Lucky Number 13

[Kristi]

I don't know if it is so lucky, but 13 years ago today my life changed. Today is the anniversary of the day I became paralyzed. I really think there should be a different word for such a day, but since there isn't I will go with it. You would think after 13 years I would be able to come up with something more unique. I mean seriously if you think about all the words that could be synonyms for anniversary they are all pretty happy occasion words. Unfortunately this isn't a happy occasion.

So far today I am OK. Not, good, not bad, just OK. I have a ton of homework to keep my mind off things and have to upload vacation pictures. Oh joy. I just got back from Vegas and though it was a wee bit cold, I had an awesome time. Some times this day just goes by and I totally forget about it and other times I remember it and feel like reminiscing a bit. Today I am remembering it.

A lot has happened in the last 13 years and not all good. I had a lot of ups and downs with the Lupus relapsing over the years and far too many hospitalizations. Thankfully, the Lupus has been in remission for four years and haven't seen the inside of a hospital room since I broke my femur a year and half ago so health wise I couldn't be better. I've weened of two medications this past year and though I was apprehensive about going off them, my blood work is perfect. Knock on wood.

I keep changing my mind about school. I'm not happy with my school and haven't been in a while. I'm doing well, but I guess I am just bored and in a rut and wanting change. There's a shocker - me wanting change. I am not getting what I want out of it and they have me going far too long for as many credits that I do have. It is ridiculous. I'm in the process of possibly going back to my first college as I would be able to finish a lot sooner. They will be getting back to me hopefully next week. If that is the case I can soon start working on the goal of seeking employment in a much warmer climate when I finish school.

This has been an extremely long winter and it has been tough getting around. It is March 7th and it was windy and snowy yesterday and extremely cold today. It was brutal coming out of class last night. Thought I was going to blow away. I threw my back out for the first time in November to get on my truck lift in an unplowed parking lot. I still hurt today and the chiropractor says I have a displaced right shoulder. It will be nice to someday not have to worry about snow. I dream of that day. The grass peaked through a little bit while we were in Vegas, but my first night back we got another 3 inches. GO AWAY SNOW!

In the last year my advocacy efforts have stepped up. I actually got two cases solved as opposed to having some lawyer take over the case and have it sit on their desk collecting dust. It's a high sense of accomplishment to help those that are too shy to say something or don't know how to go about fixing it. Me, I have no problems bitching about it until is fixed right. I was once that shy girl that wouldn't say anything. I hope to work on more issues in the future.

I'm 28 years old and not where I thought I would be at this age. I dream of marriage and kids, but Prince Charming hasn't showed up on his white horse yet. Mostly the guys that I have dated have been riding stubborn old mules. I'm working on opening up my heart a little more - working on certain trust issues, etc. It all takes time. I don't know if it will all ever come back, but a little bit at a time works for me now. To think when I was younger and so naive I trusted everyone with everything. I'm not that invincible little girl anymore. The CRAZY Kissing Kristi is slowing down a bit. Don't worry - she's still there, she just doesn't come out near as much as she once did. I have to leave some in the tank for that Prince Charming when he comes along.

Another year has gone by and thank goodness we are nearing the end of President Bush. There is no saying the next President is going to approve stem cell research, but gosh I am hoping he or she will. It's been a LONG 8 years with him in office. I'm not saying that is the cure to walking, but it is a chance so why not give it to us and help so many other diseases? I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket in saying that is the only way. I know that and don't rely on a cure to continue living, but it would be nice to see the researchers be able to get some funding and try it. I don't think a chance is too much to ask for.

I have my health and happiness and those are two things a lot of people don't have. I'm grateful for them because I know it could be a whole helluva lot worse. Been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. I'm looking forward to a great upcoming 13th year, not because it has been 13 years, but because I think it will be a great year. Here's hoping.

[McDuff]

Good read there Kristi. Always good to take "stock" every once in awhile, as well as have a good reminiscence, even on a day such as this.

Can't believe the weather y'all have been thru, that is just brutal. I can see where that would drive you to wanting out of school quicker. Just remember, they don't call it "work" for no reason, it will put a crimp in your traveling fun til you build up some vacation. So, dream of Spring and enjoy your free time while you can.

You're right we need another word, but in the meantime, glad you made it to/thru another Anniversary.

[van damn]

Hey Kristi

I can relate to what you said.You've come along ways.Not all good but not all bad either.You're kind but kick ass if needed.

Just keep pushing forward.No one knows what lies ahead.Hopefully soon we all are cured and can get together and laugh about what we have overcome.

[Timaru]

Fantastic attitude, congratulations (there has to be a better word than that!) on your thirteenth!

[anty]

Kristi you are a inspiration to me. Your a great girl always with that big SMILE by the way 13 is a lucky number for Italains this will be a better year for you Anty

[2jazzyjeff]

Glad to read that you are coping well. We really do need a new word other than Happy Anniversary. I'm gonna go nap now after reading that novel.

[graybeard]

I think you have done the best thing for this annual reminder.....you did stuff. Going to Vegas is awesome, instead of being at home watching the snow clouds roll by. Best of days to you!

[Steven Edwards]

Here's to a brilliant 13th year, Kristi!

[Ashley]

This cold shit gets me in a funk all the time...13 years and you are doing great things!! Congrats, girl. You seem to have reached a crossroads with some plans for your future, it's always scary when that happens but things tend to present themselves eventually Countdown to summer!

[kkmay]

I must agree. Long-term relationship or married. I don't think either is going to happen. At least you get guys! Six years on Sunday for me.