I haven't blogged in a really long time! If anyone still reads this, my life has changed dramatically and I just haven't had the time to invest. I now live in a different city and my kids are 11 and 18! I'm studying Medical Assisting and phlebotomy and graduate next month. I have a wonderful boyfriend whom I love dearly!! I am hoping to move in a few months. I am now helping with church nursery and Sunday school classes. Life is better now than it has been in many, many years!!

My author page has been updated

Please visit my updated author page and consider buying Multiple Sclerosis: The Many Faces of the Disease for yourself or as a gift.

My MS author webpage

Moving

I'm moving again, a week from Saturday or March 12 to be exact. It's been three years since I last moved, but it doesn't feel that way. I feel like I just got settled and now it's time to pack and move once again. The worst part is the packing because it takes a really long time and most of it cannot be done way beforehand since most of the important things get used on a regular basis.

I'm not sure about this move, I have extremely conflicting emotions this time around. My daughter is not happy about it and my son is excited. It is certainly going to be interesting to see how things go. I'm anxious and just hope everything works out for the best.

Book review

I am proud to say my book has been reviewed and posted on the following websites:

Amazon.com or Amazon.ca - http://www.amazon.com/review/R3ABSVND5EKL6B/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm
BarnesAndNoble.com - http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1362191
BookCrossing.com - www.BookCrossing.com/631-7942922
Books.Google.com - http://books.google.com/books?sitesec=reviews&id=xGq3PwAACAAJ
BooksAMillion.com - http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781432735494?id=4697485320733#customer-reviews
Face Book Visual Bookshelf - http://apps.facebook.com/facebookshelf/books/200004238641-kathy-reed-multiple-sclerosis-the-many-faces-of-the-disease?ref=search-title
Gather.com - http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978181449
PaperbackSwap.com - http://www.paperbackswap.com/book/details/9781432735494-Multiple Sclerosis The Many Faces of the Disease
Reviewer's Personal Blog - http://4theloveofreading.blogspot.com/2010/04/multiple-sclerosis-many-faces-of.html
Reviewer's Twitter Account - http://bit.ly/aqYZKh

They're all the same review, but located in various places to help draw in readers. Please consider visiting one or multiple links to let me know what you think. If you feel like buying my book, even better! Happy reading!

Book contest

I published my first book: "Multiple Sclerosis: The Many Faces of the Disease" in July 2009. Yesterday a friend called me to talk about my aunt and discuss her story from the book. It made me excited that someone actually read it and enjoyed talking about it. I never wrote the story with the intent of making tons of money, but sales have not been great. Therefore, in an effort to spread the word about my book, I have decided to do a book contest for my blog readers and twitter followers. If you know someone with MS, are living with MS yourself, or simply want to support me - please consider participating.

Rules: You may either post a comment here, send me an email at logsdon.kathy@gmail.com, or reply to me on twitter. Your comment(s) should explain why you would like a copy of my book or what it would mean to you to receive a copy. The winner will receive one, free, autographed copy of my book ( I wrote it under my maiden name so the last name will be different). The contest will begin as soon as I publish this post and will end on midnight (US Eastern time zone) on Sunday, February 20, 2011.

Amazon reviews:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Anyone Touched by MS, April 18, 2010

By 

Beverly Pechin (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Multiple Sclerosis: The Many Faces of the Disease (Paperback)

As someone who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS), I knew that this book would be something that I would either love or hate. I tend to be very harsh on anything that comes out discussing this disease, simply because I have it and know the facts. While no 2 people with MS are the same, we do share many similar symptoms. All too often the first words you read in any book on MS is "MS doesn't kill people" and while this may be true to some degree, it angers me because it's like saying "that Mac truck didn't kill him when it hit him"... technically it didn't, but the results OF that hit were what killed him and often the symptoms of MS are what take someone down. That doesn't mean we have a death sentence, I'm proof of that, but don't dismiss the disease with such nonchalant comments. Of course that's my opinion, but I'll stand by it! So, when Reed's book didn't start out with this big introduction of how MS isn't a death sentence, I was impressed on that fact alone!

Multiple Sclerosis - The Many Faces of the Disease is really a wonderful book to keep handy for anyone who has MS, especially when someone comes into your life and is clueless what MS is really about. While I personally didn't find it helpful for my own use, simply because I've had the disease for so long, I would have LOVED having it available to me at the time of my diagnosis. I wish I had known about it or had it available when I was diagnosed in 1995! For this reason alone, I highly recommend the book to anyone newly diagnosed with the disease or with anyone who's recently come into the life of someone with MS. You need to know the truth, the facts and the stories behind the faces of MS and Reed provides just this opportunity!

Reed has some particular cases she talks about, discusses the disease itself in the most basic of ways and gives some pretty comprehensible descriptions of what MS is and how it can act. The book is small, concise and covers just about every aspect you can imagine about MS from what the disease is to what some people can do to keep the disease under control. It's honest and not at all frightening to the reader, which is a huge plus with this disease. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who wants to explain the disease to someone in their life (children, spouse, family, new romantic partner, co-workers) that could really use some enlightenment on what MS is and how it works. Keep a copy in your library if you have MS or better yet, if you know someone who has MS that may need the help in explaining this confusing disease and all it presents to their life to someone they care about.

Kudos Ms. Reed in a book that was well thought out, well written and simple yet concise!

4.0 out of 5 stars A sensitive and practical introduction, March 13, 2010

By 

Helen J. Bacon "Joan" (Nazareth, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Multiple Sclerosis: The Many Faces of the Disease (Paperback)

Although this is a rather short book, it was powerful in its message. It begins with a real life story about the author's aunt, in her struggle with multiple sclerosis. The rest of the book is a discussion about the disease itself, the types, the treatments, causes, drugs and therapies. I definitely recommend this reading for anyone with a family member or friend who is afflicted with MS, as it provides some very important information that is easy to understand, rather than trying to sift through huge medical journals to find relevant information. The story about Suzanne, the author's aunt, truly personalized the experience both for how she courageously grappled with its increasing affects on her life, but also for the impact on those around her as they in their own ways went through this with her also.

More information is available at: 
Amazon Page or Outskirts Press or My aha moment

Thank you and good luck!

Funny things my daughter says

Me: Come on we have to go to the store to pick up a few things. Her: Mommy, can I please stay home by myself? I'll be good and not make a mess! Me: No honey, you're too young to stay home alone. Her: You always have to be older to do everything! Me: I'm sorry honey, but don't wish your life away. Her: Well, I just want to get 16 and then stop. I don't want to be an adult and pay bills and stuff!!

In a recent school unit, they studied about Rosa Parks and Aurea discovered Rosa was born in 1913. She informed the teacher that she had a Granny who was born in 1913, but she died in 2009. The teacher later asked me if she was right - and she was! Then Aurea asked if Granny knew Rosa Parks! LOL I seriously doubt that!!

Her: Mommy, how old is Debbie? Me: Debbie who? I don't know a Debbie. Her: You know, little Debbie - from the snack cakes. Me (looking bewildered): I have no idea. After some internet research, apparently Debbie is Debbie McKee-Fowler who was 4-years-old in 1960 when her face became the Little Debbie logo. Therefore, she would now be about 50 (or 51 depending on her birthday - I couldn't find that).

My daughter has asked about many other things that seemingly came out of nowhere or made me wonder where in the world she comes up with this stuff! I can't think of them all right now, but I know there are many.

French toast anyone?

Some co-workers and I were outside talking earlier and joking about French toast. No, not because we love French toast so much. We were actually laughing at the local school system for dismissing schools two hours early today for a "proposed snowstorm" later this evening. In other words, it is not snowing now and there is no snow on the ground, but they are expecting it later. Therefore, the schools decided it made sense to simply close early. I don't see the logic in this. However, everyone is now running to the grocery to pick up the essential items -- bread, milk, and eggs. You know, the ingredients for French toast! Amazing how a little bit of snow (or lack thereof) suddenly makes everyone want French toast. Okay, so maybe that's not why they buy these items, but it certainly was an entertaining discussion.

I've been re-reading old posts today and some of them were really beneficial. Other posts brought one thought to mind: The more things change, the more they stay the same. I feel like I could simply do re-runs of my posts from 2007 when I was moving back home to live with my parents. Guess what? I'm moving back AGAIN in March! Due to family issues and my job ending soon, it seems like the logical solution. Unfortunately, it does not shed a positive light on my life or the fact that I'm right back in the same place I was a little over three years ago.

I have made many friends in Lexington this time around, so it's going to be even harder to move again. Plus, Aurea is in third grade now versus kindergarten when we last moved. I keep trying to point out the positive aspects (being closer to family, no more school uniforms, etc.), but it still really hurts.

On the bright side, I am seeing a great guy from there so it means more time together and I will have more help with being a single mom. I will also be better able to handle Adam's 15-year-old issues he's been struggling with over the last few months. It has been very exhausting. Since I found out my job was ending, I have been looking for a new one. I'm not sure if it's the economy or the fact I'm two hours away, but I have not had much luck so far. If anyone still reads this, please keep your fingers crossed that I find something soon. Thank you.

Snow go away

It seems like all the weather has done this winter is come down hard on everyone across the country. I've heard stories of people in the desert getting snow, that is just ridiculous! I have never been a fan of snow myself. Personally, if it weren't for my kids, friends, and family all being in Kentucky - I would pack up and move someplace warm and sunny - preferably with a beach and sand. Oh well, a woman can dream. It certainly beats looking outside and seeing four inches of snow on the ground. The north has gotten much more than that, but I'm just cold and tired of winter and it's only January!

Okay, now that I got that out of my system I can get off my winter soapbox.

Life has been very interesting, but very hectic recently. Without getting into all of the personal details, life has changed a great deal and is about to change even more over the course of the next few weeks. Partly due to family issues and partially due to my job ending in 4-6 weeks, we have decided to move back to my hometown, which is about two hours south.

It was a very difficult decision, but one I think (and hope) will work out the best for my family in the long run. It's scary to uproot and start over once again. I see advantages and disadvantages to both ends of the spectrum. No matter what happens though, we have each other. My children are the most important people in my life - all I want is for them to be happy. I really hope it does work out in the end.

Update on the kids

I am so proud of my daughter. She recently auditioned in vocals for the School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA). She was very excited to audition, but I'm sure it was also extremely nerve-wracking. Approximately 500 kids auditioned for 54 spots. It was a closed audition, so I was not allowed in the room. The only feedback I got was her smiling face and positive attitude after the audition. She said, "If I get in then AWESOME, if not, I tried." I am so proud of her just for putting forth the effort. I cannot imagine being 8-years-old and going to a room with three people I've never met to answer questions, sing the musical scale, and perform a song all on my own - that took courage in itself. We will not know the outcome until late January or early February. Either way, she put her best foot forward and made a great effort.

My son turned 15 on Halloween. We went to a haunted house and haunted trail and then went to the movies to watch Saw 3D. He loves having a Halloween birthday! We enjoy "scary" stuff and it's our special time together. Aurea enjoyed Halloween this year too. The local towns couldn't decide what day to have trick-or-treating since it's apparently a sin to have it on Sunday. She went with her grandmother tick-or-treating on Friday night and then a friend of mine took her in Lexington on Sunday night. It was certainly interesting. I'm ready to get rid of the candy though, it's too tempting lying around the house.

Unfortunately, Adam has been getting into trouble lately. I will not provide details because I don't want to air all of his personal details to the whole world. Any advice on how to deal with a teenage boy refusing to listen though would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to end this before it gets too far out of control and can't be undone. I just can't seem to say or do the right thing to get through to him!

Life has been very busy and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. This is actually fairly normal this time of year and will slow down sometime in the spring.

Fall is here

I have gotten really bad at keeping this blog updated and I'm not even sure anyone reads it anymore. I actually considered quitting, but I do enjoy the occasional chance to vent or announce important events, so I guess I'll just stick to updating from time to time.

The aha moments video went well. Since my last entry I have been very busy. The kids started school in August. My daughter is in 3rd grade and loves it. Adam has never liked school and was not looking forward to starting high school this fall, but he really seems to enjoy it, or at least as much as he will ever like school!

I've been traveling and doing recruiting fairs for work on top of trying to get back into the school habit and all of our fall activities. My schedule has been hectic, but the month of September usually is for us. I'm glad things will be calming down soon and we are going on vacation in October.

I have never been to Florida and I'm taking the kids to Disney World this year! We are all so excited and it couldn't come at a better time. Just as Kentucky weather is beginning to cool down and show signs of fall, we are going to Florida. I can't wait!!

My aha moment

 On July 14, I was approached via email by a Mutual of Omaha Representative. This very nice lady found my website and blog online and contacted me about doing a video of my aha moment. For those who don't know about aha moments, this comes from the Mutual of Omaha website:

proud sponsor of life's aha moments

What is an aha moment? It's a moment of clarity, a defining moment where you gain real wisdom - wisdom you can use to change your life. Whether big or small, funny or sad, they can be surprising and inspiring. Each one is unique, deeply personal, and we think, worth sharing.
Mutual of Omaha celebrates and honors these moments and the people who act upon them. We're proud to have the products and services that can help people insure their possibilities.

The next day, I went to Cheapside Park in downtown Lexington and recorded my aha moment in the 34-foot airstream studio. The new experience was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. However, I completed the video and would like to share it here:

Please check out my aha moment:

Please feel free to provide feedback! Thank you!

Summer Vacation

My children go to different schools in separate districts. Aurea finished second grade yesterday and Adam completes eighth grade today. I cannot believe I am going to be the mom of a high school freshman in August! That really makes me feel old even though I know I'm not old.

Aurea was so excited to be out for summer vacation that she did not want to go to bed last night! I couldn't get her to understand that just because school is out does not mean mommy gets to stay home from work and play all summer. The joys of single parenthood! We still have to get up and go every morning. She will just be going to the YMCA to swim and have fun and go on field trips instead of sitting in a classroom all day. Unfortunately, the Y decided not to start childcare until Monday. Seriously, why in the world would you not start childcare until Monday when school is out on Friday? Therefore, we have already had a chaotic morning. I drove downtown just to find out it wasn't being held. Then, I called numerous friends in search of a sitter. My neighbor finally called back so I had to turn around and drive back home and then back across town to work! At least I found someone, but that was really aggravating this morning.

Adam is thrilled to be getting out for the summer and could care less about going back in the fall, high school or not. Aurea loves school. It's amazing how contrasting two children can be, but they are both wonderful!

Either way, it's summer vacation and I'm going to love getting to go swimming and do more fun stuff in the evenings and on the weekends. We started off with a big cookout and pool party at my mom's Memorial Day weekend. Hope everyone else has a safe, fun summer also.

RIP Granny: December 31, 1913 - April 26, 2009

It has been one year ago today since the Lord decided to call my Granny home. I truly believe she went back to be with her husband, my papa, in heaven. They were married for 60 years! That is a long time to be married, I am so proud to be able to say that, especially in this day and age! When he died in 2001, we thought for sure she would be right behind him. Luckily, we were able to have her here on Earth for 8 more years. I am particularly grateful because I was pregnant with Aurea when papa died, so he never got to meet her. Granny got to know her for the first few years of her life anyway. My son still remembers both of them well. He loved Granny, but he was closer to papa. Growing up on a farm, my papa would take my son, Adam, riding on the tractor and doing all kinds of things around the farm. To this day, Adam is more about 4-wheelers and dirt bikes than anything else. Granny Gladys was 95-years-old and lived a good, long life. It was certainly her time to go and I'm glad she went peacefully. Unfortunately, I still miss her. I only have one grandparent still living, but I was fortunate to have the other three until 2001, 2005, and 2009 respectively. I cherish the time left with my grandma and the fact that my son got to meet all four of his great-grandparents (at least on my side) and my daughter got to meet three of her four great-grandparents on my side, that is so rare. Even though it hurts that she is gone, I will try to simply cherish her memory for the rest of the day and be grateful for the time we had together.

Happy belated holidays

Okay I'm really behind. I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I have been housesitting without internet for most of my time off of work! However, we had a very nice break. One advantage to working at a university is being able to have a week and a half off of work for the holidays.

The kids really enjoyed it, especially sleeping in and staying up late every night. Adam got the Harry Potter six-disc DVD collection for Christmas, so one day was nothing but a Harry Potter marathon. Aurea got a DSi and Wii Fit. Needless to say, she was extremely occupied.

The three of us took turns playing on the Wii Fit and I certainly got my workout. I guess it's what you make it (like most anything these days), but I certainly have been getting my daily workouts by using it. After the first three days I was extremely sore. The best part is that I enjoyed it and I hate to exercise!

Our New Year's Eve was pretty boring. Adam was with his dad so it was just me and Aurea. She decided to watch Disney's New Year's Showdown while I watched Dick Clark's New Year's Eve show where the ball dropped in Times Square. That's it, just television for us. At least I got to spend midnight with my daughter, but it was a quiet and uneventful evening.

I would love to say so much about our exciting adventures and everything we did over break, but that didn't happen. What did happen was a lot of catching up on sleep and favorite television shows, playing the Wii and DSi, and seeing family. While it might not have been eventful, it was peaceful and relaxing. I was really glad for the break.

Unfortunately, it made it extremely difficult to get up and going this morning. The 13 degree temperature and snow falling on this cold, dark morning did not help our spirits any either. Thankfully, Monday (at least the workday part of it) is about over and hopefully the rest of the week will be much easier.

I hope everyone else had a good break. Enjoy 2010!

Boyz II Men

Saturday night I had the incredible opportunity to see Boyz II Men (Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman,and Wanya Morris) in concert at the UK Singletary Center for the Arts. I have loved this group for years and finally got to see them live, 5th row. The best part was when Shawn and Nathan came out carrying red roses as the song "I'll Make Love to You" began. Those of us in the first few rows dashed to the stage and I got a red rose from Shawn! I know I sound silly, but it was really exciting and I have that rose on display now!

The concert was great. They sang everything from "On Bended Knee" to Lonestar's "Amazed." They even sang songs from their latest Love album. It was fantastic and they really got the crowd involved in the music. I had a wonderful time.

I also went to a graduation party after the concert for a friend who graduated that morning. As a single mom, nights like these are rare. I got a chance to get out and have some "me" time for the evening. It was a relaxing and much needed break.

Now I only have two days left to work this week and I'm off until January 4th. I feel really good.

Aurea's 8th birthday

This is Aurea's Wizards of Waverly Place birthday cake from her party this weekend. I'm not posting party pictures for the sake of privacy of the attendees. However, there were about seven children there ranging in age from 4-8. My beautiful baby girl is now 8-years-old! I still can't believe it.

Aurea's birthday was on Friday. Barnes & Noble hosted a special night for her school. The children had the opportunity to sing songs, listen to a storyteller, watch a magician, and shop for books. Plus, 15% of the proceeds from purchases went to our PTA. It was hectic, but fun.

After Barnes & Noble, we went to see the Disney version of "A Christmas Carol" with Jim Carrey in 3D. It was really cute, but 3D movies have gotten expensive! The theatre is close to the mall and was also playing "New Moon." Needless to say, we had to park in the nearby shopping center and walk over since the parking lot was completely full. Walking wasn't bad since it was not that far, but it sure was cold. She loved the movie and fell asleep on the way home.

Saturday was her party and our first snow for the season here in Kentucky. Fortunately, it was only a mild dusting with no ice. Everyone made it to the party and had a great time. My parents and niece drove up for the party and stayed the night with us. They took us out to eat that evening and then Aurea and her cousin spent the evening playing.

Things finally calmed down yesterday after my family left and I put the house back in order. I finally got a chance to relax for a bit last night before coming back to work today. I'm proud the kids had a great time at the party and Aurea had a wonderful weekend, but I'm grateful next weekend will not be as hectic.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes, I realize I am a few days late, but I hope everyone had a very happy and safe Thanksgiving. I went home to Glasgow to eat turkey and spend time with the family. My sister became a stepmom when she got married in September, so I finally got to spend time with my new step-nephew also. My niece was very happy to see me and Aurea. My nephew could care less that I was there, but he and Aurea had fun playing on the computer after Thanksgiving dinner was finished.

We came home on Friday. Aurea was supposed to be in the Christmas parade with Girl Scouts, but too many of the girls were sick and we decided it was too cold to go. Instead, we stayed home and put up and decorated the Christmas tree. Saturday we went to Southern Lights. It is held at the KY Horse Park and you drive through and get to look at the creative, festive trail of lights. At the end, we got to go inside where Aurea got her picture made with Santa. Back outside, she was excited to get to ride a real camel!

All in all, we had a great long weekend and a nice Thanksgiving. I hope everyone else did as well.

Kathy:I am who I am: Happy Veterans Day

Kathy:I am who I am: Happy Veterans Day

http://www.glasgowdailytimes.com/archivesearch/local_story_289132807.html

Happy Veterans Day

I know I'm a day late, but I want to say Happy Veterans day to all of the men and women out there who serve/have served in the armed forces. It is also a good time to remember everyone in Ft. Hood. My hometown created plaques for veterans to be displayed, I think that was a great idea - especially since both of my grandfathers now have memorial plaques there. In honor of all veterans, I hope you had a great Veterans day and thank you for all you do.

Halloween weekend

Halloween is one of my favorite and busiest days of the year. My wonderful son, Adam, was born on Halloween afternoon 14 years ago. I cannot believe he is now 14, but he is and he certainly acts like a teenage boy. When he was little, we would go trick-or-treating and say, "Trick or treat, it's my birthday!" He always got extra candy and presents from houses of close friends or family members. When my daughter was born and she began trick or treating as well, he used it to get extra candy for both of them.

About three years ago, Adam decided he was too big to go trick-or-treating and would rather go to haunted houses. We began a tradition where the two of us go to various haunted houses or attractions. Aurea's grandmother or father take her trick-or-treating while Adam and I either hand out candy, go out to eat, or otherwise celebrate his birthday. Then, we go to the haunted places. This year we chose ScreamPark (www.scarylexington.com), Terror on Tates Creek, and Nightmare Haunted House (www.2scary.com). ScreamPark was new this year and supposed to be the best new attraction. It featured three haunted houses in one indoor warehouse. Unfortunately, it was not scary at all and a complete waste of money. Terror on Tates Creek was an outdoor "haunted" trail. It was fun, but not the best. The best attraction was Nightmare Haunted House. They change the theme every year, this year was Mercy Hospital. It still wasn't scary (can you tell we don't scare easily?), but we had a great time. Despite the lack of scarefest, we had a great night and Adam had a lot of fun. We came home and watched horror movies on TV.

Unlike most years, I had plans with Aurea on Sunday night just for us. She wanted to see Miley Cyrus in concert. I bought tickets months ago and she has been excited about seeing Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana in concert. Unfortunately, Hannah Montana is long gone. Instead, Miley attempted to reach an older audience with newer songs Aurea did know very well. Some were good, others not as great. The lights and effects were great. She rode a Harley suspended from the ceiling over the heads of the audience; this made me a little concerned, but it was certainly entertaining. The biggest problems I had with the show were Miley's choices concerning clothing and dancing. I would NEVER let my daughter wear tight, leather, barely-there clothing at any age! Her clothes got skimpier as the night went on and her dancing more provocative. Metro Station (Miley's brother is the lead singer) opened the show and the band was also not child-friendly. The show was entertaining, but it was not geared toward young children. Miley is no longer a wholesome, family entertainment choice and I'm sorry I took my daughter. She had a good time, I just hope she never learns any of those dances and she will not buy any of those outfits.

We had a fun, but extremely busy weekend. The kids really enjoyed themselves and now I'm ready for a day off just to catch up with stuff I need to do. Unfortunately, that will not be until this coming Saturday.