I’ve been having a problem with IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is related to Fybromyalgia and Sjogren’s Syndrome that I also have. My stomach hurts. I don’t have much of an appetite. My stomach rumbles and grumbles and I’ve had times where I’ve had to know where all of the toilets are located in the stores I’ve visited so I can make get there quickly if the need arises.

When I don’t have an appetite my family knows that I’m not feeling well because I love to eat. But this knot in my stomach and either not being able to go or going too much has my system in a bit of an uproar. It’s not something that is easily explained when your friends invite you out. I usually say I’m having tummy trouble.

If it’s not one thing it’s another, but i find a way to laugh about it.

I am an advocate for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. When something is happening that offends me I have to do something about it. The use of the R word is way too common. Children are using it. Children who don’t even understand the word’s meaning.

It’s heard on TV, the radio and in movies. One movie in particular is “Tropic Thunder”. I think this has been the breaking point for activists. There is now a backlash against this movie and a challenge sponsored by such groups as Special Olympics, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, United Cerebal Palsy and others to stop using the R word. Their website has a place for you to post your challenge. There are badges available for you to place on your blogs too.

On my blog Brain Foggles, I wrote a post about this challenge and included a video you may want to view. Please spread the word, take the challenge and teach others, especially your children about how hurtful one word can be.

Before I was sick I was the hostess with the mostess. Family dinners were always at my house. I loved entertaining and all that went along with it, especially preparing the menu and cooking all the different meals, snacks, desserts, etc…..

Now I’m lucky if I can keep one pot of water boiling for rice while there’s a pan of chicken in the oven roasting. It seems that I can’t multitask when it comes to cooking. I burn things, forget to cook things and mess up recipes I”ve been cooking my whole adult life.

What is about me and food? I sure can eat it but can’t prepare it for all the money in the world. Well I could but it wouldn’t be edible.

When our time is valuable due to being fatigued or feeling in pain most of the time those of us with disabilities or chronic illnesses want to use our time wisely. Some of us find hobbies that make us happy, do volunteer work or socialize with family and friends. But it has to be on our schedule, working around the time that we feel well enough to take part in these activities.

Some of us who are on Social Security Disability want to attempt to do some type of work again. We usually need to begin working part time with very few hours at the start. With the opportunities for starting a home business becoming much easier and more widespread, this is often the job choice that is made.

This is what I have done and I am happy to say that being a professional blogger is what I’ve longed to do. I work my own hours and am able to earn some extra income. It helps me to feel that I am contributing to society too.

Think about this type of work. If you have any questions on how to become a professional blogger, please contact me by leaving me a comment.

With Tropical Storm Fay heading toward us I was reminded of how important it is to prepare for weather and other types of emergencies especially when you have a chronic illness.

Register for the Medical Needs Shelter in your area in advance of storms. Don’t think that you won’t be comfortable or you don’t need such a thing. If your home becomes flooded or unlivable due to damage or not having electricity, you’ll regret your decision. Some of us cannot live without air conditioning or refrigerated medication. It can take weeks for electricity to be turned on again. Register and go to the shelter if your area is told to evacuate. You can always leave when it’s safe to return home.

Have extra medications on hand. If you are able to have a month or more available, do so. Also keep a list in a plastic bag with all of your medical information including doctors’ names and phone numbers, diagnoses, medications, etc. Have another person keep the same with them. If you have a medical bracelet, call before hand and update your information.

Stock up on food that is nonperishable, nourishing and that you will eat in case you cannot cook at home. Also keep bottled water on hand. You may need extra if you are without electricity and it is very hot.

Make and keep a well stocked First Aid Kit. Don’t forget bug spray, hand sanitizer and baby wipes. Purchase batteries, flashlights, candles, and small battery powered fans. They can’t hurt!

If you stay home and a weather emergency occurs and you do not feel well, don’t wait to call an ambulance. It may take a lot longer for them to arrive due to the poor weather conditions.

Don’t get complacent. We in Florida have a tendency to think that we’re told about hurricanes and storms and nothing happens (depending on where you live). Don’t be surprised and end up getting sicker and hurt in the process.

I often hear, “but I’m just one person, what can I do?” in reply to my pleas, sometimes my badgering, for help with promoting or being an advocate for health, disability, mental health, religious or social issues.

One person can do a lot. One voice can be the start of a new movement. There’s a huge movement going on right now that started with one person, Lisa Copen of Rest Ministries. It is the Invisible Illness Awareness Week.

One person can accomplish a lot. Think of Col. Sanders and his restaurants, Kentucky Fried Chicken now called KFC. Starting with one person and one store, these stores are known worldwide.

If you have something to say that is important to you, do it! Blog about it, send emails, write letters and spread the word!