[pegleg]

I kept an online journal at the PLWP website for 5 years (if I had continued to journal, my book would be finished! lol

Today I was searching the journal and found some pretty ridiculous situations I have experienced since PD diagnosis. Enjoy! and share your funny storya;

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30 Oct 2000
Notes
Today was not so good (what? again!!??) Now I could choose to let it drive me crazy (?crazier?), or ignore it (you can only supress so much!), or I could laugh at it! I chose the latter.

I recall a 90-year-old woman named Sarah who guffawed in God's face at being told she would get pregnant and have her first child. (NOT a smart thing to do! What's that about "He who laughs last?")

Anyway, I just read a reply to a post by Mischief in the MGH forums. She was retrieving a magazine in a store from a lower shelf and froze (couldn't get back up). So, she looked through every magazine while down there, as if she intended to be there, until mobility returned. That's funny, but not funny!

I get a kick out of going to Wal-Mart. You know, first you park a mile away from the door because every handicapped space is taken. Then you think, "If I can just shuffle to the buggy, then I will hold onto it and look completely normal." But that sweet little greeter chases you two aisles down trying to persuade you to use the electric cart, and your disguise is foiled!

Sometimes you've just gotta laugh to keep from crying. And sometimes I get mischievous (mischief - are we from the same mold?) and like to create a sensation. Like while returning from a recent doctor visit. My husband and I were flying stand-by back home as we finished earlier than expected.

Our seating got separated, but I settled near the back, shoving my cane under the seat. This nice gentleman sits down beside me, and we make small conversation. Beverage service comes along and I order a cranapple drink. The stewardess is trying to be kind and hands me the whole can. I can't open the pop-top after she leaves so I'm forced into requesting help from the stranger next to me. He obliges and I feel compelled to remark, "Thank you. I just had brain surgery a few weeks ago." Being considerate, he doesn't ask why, which was a mistake!
I don't know what came over me, but I gave him my most serious look and said, "I was a psychopath!" I'd give anything to have captured the blood-draining look on his face! I let it ride for a few seconds and chuckled while truthfully revealing that I had Parkinson's. Then the laugh was on me! He turns out to be a pilot for the airlines we were on! How funny would it have been if he had summonsed for help?!?

I ramble on today to remind those reading that it can always be worse . . . even when you cannot imagine how! Just try to laugh it off . . . people will then you're crazy and leave you alone! lol Peggy