Throw Back Thursday **Shake It with Tina Tuner & Rod Stewart**
Lyme Disease is an illness not who I am, losing is not an option
“You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the water slide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” From BOSSYPANTS by Tina Fey
I wanted to drop a short note to let people know I’m ok. I have good and bad days however it’s easy for me to remember so many have life much worse. Today is one of the rough days which are frustrating and they fuel my desire to fight harder. I am planning now for activities once I’m well. I get very excited looking at my to do list, even at 51 yrs old there are so many things to learn and see. God has kept my depression at bay which makes each day a little better. I like to share with people what I learn on this Lyme journey, so there is a photo if you ever need to dispose of used needles. In the US LabCorp will take used sharps properly dispose as medical waste. I have also enclosed one of my fav photos. Getting a diving certificate was difficult for someone who is claustrophobic, I asked the teachers to spend extra time with me in the pool we trained in and this photo was taken the day I got certified. It was a big accomplishment not as much for the diving as for the self-confidence. I had not found my wings by 1987, getting certified was the first dream I acted on and accomplished. It felt great. Forget is was Feb. in Texas, F 45 and we tested in a rock quarry only 33ft deep. Three pulled out for hyperthermia. I did not realize at the time and it was a shock stepping out of the shower later. I had sever mask squeeze and both eyes were blood-red from the burst blood vessels. It was glorious day in my memory bank and have seen another life underwater. Thanks for standing by me.
Warrior
British Iranian Ghoncheh Ghavami Held In Solitary Confinement in Tehran For Attending World League Volleyball Match**Iran Has To Make Next Move**
CHANGE.ORG
https://www.change.org/p/david-cameron-hassanrouhani-bring-my-sister-home-freeghonchehghavami#share
@David_Cameron + @HassanRouhani Bring my sister home #FreeGhonchehGhavami
Iman Ghavami
London, United Kingdom
Since June 2014 my younger sister is in solitary confinement in Tehran. She was arrested for going to a men’s volleyball match.
Ghoncheh is a British Iranian dual citizen. She was there to watch a game. She was arrested because of a misunderstanding.
Amnesty International has called for an Urgent Action for my sister. Amnesty believes Ghoncheh has been put under psychological pressure and been told she “would not walk out of prison alive.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has said it was “aware of reports” of her imprisonment but its diplomatic powers are limited in Iran. We know that the UK Government has the power to do more to help Ghoncheh. Past cases have shown us that when pressure is applied Government will take more action.
Every signature and share will bring my sister closer to home. Will you help end this nightmare for my family?
——————
خواهر کوچکترم از نهم تیر در انفرادی به سرمیبرد. غنچه به خاطر رفتن به ورزشگاه والیبال دستگیر شد
غنچه به آن جا رفته بود تا بازی را تماشا کند. دستگیری او یک سوتفاهم است
با امضای این نامه به من کمک کنید تا خواهرم را دوباره به خانه برگردانم
——————
I’m a distressed brother who is fighting to bring her sister home. My sister is a law student in University of London. She should not have been arrested in the first place and does not deserve to be in solitary.
Amnesty International has said that “Ghoncheh’s lawyer has not been allowed to meet in prison or even access her case file.”
Ghoncheh was in Iran for a few months to work for a charity teaching literacy to street children and see our family. She thought women would be allowed to attend World League volleyball matches after Iran was warned about the matter by International Federation of Volleyball (FIVB).
Her arrest is a truly tragic misunderstanding. Will you help bring her home?
To:
Government of Iran & the UK government
Please allow my sister to come home.
She should not have been arrested for going to a volleyball match. Ghoncheh does not deserve to be in solitary.
Please #FreeGhonchehGhavami.
XXXXXXLINK
Iman Ghavami
by Iman Ghavami
Petition Organizer
Yesterday I delivered my petition to the UN Iranian Mission.
I also made a statement to the press, and a public plea to President Rouhani:
“Today, I’m issuing a personal plea to President Rouhani to please help my sister be released. Our mother is restless beyond imagination. My father, a surgeon, can’t work so deep and unnerving is his fear for his girl. We have always been a very close family. Please, President Rouhani, free Ghoncheh and reunite our family again.”
You can watch the petition delivery by clicking on the linked image below.
When President Rouhani returns to Iran, I have hope that he will take action to release my sister. Until then, please continue to spread the word so that her story is not forgotten.
Iman
British man petitions Iran’s President to release sister from prison
The brother of a British law graduate imprisoned in Tehran has attempted to hand-deliver a petition calling for his sister’s release to the Iranian President. Ghoncheh Ghavami, 25, has been detained in the notorious Evin jail for more than three months after she was arrested at a protest for women’s rights.
Walk with me as I hand in the petition to #FreeGhoncheh
Iman Ghavami
by Iman Ghavami
Petition Organizer
Dear Supporters,
The day has come for me to hand in my petition to the UN Iranian Mission in New York.
Over 390,000 of you have signed and stood behind me as I have been going through this nightmare.
While I make my way down to the Iranian authorities to hand in your names and make a plea for my sister’s release, please walk alongside me by sharing this image on Facebook and Twitter.
Click here to share the image on twitter: http://bit.ly/1ptJAcs
Click here to share the image on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1ptKvK0
Thank you for all of your support.
by Iman Ghavami
Petition Organizer
**URGENT** 10,000 Signatures Needed By Oct. 18th To Improve Veterans Employability and Reduce Suicide Risk
CHANGE.ORG
Improve veterans employability to reduce suicide.
Petition by
BATTLE-BRO
**URGENT. PLEASE SHARE – WE NEED 10,000 SIGNATURES BY OCT 18TH** Every signature sends an email directly to the personal inbox of the Secretary of the VA, Robert A McDonald.
There are an average of 22 veteran suicides each day in this country: it’s staggering and a shameful indictment of us as a society. These men and women have risked and lost their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. One of the principal factors in bringing a veteran to this tragic decision is unemployment and the inability to support their family. Though veterans re-enter civilian life amply qualified for a host of jobs, there has been no bridging mechanism that translates their military skills to employer-friendly vernacular.
This from the Washington Post is a perfect explanation of the problem:
“Today, unemployment for veterans who’ve served since September of 2001 hovers just over 8 percent. For the economy at large: 6.1 percent. The gap between those two numbers speaks to several challenges: The military trains service members in many jobs with close but imperfect civilian corollaries, leaving veterans with the right job skills but the wrong certifications. Military service demands other skills that civilian jobs don’t (managing violence, repairing weapons, defending convoys). But where that unfamiliar experience entails universal qualifications (leadership, judgment, communication), employers don’t always know how to recognize them.”
BATTLE-BRO – the Veteran call-a-day network combatting suicide – has created RWSacred.org to provide this certification free for our veterans. Please sign this petition and encourage the VA to push bridging programs such as RWS Accreditation to establish better connectivity between vets and employers. More jobs for vets could quite literally save lives.
To:
Robert A McDonald, US Dept of Veterans Affairs, Secretary
Dear Mr McDonald,
Congratulations on your recent appointment to the VA, we look forward to seeing how you transform and ameliorate this challenging institution.
We’d like to ask you to help improve veteran’s employability potential via RWSacred.org (and programs like it) that interprets a veterans MOS to the standard business vernacular and fosters greater consideration by employers. As you know, employers are often deterred from hiring vets mostly because of the skill-language barrier. However, joblessness and the inability to support their family is a prominent factor in a veterans tragic choice to commit suicide.
By accrediting our vets WE can assume the due diligence cost/process and close the language gap between a veteran’s military service and the business sector. By YOU raising national awareness of this program, more employers will know of it’s existence thereby increasing its usefulness and simultaneously launching an invaluable life-affirming tool for our service men and women. TOGETHER we can assuage the devastating suicide numbers among our heroes and heal this national moral debt.
We do hope you will enjoy this opportunity, and thank you sincerely for your help.
Lyme Journal Entry Eight **Lyme & Friends Winning–Me Tough Cookie**
A chronic illness will flush out the weak emotionally and physically. Adversity brings out the true colors in people and those who love them. I’ve attacked Lyme Disease like other challenges in life, fight with a big stick and jump higher. My husband runs the household, carrying a heavy load. I’ve been sick for five years and he is still at my side. It’s not for lack of effort on my part to make him leave.
Last week was the worst emotionally since being diagnosed with Lyme Disease. I had appointments with the Lyme Doctor and Cardiologist. This was the first appointment with Lyme Dr. since all test were completed. You know you’re off to a good start when the first thing out of his mouth is you are very sick and in a lot of pain. NO KIDDING. That was not surprising but what followed blew my mind. The test showed my body has 3 times the amount of Lead acceptable, high Mercury levels and high Cesium. I’d never heard of Cesium, it’s a naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil and dust at low concentrations. Lead levels at 3 times the upper expected limit say recent and ongoing exposure. Lead accumulates in the body, at some point I’ll have Chelation treatment. The side effects of Lead are extensive including organ damage. I have racked my brain on what could cause Lead damage in the house and come up blank.
I leave the office with instructions to increase two meds until I sleep thru the night and wake up with no pain. I have four extra antibiotic prescriptions to add to daily routine. The antibiotics are staggered to make sure you don’t have a reaction. I also have to order another supplement which cost $265 a month, so glad we have the money to keep me alive. The extra pills now put me over 50 pills a day, by end of month reaching 60 pills a day. I go back in November, he’ll have a Port put in my arm and antibiotics will get injected in Port instead of taking pills. When the port stage arrives life gets harder. I have no idea how I’ll react but anything involved with vomiting doesn’t sound good to me. I have strict orders to only drink electrolyte water, water not the sugar type. A much tougher order to sleep, sleep in the afternoon, be in bed by 10:00P. He doesn’t realize I have to juggle 50 pills and write somewhere in the sleeping time.
Friday I completed the test for the Cardiologist, then met with his PA. She explains my body is in constant fight or flight mode from my body fighting so hard and the amount of pain. Adrenal Gland Fatigue is serious and one way to bring my pain down was to exercise. I laughed my ass off. She recommended I meet with Exercise Physiologist in a month. In the very next sentence says I should not exercise while on antibiotics. I told her I would call back. She’s lost her mind. The other piece of information is my metabolic Test results were not good. No surprise to me. Test shows activity over 55% of maximum heart rate increases my odds for a heart attack or stroke.
General Issues
Pharmacy gave the wrong size needles the past two refills. The cause of my bruising and bleeding. The needles were three times to long.
Edema in legs to knee making my feet hurt. My ankle bones are not visible.
The shin bone feel broken when touched.
Ice pick headaches continue.
Sleeping thru the night is not happening. I’ve increased both meds in hopes off sleeping more.
Lyme Journal Entry Eight **Lyme & Friends Winning–Me Tough Cookie**
A chronic illness will flush out the weak emotionally and physically. Adversity brings out the true colors in people and those who love them. I’ve attacked Lyme Disease like other challenges in life, fight with a big stick and jump higher. My husband runs the household, carrying a heavy load. I’ve been sick for five years and he is still at my side. It’s not for lack of effort on my part to make him leave.
Last week was the worst emotionally since being diagnosed with Lyme Disease. I had appointments with the Lyme Doctor and Cardiologist. This was the first appointment with Lyme Dr. since all test were completed. You know you’re off to a good start when the first thing out of his mouth is you are very sick and in a lot of pain. NO KIDDING. That was not surprising but what followed blew my mind. The test showed my body has 3 times the amount of Lead acceptable, high Mercury levels and high Cesium. I’d never heard of Cesium, it’s a naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil and dust at low concentrations. Lead levels at 3 times the upper expected limit say recent and ongoing exposure. Lead accumulates in the body, at some point I’ll have Chelation treatment. The side effects of Lead are extensive including organ damage. I have racked my brain on what could cause Lead damage in the house and come up blank.
I leave the office with instructions to increase two meds until I sleep thru the night and wake up with no pain. I have four extra antibiotic prescriptions to add to daily routine. The antibiotics are staggered to make sure you don’t have a reaction. I also have to order another supplement which cost $265 a month, so glad we have the money to keep me alive. The extra pills now put me over 50 pills a day, by end of month reaching 60 pills a day. I go back in November, he’ll have a Port put in my arm and antibiotics will get injected in Port instead of taking pills. When the port stage arrives life gets harder. I have no idea how I’ll react but anything involved with vomiting doesn’t sound good to me. I have strict orders to only drink electrolyte water, water not the sugar type. A much tougher order to sleep, sleep in the afternoon, be in bed by 10:00P. He doesn’t realize I have to juggle 50 pills and write somewhere in the sleeping time.
Friday I completed the test for the Cardiologist, then met with his PA. She explains my body is in constant fight or flight mode from my body fighting so hard and the amount of pain. Adrenal Gland Fatigue is serious and one way to bring my pain down was to exercise. I laughed my ass off. She recommended I meet with Exercise Physiologist in a month. In the very next sentence says I should not exercise while on antibiotics. I told her I would call back. She’s lost her mind. The other piece of information is my metabolic Test results were not good. No surprise to me. Test shows activity over 55% of maximum heart rate increases my odds for a heart attack or stroke.
General Issues
Pharmacy gave the wrong size needles the past two refills. The cause of my bruising and bleeding. The needles were three times to long.
Edema in legs to knee making my feet hurt. My ankle bones are not visible.
The shin bone feel broken when touched.
Ice pick headaches continue.
Sleeping thru the night is not happening. I’ve increased both meds in hopes off sleeping more.
Throw Back Thursday Put The Top Down **No Stop Signs No Speed Limits**
Happy Rosh Hashanah
Manic Music Monday **Start the week with a swag in your step**
Hope you enjoy. Better late than not at all.
Death by misadventure
I hope you enjoy. She is so funny, has a great outlook on life
and Lyme.
M
Lyme Disease Journal Entry Seven **Lyme Winning Me Fighting Back**
This past week I did everything the doctor said not to do. The backlash was frightening. One warning from doctor is not sit for longer than thirty minutes. I spent most of Saturday and Sunday in front of the screen with few walking around breaks. The edema took over most of my body. By bedtime my feet and hands were numb, the pain was excruciating. I knew my feet needed elevating. Our bed is adjustable, I raised the foot of bed as much I could stand. I kept raising my arms in air to get blood flowing, my legs hurt just touching each other. Once feet are raised the water moves up. I’m coughing, sounds like I have pneumonia, my head feels like it’s going to explode. I’m having cardiac pain, can tell my blood pressure was high. I get the BP Monitor to confirm its high,BP is to high, a blinding headache hits and I’m questioning how much higher my BP needs to go before I have a stroke. Do I need to go to hospital, digging around find my nitro which provides no relief. My whole body hurts, areas asleep earleyer are now tingling as the blood flows back in. During the worst point the seizures start. My husband is in full snore mode, never knew the light turned on twice or I was crying in pain. I knew something was bad when the cat would not move for me to get up. Requiring me to crawl over him adding to my frustration. Truffles didn’t move until I went to bathroom for a cold rag. He has never acted like this before, he could tell from my heartbeat I guess. The following day every muscle hurt, toes burning, my shins so full of water had to change from capris to wide leg PJ’s. The back of my legs burning, hurts to sit in chair. So strange,when you rub the bone on front of lower legs, it felt like leg broken. The next day the pain continues, maybe from the water making my legs so tight.
I brought all of this on myself. It’s hard to break old habits and let a disease dictate how to go about your day. My thinking is, get as much done now before I get really bad and body is not able to get out of beds on many days. Unless you’re a gluten for pain it’s a good idea to listen to doctor. These post are not a pity party. I truly believe someone will read the post and avoid getting Lyme. I want to educate on how serious the disease is. In the worst case scenario, it leaves you permanently debilitated. :) M
General Issues
Ice pick in temple headaches
Edema has moved up to knees, walking uncomfortable
Bruise very easily, finding bruises, don’t remembering hitting anything
Tremors part of week, hands shaking so bad would not have been able to feed self
Seizures during the day, not as bad as the ones at night
Tired of taking so many pills
Memory, forgetting multiple times during task, example spelling Rosacea took six looks at dictionary to get correct
Lyme Arthritis in hands all week, right hand worse
Less neuropathy after increasing RX dosage, stabbing needles when does happens
Rosacea and Psoriasis in full inflammation stage
Stayed up till wee hours several nights which contributes to all the above
As the dust cleared on 9/11/01, America took comfort knowing our flag was still there ** God Bless America Land Of The Free**
The tragic events of 9/11/01 will forever remain etched in my mind. It’s with a heavy heart I celebrate the lives taken and those left behind to grieve. I think of the men and women of our military bravely fighting for our freedoms. The cost of freedom is high. Let us not forget as we sip our Starbucks, a soldier will die today and a family is left behind. A soldier who hasn’t seen his newborn son. Let us not forget the innocent lives lost in war zones and the pain families suffer. The pain and agony of losing a loved one is universal, it’s a human feeling regardless of the language spoken. M
Can Anyone Tell Me What Day It Is? **Yosemite National Park Here We Come**
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park
I’ve been in the house so long there’s no reason to keep up with the day of week. Today is a perfect example, Throw Back Thursday is on Wednesday. I want to cry and laugh at the same time. The neurological effects of Lyme Disease sucks. In the Chronic phase the virus can set up house in the brain causing neurological damage. To remain as positive as possible I don’t focus on the effect to my brain. There is no way to know if the damage is permanent or not. One side effect is memory loss, like walking to the kitchen and not remembering why. It’s annoying and a reminder you have a virus boring thru your brain. I choose not to focus on the what or why even with constant reminders. I am not at the wheel and trust God to get me to the other side.I’m on a long journey that will give plenty chances to laugh, laugh with me, not at me. Overlook the missing words in a post, thanking you for stopping by more than once and Throw Back Thursday on Wednesday. Life is too short to worry about the little things. Let’s laugh, then focus on how we can help someone and have our collective voice heard.
Sending a heart-felt thanks and Texas size hug to you.
M
Throw Back Thursday **COME TOGETHER With John Lennon, Greg Allman, Zac Brown and Vince Gill**
Grab the headphones, turn up the volume and relax. You are in for a special treat this week. M
Lyme Journal Entry Six **Kicked Around But Never Down**
God blessed me with the ability to feel empathy. He also filled my heart with sunshine. Today my husband participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge. My heart shines as I watch this challenge cross the globe. If we look, there is someone suffering more than ourselves. I work hard to keep in mind on the tough days. M
I’ve had a cold for a couple of days, germs rode in on my husband’s back. Thank you for the prayers and kind words, you lift me up. I have a positive outlook, no pity party here. Lyme Disease may kick me around but never down. A special shout out to my Twin in Germany, she keeps me rolling in laughter with vomit stories. You had to be there.
This is a list of probiotics, supplements, and shots taken in preparation for my antibiotic treatment. My next appointment is 9/17/14, I’m hopeful he will start the antibiotics.
Supplements
Magnesium Malate 1,250mg 1 daily
Omega 3,2126mg 1 daily
Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg 1 daily
Multi Vitamin 1 daily
Acetyl L-Carnitine 500mg 1 daily
Reservatrol 150mg 1 daily
B12 Shot three times a week
Methylocobalamine 25mg/ml injection 1cc 3 x week
Probiotics
2 pills in AM
One liquid probiotic packet daily
To improve my overall health, I started drinking all-natural beverages. I discovered the Suja Life brand, they are certified organic by CCOF. The drinks are cold-pressed, organic, have no growth hormones, all-natural, and no preservatives. I put the liquid probiotic packet in the Coconut Almond, my daily lunch staple.
General Issues
Seizures often and are more intense
During a seizure episode, the eyes were closed but felt like a light bulb in the back of the eye. I experienced the same effect when my heart was in freak-out mode.
Neuropathy hurts like thousands of needles stabbing mostly my legs. Doubled neuropathy and pain meds
Edema in both feet, imagine not seeing your ankle bone, tight and painful to shins, hands are very bloated! :(
Severe headaches
Pimple face, look 13 again :(
Exhausted
Melinda
Throw Back Thursday**Triple Shot with Country Legends Tanya, Reba,Loretta,Tammy and Dolly** Hang on to your hats!
Enjoy the songs from my childhood, give or take a few years. Tanya Tucker’s Delta Dawn has a place buried in my heart. Many of the songs are simple, no fancy videos or special effects. What they have in common are words that grab your heart and still have meaning today. I bet there are many who aren’t familiar with the artist or words to the songs. Get on your shit kickers and get line dance warmed up! Enjoy. M
Important Update Or Lack There Of On Change.org Petition**Let’s Send Our Collective WP Voice**
Countless hours spent making phone calls and letter writing to Federal and State Officials have fallen on deaf ears. Overwhelming support has rallied behind Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi petition yet more is needed. Please take a few minutes to read, sign and pass to all you know. We can turn the injustice around. The comments were taken from letter written by Pastor Rich Tidwell.
Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, has been unjustly imprisoned in a Mexican federal prison for nearly 5 months on weapons charges after accidentally crossing the border with legally purchased U.S. registered weapons. Since his incarceration, I often find myself imagining what it must feel like languishing in a foreign high security prison, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, suffering from PTSD, malnourished, and unable to effectively communicate with others.
Andrew’s plight should not be a burden carried alone as his treatment by Mexican officials demonstrates how any American could potentially be treated should one of us make a similar mistake. His sufferings could easily be shared by ourselves, our siblings, our families, our friends and our countrymen… a fearful thought to say the least. Furthermore, Sgt Andrew Tahmooressi is a decorated veteran, saving the lives of multiple Marines during combat. He is a man who has fought injustice on our behalf, actively securing our American liberties after volunteering to make the ultimate sacrifice should his nation need him to. He is a man worthy of our rescue and a man our nation cannot afford to do without.
Change.org petition link:
Thank You. M
Important Update Or Lack There Of On Change.org Petition**Let's Send Our Collective WP Voice**
Countless hours spent making phone calls and letter writing to Federal and State Officials have fallen on deaf ears. Overwhelming support has rallied behind Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi petition yet more is needed. Please take a few minutes to read, sign and pass to all you know. We can turn the injustice around. The comments were taken from letter written by Pastor Rich Tidwell.
Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, has been unjustly imprisoned in a Mexican federal prison for nearly 5 months on weapons charges after accidentally crossing the border with legally purchased U.S. registered weapons. Since his incarceration, I often find myself imagining what it must feel like languishing in a foreign high security prison, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, suffering from PTSD, malnourished, and unable to effectively communicate with others.
Andrew’s plight should not be a burden carried alone as his treatment by Mexican officials demonstrates how any American could potentially be treated should one of us make a similar mistake. His sufferings could easily be shared by ourselves, our siblings, our families, our friends and our countrymen… a fearful thought to say the least. Furthermore, Sgt Andrew Tahmooressi is a decorated veteran, saving the lives of multiple Marines during combat. He is a man who has fought injustice on our behalf, actively securing our American liberties after volunteering to make the ultimate sacrifice should his nation need him to. He is a man worthy of our rescue and a man our nation cannot afford to do without.
Change.org petition link:
Thank You. M
Steubenville High School: Remove Convicted Rapist From Football Team**Is Football More Important Than Gang Rape?**
TRIGGER WARNING: This petition pertains to the sexual assault of a minor.
“I feel that he’s earned a second chance.”
That’s what Steubenville High football coach Reno Saccoccia has to say about his decision to welcome convicted rapist Ma’lik Richmond back to his team.
The facts of the Steubenville rape case in 2012 were already horrendous. A teenage girl was repeatedly and publicly sexually assaulted by boys on her school’s football team. Pictures and video were taken and the victim was shamed on social media. Coach Reno Saccoccia allegedly tried to cover up the crime and continued to let the perpetrators play on the team even after it became clear that they had committed these acts.
This case was a clear-cut instance of rape culture, where a community prioritized the success and protection of its football team, and dismissed incidences of rape under the guise of ‘boys will be boys.’
Now, Ma’lik Richmond – who was found guilty of raping a minor while she was unconscious – is out of jail and and Coach Saccoccia has put him right back on the Big Red football team. While he was never charged with attempting to cover up the crime it’s clear that Saccoccia still doesn’t understand the seriousness of his players’ crimes. In his words: “[Richmond’s] one of 55 players that are in good standing with their teammates and their coaches.”
This cannot be tolerated. We as a nation are tired of rapists almost entirely getting away with their heinous crimes. This case is unusual in that the perpetrator did spend some time – a very short time – in detention. But now the high school appears to be putting forward the message that that is enough to absolve him of what he has done. By allowing Richmond on the team, the leadership at Steubenville High School is saying football wins mean more than protecting and respecting female students.
Please join me in asking administrators at Steubenville High School to permanently remove Ma’lik Richmond from the Big Red football team, and instate a policy that bars convicted rapists from playing on the high school’s sports teams.
—————-
Dear Melinda,
Thanks for signing my petition, “Steubenville High School: Remove convicted rapist from Big Red football team..”
Can you help this petition win by asking your friends to sign too? It’s easy to share with your friends on Facebook – just click here to share the petition on Facebook.
There’s also a sample email below that you can forward to your friends.
Thanks again — together we’re making change happen,
Elizabeth Beier
Note to forward to your friends:
I just signed the petition “Steubenville High School: Remove convicted rapist from Big Red football team.” on Change.org.
It’s important. Will you sign it too?
Thanks!
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Announced The New Policy For Players Who Commit Domestic Violence **VICTORY**
This is an update to Change.org petition to Stop Violence Against Women, from woman who started petition.
Victory
Today NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced a shift in the NFL’s policy regarding the punishment of players who commit domestic violence. Players will be suspended for six games for the first offense and indefinitely for a second offense.
I’m thrilled that the NFL listened to the fans and I’d like to thank everyone who signed my petition and all of the journalists who continued to follow this story.
The NFL has finally taken real action on domestic violence and it’s because we stood together and said this simply isn’t acceptable anymore. This is a huge moment of recognition for survivors and their advocates and it came about because of people like you who were willing to take a stand. Thank you for using your voice to make change.
We at WordPress must leverage the NFL’s decision to make our voice heard on all petitions regarding Violence Against Women. The NFL is setting the tone for change. Please go directly to Change.org and look under Domestic Violence to see active petitions.
I will keep you informed as they roll across my desk. So proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you. M
Update on Change.org Petition To Stop Female Genital Mutilation (FMG) in America **First Victory**
This petition disturbed many bloggers. Alarming the community to learn the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FMG) was happening in America. I find the savage practice disturbing for any female in any country. Please sign if you haven’t already and send to everyone you know. Thank you. M
First Victory
Over the past few months, more than 220,000 of you have signed this petition, urging the American government to end the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the United States, and commission a prevalence report on FGM’s impact on women and girls.
Psychiatric Prisoner Dies After Being LOCKED IN SHOWER FOR TWO HOURS AT WHAT TEMPERATURE? **Graphic**
Important Change.org Petition
It’s not unusual for me to get jacked up reading the news or having a few choice words on the subject. Blowing a F@#&* gasket with my stomach rolling in disgust is unusual. It’s unacceptable no one was held accountable in this horrific crime. Two men responsible for Psychiatric prisoners killed man by locking him in the shower for two hours. The water temperature was 180 degrees. How does someone decide to torture a Mentally Ill man to death? Two people ignored his screams of pain, ignored as he begged for his life. After he was dead another prisoner had to clean the shower. The details to graphic for me to write. The inmate cleaning the shower will have horrific images to scar him for life. Their actions are deplorable. I can’t stop thinking of the family’s grief and anger. I hope you’re mad as hell, disgusted and ready to hold the prison and two workers accountable for their actions. Please sign the petition asking for justice and pass to everyone you know. We can’t accept abuse on any level Mentally Ill or not. If we do nothing, we lose civility. Thank you. M
Petitioning Attorney General Eric Holder
Investigate the 2012 death of Mr. Darren Rainey, a mentally ill Florida prisoner who died after prison guards locked him into a 180-degree shower.
On June 23, 2012 Darren Rainey, a 50-year-old mentally ill state prison inmate in Miami-Dade County, died after guards responded to his defecating in his cell by locking him into a 180-degree shower for two hours—at which point his skin was separating from his body. Local police, and the state, failed to properly investigate. The case was only brought to light in recent months by The Miami Herald. After two years, no one has been held criminally accountable, or even charged.
Darren was serving a two-year sentence for drug possession and housed in a psychiatric unit. After his death, guards forced another prisoner, Mark Joiner, to clean up the shower where Darren died, including chunks of skin.
“He was crying, please stop, please stop, Joiner said. And they just said “Enjoy your shower, and left.”
Only the U.S. Department of Justice can properly investigate this terrible crime, and a broader culture of abuse in Florida’s prisons that has led to other unnecessary deaths, and which falls especially hard on the mentally ill.
Important Change.org Petitions Need Your Support **Violence Against Women**
I only post petitions from Change.org that really disturb me. I feel strongly you want to see the injustice and take part in forging change. There are so many in my e-mail I can’t do individual post for each. I’m asking you to click on the links below or go directly to http://www.change.org to check currents petitions. Sign up for direct notices if you like. There are many opportunities to make your voice heard. One signature can make a difference. I will post an update on petitions which have seen victory and positive change. We have to make our collective voice heard, violence is not acceptable and people will be accountable for their actions with proper penalties. M
Violence Against Women
NFL must update policy against violencee.
High School Violence Against Women
https://www.change.org/p/steubenville-high-school-remove-convicted-rapist-from-big-red-football-team
End Teen Dating Violence
Throwback Thursday **Rock & Roll History With Queen & Fleetwood Mac**
I thought last week was an all time high, wrong. This week will blow your mind. Ok, maybe not but it sounds so good. Many of you know I love Fleetwood Mac. I also have a deep passion for Queen. Freddie Mercury was a true entertainer. He had self-confidence, down right cockiness, an original. He liked men but loved women, he was overtly sexual in his gestures yet nothing distracted from his power house voice. This song has significant meaning in my life. While in boarding school this became our anthem. It felt like giving the bird to our abusers, saying I will come thru. The words gave me a confidence not felt before. There is a line ” I’ve done my sentence but committed no crime”, as a teenager abused by both parents, that’s how I felt. I wasn’t a bad kid, I was an out of control drug addict that would not be contained. I never felt like abuse was my fault. The evil thoughts I felt about my parents, confusing. Spending a year at Mt. Saint Michael’s broke this horse with the lightest touch. The nuns and staff gave me all the love and attention my parents never did. The discipline and responsibility saved me, saved me from myself.
I had to include the interview with Stevie, she’s so young, beautiful and so excited. The interview took place in my hometown, I had never seen it before. A total gem. The Fleetwood Mac song, goes back to the timeframe Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac. The sound and video quality is not the best yet I felt energized by the song. Without further ado, kick back in the Lazy Boy, put your feet up and close your eyes. You are entering the Rock and Roll zone. :) M
Throwback Thursday **Rock & Roll History With Queen & Fleetwood Mac**
I thought last week was an all time high, wrong. This week will blow your mind. Ok, maybe not but it sounds so good. Many of you know I love Fleetwood Mac. I also have a deep passion for Queen. Freddie Mercury was a true entertainer. He had self-confidence, down right cockiness, an original. He liked men but loved women, he was overtly sexual in his gestures yet nothing distracted from his power house voice. This song has significant meaning in my life. While in boarding school this became our anthem. It felt like giving the bird to our abusers, saying I will come thru. The words gave me a confidence not felt before. There is a line ” I’ve done my sentence but committed no crime”, as a teenager abused by both parents, that’s how I felt. I wasn’t a bad kid, I was an out of control drug addict that would not be contained. I never felt like abuse was my fault. The evil thoughts I felt about my parents, confusing. Spending a year at Mt. Saint Michael’s broke this horse with the lightest touch. The nuns and staff gave me all the love and attention my parents never did. The discipline and responsibility saved me, saved me from myself.
I had to include the interview with Stevie, she’s so young, beautiful and so excited. The interview took place in my hometown, I had never seen it before. A total gem. The Fleetwood Mac song, goes back to the timeframe Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac. The sound and video quality is not the best yet I felt energized by the song. Without further ado, kick back in the Lazy Boy, put your feet up and close your eyes. You are entering the Rock and Roll zone. :) M
Church of the Spilled Blood St. Petersburg, Russia
I’ve been sick and not able to post the Lyme Journal today. My thoughts are with you. I wanted to share one of my best photos from Russia. I would love to hear what you think. Have a great day. :)
M
Throw Back Thursday **Triple Shot With Neil Young and Janis Joplin**
Triple Shot Thursday, who can turn the volume down on Neil Young or Janice Joplin. The first Neil Young gives you a glimpse at his sense of humor. Who knew? The video is priceless, today you won’t see an artist not prepared for a set. It cost money. The exchange with the audience is real and the foundation of good music. The second Neil Young and Janis Joplin videos have special meaning to me. While in bad girl boarding school I met people from every economic group and fours corners of America. One thing we all had in common is we were damaged, for different reasons yet all suffering. Music became the glue, we had music in common. Needle and Damage Done effected me deeply. Not for the reason he sings about, I was a drug addict without using needles. My mind focused on Damaged Done. At 13 years old I felt my life was damaged beyond repair, it’s amazing what a year in a positive environment can do. Mercedes Benz by Janis brings memories of hard work wrapped around fun. The boarding school had a fully functional laundry, it was a way for the Convent to make money. They did laundry for The Greenhouse Spa. When you graduated from kitchen duty you moved to laundry. In the middle of one room was a mangler machine. You feed the sheets in properly and they came out the other side ready to fold. The pace of the machine keeps you busy. All newbies started at the mangler. It was hot, back breaking work, there was no stopping the machine. Each station had a certain amount of items to fold or iron or whatever. I had the choice station of hand ironing the delicate lace. All the older timers with plush stations ended before others yet could not leave. We would sit on a folding table singing this song non stop. It drove the Nuns crazy. We would sing at the top of our voices and totally goof off. At 51 it’s an unexpected gem, fun memories during a low point in life. Its time to kick back, let the music take you in and relax. You Deserve It! M
Lyme Disease Journal Entry Four ** First Back Slapping Turning Point**
This week fatigue had a hold on me. A task requiring little effort takes twice as long. The extra effort is difficult for my multi tasking mind. Waiting on test results added to the stress. The doctor is making me wait until Sept. 19th to discuss the results. He gave me a nugget yesterday. I have Lyme, the co-infection Epstein Barr Virus and low Folic Acid. Requiring 2 new RX’s, for a total of 39 pills per day and 3 shots per week. The doctor surprised me with the Folic Acid RX, the red blood cell count was low. My grandmother could put all meds and supplements in one hand, throw them in mouth and swallow at one time. I am the opposite, one pill at a time shoved to back of throat, taking meds is a task. I’m not my best while being in limbo. I can hear gramps telling me, if you learn to enjoy reading , it will teach you patience. Mostly true.
If you have Lyme Disease a great book is The Lyme Disease Solution. My doctor uses as a reference guide. It’s spells out the two schools of thought on Lyme treatment. What a Lyme Literate doctor means and why it’s important to seek this type of doctor. The life cycle of Lyme and why it’s difficult to diagnosis. The different paths doctors may take to heal you, this is very detailed down to the names of meds used. I like the pros and cons of each treatment, it allows you to work with doctor on which is best for you. Some doctors go far beyond a Gluten Free diet, which is outlined. Hopefully my doctor won’t fall into extreme category. There are recipes in the book, they sound great if you cook. I have lived on the same bars, granola snacks, yogurt and cereal. I like Suja drinks, cold pressed, no preservatives, no sugar, all fruit including berries with high levels of antioxidants. Taste great, is expense. My husband eats some Gluten Free snacks, in general we eat separate meals unless I feel like eating meat or eggs. I have not found it difficult to transitions, down the road may be a different story.
This week I’m focusing on the effects of Lyme Disease. Outlined below is not a pity party. I think if people see what everyday is like it will stick with them. If one person uses DEET and doesn’t get Lyme, I will dance to the music. Don’t forget to check pets including cats or any other outside/inside pets. This in the prime time of year for ticks.
The information on Epstein Barr Virus was taken from CDC site. After you get an EBV infection, the virus becomes latent (inactive) in your body. In some cases, the virus may reactivate. This does not always cause symptoms, but people with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop symptoms if EBV reactivates.
*The bedtime set by the doctor is 9:00 PM, I have not made the bedtime yet. I think 11:00 PM is the earliest.
*My husband has to be home for me to take a shower. That crazy shower chair has caused me to fall twice. It’s worse when I close my eyes, get disoriented.
*One of the probiotics is liquid form to mix in drink. I can’t recall a med ever smelling so rank. I can’t breath when taking a sip.
*I take 3-4 pain pills a day, one taken at night to help me sleep. As a sleeping aid it’s awesome, the brain fog when I wake up is not. It takes a good thirty minutes to join the world.
*The fatigue and I have a difficult relationship. I can’t vacuum my office or much else. I feel tremendous guilt for not contributing to the household work.
*The edema hung around this week, up to my shins. The skin gets so tight it hurts, bumping into something is painful.
*Neuropathy in my hands along with Lyme Arthritis makes my hands very sensitive. My fingernail or pen can barely brush a finger and it feels like a razor blade. Both have little strength, causing me to ask for help. :(
*I can’t tell you the last time I cooked or washed dishes, can’t stand that long. My husband has to do both.
*When I have a good weekend , I work on laundry instead of resting. Rest is hard, I feel totally lazy. :(
*The guilt and other emotions can strain a marriage. :(
*The unrelenting headaches can render you useless. All you can do is lay down, pray for sleep.
*I have ulcers in my mouth and nose, a side effect of one med. FUN!
*The amount of hair loss daily is depressing. Good thing I wear a ball cap most of time.
*Due to the level of inflammation in my body, infections pop up, this week it’s a bladder infection. So much fun!
*I stay positive even though I’m starting year five of being sick. A year spent on diagnosing Lyme. The remainder on heart issues. A lot of guilt builds up, it’s hard not to beat yourself up.
*In staying positive I think some new clothes are needed because I’m going to leave the house. It’s depressing to see the number of shirts with tags on them. In the big scheme I know I’m blessed.
*I have cut my hair for the past 8 months, good thing I watched my hair dresser. My hair is natural color with the grays out front. Why spend $125 on coloring and haircut when I don’t leave the house. Great use for ball cap.
*Reading lab results makes me crazy. I research every line, what does this mean, what is it connected to. I have worked hard not to play doctor this time. The time on internet is unproductive.
*A DNA test was performed. I didn’t know and a bit unsettling. I have gene mutations for two illnesses. I didn’t know what the gene mutations meant in detailed medical terms. WOW! Just seeing the number of doctors involved in verifying the result makes you blink. I did spend many hours learning about the mutations. I have to wait until appointment to see how the results impact Lyme or general health.
M
Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood Jam to Presence of the Lord **Live from Crossroads**
I haven’t gone off the deep edge or forgotten what day it is. This song is the most beautiful rock song about finding God. This is dedicated to my friend/followers. Thank you for the kind words of support, prayers and overall positive thoughts. It would not be right if I didn’t mention EC is the master guitar rocker. The Rock Star in my head plays like my guitar idol. Have a great weekend. :) M
Looking for the Light 