I was born March 6, 1984. Since I was a child I loved being the center of attention. Same is true today... my friends, family and co-workers will tell you the same! I think thats why Ive had so much fun with my jobs in the media field. So far I have worked in photography, TV and now radio.
I graduated from Williamsport High School class of 2002 and the Graduated from Salisbury University class of 2007 with a degree in Communication Arts.
My dreams out of life are rather simple- I just want to succeed in my career, being the best at what I do. I want to get to a sturdy financial state to where I can just relax and enjoy life with my family to the fullest. Throw a hot tub and a trip to Italy in there somewhere and then we're REALLY talkin'!
I've got a lot on my plate these days... I must say, I feel like I haven't been able to give to the one's I love. I didn't get to see my Mom on Mother's Day... nor, did she even get a card. Shame on ME!
So, a little "shout out" to my Momma...
I don't see you or any of the family as much as I'd like... AND I don't say it enough, but I love you. Soon enough, I'll be able to spend more time with you! Thanks for understanding my hectic and busy life!
You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.
- unknown
About Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects your physical, mental, and social health. And while symptoms may come and go, they never disappear completely. It is typically characterized by chronic widespread pain and tenderness.
According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2% to 4% of the U.S. population.
Since fibromyalgia cannot be diagnosed through laboratory tests, doctors typically base the diagnosis on the patient’s symptoms and a physical examination.
Fibromyalgia was first recognized as an illness and a cause of disability in 1987 when an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association described the disorder as fibromyalgia. In 1990, The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) published the first criteria for identifying fibromyalgia.
Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The typical symptoms of fibromyalgia are chronic (greater than 3 months) widespread pain and tenderness. But no two people with fibromyalgia experience symptoms the same way. Some may also experience other symptoms, such as fatigue, memory loss, and insomnia.
People with fibromyalgia usually have good days and bad days, and do not feel the same kinds of pain all the time. And although they may look fine, they may still be struggling with fibromyalgia symptoms that make it difficult to work or to perform everyday activities.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
Although the cause of fibromyalgia is not entirely understood, many experts believe it may be related to central sensitization, a change in the central nervous system in which pain signals the body would ordinarily perceive as minor become more intense.
As a result, fibromyalgia patients may find normally non-painful experiences - such as a hug - painful. They may also feel pain more intensely than others would under similar circumstances.
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
Since fibromyalgia cannot be detected through typical diagnostic procedures such as x-rays, blood tests, biopsies, or other laboratory tests, patients are typically diagnosed based on their symptoms and a physical examination by a physician.
While fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness, healthcare providers focus on the type of pain in order to distinguish fibromyalgia from other chronic pain disorders. Healthcare providers typically rule out other causes of symptoms before making a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
The American College of Rheumatology established the criteria for the identification of fibromyalgia and its symptoms in 1990, including the following:
A history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body (left front, right front, left back, right back) for at least 3 months
The presence of pain in at least 11 of 18 “tender points” – specific areas of the body that are extremely sensitive in people with fibromyalgia when the healthcare provider applies mild pressure. Pain is rated on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 4 (worst pain)
Presence of other symptoms, including fatigue, sleep problems, depressed mood, headache, and bowel problems
Hoping this helps spread a little awareness to YOU! :)
Living with a chronic illness is tough, no matter the type... There is so much to find out about Fibromyalgia. Awareness is the key to more research and possibly some relief and answers... for ME, and my dear Fibro Fighting Friends.
What are you're big plans for Mother's Day?? I've got to work all day and am tight on cash... I'd like to think of something creative to do. Any suggestions?? Help a girl out! ;)
Some of my favorite times in college were when I locked myself in the dark room for hours on end processing and developing my film. Manual photography, for me, is such a relaxing and creative outlet that I just loved so much.
I'm not an artist by any means... I just thoroughly enjoy the arts. Here are just a few of my old pictures from college. The majority are taken at the old Doub's Mill House on Beaver Creek Road in Hagerstown... the owners, Mary and Luigi Perini are so sweet, and allowed me on their property to take the photos. I absolutely adore that place. The other pictures, are just random shots from Salisbury, MD.
Well, there they are! If any of you know where there's easy and cheap access to a dark room near by, let this girl know!!!