Step, step, step... Okay - I have my answers. All is calm. I had sinusitis for three weeks and the Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist put me on Ciprofloxacin (2-500MG tabs daily) and Allegra-D 24 Hour Tabs (1 tab daily) and the combo shot my heart rate into orbit. Three days after I stopped this drug therapy, the heart rate plummeted and the pacemaker did what it was supposed to do and kicked in. :)
Next time, I will call my cardiologist before taking any medication that warns you on the label that it "May Cause Dizziness" and/or "Do Not Drive Or Perform Other Potentially Dangerous Tasks Until You Know How This Medicine Affects You." In one of my earlier blogs, I announced that I already knew it was important to monitor everything we put in-or-on our bodies. This scare was unnecessary!
February is American Heart Month, which marks the perfect opportunity for me to continue embarking on this quest for a healthier heart and lifestyle. Despite strides in raising awareness of cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death and illness among women, heart disease is still under-recognized, under-treated, and under-diagnosed in women. If nothing else, I hope this blog continues to raise awareness... Are You Good to Your Heart?
Heart Disease kills more than 700,000 people each year; more than 80 million Americans (1 in 3) are currently living with one or more types of cardiovascular disease. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this year alone, more than 920,000 people will have a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and an additional 780,000 will have a stroke. I'm going to continue to assess my lifestyle to see if there are other actions I can take on this journey to mitigate the risks that contribute to these statistics.
In the meantime, I'll be Going Red for Women and celebrating heart health at Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010! Would anyone like to join me??!!
The Red Dress Event:
Plan a night out with the ladies and view several dresses fresh off the runway from New York's 2010 Fashion Week as part of the Red Dress Collection from The Heart Truth Campaign. Notable designers who have dressed the celebrity models in the past for this fashion show include Vera Wang, Donna Karan, Oscar De la Renta, Badgley Mischka, Marc Jacobs, and more. Designed to warn women of their #1 health threat, The Heart Truth created and introduced the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 to deliver an urgent wake-up call to American women.
Enjoy refreshments, hors d'oeuvres, beauty, fashion, door prizes and gift bags – and most importantly, learn your risk factor for heart disease. Take away the latest information on how you can be heart healthy from Sara Grimley, M.D., director of Meridian Women’s Heart Connection. Reserve your spot now as only 200 tickets are available. Attire is casual chic with a splash of red if you wish.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Lobster Shanty
83 Channel Drive, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Tickets to this event are $50 and all of the proceeds will benefit women's heart services at Meridian Health.
For Information call 1-800-DOCTORS
Let's paint the town RED at the Lobster Shanty!!
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: 14/51
Quote of the Day:
"Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on..."
- Celine Dion, Ensign Music Corp.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
This Ain't No Dress Rehearsal!
Step, step, STOP...
Okay gang. Yesterday, I experienced my first noticeable arrhythmias since last summer and found myself oddly breathless. I skipped the Blog last night to get to bed early and I've confined myself to regular walking only. I'm still counting and monitoring my steps with my VirginHealth GoZone Monitor, but I did stop the 100,000 Step Challenge immediately until doctors get a chance to review the heart rate data recorded by my pacemaker. Tomorrow we'll know if the matter requires further exploration or any action on my part.
In layman's terms, what's happened to me before is that sometimes when the chemistry in my blood changes (i.e. improved cholesterol numbers, lower triglycerides, etc.) and/or I'm successful at losing weight with the help of exercise, my medication dosages have had to be altered somewhat to be sure I could continue gaining maximum physical benefit from drug intervention.
For everyone on medication out there - including people like me who are healthy except for these heart rate issues - you have to be vigilant and alert to any physical changes and/or signs of discomfort you may experience at any time. Sometimes your body is just sending a message that it has adapted to a dosage level which may have worked fine for many months or years, but suddenly any number of internal or external factors may now require a higher or lower dosage than previously prescribed.
Look at this example, if you're on 40 milligrams of blood pressure medication and you are exercising more than all of last year AND your diet has addressed some other risk factors, there's a very good chance you may get to reduce the daily dosage or perhaps even eliminate this medication altogether!
Be a hawk when it comes to medications and become your own best advocate by staying informed! Pay attention to how you feel because as we all know, "this ain't no dress rehearsal!"
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: 14/51
Quote of the Day: See above.
Okay gang. Yesterday, I experienced my first noticeable arrhythmias since last summer and found myself oddly breathless. I skipped the Blog last night to get to bed early and I've confined myself to regular walking only. I'm still counting and monitoring my steps with my VirginHealth GoZone Monitor, but I did stop the 100,000 Step Challenge immediately until doctors get a chance to review the heart rate data recorded by my pacemaker. Tomorrow we'll know if the matter requires further exploration or any action on my part.
In layman's terms, what's happened to me before is that sometimes when the chemistry in my blood changes (i.e. improved cholesterol numbers, lower triglycerides, etc.) and/or I'm successful at losing weight with the help of exercise, my medication dosages have had to be altered somewhat to be sure I could continue gaining maximum physical benefit from drug intervention.
For everyone on medication out there - including people like me who are healthy except for these heart rate issues - you have to be vigilant and alert to any physical changes and/or signs of discomfort you may experience at any time. Sometimes your body is just sending a message that it has adapted to a dosage level which may have worked fine for many months or years, but suddenly any number of internal or external factors may now require a higher or lower dosage than previously prescribed.
Look at this example, if you're on 40 milligrams of blood pressure medication and you are exercising more than all of last year AND your diet has addressed some other risk factors, there's a very good chance you may get to reduce the daily dosage or perhaps even eliminate this medication altogether!
Be a hawk when it comes to medications and become your own best advocate by staying informed! Pay attention to how you feel because as we all know, "this ain't no dress rehearsal!"
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: 14/51
Quote of the Day: See above.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Healthy Citizens are the Greatest Asset!
Step, step, step... Step over here so we can discuss why eliminating stress has to remain a high priority for any health and wellness journey.
On Tuesday, February 2nd, The New York Post published a letter-to-the-editor that I wrote about President Obama's decision to consider alternate locations for the 9/11 trials. My letter is not about politics - though I'm proud to note that I've had hundreds of political letters published across the country over the past twelve years in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Asbury Park Press and beyond.
This week's letter was honestly about the health and wellness of people who have been through enough. It's about eliminating unnecessary stress for New York residents and for all commuters who happen to work in the vicinity of the New York City Court House to simply put food on their tables and/or to earn the money it takes to fulfill their family dreams.
Here is my Letter:
The 9/11 attacks caused the "post-traumatic-stress event" of our generation. This phenomenon became evident when thousands of us in New York and New Jersey ran for our lives during Air Force One's low-flying photo shoot last year.
Since the Chicago Machine in Washington is oblivious, I'm confident Mayor Bloomberg will rise up like the leader he is to protect the health and welfare of our citizens.
Just say "no" to the terror trials - not now, not today, not ever.
Tish Ferguson
Pt. Pleasant, NJ
I'm not kidding, on Monday April 27th, 2009 when an Air Force One lookalike, the backup plane for the one regularly used by the president, flew low over parts of New York and New Jersey, I had just exited the NJ Turnpike at the 14C Jersey City exit. A booming sweeping sound shook my whole car, so I looked up & out my open sun-roof window and there it was - this giant jetliner accompanied by two F-16 fighter jets. Many of us on the road got out of our car to scan the sky in an attempt to assess and process what was happening.
As I entered the intersection closest to Exchange Place, I was a tad overwhelmed by the scene before me as I watched thousands of people run from their office buildings as this plane circled over us back-and-forth across the Hudson River. Being familiar with the air traffic patterns in-and-out of Newark Airport, it was immediately clear that this plane was flying much too low. People quickly concluded there was danger in the air. I got scared, so I called my Harry and asked him to turn on the news to find out what was happening...
I sought out a big open space near the new Trump residential building and pulled over and joined 15 other commuters - all adult men - who were as alarmed and upset as I was. Everyone was on their cell phones looking for answers, advice, whatever... One guy called his office and demanded that his employees evacuate their building. I called Harry again and told him that I was going to bypass my work location and head away from Jersey City as fast as I could. Should I head to Hoboken? Get back on the Turnpike? Where would I be safe? What's the smart thing to do?
From our vantage point, we could not read the logo on the side of the plane, but the white and aqua colors made some of us think that perhaps it was a hijacked EL AL Israeli passenger jet. What other conclusion can one have in this post-9/11 world especially when U.S. fighter jets were escorting it? I wondered if the airspace had been "sanitized" like on 9/11 - could these jets have been ordered to shoot this plane down?! In a panic, with tears in my eyes and my heart racing, I realized that no matter what action I took, no person on the ground could control how this would end; nor could we secure a defined fate or outcome for ourselves or others.
When I reached the Newport/ Pavonia Path station across from my office, hundreds of people were exiting office buildings there too. Suddenly, all of the traffic stopped and a number of grey & black undercover cars with their lights flashing and sirens blaring surrounded the NJ Path station. Oh my gosh, I thought - I hope there's not a bomb inside this major transportation hub. All I wanted to do was to drive away, but traffic was at a standstill - so I bowed my head and literally asked God to keep me and everybody in Jersey City safe.
A detective ran to the intersection on Washington Blvd and pulled out a bull horn to alert the masses to the fact that there was no danger; he repeated many times that there was no danger! "The airplane in the sky is executing practice military maneuvers. There is nothing to fear. You can go back inside your buildings now. Everything is okay and everything is under control. Do not be afraid."
I parked the car in the garage; bought some coffee; and went into my office to re-start my day. A while later, I read on-line that the situation was not a practice military maneuver afterall. President Obama's plane was conducting some kind of photo shoot over the New York area.
I wrote an e-mail to several family members alerting them to the fact that this silly fly over brought the trauma of 9/11 to the surface for me and thousands of other people that morning. Actions that trigger panic should be eliminated whenever possible. Anxiety causes stress and stress is unhealthy! That's what motivated me to write this week's letter to the New York Post.
So yes - I think the people responsible for the choosing the venue for the 9/11 trials all have the responsibility to look out for the health and welfare of New Yorkers and all those commuters who love and support this great city daily! Forcing good people to relive the stress of 9/11 for years on-end by putting these terrorists and their circus trials in our faces is not good for the health and welfare of anyone!
Having men, women and children patted down at security check points simply because they work or live within a half mile of the courthouse is asking people to endure an unnecessary hardship which is not good for their mental health. Watching people who hate this country march in support of KSM outside the courthouse will make too many of us angry and anger creates a bad state-of-mind that sabotages good health! Guaranteeing that people will have to run from office towers because of bomb scares -like the 30+ that followed in Downtown Manhattan after 9/11 - is not fair to people who are just trying to earn a living. Watching - at close range - as lawyers from our Attorney General's former law firm continue to defend the actions of those who successfully murdered 3,000 fellow commuters and citizens will make too many people -including me - absolutely sick!
Everyone can punch each other out over whether terrorists should be afforded civilian or military trials. I favor the military option myself, but in keeping with the mission of this Blog, my focus is on health and wellness first. It serves the health and welfare of no one to welcome terrorists in Lower Manhattan!
Getting issues and emotions out - and off your chest - when they are pent up inside of you, is an important step to take for good health. Letters to editors actually help me in this regard. With this in mind, I'd like to make the final point that I think the idea of hosting such trials to create a boon for the local economy is appalling. It's the shocking and senseless equivalent of profiting off the backs of those 3,000 fellow citizens who were murdered before our eyes.
"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." - Winston Churchill
Just say "no" to terror trials in New York... not now, not today, not ever.
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: 14/51
Quote of the Day: “Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have”.
- Winston Churchill
On Tuesday, February 2nd, The New York Post published a letter-to-the-editor that I wrote about President Obama's decision to consider alternate locations for the 9/11 trials. My letter is not about politics - though I'm proud to note that I've had hundreds of political letters published across the country over the past twelve years in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Asbury Park Press and beyond.
This week's letter was honestly about the health and wellness of people who have been through enough. It's about eliminating unnecessary stress for New York residents and for all commuters who happen to work in the vicinity of the New York City Court House to simply put food on their tables and/or to earn the money it takes to fulfill their family dreams.
Here is my Letter:
The 9/11 attacks caused the "post-traumatic-stress event" of our generation. This phenomenon became evident when thousands of us in New York and New Jersey ran for our lives during Air Force One's low-flying photo shoot last year.
Since the Chicago Machine in Washington is oblivious, I'm confident Mayor Bloomberg will rise up like the leader he is to protect the health and welfare of our citizens.
Just say "no" to the terror trials - not now, not today, not ever.
Tish Ferguson
Pt. Pleasant, NJ
I'm not kidding, on Monday April 27th, 2009 when an Air Force One lookalike, the backup plane for the one regularly used by the president, flew low over parts of New York and New Jersey, I had just exited the NJ Turnpike at the 14C Jersey City exit. A booming sweeping sound shook my whole car, so I looked up & out my open sun-roof window and there it was - this giant jetliner accompanied by two F-16 fighter jets. Many of us on the road got out of our car to scan the sky in an attempt to assess and process what was happening.
As I entered the intersection closest to Exchange Place, I was a tad overwhelmed by the scene before me as I watched thousands of people run from their office buildings as this plane circled over us back-and-forth across the Hudson River. Being familiar with the air traffic patterns in-and-out of Newark Airport, it was immediately clear that this plane was flying much too low. People quickly concluded there was danger in the air. I got scared, so I called my Harry and asked him to turn on the news to find out what was happening...
I sought out a big open space near the new Trump residential building and pulled over and joined 15 other commuters - all adult men - who were as alarmed and upset as I was. Everyone was on their cell phones looking for answers, advice, whatever... One guy called his office and demanded that his employees evacuate their building. I called Harry again and told him that I was going to bypass my work location and head away from Jersey City as fast as I could. Should I head to Hoboken? Get back on the Turnpike? Where would I be safe? What's the smart thing to do?
From our vantage point, we could not read the logo on the side of the plane, but the white and aqua colors made some of us think that perhaps it was a hijacked EL AL Israeli passenger jet. What other conclusion can one have in this post-9/11 world especially when U.S. fighter jets were escorting it? I wondered if the airspace had been "sanitized" like on 9/11 - could these jets have been ordered to shoot this plane down?! In a panic, with tears in my eyes and my heart racing, I realized that no matter what action I took, no person on the ground could control how this would end; nor could we secure a defined fate or outcome for ourselves or others.
When I reached the Newport/ Pavonia Path station across from my office, hundreds of people were exiting office buildings there too. Suddenly, all of the traffic stopped and a number of grey & black undercover cars with their lights flashing and sirens blaring surrounded the NJ Path station. Oh my gosh, I thought - I hope there's not a bomb inside this major transportation hub. All I wanted to do was to drive away, but traffic was at a standstill - so I bowed my head and literally asked God to keep me and everybody in Jersey City safe.
A detective ran to the intersection on Washington Blvd and pulled out a bull horn to alert the masses to the fact that there was no danger; he repeated many times that there was no danger! "The airplane in the sky is executing practice military maneuvers. There is nothing to fear. You can go back inside your buildings now. Everything is okay and everything is under control. Do not be afraid."
I parked the car in the garage; bought some coffee; and went into my office to re-start my day. A while later, I read on-line that the situation was not a practice military maneuver afterall. President Obama's plane was conducting some kind of photo shoot over the New York area.
I wrote an e-mail to several family members alerting them to the fact that this silly fly over brought the trauma of 9/11 to the surface for me and thousands of other people that morning. Actions that trigger panic should be eliminated whenever possible. Anxiety causes stress and stress is unhealthy! That's what motivated me to write this week's letter to the New York Post.
So yes - I think the people responsible for the choosing the venue for the 9/11 trials all have the responsibility to look out for the health and welfare of New Yorkers and all those commuters who love and support this great city daily! Forcing good people to relive the stress of 9/11 for years on-end by putting these terrorists and their circus trials in our faces is not good for the health and welfare of anyone!
Having men, women and children patted down at security check points simply because they work or live within a half mile of the courthouse is asking people to endure an unnecessary hardship which is not good for their mental health. Watching people who hate this country march in support of KSM outside the courthouse will make too many of us angry and anger creates a bad state-of-mind that sabotages good health! Guaranteeing that people will have to run from office towers because of bomb scares -like the 30+ that followed in Downtown Manhattan after 9/11 - is not fair to people who are just trying to earn a living. Watching - at close range - as lawyers from our Attorney General's former law firm continue to defend the actions of those who successfully murdered 3,000 fellow commuters and citizens will make too many people -including me - absolutely sick!
Everyone can punch each other out over whether terrorists should be afforded civilian or military trials. I favor the military option myself, but in keeping with the mission of this Blog, my focus is on health and wellness first. It serves the health and welfare of no one to welcome terrorists in Lower Manhattan!
Getting issues and emotions out - and off your chest - when they are pent up inside of you, is an important step to take for good health. Letters to editors actually help me in this regard. With this in mind, I'd like to make the final point that I think the idea of hosting such trials to create a boon for the local economy is appalling. It's the shocking and senseless equivalent of profiting off the backs of those 3,000 fellow citizens who were murdered before our eyes.
"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." - Winston Churchill
Just say "no" to terror trials in New York... not now, not today, not ever.
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: 14/51
Quote of the Day: “Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have”.
- Winston Churchill
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Healthy as a Brick What?
The All Shore Chorus ticket crisis was resolved! Two feet of snow cancelled the show!
Step, shovel, step, shovel, step, shovel... We were hit with 18 inches of snow in these parts and it's still snowing. No fair! My friends in Westfield reported 4 inches and NYC is reporting ZERO in some parts. Maggie G in Maryland is getting a work-out with a whopping 24 inches so far with approximately 10 more inches on the way! Go Maggie!
My Harry is attending Jennifer Ferguson's wedding in Las Vegas today! All the Ferguson siblings from around the country and Grandma Eunie were able to be on hand to celebrate this glorious occasion. Wish I could be there right now because Jennifer is that kind of niece who is absolutely wonderful to have in our family. She's smart, sweet, outgoing, generous, beautiful, fun to be with, hard working, loving, and the list goes on and on... This is a special day for our family and we hope that all the joy she has brought to others comes back to her ten-fold for the rest of her life! We love you Jen!
Now, back to health clubs: I'm leaning towards the $99.00 special at Brick Fitness -an all women's club with a casual and supportive atmosphere! My Amy suggested it... and a few of my friends are satisfied patrons, so I'm going to check it out as soon as the snow clears!
You have no idea how important a little professional exercise oversight is for a klutz like me. Last February, I launched my 487th failed attempt at an exercise program. There I was minding my own business on the treadmill in my garage at 10 p.m. and - like an idiot - I lost my footing and was thrown off onto the concrete floor. I squealed like a pig on fire and no one heard me! As I executed a quiet damage assessment, I couldn't help but think that maybe I should have paid attention to Aunt Nonnie five years ago when her observations caused her to blurt out, "Hey Tish - I think you've been jogging for thirty years and how much weight have you lost? A pound?"
After an awful night of hot baths, I had no option but to go to the emergency room next to the O.B. Diner. Aside from my broken rib and the rubber burn exposing the hole the edge of the treadmill tore into my leg, I had also sprained my right shoulder, arm and wrist; And oh my gosh - my collar bone still goes into stinging spasms one year later!! They sent me on my way with a blow up cast to secure my wrist, a prescription for shoulder rehab, and the rest as they say, "Is another chapter in Tish's pathetic athletic history!" Am I the only one seeing a pattern here? As I continue pounding on my keyboard in the Blogosphere, aren't you starting to wonder why the heck I didn't take a collection for liposuction years ago?!
The following Monday when I went to work, two of my colleagues were in casts as well - one guy fell on the basketball court; the other faltered while skate boarding. Okay, their stories were better than mine, but I admit I was happy there were a couple of other injuries in the office that week to take some of the spotlight off my sling!
I'll tell you, my Dad was always proud of me when I jogged from our house on Forman Avenue to the Manasquan Inlet and back; or from the Laurelton Circle to home again. He'd always smile and say, "Tish - Great job! You know you'll never be Twiggy... but all that running will keep you as strong as a brick shit house and healthy as a bull!"
My gosh - I just figured out that Aunt Nonnie and Dad were both trying to warn me that all my athletic efforts were headed straight for the nearest toilet!
How could a girl not know that being compared to a brick shit house and a bull wasn't exactly something to brag about?!
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: 13/51
Quote of the Day: "A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings, and learn how by his own thought to derive benefit from his illnesses."
-Hippocrates
Step, shovel, step, shovel, step, shovel... We were hit with 18 inches of snow in these parts and it's still snowing. No fair! My friends in Westfield reported 4 inches and NYC is reporting ZERO in some parts. Maggie G in Maryland is getting a work-out with a whopping 24 inches so far with approximately 10 more inches on the way! Go Maggie!
My Harry is attending Jennifer Ferguson's wedding in Las Vegas today! All the Ferguson siblings from around the country and Grandma Eunie were able to be on hand to celebrate this glorious occasion. Wish I could be there right now because Jennifer is that kind of niece who is absolutely wonderful to have in our family. She's smart, sweet, outgoing, generous, beautiful, fun to be with, hard working, loving, and the list goes on and on... This is a special day for our family and we hope that all the joy she has brought to others comes back to her ten-fold for the rest of her life! We love you Jen!
Now, back to health clubs: I'm leaning towards the $99.00 special at Brick Fitness -an all women's club with a casual and supportive atmosphere! My Amy suggested it... and a few of my friends are satisfied patrons, so I'm going to check it out as soon as the snow clears!
You have no idea how important a little professional exercise oversight is for a klutz like me. Last February, I launched my 487th failed attempt at an exercise program. There I was minding my own business on the treadmill in my garage at 10 p.m. and - like an idiot - I lost my footing and was thrown off onto the concrete floor. I squealed like a pig on fire and no one heard me! As I executed a quiet damage assessment, I couldn't help but think that maybe I should have paid attention to Aunt Nonnie five years ago when her observations caused her to blurt out, "Hey Tish - I think you've been jogging for thirty years and how much weight have you lost? A pound?"
After an awful night of hot baths, I had no option but to go to the emergency room next to the O.B. Diner. Aside from my broken rib and the rubber burn exposing the hole the edge of the treadmill tore into my leg, I had also sprained my right shoulder, arm and wrist; And oh my gosh - my collar bone still goes into stinging spasms one year later!! They sent me on my way with a blow up cast to secure my wrist, a prescription for shoulder rehab, and the rest as they say, "Is another chapter in Tish's pathetic athletic history!" Am I the only one seeing a pattern here? As I continue pounding on my keyboard in the Blogosphere, aren't you starting to wonder why the heck I didn't take a collection for liposuction years ago?!
The following Monday when I went to work, two of my colleagues were in casts as well - one guy fell on the basketball court; the other faltered while skate boarding. Okay, their stories were better than mine, but I admit I was happy there were a couple of other injuries in the office that week to take some of the spotlight off my sling!
I'll tell you, my Dad was always proud of me when I jogged from our house on Forman Avenue to the Manasquan Inlet and back; or from the Laurelton Circle to home again. He'd always smile and say, "Tish - Great job! You know you'll never be Twiggy... but all that running will keep you as strong as a brick shit house and healthy as a bull!"
My gosh - I just figured out that Aunt Nonnie and Dad were both trying to warn me that all my athletic efforts were headed straight for the nearest toilet!
How could a girl not know that being compared to a brick shit house and a bull wasn't exactly something to brag about?!
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: 13/51
Quote of the Day: "A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings, and learn how by his own thought to derive benefit from his illnesses."
-Hippocrates
Friday, February 5, 2010
Help: Do You Know Anyone On The Red Bank Regional Board of Ed?!
I can't talk steps today... because I'm hyper-ventilating!
Below I've attached the wonderful article from www.app.com today about Scott's All-Shore All-Star Chorus Concert tomorrow night. Scott never ordered our tickets in advance and he (and everyone else...) said I could get them at the door. But!!! With all the Asbury Park Press & radio advertising, they SOLD OUT yesterday for the first time in 47 years!!
Can someone lend me their third born or find me a janitor's outfit? Perhaps I can arrange an Irish Festival for the conductor's favorite charity?!! I have to get tickets to this event for me and the Aunt Mary's and Aunt Maggie and my neighbors who all made plans to attend!!! Ohhhh - we even planned an early bird dinner.
Holy cow - Harry went to Las Vegas to be with his mom and entire Ferguson family for our beautiful niece's wedding and I'm here because our little 6 foot tall boy has this special CONCERT!! Aunt Mary Gunsiorowski - I can hear you over there on Oak Terrace defending him already!! But really - pick up the envelope on the kitchen table and buy your mom her tickets so she can cheer you on isn't being too demanding or harsh, is it??!!!
Oh wow - this is my all-time favorite annual concert! No kidding - The event absolutely took my breath away last year. These kids produced a show that was as good as any performance I've seen anywhere on the planet! I have to get in there! Does anyone have a black ski mask?? Maybe the snow storm will keep people away and I'll get in anyway... Maybe the event will have to be moved to the Sunday snow date -Arrggghhh!!
When Scott called me at work yesterday and told me I couldn't get tickets - I scared my colleagues in Jersey City because I let out a loud scream!! If this doesn't work out, I'm making him call the 3 Mary's (Aunt Mary G & B and Mary Pell!) and my Maggie!
Okay, I admit it! I'm one of the people in New Jersey praying for snow today.
And PS - Don't worry about "your boy" Aunt Mary because everyone blames the mom in these circumstances anyway. Do you know how I know this? Because the last two years while Scott was going through his growth spurts, he was standing on the risers during the May concerts in black FLOOD PANTS! And "I" leaned over to the strangers next to me and asked, "Who's his mother?!!" We're ahead of the pant and shirt management curve for this concert, so at least I won't get blamed for that this time!
A note to Mary Sharkey: Yes, I know - this blog entry gets filed under "Planning."
All-star chorus concert at Red Bank Regional to be in tune with times
By MICHELLE GLADDEN • STAFF WRITER • February 4, 2010
Previous Page
LITTLE SILVER — "It's amazing, I don't even conduct when you listen to each other," Joseph Cantaffa told the 135 students who make up this year's All-Shore Chorus.
That accolade and many others were interspersed with some grueling moments Wednesday night during one of the last three-hour rehearsals the group would have before Saturday's annual concert.
"You have to sing the contrast of dynamics here," he told them later on in the evening. "You are still too cautious. You want the room to be full of energy. Use the part of your sound palette that is already in your vocabulary."
But none of these students seemed to mind Cantaffa's lecturing. In fact, they were raising their hands asking questions on how to better approach a note or keep tempo.
"These kids are the best of the best," Cantaffa said. "There is so much talent in this group, I only wish I had more time to bring them to their full potential."
But what Cantaffa and the students from 36 area high schools had was one month to prepare for the regional competition turned team effort.
"So often these kids are in competition with each other to get into the choir but once they are here they are not," said accompanist Beth Moore of Central Regional High School. "Getting them to come together as one unit, one voice, is the biggest challenge."
Created in 1963, the All-Shore Chorus brings high school students and professionals from across Monmouth and Ocean counties together for an annual all-star performance.
The fact that Cantaffa, a Howell High School alumnus, performed three years with the nonprofit group and has now returned, more than 20 years later, as its guest conductor is a story of coming full circle.
"The whole thing is kind of surreal to me," the 39-year-old Howell resident said. "Never in my wildest dream did I ever think I would get this opportunity. It genuinely means the world to me."
And just as he has done as a Howell High School music and production teacher, where he created the a capella group Rebel Yell and the '50s and '60s all-girl track act The Rebelettes, Cantaffa is adding his signature rock 'n roll flair to the 47th annual production.
"We've always done traditional choral pieces," said ASC president Peter Isherwood, a choral director at Middletown North High School.
"I can't tell you how happy I am that this is happening," Isherwood said of the repertoire and performance changes.
Among them will be contemporary pieces such as Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen numbers fitted specifically for the choral group, and the multimedia video feature "A Making of the All-Shore Chorus," Isherwood said.
The annual performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, with a 3 p.m. Sunday snow date, at Red Bank Regional High School in Little Silver. The school's choral director, Kristopher Zook, is wearing the production manager hat.
By Friday afternoon, the show was sold out for only the second time in its 47-year-long history, the last time was in 2001, when Zook was the guest conductor, event officials said.
"The students enjoy doing this so much," said Zook, who has participated in the annual event for the past 12 years. "Really, we are getting them to use their whole brain — their logical side as well as their creativity.
Previous Page
Michelle Gladden: 732-643-4095; mgladden@app.com; twitter.com/mgladdenAPP
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: Who can think about a score at a time like this?!
NO QUOTE TODAY: For once - I'm speechless!
Below I've attached the wonderful article from www.app.com today about Scott's All-Shore All-Star Chorus Concert tomorrow night. Scott never ordered our tickets in advance and he (and everyone else...) said I could get them at the door. But!!! With all the Asbury Park Press & radio advertising, they SOLD OUT yesterday for the first time in 47 years!!
Can someone lend me their third born or find me a janitor's outfit? Perhaps I can arrange an Irish Festival for the conductor's favorite charity?!! I have to get tickets to this event for me and the Aunt Mary's and Aunt Maggie and my neighbors who all made plans to attend!!! Ohhhh - we even planned an early bird dinner.
Holy cow - Harry went to Las Vegas to be with his mom and entire Ferguson family for our beautiful niece's wedding and I'm here because our little 6 foot tall boy has this special CONCERT!! Aunt Mary Gunsiorowski - I can hear you over there on Oak Terrace defending him already!! But really - pick up the envelope on the kitchen table and buy your mom her tickets so she can cheer you on isn't being too demanding or harsh, is it??!!!
Oh wow - this is my all-time favorite annual concert! No kidding - The event absolutely took my breath away last year. These kids produced a show that was as good as any performance I've seen anywhere on the planet! I have to get in there! Does anyone have a black ski mask?? Maybe the snow storm will keep people away and I'll get in anyway... Maybe the event will have to be moved to the Sunday snow date -Arrggghhh!!
When Scott called me at work yesterday and told me I couldn't get tickets - I scared my colleagues in Jersey City because I let out a loud scream!! If this doesn't work out, I'm making him call the 3 Mary's (Aunt Mary G & B and Mary Pell!) and my Maggie!
Okay, I admit it! I'm one of the people in New Jersey praying for snow today.
And PS - Don't worry about "your boy" Aunt Mary because everyone blames the mom in these circumstances anyway. Do you know how I know this? Because the last two years while Scott was going through his growth spurts, he was standing on the risers during the May concerts in black FLOOD PANTS! And "I" leaned over to the strangers next to me and asked, "Who's his mother?!!" We're ahead of the pant and shirt management curve for this concert, so at least I won't get blamed for that this time!
A note to Mary Sharkey: Yes, I know - this blog entry gets filed under "Planning."
All-star chorus concert at Red Bank Regional to be in tune with times
By MICHELLE GLADDEN • STAFF WRITER • February 4, 2010
Previous Page
LITTLE SILVER — "It's amazing, I don't even conduct when you listen to each other," Joseph Cantaffa told the 135 students who make up this year's All-Shore Chorus.
That accolade and many others were interspersed with some grueling moments Wednesday night during one of the last three-hour rehearsals the group would have before Saturday's annual concert.
"You have to sing the contrast of dynamics here," he told them later on in the evening. "You are still too cautious. You want the room to be full of energy. Use the part of your sound palette that is already in your vocabulary."
But none of these students seemed to mind Cantaffa's lecturing. In fact, they were raising their hands asking questions on how to better approach a note or keep tempo.
"These kids are the best of the best," Cantaffa said. "There is so much talent in this group, I only wish I had more time to bring them to their full potential."
But what Cantaffa and the students from 36 area high schools had was one month to prepare for the regional competition turned team effort.
"So often these kids are in competition with each other to get into the choir but once they are here they are not," said accompanist Beth Moore of Central Regional High School. "Getting them to come together as one unit, one voice, is the biggest challenge."
Created in 1963, the All-Shore Chorus brings high school students and professionals from across Monmouth and Ocean counties together for an annual all-star performance.
The fact that Cantaffa, a Howell High School alumnus, performed three years with the nonprofit group and has now returned, more than 20 years later, as its guest conductor is a story of coming full circle.
"The whole thing is kind of surreal to me," the 39-year-old Howell resident said. "Never in my wildest dream did I ever think I would get this opportunity. It genuinely means the world to me."
And just as he has done as a Howell High School music and production teacher, where he created the a capella group Rebel Yell and the '50s and '60s all-girl track act The Rebelettes, Cantaffa is adding his signature rock 'n roll flair to the 47th annual production.
"We've always done traditional choral pieces," said ASC president Peter Isherwood, a choral director at Middletown North High School.
"I can't tell you how happy I am that this is happening," Isherwood said of the repertoire and performance changes.
Among them will be contemporary pieces such as Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen numbers fitted specifically for the choral group, and the multimedia video feature "A Making of the All-Shore Chorus," Isherwood said.
The annual performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, with a 3 p.m. Sunday snow date, at Red Bank Regional High School in Little Silver. The school's choral director, Kristopher Zook, is wearing the production manager hat.
By Friday afternoon, the show was sold out for only the second time in its 47-year-long history, the last time was in 2001, when Zook was the guest conductor, event officials said.
"The students enjoy doing this so much," said Zook, who has participated in the annual event for the past 12 years. "Really, we are getting them to use their whole brain — their logical side as well as their creativity.
Previous Page
Michelle Gladden: 732-643-4095; mgladden@app.com; twitter.com/mgladdenAPP
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: Who can think about a score at a time like this?!
NO QUOTE TODAY: For once - I'm speechless!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Health Clubs: No Judging Books By Their Covers!
Step, step, step... I only made time to log 3,021 steps yesterday on my Virgin Healthmiles GoZone Monitor, so I have to step it up this week. The good news is: Yesterday, a member of my team from the New Year's Resolution Challenge invited me to participate in a NEW challenge which starts February 6th! I'm pumped! The goal is to see who can get to 100,000 steps first. I won't win this challenge because of the Achilles heel, but I'm joining anyway... I stayed motivated knowing that other colleagues were watching my score during that first challenge. I think I poured it on more often for that reason alone, so I'm going to join this new group effort and see what happens. I'll keep you posted.
Today I'm going to start my search for a health club to help enhance this journey. Sixteen years ago I belonged to Living Well Lady and did rather well... but I have some reservations on which gyms I "might" be inclined to join and which ones someone called "Pat Fat" in her childhood "might" have to steer clear of. Look, I need help, so if you think any of my perceptions are wrong, please send an e-mail to tish509@comcast.net!!
- I'm looking for the best place in town for my needs. Aerobic fitness and steps are great, but without "some" weight training, it's impossible to attack inches on every front. I knew this in January, but I didn't want to overwhelm myself with too many NEW athletic commitments in the first few weeks. January was about Virgin HealthMiles steps; February is about getting stronger with the help of weight training. Make no mistake though - January and February won't count if every month in 2010 is not also about what I put into my body and how I handle life's responsibilities and the stress that comes along for those little rides...
Let's see - How about Gold's Gym on Rt 35 South? Years ago, the grand opening reminded me of a scene from MTV's "Jersey Shore!" Back then, I didn't think I owned enough gold necklaces or tanning lotion to workout there, so I ran to Wall Township and did the safe thing - I joined Living Well Lady! Then again, those high caliber athletes with their magnificent "GOLD"EN tans are in such stellar shape, that I imagine these days they'd make a 51 year old wanna be - like me - feel a tad out of my muscle league, don't you think? I picture them looking over in a flabbergasted stunned state thinking, "Who let this lady out of my grandmother's nursing home? Or good gosh - that broad should have found a health club 30 years ago?!" Is there a chance that as these Thumb-Heads and Juicers stay focused on fawning over their own reflections in the 100-plus exercise mirrors, that not a single one of them would even notice me?! This club is local; right on the way home from work; lots of equipment; good price; nice atmosphere; and good trainers. Hmmm...
Then there's the "Social Experiment" called Brielle Sports Club where the old Shop Rite used to sit. Does anyone remember that Bar and "Polyester Pant Palace" called the Barber Shop where Farrell's Restaurant now resides in Pt. Beach? Oh gosh, the stories making their way across the Manasquan River are managing to keep the memories of those leisure suit lizards at the Barber Shop on Broadway alive! If you're single - just grab your short-shorts and sign up for this gym right away. Rumor has it, the establishment has an actual Meat Counter left over from the old Shop-Rite days for professionals looking for new commuting partners to run with for the rest of their lives! Married, single - it doesn't matter - it's an equal opportunity environment. Show up and take a number! We're talking don't even think about touching your toes if you're not looking for action! I guess it's nice to know that muscular creepy crawlers have healthier places to prowl in the 21st Century, but really girls?! Maybe if the Barber Shop was still around, this glorious health club would not have been soiled by the stench of rotting sneakers. This place is out.
"Anytime Fitness" in Pt. Pleasant is run by a very nice couple. They are expert personal trainers and I've heard they've helped many students in our area get into shape, prepare for sports seasons, championships, etc., so maybe they could map out a program to help little "old" me? But then again, I can only go here if I don't mind every health-obsessed teacher, student, and citizen in Pt. Pleasant knowing how many minutes I spend on treadmills or how much my back fat wobbles when I'm executing upper-body movements. Everyone in town loves this place!! And Okay - You can access this facility 24/7, so maybe arriving three nights a week after my commute from Jersey City, would actually keep me from running into too many familiar faces on a regular basis. After all, I wouldn't be exercising until after 8:00 p.m., right? But then again, what's a girl to do about those weekends?!! Hmmm...
My cousin Brian, and our awesome Sandy, just joined (perhaps rejoined...) the Meridian Healthcare Facility called LIFE on Arnold Ave in Pt. Beach. I'm gone four days week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., so I just don't think the hours at LIFE can accommodate me and my crazy schedule. Hmmm - but they have health care professionals from all walks of life, (no pun intended), on-hand to monitor their customers and that could be a definite long-term health benefit for me. Maybe a couple of days a week - while being monitored closely - is all I need? Any effort will be more weight training than I was doing last month.
How about the glorious Atlantic Club in Wall Township with its' top-notch amenities?? Nope - I'd never find the time to get my money's worth! But - most people I know love this place! This club is in my future!
Now - there's also a new Boot Camp in town, but I've heard working with big balls can be dangerous? Is this true? Does anyone out there have an opinion?
Okay... Finally, there is the Newport Health and Racquet Club in Jersey City across from my office. Many colleagues exercise during lunch or immediately after work. If I go there after work, I'd get home much later than 8 p.m. and that's a long day. Also, I know I could never get there in the middle of the afternoon. Not sure my commitment could be consistent if I choose a gym this close to my office and so far away from my home. Hmmm...
I'll have to walk and think on this one. I'll circle back soon.
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: 13/51
Quote of the Day: "When you're searching for a gym, don't judge a book by it's cover! Never poke fun at people who exercise harder than you, unless you hire a personal trainer as a body guard!" - author unknown
Help Wanted: Personal Trainer! Call Tish immediately, if not sooner.
Today I'm going to start my search for a health club to help enhance this journey. Sixteen years ago I belonged to Living Well Lady and did rather well... but I have some reservations on which gyms I "might" be inclined to join and which ones someone called "Pat Fat" in her childhood "might" have to steer clear of. Look, I need help, so if you think any of my perceptions are wrong, please send an e-mail to tish509@comcast.net!!
- I'm looking for the best place in town for my needs. Aerobic fitness and steps are great, but without "some" weight training, it's impossible to attack inches on every front. I knew this in January, but I didn't want to overwhelm myself with too many NEW athletic commitments in the first few weeks. January was about Virgin HealthMiles steps; February is about getting stronger with the help of weight training. Make no mistake though - January and February won't count if every month in 2010 is not also about what I put into my body and how I handle life's responsibilities and the stress that comes along for those little rides...
Let's see - How about Gold's Gym on Rt 35 South? Years ago, the grand opening reminded me of a scene from MTV's "Jersey Shore!" Back then, I didn't think I owned enough gold necklaces or tanning lotion to workout there, so I ran to Wall Township and did the safe thing - I joined Living Well Lady! Then again, those high caliber athletes with their magnificent "GOLD"EN tans are in such stellar shape, that I imagine these days they'd make a 51 year old wanna be - like me - feel a tad out of my muscle league, don't you think? I picture them looking over in a flabbergasted stunned state thinking, "Who let this lady out of my grandmother's nursing home? Or good gosh - that broad should have found a health club 30 years ago?!" Is there a chance that as these Thumb-Heads and Juicers stay focused on fawning over their own reflections in the 100-plus exercise mirrors, that not a single one of them would even notice me?! This club is local; right on the way home from work; lots of equipment; good price; nice atmosphere; and good trainers. Hmmm...
Then there's the "Social Experiment" called Brielle Sports Club where the old Shop Rite used to sit. Does anyone remember that Bar and "Polyester Pant Palace" called the Barber Shop where Farrell's Restaurant now resides in Pt. Beach? Oh gosh, the stories making their way across the Manasquan River are managing to keep the memories of those leisure suit lizards at the Barber Shop on Broadway alive! If you're single - just grab your short-shorts and sign up for this gym right away. Rumor has it, the establishment has an actual Meat Counter left over from the old Shop-Rite days for professionals looking for new commuting partners to run with for the rest of their lives! Married, single - it doesn't matter - it's an equal opportunity environment. Show up and take a number! We're talking don't even think about touching your toes if you're not looking for action! I guess it's nice to know that muscular creepy crawlers have healthier places to prowl in the 21st Century, but really girls?! Maybe if the Barber Shop was still around, this glorious health club would not have been soiled by the stench of rotting sneakers. This place is out.
"Anytime Fitness" in Pt. Pleasant is run by a very nice couple. They are expert personal trainers and I've heard they've helped many students in our area get into shape, prepare for sports seasons, championships, etc., so maybe they could map out a program to help little "old" me? But then again, I can only go here if I don't mind every health-obsessed teacher, student, and citizen in Pt. Pleasant knowing how many minutes I spend on treadmills or how much my back fat wobbles when I'm executing upper-body movements. Everyone in town loves this place!! And Okay - You can access this facility 24/7, so maybe arriving three nights a week after my commute from Jersey City, would actually keep me from running into too many familiar faces on a regular basis. After all, I wouldn't be exercising until after 8:00 p.m., right? But then again, what's a girl to do about those weekends?!! Hmmm...
My cousin Brian, and our awesome Sandy, just joined (perhaps rejoined...) the Meridian Healthcare Facility called LIFE on Arnold Ave in Pt. Beach. I'm gone four days week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., so I just don't think the hours at LIFE can accommodate me and my crazy schedule. Hmmm - but they have health care professionals from all walks of life, (no pun intended), on-hand to monitor their customers and that could be a definite long-term health benefit for me. Maybe a couple of days a week - while being monitored closely - is all I need? Any effort will be more weight training than I was doing last month.
How about the glorious Atlantic Club in Wall Township with its' top-notch amenities?? Nope - I'd never find the time to get my money's worth! But - most people I know love this place! This club is in my future!
Now - there's also a new Boot Camp in town, but I've heard working with big balls can be dangerous? Is this true? Does anyone out there have an opinion?
Okay... Finally, there is the Newport Health and Racquet Club in Jersey City across from my office. Many colleagues exercise during lunch or immediately after work. If I go there after work, I'd get home much later than 8 p.m. and that's a long day. Also, I know I could never get there in the middle of the afternoon. Not sure my commitment could be consistent if I choose a gym this close to my office and so far away from my home. Hmmm...
I'll have to walk and think on this one. I'll circle back soon.
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: 13/51
Quote of the Day: "When you're searching for a gym, don't judge a book by it's cover! Never poke fun at people who exercise harder than you, unless you hire a personal trainer as a body guard!" - author unknown
Help Wanted: Personal Trainer! Call Tish immediately, if not sooner.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Literally: Don't Let That Parade Pass You By!
Step, step, step... I just keep marching on to the beat of my new drum and I continue to feel good about this entire journey. Attitude - of course - is key.
Over the years, if my attitude needed some adjusting, I'd just try to go out and create events or challenges to bring an infusion of positive people and their energy into my life. It's actually very easy to do. You just set a goal; assess what needs to get done to achieve that goal; map out a step-by-step plan; and execute on that plan.
In my Kate's 2007 high school yearbook, I dedicated a number of quotes to her and one of them read, "Stay positive and remember that you're never too old to ride on a motorized parade float." For more than thirty-years, I had so much fun creating floats with the help of artistic and talented cousins and assorted family members!
Thanks to a gentle giant by the name of Connie Vucola (May he rest in peace...), who was my beloved friend with the motorized flatbeds that made these special chapters of my life possible - we lit up the town with laughter, balloons, Disney characters, music, kids and friends as "his" trucks led parades for the Lion's Club Inner Tube Races, School Spirit Days, and the Pt. Pleasant Halloween and Memorial Day Parades.
When Kate was eleven years old and Scott was 7, it was clear to me that my kids - like most kids - view the expressions on their parent's faces as a window into how they should respond to any number of issues. I know this will sound crazy, but 14 days before one of my surgeries, I forced the biggest smile I could summon and laughed hysterically as I let the kids tie me into a living room chair and put me on top of our 101 Dalmatians "Who Let the Dogs Out" motorized float which was featured in the Pt. Pleasant Halloween Parade!
As the song, "Who Let the Dogs Out" played, Kate waved to the crowds lining the parade route posing as a beautiful Cruella Deville seeking to be adored by all who observed her stunning silouette on flatbed truck #1. My job was to finish the theme on flatbed truck #2 as the bad and ugly Cruella who had been tied up by my Scott and the 100 other Dalmatians who, as the Disney story goes, enjoyed the last laugh at Cruella’s expense after she tried to kidnap them! Ninety kids - of all ages - on three trucks and dressed as dogs and dog catchers rode with us on our family float that day! It was so much fun!
I came up with the idea to actually tie myself to the float because doctors had just confirmed that my vagus nerve in the parasympathetic system - the system that influences heart rate and blood pressure - was in trouble. The condition, called vasovagel sydrome and which is easily diagnosed with a simple Tilt Test, was brought on when the vagus nerve became "somehow" activated, producing a sudden dilation of blood vessels, which then caused a dramatic drop in blood pressure in seconds. When this symptom presented itself, I'd black out for a few seconds and that fact had put me out of work on disability and restricted me from driving while the good doctors did their research. It had been a tough six months, but if I could stay safely tied to the flatbed truck, there was no reason to back out of the parade, right?
You see, I knew exactly what I was doing that day when I purposely reached inside myself to produce a powerful visual the kids could not ignore. In my grey & black wig and black boots I was literally tied to that float wearing my mother's fur coat and pearls to prove to Kate and Scott that sitting this glorious annual event out was not an option for me or them. In the end, our motorized float won every category and laughter prevailed!!! It was a great day.
An attitude altered by fear of the unknown should never be the sole reason you let a parade pass you by.
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: 13/51
Quote of the Day: "Don't wait for moments to come; create them by using your own energy, creativity and enthusiasm."
- Kate's Mom, 2007
Over the years, if my attitude needed some adjusting, I'd just try to go out and create events or challenges to bring an infusion of positive people and their energy into my life. It's actually very easy to do. You just set a goal; assess what needs to get done to achieve that goal; map out a step-by-step plan; and execute on that plan.
In my Kate's 2007 high school yearbook, I dedicated a number of quotes to her and one of them read, "Stay positive and remember that you're never too old to ride on a motorized parade float." For more than thirty-years, I had so much fun creating floats with the help of artistic and talented cousins and assorted family members!
Thanks to a gentle giant by the name of Connie Vucola (May he rest in peace...), who was my beloved friend with the motorized flatbeds that made these special chapters of my life possible - we lit up the town with laughter, balloons, Disney characters, music, kids and friends as "his" trucks led parades for the Lion's Club Inner Tube Races, School Spirit Days, and the Pt. Pleasant Halloween and Memorial Day Parades.
When Kate was eleven years old and Scott was 7, it was clear to me that my kids - like most kids - view the expressions on their parent's faces as a window into how they should respond to any number of issues. I know this will sound crazy, but 14 days before one of my surgeries, I forced the biggest smile I could summon and laughed hysterically as I let the kids tie me into a living room chair and put me on top of our 101 Dalmatians "Who Let the Dogs Out" motorized float which was featured in the Pt. Pleasant Halloween Parade!
As the song, "Who Let the Dogs Out" played, Kate waved to the crowds lining the parade route posing as a beautiful Cruella Deville seeking to be adored by all who observed her stunning silouette on flatbed truck #1. My job was to finish the theme on flatbed truck #2 as the bad and ugly Cruella who had been tied up by my Scott and the 100 other Dalmatians who, as the Disney story goes, enjoyed the last laugh at Cruella’s expense after she tried to kidnap them! Ninety kids - of all ages - on three trucks and dressed as dogs and dog catchers rode with us on our family float that day! It was so much fun!
I came up with the idea to actually tie myself to the float because doctors had just confirmed that my vagus nerve in the parasympathetic system - the system that influences heart rate and blood pressure - was in trouble. The condition, called vasovagel sydrome and which is easily diagnosed with a simple Tilt Test, was brought on when the vagus nerve became "somehow" activated, producing a sudden dilation of blood vessels, which then caused a dramatic drop in blood pressure in seconds. When this symptom presented itself, I'd black out for a few seconds and that fact had put me out of work on disability and restricted me from driving while the good doctors did their research. It had been a tough six months, but if I could stay safely tied to the flatbed truck, there was no reason to back out of the parade, right?
You see, I knew exactly what I was doing that day when I purposely reached inside myself to produce a powerful visual the kids could not ignore. In my grey & black wig and black boots I was literally tied to that float wearing my mother's fur coat and pearls to prove to Kate and Scott that sitting this glorious annual event out was not an option for me or them. In the end, our motorized float won every category and laughter prevailed!!! It was a great day.
An attitude altered by fear of the unknown should never be the sole reason you let a parade pass you by.
Best regards,
Everybody's Cousin Tish
Score: 13/51
Quote of the Day: "Don't wait for moments to come; create them by using your own energy, creativity and enthusiasm."
- Kate's Mom, 2007
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