Mar 16 Five For Friday 3/8/13

I’ve never missed a Five For Friday.  Due to the fact that I admittedly have issues, I have to post last week’s for my own peace of mind so at least it’s documented.  Otherwise, I may lose sleep.  I know, I know…Issues, I tell you.

1.  Medical Stuff:

• 1 Day of Physical Therapy.  Lots on the Reformer!
• 2 Days of Home Rehab.
• 1 OMM Appointment for cranial-sacral therapy and an OA release on my neck.

2.  This was the week of the breakdowns.  I spent most of the week not knowing how I would get everything done I needed to get done, AND take care of my health.  I didn’t feel well and was so tired that I found myself falling back into a little bit of the, “I wish I wasn’t sick so I could spend every hour of the day working.”  But after a few tears, a few pity parties, a few people telling me to suck it up (nicely), and quite a few doses of needed perspective, I thankfully snapped out of.

3.  Some of that perspective included people’s generosity, which brings me to Friday night.  My cousin Jen does stand-up comedy and has made quite a name for herself in Michigan.  She ended up helping to organize (and host) a comedy night in Kalamazoo that included a live painting by an extremely talented artist that was raffled off at the end of the night.  All proceeds made from the raffle went to Life as a Zebra Foundation.  We ended up taking $325 home for the foundation.  It’s things like this that make me realize how blessed I really am.  EDS or not, I have it good.  POTS or not, life is good.

Paige, the artist in action.

The finished painting, Paige, me, and Jen.

Michael, the best raffle ticket salesman EVER and his smiley face lunchbox.

Cousin Love.

4.  The Life as a Zebra feature came out on Monday.  I had no clue what to expect as far as what people would think.  I was actually freaking out about it (poor Max).  He had to calm me down quite a bit, and assured me that it would be okay.  I almost told him I wanted to forget the whole thing but I’m pretty sure he would have killed me after spending a month on it.  Anyways, I’m happy to say that since it’s been released, I have received quite a bit of positive feedback AND many questions about EDS through emails and messages.  For that, I am extremely grateful, and it makes the whole experience worth it.  So thank you, Max, for everything, and thanks to all of you guys for the support!

5. And one more AMAZING story about generosity and kindness.  My Aunt Laurie is a Spartan alum and an active member of the Red Cedar Message Board (RCMB).  She ended up posting something about the benefit one day on the board.  Since I am not a regular member, you can imagine my surprise when I opened my email a week and a half ago, and there were several emails saying I had received donations from people who I had never met, let alone even heard of.  After asking my family if they knew what was going on, my aunt filled me in that it was fellow Spartans from the RCMB who were donating to the foundation.  And I don’t just mean a few Spartans. I’m talking about MANY.  The donations steadily poured in for DAYS.  I still can’t write or talk about it without getting tears in my eyes.  These people who would not know Allie or me if they bumped into us on the street decided to join forces to help us make a difference by donating to our foundation.  I have always been proud to bleed green, but now I know it is the only way to bleed.  Spartan pride and love forever.