Posted on: February 9th, 2012 by Amanda
The OI Conference is July 13-15, 2012 in Washington, DC. That means in less than 5 months, so many of my OI friends will be meeting each other or reuniting with each other. I’ve read stories and reviews from conference but I’ve never been!
I’ll be honest, I was ecstatic at the prospect of attending. But, the cost is astronomical! When you add up food not provided by the conference fee, transportation $120, $350 for registration (That’s for two early bird registrations at $175 a piece.), $320ish for hotels, plus parking… well we’re looking at an almost $1,000 trip. I don’t know about you but I don’t have funds like that floating around. I wish I did, I’d register myself and my Dad in a heartbeat. I have until April to determine if I’m actually going. I did reserve a room, just in case.
Posted on: January 31st, 2012 by Amanda
There are so many myths related to osteogenesis imperfecta, it can be comical at times. While perusing the OI Foundation website, I noticed a new section dedicated to dispelling OI myths. Check it out, HERE.
What are the OI myths that annoy you the most?
I personally get agitated with the myth that some individuals with OI can outgrow the disorder. I guess I’m not one of the blessed few who outgrew OI.
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Posted on: January 24th, 2012 by Amanda
Like almost everyone I know, I live on a budget. I use coupons and buy my clothes on clearance or on sale. I splurge on travel and the occasional designer purse. But really I keep it on an even keel and always stay within my budget.
Life on a budget has brought to life my brand-new second blog, The Affordable Life. The Affordable Life is all about helping others figure out ways to save a buck and learning to enjoy life on a budget. Of course, I’m not alone in this new venture. I’m joined by younger brother Aaron. (He’s a non-OIer.)
Come and join in our fun, oh and share your own money saving tips if you’re up for it. Visit us by clicking HERE or follow us on twitter @theafflife.
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Posted on: January 18th, 2012 by Amanda
A special congratulation is due to our friend Jacqueline from Unbreakable Stride. She recently received word that she won the $250 Team Refuel grant. Way to go! Keep up great work and congratulations!
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Posted on: January 10th, 2012 by Amanda
This Christmas I was given one of the best gifts of my life! A foam roller! This $9.00 device has changed my life and relieved my back pain in a way that nothing else ever has, and that is an understatement. My brother, who is a huge fitness fanatic, discovered the magic of foam rollers and gave me one on Christmas Eve.
He explained that he knew my back had been bothering me and thought I’d really enjoy this product. The sheer relief I have felt after just one use is unexplainable. Of course, make sure to consult your doctor prior to starting any fitness program. But, if your doctor says it’s okay and you’re a mild OIer like myself you should really try it out.
Posted on: January 9th, 2012 by Amanda
There are few things I hate more than my yearly bout with bronchitis. See it strikes like clockwork, see last year’s post. Although, I learned a lesson from last year’s spell and headed the doctor at the very start of my symptoms. I even one upped myself, and did something I never do… rest.
Posted on: January 4th, 2012 by Amanda
I love New Year’s Eve and New Year’s. Heck, that’s why I got married on New Year’s Day. (We just celebrated two years as Mr. and Mrs., in case your interested. I’m paying homage to the big event with a wedding day preview photo.) But, this year I’m abnormally excited for the New Year.
Last year, 2011 was terribly difficult for me. I enjoyed some really great times, but I spent much of the year stressed, defeated and near tears. That’s why I can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store for me.
In 2011, I opted to go to school full time, while working full time and attempting to function as a normal human being. This ultimately led to stress, tears and a disconnection from myself and my own dreams. But, I made it through to the other side.
Posted on: December 22nd, 2011 by Amanda
I’m going to take a hiatus to enjoy the upcoming holidays and finally rest up a bit. But, I’ll be back and better than ever in 2012.
See you in the New Year!
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Posted on: December 20th, 2011 by Amanda
I’ve never been one to limit my own physical abilities but Jacqueline from Unbreakable Stride, well she puts me to shame! Jacqueline like myself, was born with Type 1 OI and has experienced fractures totaling almost 20. She strives to keep her body in tip top physical shape and can frequently be found running or participating in Pilates class. Basically, I’m intrigued… fascinated and inspired by her. She’s my new fitness hero.
Jacqueline recently gave an interview to the Del Ray Patch, you can read it HERE.
Like Unbreakable Stride on FB, HERE. Follow her on Twitter @unbreakablestride.
Oh, and she’s also up for the Refuel with Chocolate Milk grant. Which if she wins she plans on donating the proceeds to the OIF. So, make sure you pay a visit to the Refuel grant page and vote. (You’ll need to search her first name Jacqueline to find her) Vote for Unbreakable Stride HERE.
Make sure you pay her pages a visit and tell her I sent you.
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Posted on: December 9th, 2011 by Amanda
There is a freedom about swimming and being in the water that is more than just independence. It’s more than the fact that I can walk, run, and jump in the water without fear of fracturing. More than just the fact that I can reach things from the bottom of the pool without needing to ask someone. I can do flips, float, and kick as hard as I want. In the water people look at me when I’m talking to them, not at my wheelchair. I am able to swim and keep up with friends and family, never needing to look for an accessible route or a low enough curb cut. In the water, as long as it’s not too crowded with flailing and splashing limbs, I hardly have to worry about having brittle bones. When I am walking or jumping in the water I am always amazed by the weightlessness of everything. For someone who relies on her wheelchair most of the time, being able to be mobile on my own two legs (without leg braces) is empowering. I have tried to explain this to my friends who don’t have O.I. but they usually look at me like I am extremely late to the party. I don’t know how else to explain it without sounding too cliche, but maybe if humans had wings and could go anywhere they wanted then everyone would understand how I feel about being in water – it’s freeing.
