MSAA Blog http://blog.msassociation.org Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:02:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 en hourly 1 Sunday, September 20 http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=183 http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=183#comments Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:25:45 +0000 admin http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=183 We ate breakfast one last time together on Sunday. After breakfast, we watched the cowboys pen some longhorns and check their health. They gave them an inoculation and cut them loose – watching the steers negotiate the tight fence channel with their long horns is quite something!  Most of them just instinctively bend their heads this way and that to negotiate the chute. Awards were given out for some funny experiences and everyone was sad to see the weekend come to an end.  The ranch was incredible as was its staff.  We found out the cowboys had volunteered their time to work with us on this cattle drive so we took up a collection for them in appreciation – we raised $700 for them; however, the cowboys turned around and presented it right back to us for the charity! I can’t say enough about the wonderful folks who helped make this event such a great success and a big YEE HAW goes out to Becky Remington from MSAA who put her heart and soul into the effort. The ranch is already booked for next year: September 30th – October 3 – we all can’t wait!!!!!!!

]]> http://blog.msassociation.org/?feed=rss2&p=183 0 Saturday, September 19 http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=180 http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=180#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:16:45 +0000 admin http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=180 Saturday was a fantastic day on the trail! We started out the day with a great breakfast, then everyone headed out to the barn where we saddled up and left for Texas Hill Country to find the cattle grazing in the valley. After we got into formation it was time to get the cattle moving – a few of the stragglers had to be chased down (the real cowboys do most of that!) but all in all, the cattle moved pretty well. I must say that it has been fascinating watching the experienced cowboys handle the cattle. Toward the end of the day, the group posed for a picture in the middle of an old western town – we could have been in an old western movie – it looked so authentic! We enjoyed another great dinner and all sang “Happy Birthday” to MSAA’s South-Central Regional Director Becky Remington, who was the brainchild for this event and did so much work to make sure it was a resounding success!

]]> http://blog.msassociation.org/?feed=rss2&p=180 0 Friday Night Dinner Dance http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=171 http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=171#comments Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:22:50 +0000 admin http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=171 The Friday night dance and dinner was a huge success with over 500 people in attendance and Texas country legend Johnny Rodriguez performing. Silent and live auctions followed the dinner. Then a good time was had by all enjoying the country music! Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Teva Neuroscience, and Geico Insurance Company were recognized for their corporate sponsorship in helping make this ride and this evening such a huge success! We are gearing up for another day of moving cattle! Yeehaw!!

]]> http://blog.msassociation.org/?feed=rss2&p=171 0 Out on the Range http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=169 http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=169#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:10:47 +0000 admin http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=169 The day started with breakfast at 7:30 am and will end long past sunset with our dinner, dance, and charity auction. During the day we will be moving Texas Longhorns to new pastures. I am sure that after spending six hours riding and herding cattle, everyone will look to have a good ol’ time later at the dinner, dance, and charity auction. At the dance, country western musician Johnny Rodriguez and his band will be providing the entertainment for over 700 people! It should be a great night!

]]> http://blog.msassociation.org/?feed=rss2&p=169 0 A Warm Texas Welcome http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=167 http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=167#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:48:52 +0000 admin http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=167 Upon arriving in Dallas, Texas we were greeted by South-Central Regional Director Becky Remington and Board of Directors member Joe King both of whom worked wonders getting everyone to Beaumont Ranch, about 35 miles south of Fort Worth. We have 26 officially registered riders from across the country and even Canada! What a great turnout for this inaugural event! After settling in, the group met at 3 pm to learn basic horsemanship in preparation for our long day out on the trail tomorrow. To wrap up the day, the group enjoyed a buffet dinner and line dancing lessons – in preparation for a Texas- style dinner, dance, and charity auction on Friday night!

Yee-Hah!

]]> http://blog.msassociation.org/?feed=rss2&p=167 1 About the MSAA Cattle Drive http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=161 http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=161#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:18:13 +0000 admin http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=161 Follow MSAA President and CEO Doug Franklin and 25 enthusiastic riders as they spend the next three days in the heart of Texas herding cattle on a real, live working ranch! MSAA’s Lone Star Roundup at Beaumont Ranch in Fort Worth, Texas is a charity cattle drive taking place from Thursday, September 17 to Sunday, September 20. To learn more about the cattle drive, please visit www.mscattledrive.org.

]]> http://blog.msassociation.org/?feed=rss2&p=161 0 Keeping Cool http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=124 http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=124#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:13:19 +0000 admin http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=124 By Anne Marie Buck

As summer kicks into full gear, so does the heat and especially the humidity. In my conversations with so many of you, I have heard about how the “3 H’s” (hazy, hot, and humid) can really take a toll. This week I was looking through some past issues of MSAA’s magazine, The Motivator where I discovered this great article on managing your MS in the heat The author, Shelley Peterman-Schwarz who has MS, shares some of her tips and strategies for beating the heat. I think her tips are easy to use and hope you find them helpful. As always, please share any of your tips to keep cool.

]]> http://blog.msassociation.org/?feed=rss2&p=124 2 Who Inspires You… http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=90 http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=90#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:57:49 +0000 admin http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=90 By Ann Marie Buck

 

As Father’s Day approaches I have been thinking about my dad (who passed away many years ago). Even though I was young at the time, my dad’s compassion, especially with his sister Catherine, who had multiple sclerosis, had a profound impact on my life.  He vowed to always be there for my aunt, and so here I am at MSAA, maybe in some way carrying out the essence of his promise that impressed me as a youth.

 

I am thinking of my dad this weekend and how he inspired me. I invite you to share some of your inspirational stories about your dad this weekend.

]]> http://blog.msassociation.org/?feed=rss2&p=90 1 Share Your Tips to Finding Joy http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=70 http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=70#comments Fri, 22 May 2009 16:09:59 +0000 admin http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=70 By Ann Marie Buck

 

Having trouble thinking of something simple to enjoy?

Here is a list of items from actual Life Coaching clients who shared some of their simple pleasures: 


Visiting with friends (for lunch or tea!)

Spending time with grandchildren

Watching the History and Discovery channels

Collecting unusual web addresses

Reading the Sunday paper

Staying up late and sleeping in

Enjoying nature

Reading

Walking in the woods

Contemplating

Writing

Photography

Updating my blog

TV shows that are fictional, creative, fun, and different

Flying a kite

Sudoku

Listening to National Public Radio on Saturday or via pod casts

Napping

Discovering new computer games

Breakfast with my husband

Enjoying quiet time

 

Please share a few of the simple joys in your life …

]]> http://blog.msassociation.org/?feed=rss2&p=70 1 Enjoy Something Each Day! http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=69 http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=69#comments Wed, 06 May 2009 21:14:29 +0000 admin http://blog.msassociation.org/?p=69 By Ann Marie Buck

With spring in full bloom, it is a great time to literally stop and smell the roses! We should make the effort to enjoy something each day!

Sometimes we stop appreciating simple everyday niceties, or we indulge so frequently in “special treats” that we begin to take them for granted. A simple shift of attention can help you to really appreciate and enjoy a simple day-to-day pleasure, like the smell of coffee in the morning, a talk with a friend, or a lovely sunset.

Whatever it is, pause to appreciate and thoroughly enjoy something. You may just find a better day!!!

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