Running Shoeless Through the Airport with the "Awkward Bitch"

I had a last minute opportunity to take a vacation to Florida. At first I was a little hesitant since I was just there in October, but my friend, Barbara, who invited me, and I found really cheap flights. It was meant to be! I left on January 27th and spent the week in sunny Orlando. On the way to the airport we were delayed going through security, I am not really sure what it was due to. It was just busier than usual. Well, just as Barbara and I get through security, we realize that there was no time to even put our shoes back on. So, we go running through the airport to get to our gate. Just as we are approaching we hear the final call, and 2 flight attendants see us running. They ask which flight we are on and I shouted "Orlando." I keep running and as I make my way around the corner to our gate another flight attendant yells for us to hurry up. I wanted to scream "I have MS and am going as fast as I f**king can!" We got on the airplane, still shoeless, but we made it. There actually was someone else who got on after us! Go figure!


Barbara and I stayed at Disney's Saratoga Springs again, but this time the Spings resort. Our room was on the first floor right near the entrance. The Springs was located very close to the main swimming pool, which we enjoyed a few times. :) The week was very relaxed. We enjoyed nice meals, a few that we made ourselves, movies (I got to see FernGully for the first time) and there was time to do a little shopping. I was very happy with a skirt I bought for $8! I love a great deal! I also had time to read. More on that later. We didn't go to the Disney parks but were able to spend time in Downtown Disney. You may remember from my previous blog My Florida Vacation that there was a hot air balloon that I loved. Well, it was still there and again we were able to see it from our room. I had a goal of conquering my fear of heights and go in the hot air balloon, but didn't have a chance to do it. Next time!

As I mentioned earlier, I had some time to read and brought "Awkward Bitch: My Life with MS" by Marlo Donato Parmelee with me. I really enjoyed this book. Marlo, like myself, loves being fashionable. I always try to look my best and I wear make up every day. Whether MS gets in the way or not, I like to look my best! Marlo works in the fashion world and would always try to wear 4 inch heels. I usually can only wear up to a 2 1/2 inch heel so I applaud her effort. Marlo moved from the States to London with her husband to follow their dreams of being a musician. It was after this move that her symptoms started, including vision and balancing problems. It was quite a delayed diagnosis - she actually had pretty much diagnosed herself before hearing it from the doctor and it took a while for her to be able to start a MS therapy. For many, this is a common story. I am so fortunate that I got my diagnosis so quickly, within a month and was able to start a therapy a couple months later. Marlo has many talents in addition to a keen eye for fashion, including being a musician.  Marlo is funny and the book flows really well. The book is inspiring as Marlo continues to follow her dreams after her diagnosis and is even able to use her talents to spread MS awareness.  Plus, it was printed in a larger font, which helps us MSers! You should check out her book and I hope you enjoy it as much as me. I would love to hear what you all think of it.

Let's hope I never have to run through the airport shoeless again, but I am glad I had the "Awkward Bitch" along with me to keep me entertained this time!