The 10 Blessings of MS

The  10 Blessings of MS

Recently, I felt like a rock star!

   

I was signing orange bandannas for some of the 5000 participants the day before the 2013 MS Bike Tour. On October 6, 2013,  riders had the rare and immeasurable pleasure of riding through the streets of NYC car free. As one of the MS Champions my job was to ask people, who didn't know anyone w/ this unpredictable disease, if they would ride for me.  Hence, the autographed bandannas.

During the 13+ years that I've had multiple sclerosis, life certainly has not been a bed of roses.  There have been - and still are, though far less often today - some very dark days.  I wouldn't be human if I didn't boo-hoo occasionally about this sucky disease.

But I am here to say that despite the scary name and despite the fact that I do not know how my MS will progress, a corner has been turned. Today, I realize that MS is a blessing in the disguise of a disease. here's why:

Almost Free Tech

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I am reading a fabulous book called Citizenville by Gavin Newsom.  The subtitle is How to take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government.

After the recent abysmally low turnout primaries in New York City, it seems especially relevant to promote this book.

Now, I am the first person to admit that as one of the (over 30) "digital immigrants"  - as opposed to many of you (under 30) "digital natives" - I am far from the most technically savvy person you know! However, I may be the most thrifty, so allow me to share some of my tidbits...

Richmond Restoration

Date Night!

This is going to be a tricky one.  To be honest, I don't know if I am writing this post for women or for men, but I hope both will get something out of it.

First, let me say that I think affection and romance make life worth living.  If you are one of the people who derive pleasure out of other people's misery, this post is not for you.  On the other hand, if you enjoy making your partner happy, lend me an ear.

USCCB Blog: What Can I Do? Three Steps to Reduce Income Dispar...

Labor Day

I'm stepping a bit out of my economy box, but this post is written by one of my favorite priests, who is also the official priest of the Colbert Report!  I hope my economy tips are not in conflict w/ Father Jim's advice.  I'm sharing this post in the spirit of the 2 G's - generosity and  gratitude.  Welcome your comments...and I hope you had a peaceful and reflective Labor Day.

USCCB Blog: What Can I Do? Three Steps to Reduce Income Dispar...: By Father James Martin, SJ Before I entered the Jesuits in 1988, I worked for six years at General Electric in their finance departme...

Back to S----l!

Back to s----l!

At the risk of angering my 15 year old daughter, who forbids the use of the word "school" all summer, I'm afraid it is that time again.  Even as an adult, I feel the irresistible need to buy a notebook every fall! Back-to-school bargains can be had and finding them is a lot easier than you think.

My strategy for paying the lowest possible prices begins mid-summer with a list of everything I think I'll need.  My son just graduated college and my daughter is entering her Junior year of high school and I teach a weekly class at my church.  Over the years our back-to-school needs have evolved.

When Life Gives You Lemons...

First, I have to brag a little.  My dog Cookie was featured earlier this year in a great article in DNA Info, a

Cookie

site that covers local issues on Manhattan's East Side.  I am so embarrassed to say it took me this long to figure out how to get it into my blog!
I am a member of Community Board 8, an advisory board to the Manhattan Borough President.  I guess you could say Cookie is an honorary member!   Take a look at this article and then I'll get to the surprise...

DNAInfo

The Fountain of (almost free) Youth

The Fountain of (almost free) Youth    

In the interests of full disclosure, I must tell you that I am blessed w/ Italian parents who both look much younger than their years.  Both in their upper 70's, Nancy and George could pass for 50ish.  So if you want to dismiss my advice because I got lucky in the genetic lottery, I will not be offended, but...