Giving you a lesson in Diva camping

Every year in the fall, some of my closest girlfriends and I plan a girls trip for the weekend. We get out of town, drink wine, talk about girly things, eat fabulous (though super unhealthy) meals, shop and typically sing karaoke. The last few trips have been super fabulous - and this year was no exception!

First, a huge thank you to Amy for putting it together :) We booked a camping trip this year - 2 nights in beautiful Baraboo, WI at Devil's lake state park. With the weather being as beautiful as it has been in the recent months, we couldn't be more excited to get out in nature and rough it with the woodland animals - bears, snakes, badgers, wolves, wolverines, werewolves and vampires. Yes please! Even though I am a city girl through and through, I enjoy getting out there and away from civilization, sometimes you need to shut everything off and just be with the people who matter most.

We got to the campsite and set up shop! Chairs around the fire pit, threw the screen tent nearby, strapped the tablecloth on... and boom! Campsite was all set up! It looked great, we were ready to rough it. So we did - hopped in the truck, back down hwy 123 to the neighborhood Clarion hotel! Unfortunately, due to the freeze warnings in Baraboo - and the rain, we decided instead of catching pneumonia, we would sleep in a hotel at night and utilize the campground during daytime hours.

First night in West Baraboo, we were party animals! Headed to dinner at a place called Monk's (I highly recommend if you're in Baraboo) and then back to the hotel for some pre-game in the hotel room. After a bit, we went out to the local, what seemed to be dive, bar next door - Chasers. By the name of the bar, and the overall outside appearance it looked like we made a solid decision. With our out of town heads held high (and maybe a bit fuzzy) we entered the bar. It was QUITE the sight - the locals were downright scary looking - It was hard for me to tell the men from the women, they all had mullets and mustaches! There was a group of normal looking people that we exchanged some friendly conversation with.  It was karaoke night at Chasers, and in the normal girls weekend fashion, we opted to sing. And what better song to sing than Carly Rae Jepsom's "Call Me Maybe".  That is one song NO ONE should ever karaoke. It will make the crowd's ears bleed. But may also score you some digits.

Taking us to the next morning... We wake up feeling energized and ready to hit the trails! After a quick dip in the pool and hot tub, we bundled up for a day of hiking and campfire! Hiked the trails at Devil's lake all afternoon, stopped at Devil's door for a photo op, and went back to the campsite. Amy built a great fire, and we sat around talking about life, love, future plans and obviously ghost stories. That was my favorite! We also made smores, and a fabulous banana, mallow, peanut butter and chocolate concoction that you eat with graham crackers. Holy OHHHHHHHMG!

Well, we headed back to the hotel, and because we basically burned off 3,000 calories and put them back on after the walk, passed out watching dirty movies on HBO. Kidding ;)

All in all, this was another fabulous girls weekend, and even though we mastered the art of "Diva camping", I look forward to an actual out in nature camping excursion soon! well, probably next year. Until next time - Milinski, OUT.

Got Kelly Clarkson?

Do you have Kelly Clarkson on your iTunes playlist?

If so, CONGRATULATIONS! You are already Stronger. You have hours upon hours of feel good, empowering music that will make you feel like The War is Over. Everyone has a Dark Side, and yours, my friend, is lovable.

If you don't, the Sun will Rise. Go to iTunes, type in Since You've Been Gone and I think you'll Never Again take your ear-buds out. Breakaway!

I'm on KC overload...

Go take a wog

Summertime is a time to be outside doing all sorts of activities... In addition to my weekly volleyball league, I decided to participate in a softball league this year. Since I had these two physical activities every week, I decided to put my gym membership on hold... because me playing sports is totally the same as taking weekly spin classes and getting my work out on.... riiiiight.

Well tonight I had time to get outside in the beautiful late summer air, and go for a walk. What started out as a walk then turning into a run... then jog... then walk.. then run... then jog.. Etc. So, I started a new regimen tonight - wogging! Walk/jog mix. Until I can get up to running straight through instead of having to wheeze my way through, wogging is totally a great fit for me.

Hi, my name is Bridget, and I have MS

To some of you, this may be shocking... or maybe not. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on October 6th, 2009. I'll give you the back story in a little bit :)

The reason I decided to write this is to practice what I preach. Though I don't have the reach to share my story with the entire world, I can do my part in educating my friends and family every day, sharing my story with those I am connected with. What the Osborne's are making of this condition is so many things... devastating, outrageous, disappointing. They couldn't be in a better position to do so many good things! Yet Sharon has made a mockery of the disease. People.com recently published online - and in print - an article called "I won't let my son die". Multiple Sclerosis will not take your son's life away from him. Today, she said that her son Jack was kicked off of an upcoming TV show because of the condition. It automatically makes me react that now she is making excuses for her son.

This is my story. I share this with you prepared to welcome you to my journey and answer any and all questions you may have.

On August 24th, 2009 I was out and about after my 24th birthday in Lake Park, doing some "golfing" with friends. When I woke up the next day for work, I noticed that my right upper lip was a bit numb feeling. I figured it was sunburned. As the week progressed, the rest of my face started to feel tingly and numb. By Thursday, I was thoroughly freaked out and decided it was time to head to urgent care after work, since the entire right side of my face was numb. The doctor in urgent care saw me, I explained my symptoms to him, and he looked at me and said I have to send you to the ER, we don't have the equipment we need to treat you. I started to panic... and then the questions started to flood my head - what if I had a stroke? What if I have a tumor?

I went to the ER, as the doc requested. They took me back, gave me a CT scan, then escorted me to the waiting room to hear from the doctor. I was so thankful I wasn't alone during the 45 agonizing minutes waiting for a doctor to give me the results of the scan (though it felt like 4 hours). It was a time in my life I needed support the most. Finally, the doctor told me the tests showed no signs of a serious condition. I was confused, but I have never been more relieved.

I called my GP on Friday morning, set up an appointment to see him right away. He ordered tests... an initial MRI to start ruling out what it could be. When I got the call that he wanted to see me in person to discuss the results, I knew it wasn't going to be a good discussion. I went in to see him and the blow was delivered. All I can remember of our initial discussion is him telling me "Your results came back abnormal. It's showing you have three lesions on your brain. It could be a few things, but it looks like Multiple Sclerosis..." I broke down, devastated. How could he be telling me this? How can I have something like this? I am only 24. The rest of the day was a blur.

I had other tests... blood tests, another MRI and finally a spinal tap. October 6th, 2009 I was officially diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. I had started seeing a Neurologist, he put me on a treatment called Betaseron. Every other day, I have to inject myself with this medication. It sucks, but without it I don't know where I would be. Betaseron is a protein that blocks my immune system from attacking the myelin surrounding my nerves.

Understanding MS is something I learn about and deal with every day. Having MS means that my immune system is mistaking the myelin sheath surrounding my nerves as a disease, therefore attacking it and destroying that tissue. It will never regenerate, so once it's gone, it's gone. There is no cure for MS. There is no known cause for why someone gets MS; the only things that can prevent MS is a healthy amount of vitamin D in your diet/lifestyle. Though the life expectancy of someone living with MS is 5-10 years shorter than someone without it, its NOT a death sentence. As my disease progresses, I will most likely face cognitive and physical disability.

MS is unpredictable. I deal with the most common symptoms on a regular basis - fatigue, nerve pain and dizziness. Other things I have experienced during my journey with MS include vertigo, migraines complete with vision loss and changes, extreme fatigue and my right thigh is numb. I will never know exactly what the future holds for me. There are struggles I will face day after day, but my condition will NEVER define me. There may be days I don't feel well and can't do the things I would like, these days are few and far between. I have never said... "I can't do that because I have MS".

My support system is amazing. I couldn't think of better doctors and people in my life who support me. I was so lucky to have those people in my life when I was first diagnosed, as well as those people who have continued to support me. I am so lucky to have a mild form and that I was diagnosed young. My prognosis is great. I have not had any sever attacks since my initial attack in 2009, and for that I am grateful. Understanding MS is something I want for everyone in my life. For some, it's harder than others. For those closest to you, it's the hardest.

I am more than happy to answer any questions anyone has about MS. It's been a long journey and it will continue to be a life journey I deal with. Long story short, the Osborne's need to get educated and raise awareness of this disease, not drama. There are worse things in life, much worse. Thanks for reading!!!

K. Stew - are you for REAL?!

My world was turned upside-down for a minute yesterday when a SHOCKING revelation surfaced... Kristen Stewart has cheated on Robert Pattinson. A.K.A. Edward Cullen. Girrrrrrrl, what the hell were you thinking?!?!

By now, if you don't already know this.... I love the Twilight saga. When it first came out, I was skeptical. But after much convincing from my younger sister, I decided it was time to break down, see the movie and just like that, I fell in love HARD. I read all the books, I have religiously gone to see every movie on opening night. I have purchased many Twilight related things.

When news broke that Kristin and Rob were a real life couple, I loved it! I am not sure if I loved the fact they were together - OR - that Edward and Bella were together. Lets be serious, when you work in that environment and you are cast into a role at the age of 17 of being in love with a sexy Vamp, and he loves you so much he waited 109 years to lose his virginity... I mean at that point are you in love with the person or the character?

K. Stew... I get you're young and naive. What young woman in Hollywood isn't. Unfortunately, you ruined not only your fan base... but a family. Ugh. I need another glass of wine to cope with this drama.

Do you Yogi?

I recently discovered Yogi tea. By recently, I mean about 8 months ago. If you're not familiar with Yogi, they create some phenomenal blends of tea for life's big moments! They have so many  options, I couldn't wait to try them all! In addition to the great varieties they offer, I was beyond excited to discover the tea tags have splendid little inspirational quotes.

Opening a Yogi tea was a real treat! It was so amazing to have my afternoon Perfect Energy Vanilla Spice and get a sweet little quote about life; at night I could relax with my Kava Stress Relief and words of wisdom and love. Some of my favorite quotes include the following:

• Empty yourself and let the universe fill you (slightly creepy and very inappropriate)
• You will feel fulfilled when you do the impossible for someone else
• You are, you have been, you will be, what you do
• Be so happy that when other look at you, they are happy too 
• Where there is love, there is no question

I can't help but actually 150% agree with that last quote. However... the rest of these quotes are starting to confuse and anger me because they are starting to repeat themselves... in some cases, I have gotten the same quote within a 24 hour period. Completely unacceptable. I need to find a way to tell Yogi, if you don't start changing up your quotes, you're actually adding stress to my life.

I'm going to write with some stellar suggestions.

xoxo, B

what is it with guys and feet?

I love my feet - I have pretty great feet. They are pedicured on a regular basis. And by pedicured, I mean every 2 months I take a cruel instrument(ped-egg) to my feet to sofeten them and make sure they are properly plished and moisturized.... They are a size 8. This is the perfect size. Not too big, not too small. Also not the size to try and find cute shoes, since everyone else wears the same size. My toes are pretty perfect, too. My big toe is TRULY my big toe. My second toe is not longer than my big toe. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for that!!! (No offense if that's how your feet are. If they are, that's awesome. I'm just glad they're not mine)

I just don't understand issues with rubbing a girls feet. Even if they are not dirty? I know at least 4 men who freak out at the mention of feet... Again I don't get it.

I think I need a footrub... I'll be in my bed with lots of lotion and moiusturizing socks.

Have I mentioned I love my feet?