I was really hoping to take us over Niagara Falls.  I couldn’t believe it when I noticed there were no clouds directly in or over the Niagara Falls scenic circuit.  We were able to climb to 3500′ and do a few circuits around the Falls.  We also flew over

Marineland and saw the whales swimming around their tanks.  After leaving the scenic circuit, I let the co-pilot take over the controls.  She seemed to really enjoy taking control of the plane.  It brought back memories of my first few flying lessons.  I was quite nervous to do anything even remotely drastic with the controls.  Now I don’t hesitate to fly like a maniac (safely!) when I’m by myself!  Drastic is fun!It was a really nice flight and I greatly enjoyed the company!

You know what else is great?  My little kitties eat their breakfast each morning in peace and harmony.  The new kitties are settling down nicely and there are fewer hisses and growls each day.

Boo and Pinky didn’t seem to mind when little Mya decided to sleep in their bed:

How could they possibly mind with a face like that?

Today’s symptoms: I felt great!  Yet again I’m singing praise for the CCSVI procedure!  It’s a month and a half since the surgery and I’ve never felt so good.  The reduction of my fatigue is all I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid!

 

I passed many bikers driving into the town.  Here are a few of them arriving:

I didn’t stay over the town for too long, as the weather was getting worse and it was supposed to start raining in the afternoon.  Back to work I flew!

I wasn’t able to fly this weekend as the weather has been horrible.  It’s supposed to rain for the next week!  Ugh!

All of the kitties are finally getting along in our apartment.  I thought I lost Pinky and Boo yesterday.  Fortunately, the askew couch cushion gave away their position:

Yup, the little goobers are sleeping between the couch back and the cushion.  Talk about weird!

I’ve felt pretty good all weekend.  I cleaned around the apartment for around 10 hours yesterday!  I shredded tons of paperwork and donated a couple bags of clothes.  Everything is rearranged nicely and I plan to keep it that way, gosh darn it!

Today’s symptoms:  Felt great!  I’ve had a fairly bad headache for the last few days, but my fatigue level is still much better than it’s ever been!

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 5/15/2011 8:12 PM

I think my last blog was on Saturday, so tonight I’ll mention my joyous Sunday.  The weather was decent and I was feeling fine, so I hit the skies for a short flight.  Marcel Dionne and Chuck were golfing with some hockey legends and other folks at a golf course in Niagara Falls.  I flew over the course and took a few arial pics:

Chuck made sure I knew I was flying over the correct golf course, by waving a flag: (bottom right dude):

He asked me if I saw him and I kinda felt bad when I had to say no.  I was too busy flying the plane and taking pictures!  I was also giving myself a pedicure, eating nachos and watching a BBC documentary.

After the short flight, I drove to Fonthill to visit my cute little mother.  While we were walking through the mall, I mentioned how something was poopy, which led to a couple poopy-related comments.  I guess we got what we asked for when we walked out to her car:

Some poor bird really had some gastro-intestinal issues.  It was all over the roof, windshield and hood too!  Glad I didn’t decide to drive that day!

I have tomorrow off and hope to go for a flight, then meet up with a friend from work.  She hasn’t met the new kitties yet.  She is a cat lover as well, with seven of her own!

Today’s symptoms:  I felt quite good today.  I got a little tired by around 2:00, but it wasn’t like my typical fatigue.  Yesterday wasn’t as good.  I was very tired and having a hard time staying awake.  However, I did have my Recreational Aircraft Association meeting the night before – we’ll blame it on that.

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 5/11/2011 6:39 PM

 

I mentioned that the ride back may be a little bumpy due to the low clouds that rolled in:

It actually wasn’t too bad on the way home.  The visibility dropped quite a bit though.  However, we were both glad we were able to go today.

Once home, I was happy to see my “old” girls and my “new” girls are finally starting to tolerate each other:

Little Boo missed the photo op as she was on the chair under the dining room table.

On a final note, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all you cute mothers out there!

Today’s symptoms:  Great, yet again!  Man, I’m still in shock every day over how much better I feel since the CCSVI surgery a little over a month ago.  I was a little tired after my flight today, but nothing like it used to be.

 

The flight there was a little bumpy, so I got plenty of mean looks and insults from my adorable mom.  After about 50 minutes of glares and sighs, we arrived at the Stratford Airport.  The dispatcher in the terminal was kind enough to call us a cab while we were coming in for a landing.  We only had to wait a couple of minutes for it to arrive after parking the plane. After a short cab ride, we were dropped off at the

Tim Hortons in the downtown area.  We sucked back a coffee and Jan had a muffin while I had my usual bagel.  The first store we browsed, Jan found a couple of really nice cardinal pictures for her bedroom.  We didn’t want to lug them around, so we told the proprietor that we would come back later to pick them up.  The next store we entered had a really cute mascot:

I tried to smuggle her out of the store under my coat, but was tackled at the door by the manager.

I was more interested in finding things for my friends at work than myself.  However (big smile) I found the cutest lamp:

You can either plug it in or it’s solar powered (thus the solar panel and big “Solar Power” sign) and it lights up (thus the lamp) and the little airplanes spin.  Isn’t it precious?

We had a really nice day and walked around for over three hours.  I felt really good – I never had to take any of my wake-up medication!  Yea!  We picked up Jan’s pictures and called a taxi to take us back to the airport.  It was nice to see cute little Vyctor sitting on the apron, patiently waiting for us.

We snapped a few pictures on the flight back (which to my dismay, since my mother glared at me and snarled the whole flight) was much more bumpy then heading into Stratford:

The wind was a little more at our back, so the flight home was a bit shorter.  We were clipping along at a nice speed:

I asked Jan to take a picture of the Skyway that was directly in front of us and clearly in sight.  She asked “Which one?”  I suggested that perhaps the one right there, since we passed the other one about 20 minutes ago:

Nice pic by the way, little mother-dearest!

We arrived back at the St. Catharines airport with all of our newly purchased goodies:

Before leaving the airport, I asked if one of their co-op students would clean my plane tomorrow.  The aerobatics I’ve been doing over the last couple of weeks really left Vyctor with an oily belly!  Yuck!

Today’s symptoms:  Felt great, yet again!  The CCSVI surgery did everything I hoped for!  My energy is better than I can ever remember.

 

 

With my new energy, I’m really looking forward to my day off on Thursday.  My mother and I are considering flying over to Stratford to visit the quaint town.  I flew us in a few years ago.  Unfortunately, I didn’t last too long because I didn’t want to get too tired so that I couldn’t fly us back home!  I’m sure I’ll be able to last longer this time.

Today’s symptoms:  Feeling great!  I was a little tired after getting home from work, but I’m assuming that’s normal for most people.  I’ve had a few aches and pains in my arms today, but nothing more than usual.

 

I met up with a few of my Recreational Aircraft Association folks.  They mentioned to me that a few of the Officers from the documentary TV series Jetstream were outside.  I’ve seen every episode a few times – love it!  Captain Tristan McKee and Captain Dave McLeod were kind enough to let me pose with them.  Where am I, you ask?  I’m that ghost-like, pale, almost transparent, twig-like entity standing between them:

They were kind enough to give me the OK to post their pics on my blog – thanks again!

I also met up with the guys from Aviation Jewelry, from whom I’ve bought most of my favourite jewelry. We met them down in Sun N Fun earlier this month.  Of course, I bought a few items down there and bought a few more today!  Their stuff is very well done and quite unique.  We’re really looking forward to meeting up with them again in Oshkosh this summer.Chuck and I frolicked around the vendors and exhibits for a few hours.  It was a little disappointing to see there were less people in attendance than over the last couple of years.  There were less vendors as well.  Bummer.  Regardless, it was a great day and we’ll certainly go back next year.

The crowd was beginning to thin as we walked back out to the apron.  Fortunately, my plane was still there, waiting patiently for us:

There was a line of planes taxiing across the apron.  I waited a few minutes before firing up.  I guess I should have waited even longer.  Once we joined the line, we were all told to shut down.  There were para-jumpers taking off and I guess spinning propellers and folks dangling from large pieces of fabric through the air, is not a good mix.  We were sitting for less than 10 minutes when a marshaller told us to restart and carry on.

The flight home was a little more bumpy, but still great visibility.  Chuckles snapped a pic of St. Catharines as we approached the airport:

It was nice to be going home, as I was getting a bit tired from the long day.

Today’s symptoms: I had yet another great day since the CCSVI surgery!  I didn’t start to get pooped until around 2:00 today.  That’s pretty good considering how tired I usually get after a flight.  We did a lot of walking around today too.  Still, no headaches!  It’s been almost a month and the veins in my neck are still a little sore.  I guess this is to be expected since they were stretched to more than twice their previous size.

 

It almost looks like it’s touching down at my office.  Yup, there is a pot of taxes at the end of the rainbow!

As soon as I pulled out of the driveway, the rain started.  It didn’t last too long, but once it stopped, the insane winds hit.  Much of St. Catharines lost power today.  The winds were blowing at 65km/hr and gusting at 95km!  Many trees were uprooted, siding and roofs blew off and quite a few power lines came down after trees smacked into them.  I was quite happy to be safe inside the office during the mayhem!

Although it was crazy outside, it was quite pleasant inside.  In honour of William and Kate’s wedding tomorrow, we had tiara day at work!  Even some of the guys had them on!  It was quite fun and a nice little morale booster.  We had tea at 3:00 and took a group photo.  I decided to wear a garter along with the tiara, so I made sure to flash it during the photo.  I don’t think this surprised any of my coworkers – they all know I’m nuts.  Just last week I took it upon myself to make my friend’s ceramic rooster look a little more accessorised.  I thought a propeller on it’s beak was very suited for him:

I really don’t think the propeller is any more weird than a blue pok-a-dot rooster – hello!

Today’s symptoms:  I was a little more tired than I thought I would be after sleeping well last night.  However, I started the day off in training.  We were in the computer training room which is small, dark, no windows and quite warm.  Fortunately, things didn’t get much worse fatigue-wise as the day progressed.  Yea!

 

I’m happy to report that I feel even better than I did yesterday.  The MS fatigue is less and I only have a very slight headache (I get headaches most days).  My brain fog is less today and my neck is feeling quite a bit better.  I’m still a little tired and weak from the trip, but it is quite a bit better than yesterday.  I’m going to take it easy this weekend and continue my recovery.  However, a short flight might be in order if the weather is as nice as they say it’s going to be!  It’s so exciting and encouraging to think that I may be feeling a bit better every day.

The St. Catharines Standard did a really nice article on my procedure for today’s paper.  You can check it out here:

City Woman Flying High After Controversial MS TreatmentI was surprised that the photographer let me hold little Mya during the photo shoot.  I particulary like this pic:

Don Fraser also did an article on me last year:  Flying High To Help Ground MS

I’m quite impressed with his work!

During my recovery today, I brought Pinky and Boo over (they are in our other apartment across the hall) to try and get them integrated with Mya and Abby.  It has taken so long because after the new kitties had their surgery, they came back with colds.  I must have transferred the colds to Mya and Abby (I kiss my kitties a lot!) so they both got sick.  They were all being treated and it took about a month for everyone to stop sneezing.  Of course, then I was gone to Florida for almost a week, so that delayed it even more.  There is still quite a bit of growling, but no attacks.  Little Boo decided to hide out in the kitchen sink.  After snapping a few pics, I let her know that the counters and sinks are kitty-free zones.  Boo is in mid-meow, thus the weird expression:

She didn’t take the news too well that she needed to get down.  Please view the following photo at your own risk:

Little Pinky just sat around, growling the odd time and looking cute:

I think she’s going to be growling again tomorrow when I give her a bath.

Today’s symptoms:  Still JUST tired!  I’ve had a few sharp pains in my hands today, but nothing out of the ordinary.  My neck is feeling quite a bit better, just a little sore when I turn my head or try to strangle myself.

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 4/8/2011 6:38 PM

Ok, two days after my CCSVI surgery and I was back to work!  Mind you, I went in at 10:00am rather than my usual 7:15am, and I only was able to stay until 12:00.  My coworkers seemed happy to see me – I received many hugs!  However, they all said that I should be home resting.  I heard this from just about everyone I spoke to.  They also threatened to take me out back and kick my butt if I show up tomorrow.  I think I may actually take their advice. 

As for how I feel today, I don’t have the typical (daily) MS fatigue, at least not as bad as I usually experience it.  I’m really tired, but it’s more like a normal-person tired.  I just feel like I’ve done too much and my body is a little pooped!  This is much different (and much more tolerable) than the MS fatigue, which feels like my limbs are encased in cement, making simple movements arduous.  I don’t have the MS brain fog either.  I didn’t go into this surgery thinking I would jump off the table and feel wonderful.  I know how much farther I would fall if I had set my expectations that high.  I know that every day things are going to get a bit better.  It may take weeks, months or years.

When we were at the Orlando Airport getting ready for our flight home, I noticed my left hand felt slightly warm. It was pink and so was the left side of my face.  I’m hoping this is a sign of the increased blood flow.  Speaking of the airport, we were able to change our flight from 6:30pm to 1:10pm.  The wonderful folks at the AI3 Clinic got me in for my follow-up doppler ultrasound for 7:30am rather than our 11:00am scheduled time.  I was quite nervous while he was doing the scan, hoping that he wouldn’t say my veins look like their previous yucky selves.  Quite the opposite – they looked quite good!  What a relief!  The whole left side of my neck and a lower section of the right side are quite sore still.  This is the best pain/soreness I’ve ever experienced!  I’m sure it’s because my sissy little dainty veins were stretched into wonderful, big sassy veins!  I will certainly keep y’all posted on my daily improvements.

On the way from the luggage drop-off to the gate area of the airport, we took a train.  Chuck snapped this joyous pic:

I also forgot to share the lovely portrait of Mr. Skinny Bird Dude:

Tee hee!  Look at his little spindly legs!

Oh, I did another interview with Cogeco before I left.  Click here for the link.

Ok, almost finished.  I was just taking out my camera to check the pictures on the card when little Miss Abby and Mya decided it was time for a photo shoot.  Mya, looking cute and totally anti-fluffy:

Abby decided that she needed an ultra close-up:

Today’s symptoms: Tired….JUST TIRED!  Wow, I love being just tired!!!

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 4/7/2011 6:02 PM

Before we knew it, I was being wheeled off into the surgery room:

The staff was amazing – so nice and really made me feel at ease.  Still, I was quite happy when they administered my first shot of meds that helped me to relax.  If I’m not mistaken, she gave me another shot either right before the surgery or soon after it started.  Good times!

During most of the procedure, I was able to watch it on the screen next to the table.  It was so interesting.  For the first ballooning of one of the veins on my right side, the doctor mentioned that there would be a bit of pressure.  It was a little more pressure/pain than I was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t unbearable.  I really can’t remember how many times he inflated the balloon on the right side.  He asked me each time if the pressure was mild, moderate or severe.  I never had to say severe.  After completing the right side, he made his way up the left.  This is the side that had the most narrowed veins.  The pressure from the balloons was about the same on the left, until he blew through a valve.  It was fairly painful, but the neat thing was the sound it made – POP!  Tee Hee!  After that, he did a few more balloons on the left and then he was done.  I think the surgery was only about an hour.

Back out into the recovery area, Chuck made his way over from the waiting room.  The nurses were amazing and checked on me constantly.  One even brought Chuck and I toasted English muffins!  As the medication slowly started to wear off, the old silly me started making its way to the surface.  Mind you, I didn’t do anything too naughty.  Well, I did set off the alarm when I removed the heart rate monitor from my finger and tried to put it on Chuck’s.  I let the nurses that there was nothing to see here and to carry on as if I was normal.

We thought I would have to stay in the clinic for close to four hours, but the puncture point was healing well.  I was allowed to get up and use the little girls room, and soon after I got back to the bed, I was discharged.  Now I’m sitting comfortably in the hotel room.  My neck is quite sore – no complaints though, as it’s good pain.  It means I’m going to feel better soon!

I will keep you posted on my recovery.  I can’t wait until the drugs wear off and I get some sleep, then see if my fatigue levels start improving!

Today’s symptoms: Well, the day is only half over and I’m still very groggy from the meds.  Hmmmm….not too much to write about symptom-wise today!  Sorry about any typo’s in this blog – we’ll blame it on the drugs!

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 4/5/2011 12:54 PM

There was a slight incident with the carriage.  Chuck and I were trying to get it rolling, but we didn’t coordinate our maneuvers too well:

Fortunately, it was only a flesh wound and I was quickly back on my feet.

There was a wedding on the property while we were there.  The shower was in a building next to the loft we stayed in.  I was going to run by the reception hall in only my towel, but I don’t think anyone there deserved that sort of torment and trauma.

Here is a pic of the ceremony gazebo:

As I mentioned during last night’s blog, we had a wonderful time and wouldn’t hesitate to go back.

As for today, we spent a little more time at the clinic this morning than we had planned – it was all good though.  I met with the doctor and he said that he wanted to repeat my doppler ultrasound, as it showed normal looking veins.  He said my MRV had “substantial” issues, which was nice to hear.  Apparently, most people show issues on their doppler ultrasound and a normal MRV.  Figures, everything I do is backwards and weird.  So, I had another doppler ultrasound which will hopefully show more defects than my last one did!

I’m really excited about the CCSVI surgery tomorrow morning.  Of course, I’m also a little nervous.  I certainly hope to be able to blog about the results tomorrow night!  Wow, I really can’t believe I’ll be back to the clinic in twelve hours!

Today’s symptoms:  A little weak and fatigued today, after a long and exciting few days.  I had a bunch of really sharp pains in my arms throughout the day, as well as a bad headache.

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 4/4/2011 6:39 PM

Sorry I didn’t post until today, but I did not have access to the internet.I’m happy to say, we made it to Florida.  We arrived in Orlando on Friday.  We were going to check out Sun N Fun that afternoon, but it was late and I was really tired.  I mean, REALLY tired!  We ended up going yesterday and today.  I must admit, I was so sad when I saw the planes that were damaged and/or destroyed by the massive storm that ripped through the Lakeland Airport on Thursday.  We were told that around forty planes were damaged.  Some were home-builts.  In other words, people spent years – literally hundreds of hours building these planes, only to have them destroyed by a freak storm:

 

Despite the damage, the show went on!

It was a great time – we visited many vendors and shops, checked out some of the ground displays, and watched the air shows.  Unfortunately, the sun and heat had a  negative effect on me, and I only lasted two to three hours each day.  Oh well, I still had a blast and would love to go back next year.

We stayed at the Oak-K Run bed and breakfast in Lakeland, Florida.  It was AMAZING!  I will post some property pictures on tomorrow night’s blog (as it’s getting late and I’m a little pooped!)  In the meantime, here a few of the critters on the farm:

I will certainly post more pics and details of our trip so far tomorrow.  I think I’m about ready to take a sleeping pill (yes, I have insomnia) and go to bed.

Today’s symptoms: Very fatigued today due to my last three days of travel and excitement.  I’ve had a pretty bad headache today, but I’m trying to refrain from taking anything for it – I usually don’t take any type of pain killer until the pain has affected my ability to function.  I keep reading this blog before publishing, and find errors each time.  Needless to say, my mind isn’t overly sharp today!

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 4/3/2011 9:09 PM

 

 

I’m also going to miss my two other perfect little goobers, Pinky and Boo:

I will be bringing my iPad and laptop with my to Florida, so I hope to have internet access in order to do my blogs.  I’m pretty sure there is wifi in certain areas at Sun N Fun.

Stay tuned for the Liberation Treatment updates over the next few days.  I have my consultation at the clinic on Monday, April 4th and the surgery is on Tuesday morning.  I can’t tell if I’m more excited or nervous!

Today’s symptoms:  I had quite a bit of energy today, I think because I’m pumped up about our trip.  I hope I’m able to maintain this energy level for at least the next three days!

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 3/31/2011 7:26 PM

 

The weather was perfect all weekend, which was a bit of a bummer for me since I wasn’t feeling well enough to fly.  I was feeling much better today so I took some vacation time and headed out to the airport.  You’ll be thrilled to know that my new seat cushion is perfect!

I flew along the Lake Ontario shoreline.  You get a whole new perspective of the Escarpment from up there:

I headed toward Hamilton, then South before entering their airspace.  I flew down toward Lake Erie and passed the Dunnville Airport:

Then over to Port Maitland (at the mouth of the Grand River):

I thought the old lighthouse just off the shore was kinda neat:

I noticed a boat heading up the canal.  Despite how far away the boat was from the bridge, I was surprised to see the bridge was already up.  I guess that’s why we wait so long on the road:

I think this is of Crystal Beach:

And a nice clear shot of Buffalo, New York:

The Peace Bridge contained its typical traffic:

Ok, last one!  Sorry about the picture overload.  Niagara Falls:

I’m stopping now (and everyone breathes a sigh of relief!)

Today’s symptoms:  Much better than this weekend.  Very little fatigue and only a slight headache.  I’m quite pooped now, but I always am after a flight.

 

Although sans-co-pilot, I hit the skies just after 2:00.  It was very smooth and clear.  My first “stop” was over Niagara Falls, passing the Queenston Bridge on the way:

I didn’t really have a destination in mind, so I just flew out toward the Lake Erie shoreline.  There were two boats fairly close to shore, so I took some pics.  It looks like the second one is the Canadian Coast Guard:

It was a great flight, lasting about an hour.  I would have stayed up longer, but I had to get home and get ready for my Recreational Aircraft Association executive meeting tonight.  I guess I should be doing that rather than writing my blog.  Hmmm……

Today’s symptoms:  More energy than I’ve had all week.  Sleeping well last night contributed, I’m sure.  Yesterday I was really, really fatigued.  I think my body was punishing me for having such a good day the day before!

 

We arrived at the Princess of Wales theatre a little early, so we decided to have a drink.  They didn’t have too many chairs available in the bar area, so Jan and I had to share one:

Good thing she’s so tiny!

The show was absolutely amazing!  The costumes were spectacular and the singing was perfect!  I strongly recommend that people go see it.

To carry on with my previous blog, my co-pilot was Hayley Shephard (I forgot to ask her if I could use her name and post her websites on my blog!)  Here’s a little blurb on what she’s about:

“Hayley attempted a World First solo sea kayak journey around the Sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia to help raise awareness for the Albatross, a bird on the brink of extinction. Hayley’s expedition did not go as planned. Frequent Force 11 storms, a medical emergency, a severely damaged kayak and an earthquake caused numerous delays. Despite these setbacks, Hayley embodied a resilient spirit, as she strived against all odds to fulfill her long-lived dream to help save a magnificent bird.”

She spoke to our Recreational Aircraft Association back in April, and her presentation was amazing!  It was quite an honour and pleasure to take her for a flight around Niagara!  You can check out her websites here:

http://www.kayakingtosavealbatross.com
http://hayleyshephard.blogspot.com

 

On her blogspot, click on Presentation and Travel Blog to see some of the great pictures she took during our flight.

I wasn’t able to fly today due to the winds and chance of stormage.  However, since it’s Victoria Day, no work for moi!  I visited with my mother this morning.  We toddled over to Tim Hortons, then back to her house to remove a big ol’ tree from her back garden.  It was quite a bit of work due to the deep root system.  After a long haul of digging and axing, and with the help of our neighbour Charlie, we finally removed the stump from the ground.  I was so pooped after we finished, I had to take a little nappy in the hole:

Because I was so dirty and stinky, my mother denied my request to nap on her bed.  Thanks, mom.

As for an update on the kitty gang, these pics should say it all:

I’m happy to report that all four kitties are getting along much better now.

Today’s symptoms:  My fatigue level was a little worse than the last few days, but I think it’s because I didn’t sleep well last night.  I’ve had quite a few pains in my arms and a headache, but that’s about it!

 

At least this means that I’ve finally taken mine out of the box.

I made a really good purchase today.  When my mother flies with me, the seven phone books she sits on to allow her to see over the dash really causes weight and balance issues with the plane.  I was hoping to buy another seat cushion from the aircraft store I where I bought the other two, but the 4″ one was around $80!  My friend and I went to the Liquidation store near work during lunch.  There were four or five boat seats (back and seat cushions) sitting on the floor.  The seat cushion was about 4″ and the back around 3″.  They were $25!  I bought one that went with the colours of the inside of my plane (blue and off-white), took it home, unscrewed the hardware hinging the two pieces together and Voila!

Fortunately, Mya has spent the night working them in.  They will be all nice and comfy for my next flight.  Speaking of which, I probably won’t be flying for the next few days – it’s supposed to snow tomorrow.  Yuck!

I was really naughty at work today.  My mother bought Mya and Abby a remote control tarantula for Christmas:

Its movements are quite realistic!  Anyway, I brought it to work, hoping to frighten a few people.  I had it crawling down the aisle, when my friend walked in.  She almost made it over to her pod when I made spidey walk out from behind a pole.  Man, I’ve never seen anyone turn on their heels and walk back in the other direction that quickly before!  We all had a good laugh (except her).  A few hours later, the same friend was sitting in the office of the Team Leader who I wanted to scare.  Another friend was standing in the office as well.  I hid on the other side of the pod and walked spidey into the office.  The girl who I scared earlier saw it and screamed at the top of her lungs!  The other friend screamed as well, but she was drowned out by the much louder scream.  Tee hee!  I got one more person later today.  She came it after 2:00.  I gave her about 30 seconds to sit down at her desk, before spidey entered her pod.  Yup, another high pitched scream!  Everyone looked as I picked up spidey and ran back to my pod.  Ah yes, it was a good day at work!

At this time in exactly two weeks, I’ll be recovering from my CCSVI Liberation surgery in a hotel room in Florida.  I can’t believe how quickly the time is flying by.  I’m starting to get a bit nervous.  I’m also trying to lower my expectation of the surgery and think of the fact that it may not work for me.  I’m certainly not trying to be negative – I would give anything for it to work and provide me some energy!  I just don’t want to set my expectations too high and have the surgery not give me the results I so desperately want.  This  would be so much harder to recover from than having slightly lower expectations.  Still, I have my hopes set on the fact that it’s going to work!  Darnit-all!  I plan on bringing my new laptop with me, so I can keep everyone posted on the process.  I wonder if the doctor will let me do a blog entry during the surgery?  How cool would that be?!

Today’s symptoms:  Feeling pretty decent as I slept great last night.  I had a really bad headache, but took one of those new Advil Nighttime pills (now available in Canada!).  Worked great!