This Year is Done!

Oh dear goodness I don't think you know how great it is to be on Christmas break right now...well let me tell you- It's fantastic!
I also cannot believe how much has happened in this year, especially when I think about my MS.  It has only been just over one year since I've had this "wonderful" disease. :)

So let me tell you a bit about this last semester. From what 'they' say this was the hardest semester of the entire program and so far, from the marks I've gotten back I have done quite well.
Granted this was a very hard semester but not how I expected it to be...the material was not particularly difficult, but there was a lot of it. We had a multitude of papers due throughout the semester, midterms, journals, clinical assignments, group projects, weekly posts. It kept me busy for sure. However I think I learned a lot about myself from this semester, and really the past 12 months.

Before this semester started, to be honest I didn't really think I could do it.. I had many, many people tell me that it might be best to do it over a course of two years because this year was so hard, and even those of good health had trouble with it. Part of me at that point was convinced that I would not be able to do it... but I talked it over many times with one of my good friends, who is also in our program, and my aunt/uncle. They were a great encouragement for me to just see it I could do it and if not pull out. What's the harm in that right? At this point I am thrilled that I did it that way and didn't listen to most of those other people.

I think after looking back at this semester and even the past year I really can do things I put my mind to. I know that was always the classic quote, that I didn't really take into any consideration. But its true--at least in this case and it makes me excited for the rest of school and the next few years.. or life-whatever.

But as I've talked about a few times in some posts one thing that has really gotten me through this nut-so year has for sure been finding joy in random things, or just going out and having fun for a few hours amidst a crazy week or something. Like making sock puppets, or cinnamon buns, banana bread, playing in mud pits, getting stuck in the snow... I have been able to find some time for myself in this craziness.. but I am really glad its done.


I also decided after I wrote a not so great exam..  it was time for some change, (maybe to commemorate the end of this year) so I chopped my hair off.. I like it.

Anyways, I am in Abbotsford, going to Seattle, hanging out with friends and family, it shall be fun. A few weeks off with no responsibility. Sounds great to me.

I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas!

Kate

Almost Here!

There are a few things I love about this coming month...

1. December means that exams are coming, and its not the exams that I love... but the fact that it means the end of the semester is what i really like.

2.  "They" say this is also the hardest semester of my whole degree that I am just finishing up, and hopefully pass everything. (I think i should be ok)

Snipit of one gift

3. After all of these dreadful exams I will be on Christmas break. Which I am super excited about. I get to see some old friends, friends from the summer and we plan to go skating, going for coffee, taking pictures, reading books... yes I WANT to READ a book (for those who know me too well)

4. This next month, December also means this is NOT November, also known as the month where boys-attempted-to-grow-facial-hair-men-grow-facial-hair-and-girls-don't-even-pretentd-to-like-it

5. Also I am doing a handmade Christmas gifts for my family this year.. it started off a few years ago when exams came around and made my mom soap for christmas and really cool candle holders.
So I have found a fantastic website that is better than Pintrest for these ideas... and have started putting my pieces together. I am excited. Ill post them when I am done...

6. also a few other notes;
        - Prince George has snow
        - I woke up to a beautiful sunrise one morning. Orange filled my room... it was nice.

Oh I am do ready for this semester to be done.. its been a long one. I wouldn't say it has been harder, but defiantly busier. We just finished this week with 3 group projects. My first exam is on next Friday. Then I am done on December 12. Yippee.

Speaking of group projects I made a movie for one... which reminds me of a video that my dad sent me that would be sweet if you could also help his school win money for their Dry Grad. Click here for the link. and vote for them. It was a pretty good video. I voted for them.

Anyways.. I am almost done and will post another during break.
Have a good night,
Kate

needles are an unfortunate event.

This particular unfortunate event happens (usually) three times a week. Most of the time I am quite fine on injecting myself with this actually unknown substance (medication or placebo).

What is interesting about this subject is that I have worked with many people these days who do this injecting stuff quite regularly and do it willingly. However the affects of those drugs hit them within about 10 minutes and give them much different side effects.
This thought intrigued me once, that if injections gave me immediate effects than I would be much more willing to inject them into my skin.

I also would be willing to go back to summer and would pawn off who got to do my injection for the day on them. Some, or actually most of them agreed that they would do it... I promised it wouldn't hurt me--sorry them.. it wouldn't hurt them at all, might hurt me a wee bit. But it did make it more fun to have someone else who has never given a needle give me it. Some were a little bloodily and bruised nicely. But none the less it was WAY better then me sitting here... write a blog post about how unfortunate this event.

So I will lighten the mood. I have had a GREAT week!


 Some friends cam from out of town to visit. I love  seeing these friends--they make my life that much  better. It has been great catching up, going to listen  to music, eating good food. Last night we went to a  local pub and listened to a band called WillHorse.  IT was a lot of fun. Music was good, company was  great!! Few but good people that i knew there. We  had a blast!
 I also went to church today, which was really nice,  this event has might not happened for a while. But I  met some new people and saw some old friends. IT  was really good

 On another note, not really about church, but I did  listen to them while I was driving to and from  church. But my friend introduced me to this new  band called Husdon Taylor. (and no not the ancient  dead guy). They are great, so I think you should  know them too.

 Overall summary of my life/day/shchool: Life is  good.. and soon to be great. My day was a very  good one. I enjoyed very many parts of it. School is  busy and a greatly looking forward to that being  done for Christmas break.

 great night!
I hope you guys have a

Kate

3 More Weeks

This I was informed of today. We only have THREE more weeks left of classes. Then this semester will be done.
Today was one of those days...started out as one of those days where I clearly did not get enough sleep because I did not feel rested at all.
Anyways its not school that I am tired of tonight, but I am tired of being exhausted these days. As I write this I feel like I should be grateful of this past month I did have energy and barely thought about the fact I have MS nor did it bother me. But there are always some days that seem to creep up on me and today it hit me like a medium-large sized wave.
In class we were talking about--oh enough, I don't need to mope about my why I am moping. I will just tell you that I am exhausted and would love prayer from you guys.
I just need to get through these next 5 weeks of classes and then I'm done.
-ENERGY
-FOCUS; I am getting really worn out about the fact that I don't get to see many people and I am really starting to miss it. I know I will have time and friends again, but right now I don't have time. And I can't get distracted by that
I don't really have anything else to talk about, mostly because my eyes are not staying open. 
So thank you. This is all I have to say tonight.

Thanks,

Kate

...News

Not sure if you read my prayer requests on the left hand side of the page lately. But I thought maybe I should elaborate on them.

Fall is falling
away from me. 

It has almost been two months into school, and I really only have one more left. I keep thinking that the next month ahead of me is going to be the worst one yet, and then I finish it and update my calendar and think nope this one is going to be worse. However, lets go with the good news first...
I got a good chunk of marks/assignments back this last week. Two of my papers and got in the 80's. I also got my midterm marks back.. not exactly numbers that I need to share.. but I passed them. Which of course is great and at this point is all that matters. But I was talking with my aunt and uncle and I was telling them that I was glad that I chose to stick it out and not prolong my third year over 2 and not 1. Yeah it is hard, but I am happy that I am still able to look back and realize that I am still doing ok. In this, I am basis my "ok-ness" on whether or not I am passing my courses. Which I am. So school 'Kate' doing alright.

I also got a surprise today. And applied for some new technology through student aid bc and permanent  disability. LIke a new computer and such. Which put me in a great mood at the end of the day.

Computer Case

Now lets talk about this other 'Kate'--"MS Kate" I got steroids last month, if you remember reading about it. Unfortunately they are wearing off.. they were only supposed to help for a month, so I'm not surprised about it. It is just sad. I really was thankful that I didn't have any/none/nada pain in my hards. Now that it is slowly creeping back I am realizing even more how great October was to not have it.
My fatigue is also coming back. It is still nice that its not as bad as before. But it is still here.Which should be ok until the end of the semester. But, like I said before this could be a very long month. I am ready for break.

Adventure by the river.

Anyways those are some of the things going on. At this point I'm tired. Don't really do anything but school and starting to wish I had a few more friends to hang out with in Prince George. I just really don't have any time and if I did have time its almost a guarantee that I don't have the energy. Oh well.. this I can do for the year. That I just need  to get through this year. That is all.

So check out the left side of the page for updated prayer requests. I really do appreciate you guys who read my blog. It's great and does encourage me. So thank you.

 Kate


       

Fall Adventures

Granted I don't really have time for adventures, but today I am taking off. I may not actually be able to afford it, but I don't care. Today is my Saturday, and I have not had a day off in like 3/4 weeks. So today I played down by the river...again.

But lately it has been crazy foggy in the mornings, until like 12 o'clock too. I know I should be productive and have many assignments due soon, but I want to post.
Last week I spent about an hour down by the river on my own taking pictures and enjoying the fall colours. I just played in the puddles of the water, found great coloured leaves with my gumboots and favourite pair pants and greatly enjoyed myself. I know I put a few up last week, but I wanted to add some more.

And so I had to go back again...today. But I found a new spot and went to the other side of the river. The fog was so thick that I could barely see 100m in front of me.  Part of it was somewhat erie, but I loved it! Trains came, I drove along the river bed, again I had a had an adventure all on my own. And it was great!

One of my favourites of the day

I hung out here once...but today was more exhilarating. A train came!

Anna Brown. I named my car. Because, well because I wanted to.

I named my car: Copper. (This is because Todd and Copper (in fox and the hound) go on lots of adventures together.) My car and I lately have lots of great adventures. I have fun playing loud music, playing in the mud, going on road trips exploring new/old places...just me and my car. 

My car 'Copper'

~Kate

Foggy Mornings (and not in my head)

My 'new' Sailing Pants 

Well so far I have made it half way through the semester, or a quarter way done the year and still functioning... mostly. If you can call functioning as going to bed at 7:30 most nights, spending 18 hours at the university in two days, 16 hours in clinical, finding ONE thing a week to do that I enjoy and seeing literally only 2 of my friends in the last month functioning then there you go!

Beauty

However though in all seriousness I am doing alright. (I may take that back when I get my midterm mark back next Tuesday) But I am. I have worked hard on getting my assignments done at least a week in advance, I've been doing great in clinical, I don't feel like I've been hit by a bus everyday, just sometimes.

I do feel blessed that I have been doing so well lately. It has been nice to just stick my nose to the grind and just doing school. The anticipation of it is was I think really killed me at the beginning of the semester. I was feeling pretty scared and at first was not helped with different things in school and a few people suggested that I take this year in two, which also brought my confidence down. But now that I am getting things done, I've gotten a few marks back and I'm doing alright.

I think the best part of this month has been the amount of energy that I have had. The steroids were a great idea, sure I didn't feel great for the week after, but I just needed to remember what I felt like after that horrid week. The last appointment when I was down in Vancouver I also asked for some sleeping drugs, like I told you before, and they are GREAT! I almost feel normal, which is such an amazing feeling.

Awk, perfection.

Today actually I got up early, as usual and it was still foggy outside and I decided to have an adventure. Came home around 0900, showered, puttered around and then started studying. It wasn't until about 3:00 that I realized I hadn't thought about my fatigue all day. Which doesn't happen often at all. But it put a smile on my face and I felt thankful.

Thankful:
-for those who care about me,
-who pray for my on a daily basis,
-who put up with me (Christie, Anna, my family),
-for those I met this summer and who show their appreciation for me,
-I was feeling thankful for drugs that help me sleep,
-for music and for having the house to myself while I have dance parties alone
-for walks in Moore's Meadow and finding tree forts




These past few weeks have been crazy busy, somewhat stressful, but so far they have been good. I have had prayers answered and found joy in the little things. So that has been great.

Thank you for keeping up with me and walking along me in my journey and this crazy time.

Kate

What is this Nonsense?

This is my "How do I Have Energy Face"
Or just enjoying a Sunday Morning walk
 

Here is a riddle for you:

What is something everybody does,
happens at night,
can't live without it?

Yup--sleep.

However have you ever had bouts where you have either stayed up all night and you feel like a wreck. Or have you just plain old had just terrible sleeps for a long time? CRAPY!

But!

How did you feel when you got some of that sleep back? Well I can sure tell you how I feel.
These last 2 sleeps have been amazing! Which has also in turn carried on to me having a day with energy. In short I will tell you about my past 2 days.

Yesterday, I woke up thought, huh this feels different. This strange feeling carried on for the rest of the morning and even into the afternoon. It didn't take me long to figure it out, it was energy. Or rather I wasn't tired/exhausted. At about 5:00 I picked up my car from the shop, got in turned on my favourite CD which made me happy. I then thought about how I still wasn't tired.... I almost cried, or at least shed a couple tears. I then crashed at 5:30. But who cares.

This is my
"I'm Ready For  October"
face.
Thanks to Shannon
Corbett

Today I was perky, laughing...not that am not usually those things.. but there was an extra pep in my step. Just ask Christie! I did have an amusable day, with terrible classes, jokes, long labs, great chats. It is amazing what sleep can do.

Whats my trick? I asked for some sleeping medication. Hesitant at first, but sleep is too important to take it for granted.  So I take em, and they are grrrreat!

Anyways, sleep and energy. What more could I ask for? Oh yeah, to make it through this next month. Will be a challenge, but one day at a time. I'm ready.

Goodnight.

Kate

Some Good Things....

....and some not so fun things.

To be honest, I am not even sure what to say about this past week. So much has happened....so I might as well start at the beginning.


Last week I started my HIGH dose of steroids to help combat my increasing MS symptoms. Three days of the second highest dose of steroid you can get. I am only in there for an hour a day. But man are they quite the drug. Thankfully nothing like the last time that I had them, but still not a fun drug to take. (Trust me there are fun drugs out there to take and that is not one of them.) Day 1,2,3 were ok. I felt kind of gross on the last day from it. Then day 4/5 came around and I woke up on Monday morning and I had felt like I was gotten hit by bus. My face was all puffy from the drugs, even my eyes which was a new one for me. But I felt so gross, I went to my first class and by 1130 I was exhausted. Tuesday I woke up and felt like I had gotten hit just by a small car or something. But was alright.

However, my arm did look like this. This past week I have at 8 pokes from IV's and my regular medications.

Well I have learned a few things this week about myself and other things....and in no particular order.

1. Cab drivers in London, England are much more polite. They will come open the door for you, help you with your bags and give you a "Hello, how are you?" In Vancouver....not so much

2.  I love mud. But I think you knew that already. I also really love adventures. Last weekend Christie, Anna and I had an adventure.

3. My brain still shuts off at 1:00 like clockwork.

4. Oh, I like tea. I didn't know it could be good until a few weeks ago. However it also makes my body warm so its a give and take thing and I have enough heat going on with MS tea doesn't always help.

5. I really like the beach. Yesterday my family came and met me at UBC and took me into Vancouver we went for supper and then walked along the beach. It was beautiful and I just love watching the sailboats and huge freighters passing by.

6. I am really looking forward to having October done school wise I mean.

7. I also think I've decided my second favourite season is fall. Brings back so many good memories. Like playing in leaves at old abandoned houses, triking up on Tabor Mountain and playing with bear spray, playing along the river when I was little and like 2 weeks ago. I love the smell of fall. I really like the temperature at night. I love the way that the trees look all yellow, orange and wonderful. Good memories associated with fall. Hopefully more to be made this one too.

8. I love drugs that help me sleep. Last night I had a great sleep. Today I got a prescription for something that should help too. I probably shouldn't be quite so excited but I am. Sleep is important.

9. I really appreciate friends who pray for me. I got two messages this week tell me that they were praying for me, or if there was anything they could pray for. It made me really happy.

10. I also really appreciate having friends who also have MS. Not that I wish it on anyone, but I am glad to have friends who really truly get it. One of them I spend most of the day with today. She is great. Not that either of us were feeling all that perky it was nice to see her.

I am ready to go home. It has been a long tow days. Treatment days are long and tiring. But soon, just waiting for my flight.

Thanks for reading. :)

Here for an update on my hospital visits and what is going on with that... HOSPITAL VISIT_DAY337


Kate

My Hero

Today is September 17, a great day in my books because today is a day worth celebrating, there is a boy in my life worth celebrating. He is wonderful. This boy can always put a smile on my face...we have had good times, we have had bad times, but I love him none the less. This boy is known in my head as my 'Lil Hero.

Yesterday I was asked how I 'do it', how does it seem that I pull everything together in my life, she asked me how I was able to go through all of last year and still be on top of it. I told her a bunch of things...but I forgot to tell her one of the most important things...my 'Lil Hero.

He was one of the reasons that I did so well. He was the reason I didn't get down, that I didn't give up, that I didn't let life or MS win. He is the reason that I won't give up.

But today is a day to celebrate HIM, he is amazing. This not so little guy is 16, star setter for his volleyball team, last year the basketball team, and track team. This is a guy who is able to see the positive in life, he is a friend that everyone should have, he will stand up for you when your troubled, he will make you laugh when you need it, and cry when your least expecting it.

I love this boy, I love him with all my heart.
Today is his 2 year anniversary of being cancer free, today 2 years ago he had his last treatment.


This guy, is my 'Lil Hero.

Keep it up, keep going strong and being a great encouragement to me SJ. I love you.


-Kate