[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

[toadie]

hey peggy,
dunno if you remember me

but here ya go...

accccck
dunno if i was writing a dissertation or ?

May 08, 2002

Another Chapter in Time

Oh my, where do I start? Somewhere near the beginning, I suppose.

There has been so much going on in the last few weeks. Last week, (5/1-5/3)
Johnny attended an AutoCad class for work down in Syracuse, about 90 miles south
of where we live. So, I ran away from home and stayed with him while he went to
his classes. The idea was for me to hang out and take a break from the house,
kids,dogs, you know, the whole nine yards.

On May 1, I wasn’t too sure about this idea, of just hanging out at the (Big)
Mall while Johnny went to his classes. I was on day 3 without sleep. Johnny
drove down and then he went to his classes. I drove myself over to the (Big)
Mall. (I keep saying big mall because they are going to expand it and when they
are finished, it is supposed to be bigger than the Mall of America.)

The mall wasn’t open yet, so I waited out in the car and cleaned up the empty
Mountain Dew and Pepsi bottles and such that my kids leave me as presents. At any
rate, I was begining to doubt that this was such a good idea. My people skills
are somewhat lacking when I’m so sleep deprived. I eventually wandered into the
bookstore. I wandered around trying to find my way in the store’s layout, I had
wanted to pick up the Michael J. Fox book. Greg said that there was a lot of
swearing in it, so I just had to get it. lol

I waited patiently as the lady at the desk answered the phone. She was very
dramatic in appearance, wearing some black sleeveless lace thing, shiny black
pointed shoes, black slacks, and black satin opera gloves. Her hair was a flat
black hair color, that looks more like she patiently colored it with a black
magic marker. Her pallor was very light, almost a pasty white, so her choices of
black eye make-up and deep red lipstick appeared slightly unflattering on her
rather delicate and refined features. Smothered beneath all that spackle was the
appearance of a beautiful lady with sparkling brown eyes.

At any rate, a nice and rather knowledgeable guy came over to help me. He went
through the company’s computer, found a list of all the PD books that they had,
and located them all on the stacks for me. I ordered the “Eat Well, Stay Well”
(the pd diet book). I have long ago given up trying to find pd books at any of
the local bookstores, even the larger chains don’t have any pd books dated
remotely close to this century. Up here everything has to be special ordered and
then they usually tack such a high shipping fee on the item, that you could have
driven there to get it yourself.

I gathered all the books that they had there and went to the bookstore’s cafe,
settled into drinking a very large mocha expresso and read. I haven’t sat and
read anything in years. Generally, I don’t have the attention span. But, it was
quiet and peaceful in my own little world. I read “Saving Milly” for a while and
then read 25 pages of the MJF book. I stayed there reading until 1:00 or so in
the afternoon. I also explored their CD department and found some good CDs. It
was really nice not to have to be anywhere, or be anything to anyone for a
while, just cruising the mall.

My Dad was in the Merchant Marines, I am the youngest of 5 kids who all went in
the Service, I was in the military 4 years, my husband retired after 20 years of
Service and I have 2 kids in Public School. I have a different level of
tolerance to cursing, so it doesn’t really bother me. I should say that the only
time it really bothered me was when I was reading a Johanna Lindsey book and the
leading man (the underdog) kept saying the f- word, when it was out of place in
time and context to the story.

Normally I would read the old historical romance novels or the horror genre, as
an escape from reality. I had read most of the “required” reading books from High
School in middle school and spent many frozen winter days and nights reading
whatever I could get my hands on, even sneaking any and all of my older sister’s
Shakespeare books. That’s why I didn’t read anything heavy or of great literary
importance. I had been a voracious reader, pouring through huge books within
hours or days. But, that was one book that I just put the book down. I was
irritated that I had spent money on it when it could have been better spent
elsewhere.

Oops, sorry I went off on a tangent. Let me see, where was I? Oh, I had to pick
up Johnny and then we went to the Dinosaur. A biker bar/b-b-q restaurant. The
food is always good, the beer is always cold and the service is excellent had my
customary beef brisket sandwich plate with beans and fries. I didn’t eat the
bread and didn’t get the “Mr.Ed thing” (a kind of right foot stomp) dyskinesia
that I usually get from protein interference. But, I did have to get my
Chocolate Icebox pie to eat later,because I was way too full. lol

Although, during the week the restaurant is usually full of college kids and
yuppies. I only have problems with the shallow ones, they are sometimes mean
without intending to be, they just believe all the outlaw biker stereotypes.
When we are just regular people that happen to ride motorcycles. I mean the rude
ones who stare at me or how I dress like I’m less or not good enough. The kind
of men that call me a “biker bitch” under their breathe because they are afraid
to say it louder, or women who tell their dates that they could be a biker
chick, thinking that being a biker is all about the clothes. I hate it when
ladies pull their little children back and act like I’m going to eat them. But,
I think that stupid people are a universal problem.

I actually slept really well and got back up on Thursday (5/2) feeling well
rested and ready to tackle the mall again. I farted around at the mall until it
was time to pick up Johnny. I tried on a bra thing at Victoria’s Secret. I
didn’t get it. It was the right size, but not a good style for me. Apparently
you have to have surgically enhanced or anti-gravity boobs to wear it because
the underwires came across the middle part of my old lady boobs, no matter how
much I adjusted the straps or hung upside down to try to get the thing to fit.
It just wouldn’t fit. lol

We went to eat at a steak house that was very good. There was a lady, with a
mosquito like voice, that had been sitting behind us, when she noticed my Bengal
tiger tattoo. She said “Oh my God! Oh my God! She has a tiger on her back!!!”

I nearly fell out of my booth chair laughing, it seemed like she had said it so
loud because I didn’t know I had this big tiger tattoo on my back. I suppose
someone could sneak up on me and put it there, without me knowing about it. lol

We had a fire alarm go off that night at the hotel. It scared the be-geebers out
of me. It turned out to be a false alarm, which was good. However, all the fire
trucks, police and such made quite a racket. I eventually unwound and went to
sleep around midnight, an early bedtime for me.

Friday, (5/3) Johnny only had classes in the morning until 11:00 am. I stayed at
the hotel instead of venturing out, as I was afraid to spend any more money. I
had bought 5 pd books, 4 cds and actually found a pair of high-top women’s
sneakers that I can wear despite my right foot with it rigid dystonic monkey
toes. I packed up our stuff and waited for Johnny. Drinking coffee and reading.
Ahhhhh, that was nice.

We went home. The kids had cleaned the house, and it was nice. Jennifer had been
pretty busy with school, and she started a new job at an office supply business.
Christopher had actually done his schoolwork.

The time away from all of it was really good. Johnny and I had spent a lot of
time talking to each other about anything and everything. Johnny said he enjoyed
having me all to himself because I pour so much love, affection and attention on
him. I really liked not having to compete with the t.v., kids, or dogs for
attention, too. I was able to cut down on my smoking a lot while we were gone. I
only smoked 3 on Wednesday (5/1), 2 on Thursday (5/2) and blew it all when we
got home on Friday night. Johnny had taken Christopher to a bullhead supper that
they were having from his old job. I picked Jenni up from work and took her to
the mall and Wal-mart, so that she could get some last minute things for her
prom. The stress of everyday life had returned with a vengence.

Saturday morning,(5/4) I droped Jennifer off to work at her new job, and drove
Christopher up to the Farmer’s co-op to try on the new boots that we had to
special order for him. Size 14 logger boots, boots generally run truer to size
than the sneakers that he wears a size 15 in. The boots fit him well and he was
so happy, until he had to pay for them, lol. Christopher passed his tests for
both of his driving permits, car and motorcycle. He has been practicing riding
his bike out behind our barn, every chance he can. He loves it. He’s 6’-5” sock
footed, the logger boots add a couple of inches to his height so he stands about
6’7”. When he rides on the road with us he wears Johnnys’ big leather Harley
jacket, Christopher looks so huge. It’s hard to believe he is only 16, soon to
be 17 in June.

I’ve let him drive the car, I took him over to a closed store’s empty parking
lot and let him practice driving the car. He has to put the driver’s seat back
as far as it will go, and tilt the seat back to have clearance room for his
head. lol We used the parking space lines as road lanes and he drove around and
around just getting the feel of the car, stopping, turning and using his turn
signals. My car is really light on the gas and steering, so he had to learn to
adjust his large hands and feet. We are still practicing easing on and off the
gas and brakes. lol

Jennifer had her Senior Prom, Saturday night (the prom was a lock-in). Her date
was a boy named Dustin. He is 19, has a job, his own truck and is 6’-6” tall
with a medium build, his nick name is “Ogre”, but he’s not as heavy muscled and
bone-built as Chris. He came over early to meet us and looked very sharp in his
tux with a pewter gray tie. He’s a very nice kid, polite, shy, and he was very
nervous. I took their pictures and had to get him laughing about stuff so he
would be a little more at ease.

Jennifer’s best friend, Marie, came over with her “date”, Pat. Marie had to pay
for her own prom ticket, meal and was supposed to drive him to the prom and all.
But, they decided to all ride together with Jennifer and Dusty. Marie is a very
pretty and sweet girl, she’s very responsible and one of the best influences on
Jennifer, that I’ve ever seen. Marie is like one of our kids. I met Pat. I
didn’t know him from Adam’s house cat, but for some reason had an instant
dislike for him. I took some more pictures of the girls and then the couples
together.

Jennifer loked beautiful, she had done her hair, by herself, in this kind of
upsweet do with little curly ringlets and a light touchof make-up, wearing a
long sparkley purpley gown and her silvery heels. She loves to wear heels, but
usually the guys are shorter than she is, even with flats. Her height isn’t a
problem with Dusty. They made such a pretty couple. They both had a very good
time. As it turned out, Pat ditched Marie to go with his friends, so Marie
stayed with Jennifer and Dusty most of the time. Jennifer told their friends
that Marie had ditched Pat, because Marie was feeling so hurt. Christopher was
very unhappy about Pat, he is a little sweet on Marie and very protective of her.

chapter 2 will follow as soon as I can get it writtten,lol

[pegleg]

I will never forget you and Johnny! You had a harley - right? And I remember at the PLWP rally you had the loudest medicine alarm that I've ever heard - it used to scarre me every time it went off! lol

You used to journal, too. Private message me and I will show you how to pull it up online.

There mus not be any crazy people left - you and I are the only ones posting in t his thread. (sigh)
Peggy

[Thelma]

can I be crazy too?

[Bob Dawson]

Originally Posted by Thelma

can I be crazy too?

Well, I am not the least bit crazy; but my friend Carl Hernz is very crazy. What he is doing is not what some people want, such as the attached testament, even newer than the one the Mormons got, and written in blasphemy; there is something there to offend everyone - but he contacts an audience who would not normally read or watch anything about Parkinson's. He is an asset to the fight against PD, precisely because his bent humour gets through to a lot of people
http://www.facebook.com/carl.hernz#!...&id=1406101837

[Bob Dawson]

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ca...24802310899384

From what I can tell, the blasphemous book cover has now been replaced by or supplemented by Carl's exclusive dopamine agonist breakfast cereal.
Is there anything that Parkies cannot do?
Carl's book is out soon; an excellent companion to the book that some PWP on this site are preparing.

[kk13]

I have a few true stories that you might think worthy of a laugh…or at least a smile.

1. Those of us blessed with PD know the problem we have getting enough protein in our diets without paying a physical price for it. A while back, my weight was dropping at an alarming rate so I decided to try one of those protein drinks, thinking it might be easier to deal with . There are so many of these on the market that I had trouble selecting the right one. I quickly chose one and took it home. When I went to drink it, I looked at the can more carefully and knew I had chosen the right product, because on the top of the can were two suggestions that must have been meant for PD‘ers. The first was “Shake Well” which, is good advice, but after 25 years with PD, I think I have that skill pretty much perfected!
The second suggestion said “Do Not Freeze,” another good (although obvious) idea. But, I thought to myself, if I had any control over my shaking and freezing, I wouldn’t need your product in the first place!

2. One day I was walking down a busy street in a New York shopping center. I was quite dyskinetic and very self-conscious about it. But I wondered if my movement disorder was as apparent on the outside as it was on the inside. I noticed that ahead of me was a guy, down on his luck, asking each person as they walked by if they could spare some change. I took some money out of my pocket so that I would be prepared to make my donation with the minimal amount of difficulty. But when I approached him, he looked me up and down and then he waved me off! As if to say, “No thanks, pal. You look like you need it more than I do!” Well, I guess I got the answer to my question about my dykinesias being obvious or not!

3. This one did not happen to me, but to a family friend who had PD and has since passed. We’ll call him Uncle Phil. Uncle Phil was driving along in his neighborhood when he was suddenly struck with a nasty case of dyskinesias He was stopped at a red light, so could not pull over immediately. Meanwhile, a car full of teenagers pull up along side Uncle Phil at the red light. They looked over and saw all the activity in Uncle Phil’s car. They motioned to him to lower his window. When he did, one inquisitive teen shouted, “Hey, man. What station are you listening to?” They obviously thought he was really enjoying his music. Uncle Phil, not known for his patience or diplomacy shouted back, “I don’t even have my radio on, you $%^&#!”

You gotta laugh!

[Stand Tall]

All these stories are great. I love to laugh, you all made my day. Thank you everyone!