Tip-toeing back in...

I want to thank you guys, with all my heart, for your beautiful comments and e-mails.  Honestly, I was overwhelmed and, to be honest, feeling a little bit J.K. Rowlingish....not that it is going to my head. 

Obviously, this is still a work in progress and I have no idea where it will lead.  I am not sure I understand why, but it seems to help me deal with my emotional issues surrounding my illness.  Rather than lying in bed, searching for a purpose, I find myself lying in bed thinking about exactly what I would like to talk about in my next entry.  I am hoping this feeling isn't going to be short lived...time will tell.

I am sure you are all aware of Oprah's new network, OWN.  She currently has a show, searching for the next great show host.  They are down to the two finalists.  The contestants have different ideas for their programs, including cooking, self help, etc...same ol', same ol'.  One woman actually said that she wanted her show to be a like combination of Oprah & Ellen - keep dreaming!!  She was really grasping at straws when they asked her what her show would be about - that was a "laugh out loud" moment :)

Well, I am super excited because one of the two finalists is disabled.  His name is Zach, he has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheel chair.  The format for his program would be all about traveling, specifically overcoming obstacles.   He said that he obviously wouldn't be portraying the perfect, flawless vacation, but he is showing that it need not be and can still be successful.    Of all the things that he could focus on in his show, I would have never guessed travel.  I think it is very ambitious, but definitely a show I would watch.  "Poppa, can you hear me...",  I mean Oprah, can you hear me???? PICK ZACK!

Aside from this being a great format for programming, Zach is a character and has a fun sense of humor.  Over the past several years, since I became so ill, I wished for one single show, 20/20, Primetime, etc., to devote an entire hour to the thousands of people that are just like me.  This thought would have never crossed my mind, had I still been well.  It's funny how things change when the flip-flop is on the other foot.

Anyway, I am so thrilled for Zach....even that he made it this far.  My hope is that he will win, and it will inspire other cable networks to consider similar shows. 

In the meantime, on the opposite end of the spectrum......I am watching my guilty pleasures - "The Bachelor" is on tonight, last night I saw the first episode of "The Real Housewives of Miami"..I know, eeewww, eeewww, eeewww.  This confirms that I am crazy, but can't tear myself away ~ this is like being in confession!  I am happy to say, that I haven't succumbed to "The Jersey Shore".. . yet!

As far as TV, I stumbled upon "Extraordinary Measures", with Harrison Ford, on cable this morning.  Such a great true story.  It just came out in 2010 and was surprised it was on TV so soon.  Everyone should see it, I promise you won't be sorry!

Later this morning I have to go for blood work - ugh!!!  Due to my autonomic nervous system dysfunction, it makes it especially difficult for the technicians to draw blood.  It is always a white knuckle time for me!  Sometimes, they just send me home, after several attempts.  They tell me to wait a week and come back again.  Other times, they have managed to get a vein, but the blood comes out drop by drop and they again say to come back.  I know the tricks and I have to drink as much water as possible before going.  Hopefully they get what they need in one shot. 

This blood work is for my endocrinologist appt. next Monday to discuss my diabetes and Hashimoto's.  I have to get back on my diabetes diet.  It is so important for so many reasons.  Any fellow dieters out there know how depressing it is to tackle a diet and fail.  The fact that I cannot/am not permitted to exercise makes the process so much slower.  I'd give anything to go for a power walk at the beach...there was nothing better!

It is almost 6:00 am and this is another one of those sleepless nights.  According to my UM doctor, sleepless nights, along with my severe sleep apnea, and often not reaching the REM state of sleep directly correlates with my ANS issues.

I hope I didn't bore you, since I am so exhausted.   If no one reads this, that is okay too.

Now I am starting to think I am less J.K. Rowling and more Andy Rooney.....off to check my eyebrows {:)

Next post, my brain will be sharper and I'll cover some more things I wanted to mention.  I only hope I don't start with "Did you ever wonder why....??"