My Bio

1. I was diagnosed officially with Schwannomatosis in 2011 confirmed by a blood test. I had symptoms of Neurofibromatosis as early as a teen-ager, though. My first surgery and biopsy (benign) was at age 18. 2. My grandfather, aunt (Susie), and father all had Neurofibromatosis. I am the only one left living with the condition in my family. 3. I have only one cafe au lait spot. 4. I have had more than 20 surgeries and medical procedures, including installation of a wound vac and a pain stimulator. 5. Chronic pain sucks. 6. Furry friends (I'm a dog person) get me through some of the hardest days! 7. I want to do my part as a writer to help get the word out about the many stories of Neurofibromatosis -- what it is, how it affects patients and their families, and maybe even raise some $$$ in the process! 8. I would not know what to do without my iPad. 9. I wrote on both my high school and college newspapers. Not the yearbook. 10. I lived in Idaho for nearly 20 years. I was born in Texas & live here now. I have also lived in western Montana. I wouldn't mind living there again some day or western Washington or the French countryside. Tres jolie! Oui! :) 11. I adore camping in a yurt! No, not the Neiman Marcus suite! The yurts I speak of are available at some campgrounds and resorts across the country. 12. Twitter is a great resource if you want to chat #Neurofibromatosis #chronic #pain #gratitude for what you do have! I know I am addicted. Come join me: red_head30 13. My goal in 2012 is to read 35 books since I will be turning that age... in a few a...OK, February. Wish me luck, it's like Book-it all over again. I need some yellow star stickers! ;) 14. I graduated from college with honors (don't be so surprised!) with a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts and Journalism. I worked at the local newspaper for awhile then ended up at the University of Idaho, just 40 minutes from home. I first worked as a writer and then graduated to a writer/editor working on the faculty/staff newsletter. I worked at the university for nearly a decade. 15. I wrote and presented my Dad's eulogy -- shaking knees and all. As hard as it was, I am glad I did it. It is something I look back on and don't regret. Somehow I managed to keep it together while I spoke. 16. I dislike asparagus, raisins, and rice pudding. Can't do it. 17. I love books more than I love purses unless it is Chanel. But I can't afford Chanel. So I stare in awe at the ads at the high-end stores on occasion -- just window (screen) shop. 18. I love famous quotations. Inspirational. Funny. Off-beat. Serious. Celebratory. 19. I am an only child. 20. I wish Idaho could moved closer to Texas or vice-versa. I miss the coffee talk, lunch dates, late-night gab sessions, etc. I now have family close, but terribly miss my college friends who are like family. Agh. 21. Oops. Almost forgot. One last bit of info. Single. Still looking for My Guy. Been busy in ERs, waiting rooms, hospitals and *dang it* hasn't been hanging out there getting a CT or operating one either! ;) And my doctors have all been too young or married. Sigh. One did look like Hugh Grant, though. #smile So, the search continues & I PATIENTLY WAIT... #inthewaitingroom

Comic strip courtesy of: http://oddlotcomics.blogspot.com/2009/12/when-medical-school-training-fails.html