their presents. Needless to say, with a full slate of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, they were spoiled and we managed to survive the meltdowns and "toy fatigue" in the days following Christmas!We added a Wii to the household, and even with my fine athletic skills waning, I was still able to take the family to the cleaners in a bowling match and put a beat down on my six year old! He needed it as he was all about the competition!

Christmas 2011

First Leaf game, Dec 17/11

Got to also take Ben to his first Leaf game against Vancouver. Grandpa, Brother in law, Bubba, Jason and nephews also joined. Thanks to "Uncle Larry" for using his powers and graciously providing the tickets!

I managed to survive the holidays but needed a week in January to recoup and re-energize. Fatigue is a battle, and a pain quite frankly, so planning becomes essential to get the most out of my time with the kids and Susan.

I'm thankful for the mild winter we have had (except last week when the four of us had the flu. ALS, in participation with the flu, isn't a lot of fun, I'll spare you the details!) as I've been able to stay mobile and get out as much as possible, avoiding ice and such.
I was able to get the snowblower out one day! Had to get our caregiver, Liza, to pull the rip cord for me but we got it going and I just squeezed the release bar and away I went! Only thing I asked Liza to do was to look out the window every so often to make sure I wasn't in a heap on the lawn or road! I paid for it the next day as my arms were dead tired but it was worth it...a man and his snowblower once more!

Other news...

Healthwise, I'm doing all right. Hands, maybe a little worse, and some "speed" wobbles with the legs. On bad days with the hands, I'm resigned to asking for help which is frustrating. A fork and knife become hard to manipulate so I need some food cut for me, coat zippers almost always require help, and Liza would prefer I didn't continue to try and open things as it ends up like the snakes in the can trick, I get the lid off, but things go flying! My legs still don't enjoy the cold, so at times, like my Dad's old '69 Impala, I need some warming up to get going!

I've continued with acupuncture over the last couple of months and those around me have noticed that my voice has been stronger. I myself have noticed my voice "lasts longer" in the evening as opposed to fading and my energy level seems better. Now don't get me wrong, if you haven't talked to me in a while, you may question what I'm saying and the speech circuit isn't calling me! But I have a voice and the kids still get me so that's my world right now! We are now working on my hands and if we can "halt" the decline somewhat then great! Not really sure how it all works, mind over matter or what, but you got to try and you got to believe.

"Pinhead, self portrait!

On the subject of my voice...Hallelujah! I received a confirmation letter from the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute that they have received my referral and now I only have to wait four to six months for my appointment! If they had received and not lost my original referrals I would of had an appointment by now! C'est la vie, don't sweat the small stuff!

Our renovations are becoming closer to reality. I think I previously mentioned that we will be installing an elevator among other things. We moved it several times, but believe we have now made a decision on where it will go and the plan for the rest of the house. Overwhelming, yes, Susan gets a headache whenever I say "contractor!" We have been blessed, through family connections, to have our "renovation angel", Roger, who has been guiding and leading us through the process. His professionalism, compassion and knowledge has helped alleviate our stress and I'm not sure how we will ever re-pay him.

Back at Mac first week in March so will update you then! Happy February and Valentine's day!