Tragedy at the State Fair (We are all fine!)

While we were at the Fair yesterday for the girls to perform, we had left by about 3 PM. The collapse of the Grandstand stage occurred at about 9 PM. It was caused by a 70 mph localized wind gust.

Unfortunately, 5 people died and 45 were injured. Please keep those people and their families in your prayers. The Fair is close today and will reopen tomorrow with most activities occurring.

We won't be returning to the Fair until Sunday, August 21.

Bump Day

We were involved in a very minor rear-end collision yesterday afternoon less than a mile from home. We were stopped behind two cars at a stoplight. Just as the light turned green, a woman behind us rammed into the van. There was no apparent damage to either vehicle and WE ARE ALL OK. The back of Mommy's head hurt afterwards and she was a little bit dizzy, but not too much to drive home. The girls were frightened, but not hurt.

We are thankful and blessed that it was not any worse. We thought Wednesday was hump day, not bump day.

Press for CPS

A journalist from Augusta, GA has written an article detailing some of his journey with Central Pain Syndrome. He also has included some websites if the reader wants more information. Please note: This man received some relief from the drug Cymbalta. CPS is such a multifaceted disease that no one treatment will work nor cure it.

I hope you enjoy reading this article as much as Mommy did.

Central Pain Syndrome

Sugar Less

We just got back from the dentist's Candy Buy Back event. We sold them 6 POUNDS of candy! We had collected the hard candy and lollipops we had around the house and added it to what we weeded out from last night's haul. As a result of this "sale", Kitty and Jules got $3 each. They put the money in their banks to wait until they decide what to buy. Or, they may use it as a donation for church.

Gifts they got from the dentist include a glowing toothbrush, dental floss and toothpaste.

An update note from Mommy

According to the State, I am officially considered permanently disabled. I was diagnosed about two weeks ago with both CPS (Central Pain Syndrome) and Fibromyalgia. I had injured my lower back the summer of 1994. Since then, I had only two or three times when my back really hurt. I did have sciatica and very loose joints when I was pregnant with my two girls, but this virtually vanished when they were born.

This past October, I went to see a chiropractor who has greatly benefited a good friend and her family. It wasn't for any special reason, just to see what would come of it.

Well, what came of it was CPS. After an adjustment at the base of my spine (at just my second appt!), I was in a great deal of pain. He made another adjustment, which brought no relief. Since that time, I have lived with the shooting pains, light touch sensitivity, etc.

It has developed into a real pain in the a**, literally. I can't walk for very far or long. Sitting is extremely difficult and I never know if I will be able to sit down anywhere when we go out.

I was eventually sent to a pain specialist, where I was given a misdiagnosis of a herniated disk between my 3rd and 4th lumbars in my spine back in March.

So, now I'm not only dealing with the pain of both conditions, I'm also trying to accept that this pain will last the rest of my life. I'm also very frustrated, as the only info I have about CPS I have found online. It is considered to be a "Rare Disease". Mom has fibro, so I understand a bit more about that.

Today, I was granted a permanent handicap placard by the State BMV. I'm glad to get any help I can in dealing with this.

I can smile, and laugh, so I know I will be okay. I know that I am a lot more than just my pain.

Why take the chance?!?

This video addresses a very important matter - what is in the food we buy. With the incidents of mass poisoning of pets last year and babies/children this year in China, we should be very concerned. There are foods that are made in China and are currently being sold here. Mild powder was contaminated with melamine. This is the same compound which is used to make the famous Melmac dishware. In that form, melamine is not toxic. However, when it is used as a filler for foods, it can cause very serious consequences.

Unfortunately, the FDA does not require country of origin on packaging of candy. So, we don't know if candy that contains milk powder might contain melamine. I don't want to take the chance.



Here is a more objective video from the Associated Press regarding this issue.



Check any candy not from a brand you recognize, like Hershey's, etc.

Toothless!

Kitty lost her third tooth today. She woke up with it in her mouth. Thank goodness she didn't swallow it!