Pop Culture Wednesday

I am just drowning myself in knowledge and entertainment this week!  It's been an overly social weekend as well, so lots was taken in!  I just want to curl up with books and movies and disappear into another world.

Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: 

I was at the Pain Clinic waiting for acupuncture when I stumbled upon this little gem of a book!  As a well-seasoned Fibro patient, I have tried many of these options; it was nice to have them all in a singular collection.  Plus, it had a ton of testimonials which made me feel much less alone in the world.  I highly recommend that those who are afflicted check it out :).














Pineapple Express:

My absolute favorite stoner-buddy themed movie of ALL time.  So crazy and so much fun!!  James Frenco is one of my imaginary husbands for sure :).  I never fail to have a laugh when it comes on television.  This becomes a non-stop thrill ride once this lovely buyer/dealer combo witnesses a murder caused by a cop.  FANTASTIC.

The Air I Breathe:

I really enjoyed this movie.  It's based on a Chinese Proverb connecting happiness, pleasure, sorrow, and love; where every life gets woven into a tapestry with every other.  It features some of the best actors and actresses in Hollywood today, and I cannot believe that I had never heard of it.  Not something you would put on to cheer up, but groundbreaking all the same.

Play It Again, Sam:

We all know I'm a big Woody Allen fan, and this film is HILARIOUS.  Woody Allen's character tries to channel his film icon, Humphrey Bogart more heavily into his real life.  The plot is entirely an homage to Casablanca, and it works beautifully.

What do you think of these films/books?  What have you delved into that's fascinating this week?  Come on bookworms - join in!

xoxo,
Annie

The Times They Are A-Changin'

So I saw my psychiatrist on Saturday.

My psychiatrist(s) and pain doctor have made recommendations, and now a referral has been put through for the government to decide whether or not to fund me to go to Homewood (a rehab type facility in Ontario, Canada).

It is primarily a mental health clinic - but my psychiatrist believes it is my best chance to potentially see other doctors who would be more willing to delve into the medical issues and tests that can not be done in this region of the world.

If the government doesn't approve it, obviously, I'm not going.  If the government does approve it, I'll probably be going whether I want to or not.  I don't know how I feel about being treated in a detoxing facility, especially when I only take about 1/2 of the pills I am prescribed.  I have never shown drug addict behavior in my entire life...but I have never been able to detox without having TERRIBLE side effects (primarily from SSRI's and Benzos).

I'm tired of this complicated situation, but alas...I keep going.

I see an endocrinologist early in the year, as I've had a few tests with low parathyroid, so we'll see how it all works out.

What does everyone think?  Do you believe in the use of medication for illnesses such as Fibromyalgia, MECFS, and an unknown autoimmune problem?  Or do you support the natural supplement route?  What is working for you?  Have any of you been treated in major facilities?

xoxo,
Annie

Things That Bug Me Mondays

• Waiting to see if the government wants to send me away and waiting to see if my family wants me to do it :/
• I've been too social this weekend and it's TOTALLY wiped me out.
• Being scared about getting a part-time job due to pain and lack of a memory (especially when it is in retail and involves standing...)
• Being treated like I don't matter by some of my doctors.
• Forgetting my Clonazepam in my drug cases last week, because it spun me into a wicked benzo withdrawal.  Tremors, sweating, and terrible anxiety until I figured out what it was.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• I want a pet. This duplex doesn't allow them. Booooo.

And now for some amusing cats, as they seem to meet my needs right now!

What is bothering you this week?  Time for a little therapy session?  Same time, same place every Monday!  My shoulders feel lighter already :).

xoxo,

Annie  

Links, Links, Links!

These are some of the amusements and brilliant pieces that I have found on the Internet over the past week!  If you have any boredom, be sure to check them out!

My friend (and author) Maija is having a contest for free ME/CFS treatment books!  Be sure to enter, as it is a fantastic book!
http://www.brokenmarionettebook.com/?contest

60 suggestions to make life more simple - I don't agree with them all, but it's a solid jump off block!
http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/11/01/60-ways-to-make-life-simple-again/

Important things to always keep in the front of your mind!
http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/always-be-thinking-about-these-things/

Such a cute and classy website.
http://www.pinkofperfection.com/

Funny Christmas card :).
http://thedailywh.at/post/2314114676/christmas-card-of-the-day-the-2010-lucasfilm

Crazy looks from the craziest dressers of the year!
http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-the-craziest-looks-from-the-craziest-dressers-of-2010/

Are you in a winter style rut? Sarah Von teaches you how to get out of it!
http://www.yesandyes.org/2010/12/breaking-out-of-winter-style-rut.html

This little kid is sooooo cute :).
http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/2/tunnelofhorror.gif

One of the funniest car chases I have EVER seen.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=5ad_1292415708

Haha, I love this sign!
http://i.imgur.com/SJ6mp.jpg

An interesting perspective on how to be better at life...
http://www.merlinmann.com/better

Totally me and my man!
http://exocomics.com/147

Tell me which ones you like or what you would like to see more of!  I had a lot of fun finding them so I hope you have a good time viewing them.

xoxo,
Annie

Quote of the Day - Billy Bob Thornton

Marijuana used medically is one of my primary sources of pain relief and general treatment for my Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS.  I agree with Billy Bob on this one...what's so wrong with that?

I'm a firm believer that this drug needs to be legalized and brought in as a painkiller for more serious pain conditions. 

Hopefully you'll all respond and get some conversation going, to distract me from the scary possibilities currently running around in my mind regarding my health.

xoxo,

Annie

Love Me Fridays

• My wonderful doctor and nurse at the Pain Clinic!
• That it's my bestie's birthday!  Enjoy your day Sarah!
• Being finished with Christmas shopping.
• Japanese Mint Oil for my knee pain.
• Coming up with new blog ideas!
• That my other best friend Kim has had so much luck this week! She deserves every little bit of it!
• Daydreams of running away to visit Kim.
• Board games. I want a ton of them, but have no one to play them with me.
• Chocolate covered potato chips.
• Goat cheese.
• Re-watching Fight Club.

(Images from WeHeartIt)

What are the little things you are grateful for this week?  What has helped you get through adversity?!  I managed to accidentally cold turkey off of my Clonazepam, which didn't work out very well (or well at all!), but these little things helped me through the process!

xoxo,

Annie

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things! (Currently...)

What I'm really into right now:

I totally want a special stones collection!

I want to be able to have lips colored like this for a day!

This cup encouraging ways to better help!

I can't wait until I have a big blingin' cocktail ring!

This necklace is oh so cute!

Can I have a room like this in my backyard please?

Coffee table books about space!

Favorite magazines! (Mine are LouLou and Cosmo U.K.)

What are you fascinated by right now?  What hobbies do you use to distract yourself from illness?  Or to simply to relax your mind?

xoxo,

Annie