I haven't written anything here in forever, for several reasons.
I've spent most of the last two years focused on diagnosing and managing my illness, and learning to live with it, as well as learning to not let it run my life for me. I will admit that, for a time, it was winning.
My body was winning the fight and it was running me down to the point that I was not a very nice person. I lost a few friends during that time, and I cannot blame them for leaving. No one wants to be friends with someone who's only emotions seem to be anger, irritation, and more anger.
However, I am proud to say that not only am I managing my symptoms very well, but that I've gotten to know myself a lot better as well. I've discovered the type of person I am, the type of person I can be if I let my illness win, and the type of person I can be if I keep it tightly to heel. I'm rather a fan of the new me.
My pain is finally being managed on a daily basis with a balance of lifestyle and drugs. Even the insomnia is something that I mostly have in check. My weight is stable. My crash days are fewer and not nearly as severe as they once were. Even my neurologist is very encouraged and proud of my progress with symptom management. She recently gave me her gold star assessment and has declared my next checkup isn't needful for 6 months!
I've recently found myself with a lot more personal time on my hands, as the business I was helping with has recently closed it's doors. I moved to Toronto in February, and have been living out of boxes this whole time, having spent most of my time at work. Now, I'm taking the time to slowly unpack and sort through things that need to go into storage.
I'm also looking very much forward to November, and NaNoWriMo! You can follow my adventures on a more regular basis on Twitter: @TheChaosWeLivIn (not a typo!). I'm gearing up to write the second book in the series I began with last years project. I'm foreseeing no problems reaching 50,000 words, and may even hit 80,000!
I also have a new cat! She is still young, and learning her manners, but shows great promise.
I took a trip to Northern Ontario to visit my family, and got to spend some really good quality time with my two nephews. <3
I'm back to traveling around to visit friends, so you can expect to hear me talk about trips to Hamilton, London and Kitchener quite a bit :)
I'm also getting some culture into me! I've been to the Ontario Science Centre, and have plans for the ROM, the Ripley Aquarium, as well as myriad plays, movies and other presentations. In fact, I'm going to see Cirque Du Soleil this Friday!!
So stay tuned, sports fans! I'll be making much more frequent postings now that I'm back in charge of my own life!
