I think I figured out why I’ve been having so many emotional issues recently, along with my unusual sleep patterns. I got a phone message on Friday from my primary doctor telling me that I had to call the office back because of my blood test results. By the time I got the message and called the office was closed.

Today I learned that my Potassium level is low again. It’s 3.3, which usually isn’t bad since 3.5 is the normal range. But, since I have chronic illnesses especially Myasthenia Gravis this can cause me problems.

It’s a long story about how it took so long to get my blood test results over to my Nephrologist (Kidney Dr.) but I didn’t hear anything by late afternoon. So I called that office. They didn’t call me back until after 5 PM. By then, as is usual for me, the MG symptoms were kicking in. But it was really bad today.

The nurse I spoke to told me to go to the ER because she could hear my slurred speech and shaky voice. I was so upset that I had my husband get on the phone and tell them that I know how to control my symptoms and that I was ready for my medication when they called. He went back and forth with them.

Finally they understood that I wasn’t going to the ER. It then took 3 more phone calls to tell me how to increase my medications and to go for more blood work on Monday. Sheesh! I do feel very fatigued, am having leg cramps and all over muscle cramps. The MG symptoms are also causing my muscles to twitch. But I know to rest, take my meds on time and if I feel that the symptoms are getting worse to go to the ER.

It’s funny, it’s either doctors don’t know about Myasthenia Gravis or they overreact.  Even though this ordeal was annoying, I had to laugh about it. I’m thinking positively that now that I know what’s wrong I’ll be feeling better soon.

Before I was diagnosed with a chronic illness I wanted to own my own business. But when you’re young and trying to make the bills it’s hard to think of something that is so far out of reach. Then I became a mom, then a single mom and that dream become harder to reach.

When I became sick and wasn’t able to work, my husband and I needed extra money. We were used to living on two incomes. With two children and a lot of bills to pay, we began to sell on eBay. In a way it was like having my own business. Since I was very limited in what I could do, I was like the boss.

One thing I did was chose what to sell on eBay. I looked for things around our home that we didn’t use any more. As I got better, someone would drive me to local stores to look at clearance items.

I’d keep a list of things that people were buying like Slimquick Cleanse and Tickle Me Elmo, etc. Although selling on eBay was fun and we do it once in a while, my own business now is blogging.

Although I have been blogging since April of 2007 I still have a lot to learn. One of the ways I keep up on what is new in the world of blogs is by taking part in social media outlets like Twitter, Facebook and forums. There is always something going on that helps me,  be it new plugins, an update to WordPress, a new forum opening up, a new site to earn money, etc.

The subject I want to learn now is SEO – Search Engine Optimization. This is a bit difficult for me to grasp so I keep on reading about it and chatting with other knowledgable people. There are so many terms to remember, like SERPS, conversion rate optimization, etc. Wen I learn something, there’s something else waiting for me to grasp.

It’s a long process but in the end learning the ropes will pay off. One way for you to learn about SEO and other blogging techniques is Kelly McCausey’s Mom’s Talk Biz One on One Business Coaching

Maureen from Being Chronically Ill Is A Pill awarded me the Superior Scribbler Award. She also said such kind things about me for which I am so grateful.

Maureen is a somewhat new blogger, but you wouldn’t know it by reading her posts. She really puts her heart into all of writing and takes some fantastic photos too. You don’t need to have a chronic illness to enjoy her blog as she covers a lot of subjects. Whenever I read a post, I come away learning something about her. She makes me think and everyone can use that! Go check her out.

Here are the rules for the blog:

* Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.

* Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.

* Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.

* Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we’ll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!

* Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

I am passing it on ~ but I am also telling those I send it to to refuse the award if they don’t have time or energy to keep it going! Just know I was thinking of you and letting you know how much I enjoy your blogs.

1. Chronic Chick at Chronic Chick Talk
2. Sophia at Healthy Perspectives
3. Julia at Reasonably Well
4. Shilrley at Sweet Resistance
5. Mandy at Texas Medical Freak

Take some time to visit these bloggers too. Enjoy!

Tis the season to eat. And I’ve been doing my share. Way too much though and it’s all been things that aren’t good for me. Cookies, chocolate, cake and all kinds of Christmas yummies like fudge are surrounding me.

I know it’s not healthy to eat these kind of things, but I try to eat a little bit and not overdo. I think we all need to have a something tasty and sweet once in a while. If I ate all the goodies that are in my house now and the ones soon to come I’ll be needing the best diet pill. Thank goodness for my my willpower.

Photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

I just had to do it. I couldn’t resist. The temptation was just too overwhelming. Please don’t think I’m egocentric because I nominated myself for a Shorty Award for Brain Fog.

And yes I did it twice because I forgot that I did it the first time. Come on Chronic Illness bloggers, let’s get us some of our categories and get this Twitter based contest rolling!

The Shorty Awards are for “The best producers of short* content in 2008.”

*140 characters or less