This Epi(lepti)c Life

Dear friends, We last parted with a heartfelt confession from yours truly describing the difficulty I sometimes face when writing these blog posts. I've spent these past few weeks since then contemplating how to craft this particular post, knowing that it would be an especially tough one to tackle. You see, when we started this journey, I told you that I'd had five seizures. While this is still true; it took me a long time wrestle with (on my own and through conversations with others) this particular "episode". However, through much deliberation, this little snag in the hose of my life did turn out to, in fact, be a seizure. As much as I would like to say more and give you all the juicy deets; I can't. For personal reasons, and keeping my best interests in mind; I can't share all the details out there for all to see (and let's be honest; talk about around town). So in the interest of not being a pot-stirrer, I shall not disclose any information abo...

Oh hey there. Me again. Remember that one time a few months ago when I told you about all the fun things I'd write about on my next blog post and then I never posted again? Yeah, me too. Sorry 'bout that. Instead of boring you with a list of (pretend) high-pitched excuses of "Oh, I've just been so busy with this and that;". I'll attempt to be as straightforward with you as possible and catch you up on a few life events since I wrote last. Sound good? Gravy. Life Events:   December 24, 2018: Got engaged! Remember Matt? When I had my first seizure and he showed up after I got loaded in the ambulance, then I immediately burst into tears because I could finally let my guard down-- that guy? Yeah! He's the one! We were enjoying Christmas with his family in Branson when he popped the question after the tree lighting ceremony at this picturesque little scene: January 3, 2019: Got my license back! It's really quite the long story which I will t...

Welcome back! As promised, today's post is EEG edition (that's electroencephalogram for all of you scientists out there. Say that three times fast.)! The date is January 19, 2017. Don't ask how I remember these dates, I've always been good at remembering birthdays, anniversaries, death-versaries. It's a gift. What is an EEG exactly? I'm so glad you asked. Well, as you learned from our scientist friends up above, it's an abbreviation for electroencephalogram. An electroencephalogram is a diagnostic test used by neurologists to monitor brain activity using electrodes placed on the scalp. These electrodes are just small metal discs with wires that are hooked up to a machine. A technician uses different kinds of paste and tape to attach the wires all over your head in order to set up the EEG. There are about 26 electrodes to attach, so it takes over thirty minutes just to get ready.  My glamour shot is below, since I know you're all dying to see it....

Hello Readers! It’s been a while. October was a long month and I knew if I wrote it would be a “Moaning Myrtle” post- which I vowed to you from the beginning- to try and avoid. First of all, thanks for reading! Every time I see someone and you comment on the blog and thank me for writing or that you enjoy it, it means a lot! I’m very flattered and humbled to know that so many of you are learning from, or at least enjoying, reading about This Epi(lepti)c Life . Since it’s been a while since the last update, let’s do a quick recap. ·         8/30/16- Dixie Chicks Concert- AKA Best. Night. Ever! ·         8/31/16- Stressful Board meeting interrupted by Clarissa’s grand mal seizure- AKA worst. Night. Ever. ·         8/31-9/2/16: Hospital stay at Stormont Vail consisting of many tests, all of which came back normal. ·         9/5(ish...

Beth walks me into the ER and sets me down at the check-in desk before she goes back out to park. I still can't talk so I'm really just a wallflower at this point. When she returns, the registration ladies are asking her all about my name, date of birth, address, social security number..... Beth doesn't know all of that! Normally, most of that information would be in my wallet/purse. However, Clarissa was being clever earlier in the day and had put her driver's license and debit card in her pocket! You see, I'd stuck those cards in my pants pocket in case I would need them that evening when we went out for FCS Friendship Night. Crafty gal, aren't I? Meanwhile, back at the hospital- Beth tried to ask me what my birthday was and I would just respond with a confused smile. Sorry Beth, your guess is as good as mine! Even when I can talk again, I still didn't know the answers to these seemingly simple questions. It's kinda funny now but I was so frustrated ...

Welcome to Episode 2! AKA the one where  Clarissa gets a pie thrown in her face. Humble pie, that is.  Every October, K-State Research & Extension holds its Annual Conference on campus in Manhattan. It's a typical conference, with an  opening ceremony, breakout sessions for a couple days and then concludes with an awards luncheon. Sometimes the conferences themselves aren't all that exciting, but it's always good to catch up with other extension pals from across the state plus the agent associations have meetings and social nights which are always fun. This was just a couple months after my first seizure so I was unable to drive myself up there, which wasn't a huge deal since there's a bunch of people going to Manhattan anyway. I was rooming with Beth Ireland who was in Greenwood County at the time so we made arrangements to ride together as well. I had reached this point in my adult life where I didn't really have any friends who still lived in Manhatta...