Happy New Year!

May we all be blessed with joy and prosperity in the coming year.

I hesitate to ask, 'Can it get any worse?' Obama's short stay at the White House has caused more damage than even I thought he was capable of. We have 3 years of 'challenge' ahead of us. May we remain strong and may God bless the United States of America.

It's Back

Trigeminal Neuralgia.

After several years remission, the pain is back. Just like the old days. This artwork, done by a sufferer of TN, is a pretty good representation of what the pain is like for me:

My pain is on the right side only, and mainly affects the lower jaw, upper teeth - occasionally the side of my nose. My lower jaw has been taking a beating with pain over the last week. At its worst, it feels like someone is taking my jaw bone and breaking it in half, while at the same time ripping out every tooth. Lightning bolt pain doesn't even begin to describe it. Sometimes my right ear feels like it's on fire.

The pains have been lasting several minutes up to one half hour and then, poof! - it disappears completely. I never know when it will return and that is a part of the hell of this affliction. The fear of the pain is a factor even when you're not experiencing any pain. When the pain is minimal, the fear of the pain becoming more intense will really screw with you.

I have an appointment to see my Neurologist after the Christmas break. My medication doesn't seem to be helping very much. Wrapping my head in a scarf to cover the right side of my face helps a little. Seven times out of ten, if my nose is completely covered by the scarf the pain will magically disappear. I look ridiculous though, and explaining it can feel awkward.

Wind, even the slightest breeze, triggers pain. Chewing will sometimes bring pain on and sometimes relieve it. Brushing my teeth or washing my face has no effect.

For more Trigeminal Pain artwork click here. It is a hellish affliction.

**UPDATE**

Here are a couple of links for support:

Living with TN.

FPA support. (Formerly TNA)

Merry Christmas

May you have a beautiful holiday.



From Grizzly Mama, Troll and girls.

I Can't Argue With This

As seen at American Power.

The Great Blizzard of '09

As seen at Weather.com:

Crippling snowstorm Mid-Atlantic to Northeast
James Wilson, Lead Meteorologist, The Weather Channel
Dec. 19, 2009 6:07 am ET
The powerful Gulf Low that brought flooding rains to Georgia, South Carolina, and severe and life threatening flooding, (12 to 18 inches) from Hollywood, Florida to Miami has redeveloped along the Carolinas. This new massive Atlantic storm will continue to strengthen today and bring dangerous heavy snow and even white-out conditions from the Virginias to Washington, DC to Philadelphia to New York City to Southern New England.

A large swath of historic and dangerous December snows of 10 to 15 inches will bury many of the major cities in the Mid-Atlantic to Northeast.

The heaviest snows are forecast for northern Virginia including Washington, DC to Baltimore and Philadelphia where one to two feet of snow is possible.

Just laugh at me now all those who doubted my emergency prepardness nesting intinct. When they start using words like 'massive', 'historic', 'crippling', and 'dangerous' to describe a lil ol' snowstorm, you probably better start thinking about hunkering down. Unfortunately, I will have to hunker at work both nights of the storm. That means plenty of shoveling for me and making sure that the cell phone is charged for my trip into work and back home. Troll and the girls are safely ensconced at Mom-Mom's house. He may be pulling a couple of all-nighters at his job.

On the other hand, we may just end up with a dusting. They just don't know...

Right now it's a beautiful sight watching the snow come down through the security cameras at work. I just love snow!!

'I'm dreaming of a White Christmas.'

Monica

A Grizzly Mama's Christmas List

I'm into Emergency Preparedness this year. While we have lots in the cupboards that could probably last 10 days or so if stretched, I thought that having a little extra stored in the basement wouldn't hurt.

Here in America, it's not outlandish to think that one might have to deal with some sort of emergency at some time in ones life. Blizzards, flooding, hurricanes, power outages - not to mention economic collapse!

A relative of mine had to endure 10 days with no electricity a few years ago after a devastating blizzard and ice storm. That lack of electricity meant no heat, no water(well water with a pump that relies on electric), and unable to get out of the house due to impassable roads for many days.

I know several people who maintain a Bug Out Bag. I don't think that it's overly paranoid to think about survival in the event that an evacuation or shelter-in-place recommendation is made - or if disastrous weather conditions prevent you from leaving your house for a week or more.

With no further ado - I present my list to Santa:

A case of full meal, self heating MRE's. (Meals Ready to Eat.):




















A case of US Coast Guard approved 4.227 oz water pouches:


















5 Person Sanitation/Hygiene Kit:















A magnesium fire starter:





















A flat fold stove with 24 fuel tablets:

















A box of waterproof matches:





















And last but CERTAINLY not least, a couple of extra boxes of ammunition. We already own the kerosene heater with a 5 gallon jug of kero in the shed, along with plenty of flashlights, emergency candles, and a wind-up radio or two.

Santa - I've been a very bad Grizzly Mama - what with all of my criticism of 'Teh One' and my smoking, cussing and eating meat - but I still think that I should have these things! The old adage that we are only four meals away from anarchy seems plausible. Ho-Hum! If you will only leave coal in my stocking, which I admit that I deserve!, then perhaps I can just buy the stuff for about $150.00. (not including the cost of ammo...) Free Shipping!!