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Happy Fall

9/21/2015

Envelope from the ALS Society of Canada's Fall Fundraising Campaign, check out my media page for full information

Well, I've officially surpassed my 2 years, of course the neurologist said 2-3 so I'm going for another milestone! Although I feel I should be celebrating and grateful, it was an incredibly difficult and emotional day, it is an impossible thing to wrap your head around. I was lucky to have the support of a thoughtful and understanding family, my mother and father in-law, Allan & Shirley, had arrived the night before and left a lovely message for me to wake up to:

A beautiful way to acknowledge the day!
We had a wonderful time visiting the Canadian Museum of History and IMAX, where we saw the incredible Jean-Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean. First day in Canada and a full cultural immersion with the "Rebellion and Confederation" exhibit. This week we are heading to Mont Tremblant to appreciate our beautiful Canadian Fall Foliage.

Canadian Museum of History

Ottawa Rock Art, by John Felicè Ceprano at Remic Rapids

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Expiry Date

9/12/2015

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New "do"

September 12 ~ only 1 week away from my expiry date! Don't worry, I'm too busy to say goodbye just yet, so instead I've asked Travis to buy me a bottle of Veuve to celebrate that every day is a gift to me.

We've had a busy summer and had a wonderful time spending the last 6 months with Dayne & Kate, they are now making their way to South Africa after a brief stint in England and Scotland. I really have to thank all of the incredible people in my life who made them feel special and took such good care of them. We had a great send off with a trip to Newburgh to surprise Heather for her stylish '70's themed birthday party, where too much fun was had by all! Travis of course was busy working so couldn't come, but it will all be worth it when we hit Tuscany in October with Heather & Andy!

I am still stubbornly maintaining my independence as much as possible. I can still drive as the car gives me all the power I need, however, walking from the car to wherever is increasingly difficult due to balance issues. My solution, though it increases my old lady looks, is that I have now started using a walker. It is a lightweight aluminum one that I can lift into the back seat of the car, and provide me with much needed stability. It is also helpful for around the house, although my ALS worker and friend Lianne called me out, as she seems to know that I avoid it! Another problem I have is if I don't have my phone right beside me, I can't run to get it when it starts ringing! I'm also in trouble if I have a fall while home alone, so I think I'm going to ask Travis for the Apple iWatch for my birthday. It's really cool because I can have my phone around my wrist without having to carry anything in my hands. Of course, it means upgrading my iPhone 4 as well, clever Apple. Check out the Keynote at apple.com, I love the iTranslate app!

I've also been getting out and about, visiting with friends & puppies, getting my hair done and going on a date with Travis (thanks Uncle Richard for dinner!). I also had the privilege of attending today's ceremony in naming a Kanata park in honour of Brian Parsons who is a tireless advocate for those of us living with ALS and a personal inspiration to me.

I believe that the greatest pursuit in life is to elevate the human condition.
-Brian Parsons, ALS Advocate and awesome human being

Travis & I are now preparing for a visit by his parents for a month, who arrive from New Zealand, via England on Friday. We are looking forward to introducing them to Canada, especially the fall colours, and have plans to visit Mont Tremblant thanks to the generosity of Scott & Rosie, as well as Montreal and of course Ottawa and the surrounding area, including a 1000 islands boat tour. The weather has been phenomenal and I hope the warmth and sunshine stays with us!

Don't worry if you have not yet done the Ice Bucket Challenge for 2015, it's not too late!
Check out Marge's IBC below:

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Happy Fall

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