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!