I apologize for the long delay in my blog posts, but this chicky has been traveling! First stop was Las Vegas for The Davis Phinney Victory Summit. Part of my duties of being an Ambassador for The World Parkinson’s Coalition is to attend PD conferences and talk to people about the upcoming WPC 2016 being held in Portland. So as I sat at the table with my fellow ambassadors, Kevin and Jillian, I realized I was safe to be whatever my condition decided to do at that moment. I am surrounded by people who are struggling with the same disease that I have. There was no need to hide my symptoms or feel that I was making people around me uncomfortable. I was surrounded by my peeps! I am not talking about the sugary heavenly treats that are in the shape of baby chicks which almost feel crunchy when you bite into them due to the pure diabetic sugar comma you are about to slip into.
Then it was onto Denver Colorado to speak at the Parkinson’s Association of the Rockies, “Celebrating Courage” conference. But before I made it to the conference, I was treated to donuts and a pedicure. Now who is the princess? Please someone fan with a palm frond and feed me grapes. As you can see, all this royal treatment is not going to my head.
And what trip would be complete without seeing your best friends from middle school and engage in obscene amounts of frozen yogurt? I have an amazing Wolfpack that I have created over the years. What is a PD Wolfpack you might ask? Well if you were to look at the intricate diagram below… don’t be jealous of my artistic skills, it’s just one of my many talents… you will see that I surround myself with positive “peeps” and influences. This way, when I need help, or just someone to lean on, I have a whole pack of people (and a dog) to choose from. Utilizing my Wolfpack prevents me from draining one person, such as a care-giver, and reminds me that I have many sources of strength. Who is in your Wolfpack?
I enjoyed your article. It is very encouraging and positive. My daughter sent it to me. I was first diagnosed a year ago so trying to learn more about what to do.
Chapman’s ice cream is no match for Kawartha Dairies ice cream, also from Ontario ( Bobcaygeon I think) 🙂 Too much, will, however, leave you, comatose , as well as, commatose, in a not so perfect world.
Wolfpack sounds really inspiring – much better than ‘care-team’ and it has a unique perkiness to it. 😉
Thank you for the update Perky. It’s encouraging to read your inspiring account of PD life and all it’s quirks. Chapman’s Black Cherry Frozen Yogurt…gotta try it, if you haven’t.
Shane, where can I find this magical fro yo?
Chapman’s is Canadian made, more specifically in Markdale, Ontario.
Sadly, I’ve got a feeling that it’s unavailable in the U.S.
Wonder if they deliver?
You have MAD artistic talent!! So glad you are good and happy and smart and funny and most importantly my great friend!! You are always an inspiration to me with your strength in all you do!!
Gooday from Queensland, Australia. I think we are supposed to be having a Cyclone at the moment, but it’s all calm. I’m not complaining though. I have had Parkies for 10 years now, and I must admit that sometimes it feels almost too much. When I read your blog, it does help, so don’t stop. Mind you I think this crummy weather does not help. Everything gets damp, even the bed. Yuk. Well may you say,”That’s what you get I you live in the tropics” but I still love it . Thanks yo Perky Parkie. See ya later . Dodgy Roger