This and That

It's been awhile.  I have had a really hard time putting words down here in the past few weeks.  Just couldn't get my thoughts together.  I've tried -- but just couldn't get something published.

Since my last post -- my foot is healing well.  It will be a couple more weeks before I can really exercise, but I'm walking fine and it is feeling better every day. 

I am not a runner.  Never have been, never will be.  I think it has something to do with my lung capacity or something.  Having said that, I'm going to be running in the Peachtree Road Race on the Fourth of July in Atlanta.  It is only 6.2 miles.  When I walk on the treadmill at the gym I usually walk 4 miles in an hour, so I figure if I can't run it I can probably walk it.  This is not really something ever I aspired to do, but my son and daughter-in-law live very close to where the route of the race goes.  Last year, they walked a few blocks to watch all the runners and suggested we do this together the next year (this year). At the time, I thought it sounded like a good idea.  The Race accepts 60,000 people every year.....yes, 60,000 people.  You have to enter a lottery to get a spot.  Well, wouldn't you know that we won a spot from the lottery.  Why couldn't I have won the Georgia lottery, or the lottery for Master's tickets, or the lottery for Final Four tickets -- no I have to win the lottery for the Peachtree Road Race.  So, I'm starting to get motivated and when I can at least walk for exercise I'll gear up for running and train for the next few months.  I'll probably be the last person over the finish line, but I'll finish one way or another.

The problem I know I will have is -- the sheer number of people.  I dont do well in crowds as I have chronicled before -- but considering we will be in the back on the pack I probably won't be in much of a crowd, but one just the same.  We'll see how this all goes.  Luckily my son and daughter-in-law will be with me, or at least at the start of the race anyway!

A friend of mne passed away a few weeks ago. She valiantly battled ovarian cancer for the last 13 years.  She was a fighter, but I know she is in a better place now.  Another friend lost his mothr this weekend and it is always hard to lose a parent.  My thoughts are with both families this weekend.

Thanks to Northridge Medical Center in Commerce Georgia for having me come to speak to their Alzheimer's 101 Class a few weeks ago.  The group was great and I enjoyed seeing everyone.  I'll be speaking in Cleveland Georgia April 27th at the Pilot Club if anyone is interested. You can leave me a message or send me an email and I'll give you specifics.

I go to the neurologist in the morning.  Lots of things have been happening there that I'm not going into here, but we'll see how my appointment goes tomorrow. 

As I mentioned earlier, I've been having trouble communicating.  A problem I am having with a friend of mine, I think stems from the problem I have in communicating.  It is hard to explain and I don't know if it is a matter of the friendship just losing its luster, or the communications problem.  I hate it, but I don't know what to do about it.  I try to work hard on keeping my friendships up, but sometimes, it is time to let go.  Maybe I have come to that point.

Hope everyone had a good Easter.

Surgery

I had a good class when I went to speak this week at the UGA Psych department.  My thanks to Tamar Shovali for asking me to come to speak.  She'll be moving on to another university and I wish her the best.

Friday I had surgery on my foot.  I was suppose to have it done a couple of weeks ago but there was a scheduling problem.  I had Morton's Neuroma which is basically an inflamed nerve in my foot.  I had it almost thirty years ago in my left foot and had it removed.  It wasn't too bad.  Well, this time the damage was a little more extenisve so the operation took longer and I'm pretty sore.  So, it was worse than last time, or maybe that I am older it just seems worse.  Have to continue to stay off of it for a few days and I go back and have a new dressing put on it tomorrow.  Then, we'll see what the doctor has to say.

I'm suppose to be going to the women's SEC basketball tourney in Atlanta this week, but I guess we will to wait and see.

On another note, my sister-in-law's mother passed away yesterday.  They live in Illinois and although her mom had been in bad health for awhile, it is always sad to lose a parent.  My love to the family.

Speaking

Tomorrow I have the privlege to speak to a pyschology class at UGA.  It's always interesting talking to a younger crowd about this disease.  Most have a hard time relating, but when I was diagnosed my son was a freshman in college.  So, I hope that when I do get the chance to speak to young people, they can grasp the fact that this can happen to their parents. It's sobering, but something to understand.

Better late than never

I was trying to be so good, writing on this thing.  I notice that it has been almost three weeks since I've blogged and I am sorry.  The winner of the scrapbooking software is Brenda R.  Thanks to all those that commented.

Next week -- the Georgia Alzheimer's Association is having their Awareness Day at the Capitol.  I have always been able to go but this year, due to some surgery on my foot I can't make it.  But if you live in Georgia and can go -- it is next Wednesday, the 27th.  Go to www.alz.org/Georgia for more information and to register for the day.  The Statewide network of Area Councils on Aging will also be there to help put our issues in front of the legislators.  It is an interesting day and you will learn a lot.  I encourage you to go and help to promote a State Plan to Attack Alzheimer's for the state of Georgia.

Scrapbooking

When I was initially diagnosed with Alzheimer's one of the first things I did was to go through all my photographs and write on the back of them who everyone was, the date and place that it was taken.  I knew my family wouldn't remember and I knew in time that I wouldn't remember either.  After I did that (which literally took months) I decided to "scrapbook" them.  Yes, that meant making captions and cute little sayings and adding little embellishments to the pages.  It was a lot of work, but it kept my mind busy.

I still do that, but I have also had the opportunity to dive into the world of digital scrapbooking.  I wasn't sure I could learn it, but I did. I starting using a digital scrapbooking software program call My Memories.  If I can learn how to do this, so can you.  I've used it off and on for about a year, and it does save time and your "memories" can certainly be preserved in a more secure way than all those scrapbook pages.  Last count I had over 470 actual scrapbook pages that I did by hand -- the digital version is much faster and cleaner.  I will never give up scrapbooking as we know it now, but this is a good program if you are interested in diving in.

The creators of My Memories have reached out to me and they have given me a copy of the software program to give away to one of my readers.  The site for them is MyMemories.com. They also have a facebook page that you can like to get some ideas.  I encourage you to check it out and get a feel for it.  If you would like to win a copy of this software, just leave me a message or send me an email and I'll pick someone.

I get bombarded with people asking me to look at their products and I don't endorse them unless I'm really sold on them.  This works for me and I think it can work for you.  Give it a try -- look forward to hearing from you.

"Love"

There are all kinds of "love". We use the word all the time.  "I just love that dress!"  "Wouldn't you love to have that car?"  There's puppy love, first loves, our "only love", the love of my life......you get the picture. When you're in a relationship for the first time, it's always tense until one person finally utters those three little words.  In my family growing up, we didn't say "I love you" very often.  I guess it was a given.  I never really gave it much thought.  We were a loving family, but those words just didn't tumble out of our mouths.  And, most of the people I knew didn't say it that often to others in their family.  Maybe because I grew up in the Midwest -- I'm not trying to stereotype here.....however, when I moved to the south over 30 years ago that is one of the things I noticed first.......how many times people said "I love you".  Because I heard it so much it didn't really seem genuine to me.  It's kind of like hearing people at the bank or the grocery saying "have a nice day", instead of just saying thank you.  You don't really hear it the same.

After moving to the South I started to give it some more thought.  My first thought was, do people really think I don't love them because I don't say it very often?  Will they really hear what I am saying when I say it?

My husband is very quiet and reserved and for him to say those three little words is something short of a miracle, so I don't push it.  But when I had my son I couldn't say it enough -- and I was certain that was something I wanted him to say frequently.  I think I got him to say that more than "Yes ma'am and No Ma'am" which is sacred in the south as well.  But at least I love you worked on him even if I couldn't make the Yes ma'am No ma'am thing stick. (As you can see I'm shooting 50% here with husband and son)

I've become more comfortable with telling people I know how important they are to me and yes, that I even love them.  I used to think that that was just for those in our immediate family who we were almost bonded to love because they were a part of us.  It took me a long time to realize that my friends that are important to me are worthy of the "I love you" phrase and it should be said more often.

Over the holidays a very long time friend (who also happens to be a native northerner) said "I Love You" to me and I was so taken by it I didn't know how to respond.  Isn't that an interesting response after thinking I had actually broken that barrier.  I was proud of myself for also saying those three little words before we parted.  It made me feel good.  And, this week, I received a very touching email from a friend and she signed it "I love you". And, even though we have exchanged those words to each other frequently it still moved me.

Don't wait....tell someone you love them.....you'll never know how that will lift someone's mood.

Advocacy Day at the Capitol

Many of you have asked about the Advocacy Day at the Capitol in Atlanta this year.  This year, it is February 27th.  One of the things that we are advocating for is a state plan for dealing with Alzheimer's.  If you live in the state of Georgia, please read below -- this is something that was put out by the Alzheimer's Association of Georgia and how you can help. If you have any questions at all, there is an 800 number at the bottom you can call.   Thanks for reading this and helping to get this passed.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter Applauds Senator Renee Unterman’s Pre-filing Senate Bill 14, Creating the Georgia Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias State Plan Task Force

On Thursday, December 20, Senator Renee Unterman held a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol. Senator Unterman stated that the purpose of the press conference was “…the introduction of the legislation creating a state wide task force establishment to assess the current and future impact of Alzheimer’s disease in the state of Georgia. It will examine the existing industries, services, and resources addressing the needs of Georgians afflicted with the disease and its effect on their families. It will develop a strategy to mobilize a state response to this public health crisis.”
“…Georgia must be prepared with an active plan to share the burden of taking care of its citizens who are likely to require government assistance in the final stages of their lives due to the effects of dementia. Whether those services are provided in-home, community based, or in a nursing home type facility, Georgia must be ready to improve its health care infrastructure.
I challenge the Departments of Human Services and Aging, the Department of Public Health, the Executive branch and General Assembly to actively participate in developing this plan by approving this legislation.”
The bill creates the Georgia Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias State Plan Task Force, for the purpose of:

• Studying and collecting information and data to assess the current and future impact of Alzheimer’s disease on Georgia’s citizens;
• To examine the existing industries, services, and resources addressing the needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease, their families, and caregivers;
• To review the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease; and
• To develop a strategy to mobilize a state response to Alzheimer’s and related dementias as a public health crisis by creating a state plan.

The proposed State Plan Task force will be chaired by the director of the Division of Aging Services, and includes the Commissioner of Community Health or his or her designee, the State Health Officer or his or her designee, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Health and Human Services, the Chairperson of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and the Chairperson of the House Committee on Human Relations and Aging. The Task Force shall invite other advisory members to assist the committee and may consider the following in making its selection. This membership includes individuals with Alzheimer’s and a related dementia and their caregivers, members of the various care services industries, a medical provider, a researcher, law enforcement personnel, and members from the public, private and non-profit sectors, voluntary health organizations, and the faith-based community.
At a minimum, the State Plan shall include the following:

1. Trends in state Alzheimer’s and related dementias population and needs, including the changing population with dementia;
2. Existing services, resources, and capacity;
3. Needed state policies or responses, including but not limited to directions for the provision of clear and coordinate services and support to persons and families living with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders and strategies to address any identified gaps in services;
4. Ways in which state and local agencies, private sector, quasi-governmental, voluntary health organizations, the faith community and nonprofit organizations can collaborate and work together to form a seamless network of education, support, and other needed services to those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their families;
5. A review of, at a minimum, eighteen specific areas of concern.

The task force shall issue a state plan which shall include proposed legislation, if any, to the Governor and General Assembly on or before March 31, 2014. Upon abolishment of the task force, the Georgia Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Advisory Council shall be created, with the same membership as the original State Plan Task Force. The Advisory Council shall meet at least annually to review the progress of the State Plan and to make any recommendations for changes as well as to recommend any legislation needed to implement the Plan.

How You Can Advocate for the Passage of Senate Bill 14

There are two very specific actions you can take to advocate for passage of Senate Bill 14.

1. To complete an on-line copy of the Georgia State Plan Input form. If you’d prefer to receive a hard copy of the form on which to provide input, please call 1-800-272-3900 and ask for a copy of the Georgia State Plan Input Form.
2. Join us for the Alzheimer’s Awareness Day at the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. REGISTER to attend our 2013 Alzheimer's Awareness Day at the Georgia State Capitol.

We have jointly planned with the Georgia Council on Aging to hold Awareness Day on the first day of their Senior Week at the Capitol. Their advocates will be joining us in advocating for Senate Bill 14. The tentative agenda for Awareness Day is:
8:30 - 9:30 AM Awareness Day Registration—Central Presbyterian Church (CPC)
9:00 AM Alzheimer's Awareness Day Kickoff--CPC
10:00 AM--Tentative Full Group Photo with Governor--Time TBD based upon Governor's Schedule—photo on South Wing Capitol Steps (Inside)
10:30 AM - 3:00 PM Appointments with legislators/calling legislators out of session/House or Senate Gallery when not in meetings-- Capitol
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Lunch with Legislators--advocates and legislators drop in for lunch at CPC as their schedules permit
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM State Plan Rally/Candlelight Rally--outside, Washington Street Side of Capitol
We will also be advocating to strengthen Georgia’s already Strong Adult Guardianship laws, and to ensure that there are no cuts to Alzheimer’s Respite Funding.
There is no cost to register for/attend Alzheimer’s Awareness Day at the Georgia State Capitol—but, you must register in advance in order for us to have an accurate head count for lunch and t-shirts, and in order for us to schedule appointments with your legislators for you. Registration is limited, due to church Fire Code, to the first 400 people who register.
To equip you to speak with your legislator, and to enable you to develop confidence in discussing the issues, we are offering Awareness Day Training opportunities across the state:

• Atlanta Chapter Office, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30346
  • Monday, February 11, 10:00 a.. - 12:00 noon
  • Monday, February 11, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• Augusta Regional Office, 106 SRP Drive, Evans, GA 30809
  • Wednesday, February 13, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, February 13, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Columbus Regional Office, 5900 River Road, Suite 301, Columbus, GA 31904
  • Thursday, February 14, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, February 14, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Dalton Regional Office, 922 E. Morris Street, Dalton, GA 30721
  • Wednesday, January 30, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Macon Regional Office, 886 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA 31201
  • Thursday, February 7, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, February 7, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Rome/Floyd County Library, Oostanaula Room, 205 Riverside Parkway, NE, Rome, GA
  • Tuesday, February 5, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Savannah Regional Office, 201 Television Circle, Savannah, GA 31406
  • Wednesday, February 6, 10:00 am. - 12;00 noon
• Statesboro--Pittman Park United Methodist Church, 1102 Fair Road, Statesboro, GA 30458
  • Thursday, February 7, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
• Tifton--Leroy Rogers Senior Center, 315 W. Second Street, Tifton, GA 31794
  • Thursday, February 7, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, February 12, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Just in case you are not able to attend one of the regional trainings, we will also offer three on-line training opportunities. If you register for one of these, we will e-mail the webinar information to you just a few days prior to the scheduled call:

• Thursday, February 21, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• Thursday, February 21, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, February 23, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Questions? Call 1-800-272-3900

To Better blogging

Happy New Year from our Family to Yours

I've been doing this for about 8 years.  When I went back and look at my history of my posts it averages out to about one post every two weeks.  I was much better in the beginning -- I guess that is how we are sometimes with our new year's resolutions ---- good in the beginning and then we falter.  I'm going to try to stay more on target this year -- with at least a post a week.

I read other people's blogs all the time and I'm jealous of the work they put into it -- it's not as easy at it looks, or at least it isn't for me anymore.  But stay with me -- I'll be back soon!

Christmas

I wouldn't say that I "love" Christmas like lots of people do.  I usually get a little down during the holiday season and don't really know why.  I guess I don't like the expectation of everyone thinking you should be happy for the holiday season when in fact you should try to be happy all the time!

But what I do like about the holidays is the receiving of holiday cards.  If you know me, you know I like to receive cards, make cards and send cards.  So many people don't send holiday cards anymore and that is a shame to me.  But those that do, I love getting them, and I say thank you.  Even if there isn't a holiday letter inside explaining to me what everyone has been up to I still enjoy them.  I thank the Lord I have friends that still remember me and take the time to send that holiday greeting.  And, I love reading all the letters -- I know a lot of people make fun of them, but I do enjoy reading about all the wonderful things people are doing and the love they are sharing.

Our family didn't have a lot of "traditions" at the holiday time when I grew up except maybe two that I remember.  My father was a pressman for the Peoria Journal Star (PJS), the daily newspaper in Peoria Illinois where I grew up.  He always worked nights.  But Christmas Day was the only day of the year, the PJS didn't publish.  So, my dad would always have Christmas Eve off from work.  We knew he would always be home that night.  In fact, my mother and father were married on Christmas Eve because of that very fact.  At the time, he was an apprentice and didn't get much time off at all, so they knew they were safe in planning a Christmas Eve wedding and that his friends from the newspaper could be at the wedding. Every year on Christmas Eve, it seemed as if everyone we knew came by the house and "celebrated" my parent's anniversary and Christmas Eve.  I don't know how it started, but every year, we could always count on seeing our friends, neighbors and relatives that one time of the year.  No one was sent invitations, everyone just showed up.  My mom always had lots of food and everyone brought their homemade goodies to share with everyone.  I don't remember my mom working for days getting things prepared......it just happened.  I'm sure she did, but don't they say that the sign of a good party is when it looks effortless?

Another tradition that we had involved my dad.  He was an orphan growing up.  His mother had some problems in child birth after one of his siblings was born and could no longer care for my dad and his siblings.  They were put in an orphanage and all of the children were adopted out to different families except one who ended up staying in the orphanage until she was a young adult.  The family that adopted my family didn't end up raising him as he ran away and headed up to Illinois (he was born in the south). In adulthood, he ended up finding a sister and a brother and was able to actually reunite with his birth mother before she died.  But, having grown up an orphan he didn't exactly have many traditional Christmases.  He never asked for a lot, but he loved opening presents.  So, we would wrap everything and anything for my dad to unwrap on Christmas day.  He was a big fisherman so we would end up wrapping individual little hooks and fishing flys just so he would have a lot to open up.  It sounds silly, but he enjoyed opening all the presents as much as we enjoyed seeing him smile.

My dad died the year before my son was born.  One of my biggest regrets in life is not having Alan sooner so my dad could have met him. They would have been buddies.

Life's short.  Make your own traditions with your family and cherish the moments you have together.  The tragedy that unfolded recently in Connecticut should bring that home to everyone.

Fun with Jen

This week I got to spend some one on one time with my beautiful daughter-in-law Jennifer Lee.  We went to see "The Cake Boss", at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta.  He gave us some cake decorating tips as well as shared his humor with us.  I had a great time spending time with Jen and having a girls night out. Thanks for going with me Jennifer!