Summer's End
Late August update on my life… What’s been going on with my health, at work and with the cottage this season. Overall, everything is pretty awesome but that awesomeness does not come easy.
Fresh off of updating my Moto Camping blog post, I thought I’d write a little something else. A general update for those who follow me.
Had a positive appointment with my quasi-new (to me) rheumatologist. She is wonderful. My disease is still under control thanks to the drugs (almost 22 years on them, totaling approx. 2.2k injections and counting) and my x-rays indicate that my total hip replacement should take away my pain. She encouraged me to call both of my surgeons (foot one at Civic campus, hip one at General) to ask where I am in the surgical cue and to also ask about getting steroid injections to help keep the pain manageable until corrective surgery happens.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get through to the foot surgeon. That’s okay, my hip is the bigger issue. I was able to reach his office. That’s when I was informed that I am not in the surgical cue after-all. Some paperwork was needed and never issued due to the hospital’s on-again-off-again lockdown orders. The surgeon had issued me a standing order which exists in my online chart. They have ordered updated x-rays in prep for the surgery back in January. I strongly believed that I was in the cue and was hoping for a replacement this winter… Alas, Module O at the Ottawa Hospital did not push the papers needed to actually book me the procedure. I will be speaking with my surgeon in early September. I’m very hopeful that we can get this sorted. The time has come and though I am scared, I know that my quality life will drastically improve post-op.
These last two weeks have been particularly hard. I generally keep a positive attitude as I have been disabled my whole life. I am very used to pain, fatigue and the sometimes isolating thoughts that come with being chronically ill. To combat the mental lows, I’ve been forcing myself to do fun stuff with friends. That has been keeping me in a positive headspace, for sure. I’ve been super social and having a great time there, no problem. A side effect of that, however, is that it’s left me pretty drained physically so I am laying low this week.
Work is going well. I do find the stairs difficult to use but as long as I take my time, they remain manageable. I love my job and appreciate the ability to work from home when I need to. Haven’t faced too much negative feedback or ‘trolling’ lately but maybe I’m just getting better at ignoring it? There are difficult days where I like to just keep it basic: play music & talk briefly about light stuff in between said music. I am noticing a lot of nasty stuff on social media directed at other public figures/those working in media (radio, tv, digital) and I struggle with trying to find a purpose for that hate filled vitriol.
Is it to be edgy? Is it for likes? Is it for online clout? Does shaming someone for doing their job make others feel better about their life? Do they know they don’t have to listen/read/consume what the object of their hate is saying/writing/producing?
I just don’t get it. I guess the point is to maybe create division so we have a big ‘us against them’ moment but what’s the goal there? It’s tiresome going down that rabbit hole and those are just some of the thoughts I’ve had based on the more coherent things I’ve seen. Then there are the messages that make zero sense which act more as a flare, drawing attention to a severe mental health situation. Overall in my world, I’d say the vibe has been fairly positive.
My cottage rental season is winding down as we inch toward winter. Typically, we shut the cabin down mid-to-late October but with the new water system we had installed this year we may get more time in before the freeze. At the mercy of Mother Nature with that one, but some of my favourite moments there happen during the ‘off season’. Another great year hosting friends and family. Looking forward to doing it again in 2023. Due to some pretty big expenses (exterminator, well/pump replacement, new chimney, new BBQ, may need a new fridge) I am hoping to get more pop-up guests later into this season/early in the next if the weather permits. Cottage ownership is as expensive as it is wonderful.
I never find enough time to write. I mean, I should be exercising right now but after only 13 minutes I had to stop. This week it’s about listening to my body. Who knows what next week will bring?
These Businesses Hire Disabled Ontarians:
Looking to curate a list of employers who actively employ/seek out disabled Ontarians to hire. Can you help me?
— Amy Volume (@amyvolume) May 31, 2022
If you are not on Twitter but wish to respond: amy@chez106.com
Check back for updates. This post will (hopefully) have some employment resources for Ontarians living with disabilities who are seeking employment.
Follow @EARN_UWEO - A United Way East Ontario-led initiative bringing employers and service providers together to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Here is the comprehensive list of employers who hire persons of all abilities.
Comments from Social Media users:
“I work for a college in the Testing Services department which allows me to support students who require accomodations for any number of reasons and it’s the most rewarding job in the world. I am striving to give [them] the respect and opportunity their deserve to grow and reach their goals.” - Carrie, who is physically disabled.
“I’m a client with Performance Plus Rehabilitative Care Inc. who specialize [in helping] individuals with different disabilities find work. They also have a list of employers.” - Guylaine, living with physical and mental disabilities.
“Check out the Happy Popcorn Co. in Cornwall.” - Daniel
From Happy Popcorn’s website:
“…the cornerstone of our popping was grown from one of the deepest kernels of our heart: our son Jack!
Jack is on the Autism spectrum, and as parents, we wanted to plan for his future. Grateful to be able to open a business inspired by Jack’s love for popcorn, we set out to create a place of inclusion – not only for Jack but for others too.”
“My wife is one of a few disabled people who got hired at TD Place to work as an usher for Redblacks games. They are very inclusive.” - Eric
To add to Eric’s comment, I worked at TD Place for the Compass group when I was laid off by a shuttering radio station. I was the pregnant bartender!
Avoiding Negativity for 12 Days: a reasonable goal?
Trying to ‘avoid the negative’ for the next two weeks. Will I see the forest through the trees? Wish me luck!
Things are opening back up.
Restrictions are easing.
Vaccines are more accessible. Pills are coming.
The canal is open.
Thinking about some of the negative things I’ve experienced lately and/or been witness to has me shifting focus. Focusing on things that aren’t negative (they don’t have to be overtly positive, just not nasty) is going to be my goal for the rest of the month. Sure, it’s only twelve days… but trying to stay away from the negative for any length can be a difficult task.
Does doing so manifest ‘good’?
I don’t know. I’m not so sure. I think a situation is what you make it or, at least, how you react to it. I’ve been slowly piecing together a ‘community’ of disabled women to follow on Instagram, which has been so wonderful. People who share my experiences as a young person living with rheumatoid arthtirits.
Work is going pretty good, too. I was happy to get back into the studio now that the kids are back to ‘in person learning’. This will be a blip in the timeline of our lives as we get older, I hope. Working from home is a privilige but it’s exciting to be able to fully perform in a way only a host can from the control room.
One of my original videos has received nearly 1.5 million views. I made the mistake of checking that out (I’ve never had such online ‘success’) and some of the comments were… well, you know! So, yeah…. back to my original point:
It’s going to be tough to stay away from the negative for the next twelve days but it’s worth a shot.
What does ‘staying away’ mean? Here’s my guideline that I am completely making up as I go:
No reading the comments when I am not physically at work.
No searching for or through old social media posts.
Avoid or ignore inflammatory situations (online and IRL).
Get outside.
Have more conversations with friends.
Plan for something exciting.
I’m not going to try and be positive or sunny or bright because life just isn’t like that. I’m going to try and avoid the negative, which is doable.
New Job Alert!!
Hey! Just a quick update to let you know that I have moved on from KiSS 105.3 in Ottawa, Canada. I was on air there for almost 5 years. I will be enterring my 5th year of service with Rogers Sports & Media this fall working for… dun dun DUNNNNN…
THE LEGENDARY CHEZ 106!
Rock radio is where I’m most comfortable, though my time in pop taught me that I might just be good at talking about anything at any time in any format!
I had been trying to get on CHEZ, well, my entire career up til this point so when I got the call it was something I JUMPED at (no pun intended).
If you’re interested in listening to my show, you can typically hear me (live) weekdays from 12PM to 3PM:
If you’re interested in checking out my longer midday show, you can do that, too:
Schedules may change throughout the course of summer as I cover for other DJs on vacation & they do the same for me.
Thanks for listening!
Ch-Ch-Changes
Goodbye rental house! It's been a slice.
I just can't wait to get back into our new/old house. The next little while will be a mad period of adjustment, not just for me but for the kids as well. Luckily, I'm the mother of two pretty easy going, understanding kids. We'll be moving on the 31st into our Hintonburg house - which we still won't be able to call 'home' til mid-Feb., god willing...
A big shout out to Adam's Moving, too, for helping us with another big move. If you're moving or you know someone who is, I cannot recommend their services enough. CLICK HERE to visit their official website and to book them for a future move.
We're vacating the rental on the 31st and moving our items into the new house but since the house won't be ready for occupancy on the 1st, we will be living with family and renting an Air BnB in the hood until it is. Not a big deal in the grand scheme but it's complicated with the time of year and the needs of the children. Yes, I can wear the same black t-shirt and jeans for two to three weeks but the children need a little more to keep them clean, happy, comfy and entertained.
Other changes at play include the big move for someone near and dear to me; Granny has gone from hospital to nursing home. She is in failing health and we're hoping that the level of care she's now receiving is going to help her be most comfortable. The staff have been wonderful and I expect nothing less going forward.
For those of you who've been wondering about my dad, he is doing alright. The anniversary of his surgery is coming up and we're hoping he's only got one more to go to be back in 'working order'. So far, the cancer appears to have not returned.
The beat goes on... I'm hoping this year brings some calm into the chaos that is my life. Never a dull moment. Thanks for reading.