What Do You Find Motivational!?

Photo Courtesy of Xaxor.com 

Yesterday I wrote up a post about not judging a book by its cover because it was on my mind.  I thought I would continue this idea again today.  I talked about people not seeing things yesterday and today I want to talk about the opposite issue.  I know many people I have been friends with over the years who would much rather you ask them what is wrong or what is different about them instead of staring.

In looking up things on the internet I came across this video that I wanted to share with you.  The things that this woman has gone through have been beyond cruel and yet she has lived on and is now a motivational speaker. I would love it if you watch  the entire video and tell me what you think.  Do you think people are cruel?  And if you have/were to have something that people stared at would you rather them speak up or just stare?

I think that children are the best.  I love when they come up and ask questions even when the parents freak out.  I am always really nice about it and explain everything really simply to the child.

Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover!

Photo Courtesy of  BookWormJLG2010 on DeviantArt.

Everyone has heard of the saying "Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover".  This is something that has been on my mind lately.  I had another incident at the store the other day that really started eating at me.  IF you haven't seen some of my other posts then you don't know, but I have one of the many physical disabilities that is categorized as "an invisible disease".  I was having a bad day struggling to walk and I decided to use my handicap pass and park up front so I did not have to walk far.  There was a little old couple walking from farther back who gave me a nasty look and told me that I was doing something wrong.  I hate when people do this.  It really, really bothers me.  

Please remember everyone.  We all have our reasons for things and you really shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.  Have you ever had an incident when someone judged a book by its cover?  It doesn't have to be about you if could have just been something you saw.

Wordless Wednesday

Once again I am sticking with my theme of Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease!

Don't let small or big things hold you back! See this image here.)

"At the deepest level, the creative process and the healing process arise from a single source. When you are an artist, you are a healer; A wordless trust of the same mystery is the foundation of your work and its integrity." Dr. Rachel Naomi Remeno (See this here.)

Let your wings spread open and fly free! Break those shackles and let yourself live! (See this here.) 

If you know someone with Charcot Marie Tooth Disease who is artistic this is the perfect way for them to get their name out there!

You can check out all of the artwork, HERE on their Facebook.  Then come back and tell me what you think of what they are doing!

If you have a Wordless Wednesday post please link up so that I can go and view your page!

Music Monday! 4/30

I am sticking with my theme I will be focusing on.  This is a video starring Bernadette!  She is such a strong and amazing young woman who just celebrated her birthday!!!

You can check out her Fan Page about her documentary! 

Featured Video!

Today I wanted feature something a little different.  I know a few months back I did a post on here about myself giving just a sneak peek into my life.  I am not so good at explaining it all in detail although I try to and I love answering questions about my life and what I go through on a daily basis.


In the upcoming weeks I am going to be featuring a couple of different disability oriented organizations.  This post today is about my disease.  The reason I am attaching this video is because I want you all to get to see what life is like for me.


This video is of a girl, Bernadette, who has Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease like me.  Her ability to walk is worse than it is for me however the way that she walks is something that I have seen a lot from other people with CMT.  I am thankful that I still have the strength to walk semi-normally and that my real problems come from neurological pain.  Please take the time to watch this video and to leave me some comments.  Ask questions and I WILL answer them all.  No question is a stupid question here!

Daily Living Tips & My Life

I started this blog to talk about saving money and giving daily living tips.  One thing that I want to start incorporating into my blog is little tips that I use on a daily basis to make my life easier.  As I mentioned in my About Me section of the blog I am disabled.  I did not mention what I have, but today that is what I want to talk about.  A couple years ago I start a blog Is it My Teeth? it never took off because I didn't have any followers or much time.  I only have half a dozen posts on there, but I will be using some of the information from it on here when I talk about it.


What is CMT?


CMT is a disease that affects the nerves in the arms and legs as well as hands and feet. Over time the nerves get hurt and begin sending false signals as well as begin to lose the signals on the way to the area. The nerve damage affects sensation and muscle strength in those areas. There is often evident muscle wasting in the hands, feets, and lower legs. Another common symptom of CMT is a foot with either a very high arch or one that is completely flat. I will provide pictures at a later time of my high arched foot and slightly wasted hands. 


My Life and CMT


My CMT has affected me my whole life although it never really starting getting bad until I was a freshman in High School. Up to that point I had been in Physical Therapy instead of participating in my P.E. classes and was unable to run, jump, play ball, ride a two wheeler, or skate. These things all slowed me down from my friends, but I still kept going. My freshman year I tried wearing leg braces (AFOs) to help out with all of the tripping I was having due to the high arches and the fact that I have foot drop, where you big toe is lower than the rest of your foot due to a bone movement. This did not work well for me as everything we tried hurt my feet so, finally after a year of trying this I gave up and went back to avoiding stairs and taking the elevator.

In High School I felt very singled out leaving classes early to make it across the large campus in time for my next class and the help I had with extending my test lengths as well as note taking help due to my fine motor issues. By the time I graduated High School I was unable to write for more than 10 minutes without having to put the pen down and relax my hand. I would sit there doing some stretches that I hand learned to help relax the muscles. This has continued to worsen over the past few years and I have learned to type well and use this method more often than handwritting.

After my graduation I also took the time to learn more about my disease and I wrote an essay about it for a college class. During this I learned about the CMT Clinic in Detroit, MI where I decided to make an appointment and see what they had to offer me. Doing this was the best thing I could have done.

By deciding to go myself I convinced my family members who also have CMT to go as well (on a different day). We all learned that we have CMT 1B. 

Image Credit to Allardint.com

I also was taken to a new specialist who was going to help me out trying on a different kind of AFO. This AFO is amazing and fits perfectly. It helps me walk in ways I never knew I could. This leaves me now with the same braces and the same pregression that I am dealing with today. I never know what will happen the next day and it frigtens me often, but I try to do my best. 

YOU FOUND IT!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!---> GO BACK HERE!

3E Love

What is 3E Love?

I haven’t written any reviews up here on my blog yet, but this is one that I cannot pass by.  3E Love is a non-for-profit organization that was started by two dear friends of mine, Annie & Stevie Hopkins. To quote them on their website: 3E Love

“3E Love, LLC. is a social entrepreneurial experiment to change the perception of disability. The company was started by siblings Annie & Stevie Hopkins in 2007 with the intent of promoting their unique symbol and social model of disability. The company's trademarked International Symbol of Acceptance (wheelchair heart logo) is the drive behind it's social mission to provide the tools for others to embrace diversity, educate society, and empower each other to love life. What was once just a small Chicago disability pride clothing brand is now an international movement of acceptance. People with disabilities are everywhere, and thousands of t-shirts and other items later, so is the 3E Love message.”

Annie Hopkins was the one with the idea to start this amazing organization, however she passed away in 2009 and her brother has not let the organization go.  He works hard, promoting through Facebook, word of mouth and through travelling to various locations to promote at Expo’s.  They have expanded with followers from all over the world!

You should really go and read their whole story on their website because it is moving and well worth your time.  Check out their store for promotional items! 3E Store Online!

They do offer special deals for group orders.  Their pricing for bulk orders is as follows:

Group Orders - Pricing

Almost all of our products can be purchased in bulk at discounted pricing. Mix and match any of our apparel items to qualify for bulk pricing.

Bulk Order Tshirt Pricing

Qualify for bulk pricing on our t-shirts by ordering 10 or more total apparel items. Mix and match with other apparel items to qualify for these discounts.

10 to 24 items: $16 each

25 to 49 items: $14 each

50 to 99 items: $12 each

100 to 249 items: $10 each

250+ items: $9 each
*Add extra $3 each for long-sleeve t-shirts
*Add extra $1.50 each for sizes 2XL and above

Bulk Order Hoodie and Sweatshirt Pricing

Qualify for bulk pricing on our hoodies and sweatshirts by ordering 10 or more total apparel items. Mix and match with t-shirts and other apparel items to qualify for these discounts.

10 to 18 items: $5 off web prices

19 to 24 items: $6 off web prices

25 to 49 items: $7 off web prices

50 to 99 items: $8 off web prices

100+ items: $10 off web prices
*Size surcharges for sizes 2XL+ will apply

Want customization?

We print all of our apparel in house! This means that we can customize our items in almost any way. Contact us with your ideas and to get a quote.

Have a budget?

Contact us with your needs and give us details about your group or special event, and we will put together something awesome for you!

FREE SHIPPING on all bulk orders • FREE t-shirt/ink color changes on orders of 25 or more

If you would like to meet Stevie in person and see their products  in person you can go Upcoming Events to view their upcoming events and expos they will be at!

Don’t forget to go to their Facebook 3E Love's Facebook to send some love their way

!