Recently, I was lucky enough to connect with an amazing woman named Kathy McCabe.
Kathy is an internationally recognized virtual assistant who also happens to suffer from Meniere’s disease, as well as several other chronic illnesses. Her story is remarkable. In the face of tremendous adversity, she has found success as a virtual assistant and has been able to continue to work and provide for her family.
I invited Kathy to share her story with you all today, and to explain a little bit more about what a virtual assistant is, and how you can become one, too.
I’m Kathy and I have Meniere’s Disease. Actually, I have bi-lateral Meniere’s disease, Migraine with Aura and chronic pain. But up until almost 3 years ago, I was normal. (Or at least I tried to be normal). Then, one day, out of nowhere, I had vertigo for the first time as I was walking across the room. My Tinnitus, which I’ve had in both ears for many years (and has also caused hearing loss), now roars during attacks, which can happen at any time, with little or no warning. I went to my walk-in clinic and they sent me to the hospital where doctors weren’t sure what was wrong or if I was having a stroke, so they admitted me for observation. I left thirty hours later still dizzy and on my way to a neurologist. He was the first doctor to mention Meniere’s disease to me, although he said he was sure I didn’t have it since both my ears were affected, but he was at least open to the possibility. He sent me to other doctors for more tests and opinions. It took nearly a year and a long line of doctors before I finally got a diagnosis from Dr. John Carey at the John Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, MD. He is an amazing doctor, and really listened! Read more…]]>
Cool Keyboard by Kathy McCabe[/caption]
Its the time we all hate, eyesight is getting worse, floaters are having a field day when you’re trying to work on the computer. And…. now you’re all squinty eyed at keyboards. I
You’ve already customized your screen so that everything is bigger…. You have your Kindle app set for giant print… And you live everyday as a photographer who’s best friend is her telephoto lens… Yup, you’ve got aging eyes.
Now, the latest in a long line of changes comes along in the form of a giant print – illuminated – keyboard. This thing has giant letters back-lit on keys you can’t miss seeing. I chose the Adesso ergonomic ‘illuminated’ keyboard. I chose it because of the letter size on the keys. I’m used to a keyboard that is raised up on the wrist side and the new keyboard is flat. So, I “MacGyvered” a lift from old parts so its now lifted properly.
My only issue now (other than getting used to the slight change in layout) is that the keyboard is LOUD Very LOUD… clackity noise such as I’ve never heard before… Ugh… I’m sure I’ll get used to it but for now I think I’ll be hearing the keys in my sleep!
Don’t believe me? Listen to this!
Go ahead, I dare you!
[audio mp3="https://thebestva.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/1eb4b238-354b-406d-a054-c5a7ac2d5ea3.mp3"][/audio]
See what I mean? Oh well, I’ll get used to it. And, although there are loads of great ergonomic keyboards out there, finding an illuminated isn’t as easy – at least at a rate I want to pay. So, I’ll wear this one out, maybe it will become more quiet over time. You think?]]> 
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My most recent passion involves my love of makeup. Yes, I’m a girly girl… I have always loved makeup, nail polish, and so on. When I lived in California, I even completed manicurist training in a cosmetology school and opened a mobile manicurist business that thrived until I sold it and returned to my home state of Colorado. I still do nails but these days, only for myself. But I have always loved the entire process of beautification.