20 Things You Don’t Know About Me
From my favorite foods, to how Chloe got her name to where I met my husband.. find out 20 things about me that you may not know!
With so many new readers joining the blog in the last few months, I wanted to take a step back and introduce myself for those who may not know me personally. Yes – you’ve probably gathered that I’m a huge proponent of living a healthy lifestyle with MS and have a baby girl, but there’s a lot more to know!
I’d also love to get to know you better too, so please let me know in the “Comments” section a little about yourself and how you came to find my blog!
Ok, now onto the facts…
20 Things You Don’t Know About Me
1.) I was born and raised in Chicago and we plan to live here indefinitely.
2.) We have a shih tzu, Oscar, who is like a second child to me. (You dog-moms know what I’m talking about!)
3.) I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 29 years old after initially losing the vision in my right eye. Two years later, I’ve gotten it under control with the help of Tysabri, my monthly medication, and living a lifestyle including a mostly carb/sugar-free diet and exercise.
4.) I met my husband when we were just 15 years old and he began driving me to high school. We were best friends for close to 8 years before starting to date.
From high school friends…
To husband and wife!
5.) I moved out west for college to Santa Clara University and then studied abroad in Australia but couldn’t wait to get back to my roots in the Midwest.
6.) I have a brother, sister-in-law, and the most adorable niece Mary who lives in DC. She’s the only baby I know that could recite the ABCs perfectly at 1 year old.
7.) I can’t stand long nails so I get a manicure every week without fail. In fact, nails were my first outing just 3 days after delivering Chloé. (I’m crazy, I know!)
8.) I live by the moto “no regrets” and even went as far as skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef on my 21st birthday despite my fear of both heights and flying.
9.) I would do absolutely anything for anyone I cared about. Loyalty is very important to me.
10.) My go-to drink is Pinot Grigio but if I want to treat myself, I’ll have a dirty martini with blue cheese olives.
11.) I am a total homebody at heart and love hosting parties and holidays, decorating and cooking. (You’ll know this instantly if you’re following me on Instagram!)
12.) I’ve always wanted a garden and next year I’m determined to grow a vegetable and herb garden on my back porch (city-livin’ style!).
13.) Favorite meal is a toss up between Lou Malnatti’s deep dish pizza and super spicy Mongolian Beef with crunchy noodles. The spicier the better for everything I eat!
14.) I love adventure and have traveled to over 20 countries. My husband and I are headed to Prague, Budapest and Vienna this winter sans-baby and I couldn’t be more excited!
15.) When I get nervous or stressed, my arms and head always tingle and get numb. Thanks, MS!
16.) I’m “Type A” and love lists, organizing, and multi-tasking. Sounds nerdy but I get super excited about a color-coded binder with dividers.
17.) I cherish being the godmother to Hannah Rosemary. I can’t wait to be the aunt she leans on for advice and talks to about boys, school and life!
18.) We were in Paris when we announced our pregnancy and learned we were having a baby girl. We named our daughter, Chloé, after the most beautiful dress we could find for her there.
19.) I met my two of my best friends (and Maids of Honors) when I was just 3 years old. (I told you, I’m loyal!).
20.) My husband and I are lucky enough to have 6 parents and step-parents between us. My relationship with both my mom and dad mean more to me than words can say.
OK, and a bonus one…
21.) I’m determined to change the perception of what it means to have MS and to show you can still live a full and active life with the disease. This is something I didn’t know was possible after diagnosis, so I want to scream it from the rooftop so every newly diagnosed person knows it too. MS can be pretty scary but you have the ability to help control your destiny.
Kaitlin McConnell
January 8, 2017 at 4:03 pm
Hi Angie!
I found your blog last week when I was diagnosed with RRMS. Crazy how much can change in such a small amount of time. I love reading through your stories and learning about how you’re living such a fulfilling life with MS. My body definitely does not feel like my own right now with this first relapse (especially since the steroids didn’t work [except by giving me all of those lovely side effects]). But my neurologist is hopeful and reading your story makes me feel hopeful as well.
Thank you for this blog and sharing your life with us!
-Kaitlin
wellandstrongwithms
January 8, 2017 at 9:21 pm
Kaitlin, it’s so nice to meet you.. I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances. I can only imagine how rough these last few weeks have been. I was beyond terrified so I know it hasn’t been easy.. but hang in there. It all becomes easier as time goes by, I promise. You’ll find your way and a solution that works for you. Happy to talk further if you need support.. I know I had a lot of questions at the beginning to happy to answer. Just let me know!
Kaitlin
January 10, 2017 at 2:07 pm
Thank you so much for the reply, I would love to touch base with you via email if you are able.
wellandstrongwithms
January 10, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Yes, of course! You can reach me here: wellandstrongwithMS@gmail.com
Anonymous
January 8, 2017 at 4:21 pm
Such a fun way to get to know u! Thanks!
Rachel Endicott
January 8, 2017 at 4:33 pm
Hi Angie!
I started following your fb page this year. I too was diagnosed with MS at 29. I had optical neuritis which was corrected (successfully!) with iv infusions of solumedryl. Such a scary time. But as I did research on MS, I realized the various types of MS and various outcomes. I chose to not take any treatment.
Now at 32, I just relapsed the week before Christmas! My feet and legs are slightly numb.
Exploring new & healthy eating habits for starters. Considering meds.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with MS. Your positivity is such an encouragement!
Rachel
wellandstrongwithms
January 8, 2017 at 9:24 pm
Rachel, thanks so much for reading and following along. I’m so sorry to hear about your latest relapse.. I’m sure it has been so tough, especially with the holidays. I hope you find the strength to move forward and find the right solution for you.. if I can be of help, let me know. Keep your head up.. it can be difficult deciding what’s best but ultimately trust your gut and you’ll make the best decision for you and your circumstance. Let me know what you decide! Sending positive thoughts your way
Sheila Austin
January 8, 2017 at 4:51 pm
Hi Angie!
I discovered your post on Facebook about “finding my new normal” and it resonated so much with me and my Journey with MS. In fact, when I shared it on my page I posted that your story was exactly the same as my journey -even the Tysabri infusions- and that I thought it was so well written, that I would share it with others to show them what MY new normal normal looked like.
I was diagnosed at 44, but looking back, I realize that I was having relapses for years (vertigo, Bell’s palsy, etc…) and wasn’t aware it was from MS.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us and putting a positive spin on it. I have created a team with Walk MS the past two years and am very active myself.
-Sheila
wellandstrongwithms
January 8, 2017 at 9:27 pm
Sheila, thanks so much for letting me know.. means a lot that you not only you shared but could relate on the same level. It’s not something that many people see in common. I hope Tysabri is working for you too, and you too, are finding your new normal. It’s crazy but it’s all just normal now for me.. I’m sure for you too. Best of luck to you and pls let me know how Tysabri is working for you (fingers crossed you’re having success!!)
Anonymous
January 8, 2017 at 5:39 pm
Great blog this week Angie! Xoxo Jennifer
wellandstrongwithms
January 8, 2017 at 9:24 pm
Thank you! Love you for following along xoxo
Jenn Holland
January 8, 2017 at 5:53 pm
Hi Angie! I also found you on the MS society link!
I was diagnosed with MS almost exactly one year ago at 27, 7 months before my wedding!
I loved finding your blog and instgram because I love focusing on the positive and it was nice to see someone else who felt that way too!
Jenn Holland
wellandstrongwithms
January 8, 2017 at 9:28 pm
Jenn, it’s nice to “meet” you! Thanks so much for reading and following along. I’m sorry we both had to go through this at inopportune times but I feel like it’ll only make us stronger. Wishing you all the best on your journey.. I’d love to know what’s working for you and commend you on your positivity!
Marji
January 8, 2017 at 10:41 pm
Hi Angie!
Thank you for your blog – I too have MS. I am 59 and had my first big exacerbation at age 50. I take LDN, but have worked with a naturopath and he has me taking several supplements to keep me in good health. I follow the MS women’s diet and eat gluten-free, sugar-free, lactose-free, processed foods-free, and garlic-free, and egg-free. Going without garlic is the hardest! But I had blood test that showed an extreme reaction to garlic and eggs. I have felt the best in the past few months eating this way than in a long time!
I especially like your recipes and photos, also the bios of other MS folks and how they deal with MS in their life. Your home looks very warm and inviting, love how you decorate! Thank you!
wellandstrongwithms
January 9, 2017 at 5:09 pm
Hi Marji- Thanks so much for introducing yourself.. great to meet you! I’m impressed by your strict diet! That’s very hard to do, but I’m so happy you’re having success with it. I appreciate your feedback on the blog and that you enjoy the recipes, Faces of MS and even my home posts.. I aim for a bit of variety since we’re not defined by just MS 🙂 Thanks again for your thoughtful note.
Anet
January 21, 2017 at 10:04 am
Hi Angie!
I first started to follow your blog and IG page because my husband has been diagnosed with MS after our baby was just 6 weeks old and it was the toughest time in our lives. Finding ways to support him and showing him that other people live normal lives has been helpful.
Thank you and keep on bringing that positivity!
Anet
Sarah Johns
March 10, 2017 at 10:59 pm
Hi Angie!
I found your blog after you followed me on Instagram today! I am so glad you did. What a great resource you have here! I am 36 years old – mom of a 4 year old and 1 1/2 year old and was diagnosed with RRMS on February 16th. After a round of steroids, we have settled on my treatment plan today. I look forward to following you and your journey, and thank you for all the great recipe ideas you post!
wellandstrongwithms
March 12, 2017 at 8:43 am
Hi Sarah, it’s nice to “meet” you! Thank you for introducing yourself and filling me in on your story.. so sorry for your recent news. I’m sure it’s been a tough few weeks. It’s get easier though and I’m so happy to hear you’ve figured out a plan. Let me know if you need anything.. happy to chat. The beginning is always hardest. Best, Angie
Katie Joy
August 2, 2017 at 7:15 pm
This was a fantastic way to learn a little bit more about the face and voice behind the blog. It was fun to read. I might have to swipe that idea one of these days for my own blog. I am really enjoying your blog. I am glad I stumbled across it.
Karla Schmidt
June 28, 2019 at 11:29 am
I found your blog in MSConnection.com. Been reading since before I was diagnosed with MS . Best friend diagnosed over 30 years ago.
My self, I was diagnosed with MS in 2016. My husband and I have one son. Had him when I was 38, I’m 60 now. Retired from from work 2018 disability. Finding out when I went on Medicare in May I won’t be able to afford Ocrevus. Corporate insurance has some benefits. I will navigate my best needs first. Having a relapse a month before my Ocrevus infusion, changing my out look how I will deal. Staying positive: faith, family, friends. Enjoying what I love to do, gardening, water exercise, swimming, bow hunting and cooking.
Finding ways to do activities, new and old with what mobility I have. MS won’t defeat my sprit, have to many friends with me on my journey .
Angie Rose Randall
June 30, 2019 at 8:38 am
Hi Karla, thank you for this message and introducing yourself. Do you know that drug manufacturers have their own financial aid program to help cover situations like yours? Biogen who makes Tysabri, for example, covers all of the treatment that my insurance doesn’t cover which is close to $1k a month. Have you tried calling? I hope this can help you! Wishing you success in your MS journey, keep you head up.. positivity is everything xo