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Friday, November 30, 2007

 

Off to the Friendly Skies

Most people don't know this about me, but I am a ham (?). Yes, it's the former theatre minor/broadcast journalist in me. Or maybe it's the old pre-school teacher. No matter, I love speaking in public.

When I am able to use this particular quirk to help others-life improves. Which is why I'm off to Omaha, Nebraska.

Most people would not think having rheumatoid arthritis is a positive thing-but since I have it, I try to put it to good use-when called upon, I speak to groups of rheumatologists and their staff to tell them, from a patients point of view, the importance of early diagnosis.

I am an advocate for Vibrant Lives-a support group for those of us on a certain drug that enables us to lead more regular lives. You'll notice I didn't use that word "normal", that would just be boring.

A few times a year I'm called upon to tell about my journey from the beginning of my symptoms and where I am now. Earlier this year, I spoke to a group in Santa Barbara, California. It was a fun day-the advocacy group sent my husband and I by limo, paid for our dinner at a Michelin rated restaurant and I didn't have to work half of a day. I wrote about the "Cinderella effect" in one of the March blogs.

This time-it's Omaha in the winter.

The high in Omaha this time of the year is 30 degrees. Now forgive this born and bred true California girl, who is a descent of desert people, but this is really COLD-right????

No matter, this is a "drive-by" trip. I only had two days of personal time left. I leave home Tuesday at 8 a.m.-land in Omaha at 2:30. It's drinks at 6, followed by the seminar and then I'm back on the plane by 8 a.m. Wednesday morning. I will land at home by 1 in the afternoon. I promised to be back for our daughter's last 4D ultrasound.

How cold do you think I will get on this particular schedule?

I'm to talk and answer questions for about twenty minutes. This will be a great experience on so many levels! I've never been to the mid-west (unless you count the time we landed in O'Hare to board another plane). And at age 50, this will be my first plane trip without a family member by my side. Let alone making the transfer planes and hailing my own taxi! Quite an adventure-at least from my point of view.

Looking on line, I've seen the outside, the lobby and the room of the Hilton Garden Inn I've been booked into. The restaurant where the seminar is being held looks very romantic. Of course this rule doesn't apply to me. The menu sounds delicious. No picture of the Denver or Omaha airport however, so I guess what I see will be a complete surprise. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to handle it though.

One question-do you think I should bring my camera?

Comments:
I think I've been through Omaha once, but I don't remember anything there worth photographing. And, yes, it does get cold in the Midwest, and sorry to say, it's only fall. Winter's not for another few weeks and then it REALLY gets cold.

I'm kinduva ham too, but it's usually just for the family videocam. I've done quite a few little skits with my boys growing up. YouTube fodder someday maybe.
 
I figured it meant "wear the leather coat w/ the hoody, the earmuffs and the gloves".
 
Good for you, Carine! I hate public speaking. :)

And, yes, 30 degrees is cold. We had our first snow day today - temps hovered between 32-33. It warmed up a bit and then melted. But after in humid Florida for over 4 years, we're not acclimated yet. It's like when we first moved up here from California - only worse. :)
 
Never leave home without the camera..I always take it with me...doesn't matter if I just go to the hospital or school..always something of interest.
 
Kathy,
I am looking forward to all of what I hope to experience! I've contacted a shuttle car company, phoned the restaurant about my food allergy-even have all the meds lined up! Now, how to hobble from one plane to another!
 
Hi Matty,
Ordinarily, it wouldn't even be a question, but since I'm not too swift on my feet and the turnaround is less than 24 hours, I wasn't sure if carrying the extra bag would be worth the effort. But, of course, you're right-you never know who/what you run into.
 
Enjoy the trip and stay warm, Carine ! And yes, bring the camera - you never know what will catch your eye :)
 
I agree with Matty and Annie...definitely bring the camera. You never know when there might be a snow-covered holly bush with a cardinal in it.

...also, just personally speaking...I would bring something heavier than a leather coat...but I do tend to get cold very easily! I know the average for this time of year is 30, but I'm pretty sure the midwest just got slammed with some snow this weekend!

Anyway...what a great opportunity for you!! I think you will do fantastic, and you'll have a nice blog post for next week!
 
Carine, did I really say that adding sitemeter would be easy? Shame on me if I did. I honestly can't remember how I did it. And they've done some programing changes at sitemeter (as well as blogger), so it may not even work the same way.

I just checked and I see a bunch of HTML language down at the bottom of my blog format page, so sitemeter must have put it there somehow.

Good luck.
 
annie, okay, most seem to feel the extra weight will be worthwhile, I'll have hubby charge it tonight!
I saw your post this morning-very nice
 
Lisa, I too am always cold-hence the gloves and earmuffs.
 
Dave, so this isn't just me, good!
 
Omaha is very cold, unless you dress in "woolies" Take a nice sweater and make sure you dress in layers :-)
Have fun!
 
I sure hope too! I just don't want to come back looking like a popsicle!
 
ruthie, please pm me!!! if you read last week's post you know I need you vital statistics!!!!
 
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