When you see Natalie Carda in her home town of Beresford, dribbling down the basketball court at the University of South Dakota, or coming straight towards you in life, you’ll see one common characteristic - determination.

Carda grew up in South Dakota with her Mom, older brother, and her basketball coach Father. “I’ve been playing basketball since I can remember”, says Carda. She has always felt comfortable as she stepped onto the court and excelled in basketball. With a head of steam she stepped into college life with excitement and ease. She was not prepared, though, to step in to a new role; the one that life handed her.

In her Freshman year in college Carda started feeling numbness in the top part of her body. “I have a bad back so I just thought it had something to do with that. You know, anything to explain why it was happening, then it went away so it wasn’t really a big deal.” She continued explaining that it only happened twice that year and it went away so everything must be fine.

The next year, as she was getting up out of her bed she fell, landing hard enough to jar her back. That incident, again, was explained away by back problems. At the beginning of this, her Junior year, her back tightened up and her entire right side went numb. Carda’s Trainer was concerned that more was wrong than her back and had her see a Doctor, who was concerned that these were signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). He promptly did an MRI which showed lesions on her brain and sent her to a Neurologist who confirmed the diagnosis. Carda remembers, “I didn’t really know what MS was. I had heard of MS and knew that it wasn’t very good.” She talked herself into thinking it was just another little problem and denied the diagnosis. When her Neurologist explained he was 100% sure it was MS then she wanted to know more about what MS was.

“It was scary at first but when I learned more about
how it wasn’t as scary as everyone thought it was,
it was a lot easier to take.”

Her team mates did not say much to her about the diagnosis. They did not know what to ask her because they did not know what it was or how she would react. “They did not want to reveal that they were ‘freaking out’ so I wouldn’t ‘freak out’.” she explained. “You get nervous about things you don’t know about and we didn’t know anything about MS.”

There were more questions than answers. Carda’s Mom has done a lot of research since Natalie was diagnosed and participated in different educational options provided by the MS Society. Information is power and the more they know about and understand what MS the easier it is to deal with. Her Mom has done a lot to learn as much as they can about it. Carda and the entire basketball team were invited to attend a presentation by the MS Society that will help answer some of the questions they have, and some they may be afraid to think about or ask

As far as her basketball career Carda explained, “At first, with the new medication, I would get very tired - I wanted to sleep all day. I essentially had MS in my Freshman and Sophomore year and played right through it so it really doesn’t seem much different now. I haven’t really seen a dramatic affect on basketball at all.”

Carda was not sure what she wanted to major in but since being diagnosed with MS she has focused in on Nursing, specializing in Neurology. “I think getting MS was a sign that I should go into Nursing and help other people.” Her future has come into focus also. “I see this as a life perspective change.” She wants to live life to the fullest and help people understand more about the disease. “It doesn’t have to change everything that you do. I thought basketball was going to be over and it’s not and I plan on achieving the other things in life like getting married and having kids.”

The positive attitude this 21 year old has seems to be contagious. She is surrounded by people who also have a positive attitude and they help her get through tough times. Her Dad, with the Coach inside him, continues to tell her to ‘get back out there and keep playing hard’. “I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me, at all”, said Carda

With her positive attitude, being surrounded by family and friends, and strong determination this young athlete will learn how to play the new ‘game’ and win.

Toni Grundstrom is a freelance writer. For further information about achieving in spite of having MS click here. Your will find up-to-date information about MS and others who inspire to achieve.

CHI truly is an innovative brand well known in the beauty industry for producing some of the most sought after flat irons on the planet, and it seems as if absolutely everyone has been told to buy one. But, there are so many CHI’s out there; CHI Original, CHI Turbo, CHI Pink, CHI Nano… which CHI is right for you?

The Similarities:
In addition to all being fabulous flat irons, they do share a few common features such as:

1-inch curved plates for straight and curly styles
Ceramic, Ionic and Far Infrared Technology to smooth down the hair’s cuticle and create sleek, shiny hair without damage
Flash heating for quick heat-up times
Quick recovery time - this eliminates damaging hot spots that can damage your hair

So at least you know whichever CHI you choose, you’re getting an absolute powerhouse dedicated to smoothing your hair with every snag-free glide, but read on to find out what each CHI is famous for…

CHI Original 1-inch Flat Iron
Product Snapshot: This professional salon model is a best-seller for good reason…it’s awesome. Part of CHI’s original collection of flat irons, this versatile styling tool has an ergonomic design and curved edge plates to create any style from straight to curly and everything in between. With a flash heating element and fixed temperature setting, the power to create the style of your dreams is your hands, and with ceramic, ionic, infrared technology, frizz is nowhere to be found.

The main difference: Fixed temperature - it provides the exact amount of heat every time, and everyone loves this iron.

CHI Pink 1-inch Dazzle Ceramic Flat Iron
You get the professional CHI Original Ceramic 1-inch Flat Iron in, you guessed it - PINK! With its ergonomic design and curved edge plates you’ll be straightening and curling constantly. Plus, Farouk Systems will donate a portion of all sales (from October -December) of this limited edition pink flat iron to support national breast cancer awareness. It’s a great cause and a great tool.

Why I love it: It’s a limited edition iron - the same as the CHI Original - but a portion of all sales during certain times of the year go to support National Breast Cancer Awareness. What’s not to love?

CHI Turbo 1-inch Ceramic Flat Iron
Turn on the turbo and get a great style fast with the CHI Turbo 1-inch Flat Iron. Ceramic, ionic technology seals in the hair’s natural moisture and shine by smoothing the hair cuticle, creating a healthy static-free shine. Variable temperature settings from 175 to 356 degrees F allow you to control the amount of gentle, far infrared heat as you style. Negative ion activity straightens your hair making it sleek and smooth, and the curved edge plates allow you to make curls and waves as well.

What’s so special? Variable Temperature Settings - you control the amount of heat your hair needs - perfect for if you cannot use your iron on the hottest setting. Plus, I think the Turbo grips you hair much better than the Original model. This matters if your hair is somewhat difficult to straighten.

Bonus points: Felt heat protection on the outside of the iron.

CHI Nano Ceramic 1-inch Flat Iron
Product Snapshot: If you’re looking for the latest in technology, you’re looking for the CHI Nano 1-inch Ceramic Flat Iron. This ceramic ionic professional appliance features include flash heating in under 10 seconds, curved edge plates for curling and straightening, and a temperature setting from 302-356 degrees F. Innovative Nano Silver Technology in the iron eliminates bacteria, creating a germ-free environment every time you use it. Talk about innovation! CHI rocks.

Why it’s a best-seller: Nano Silver Technology eliminates bacteria on the iron. That’s cool. Very cool.

CHI Nano Digital 1-inch Ceramic Flat Iron
Product Snapshot: With the latest in Nano Silver Technology and Digital Control Options, this CHI Nano Digital 1-inch Flat Iron is sure to become your new best friend. Packed with innovative technology including Nano Silver Technology that eliminates bacteria on the appliance, creating a germ-free environment every time you use it, this ceramic ionic professional appliance features flash heating, far infrared heat and curved plates for creating straight styles, flips and curls.

The perks: Nano Silver Technology eliminates bacteria on the iron, which as you know is very cool; it also has digital control options. If you want a hi-tech tool, this is it!

The breakthrough technology used in the development of CHI appliances has given them a competitive edge by allowing them to create truly unique products and styling tools that are so well known in the industry they are asked for time and time again. From the latest in far infrared, ceramic and ionic technology to pioneering the newest Nano Silver technology, CHI tools not only out perform other appliances, but some of their tools actually sterilize themselves.

If you’re ready to style your hair like a professional, you’re ready for CHI - go directly to the StyleBell CHI Flat Irons section, it’s chock full of CHI - in our favorite 1-inch size.

Shelley Nicoletti, Beauty Editor for StyleBell
http://www.stylebell.com

So you’re ready to find your ideal soulmate but this time you don’t want to leave it to chance. By giving your unconscious mind a list of things you want and absolutely do not want in a relationship you can attract your ultimate relationship to you by following a few simple steps.

1. Learn to love yourself.

You can’t give to other people what you haven’t learned to give yourself. How do you expect any one else to cherish you, love you and adore you when you do not treat yourself in this way?

All relationships start with YOU.

Write down 10 things that you love about being you.

Write down 10 of the wonderful qualities that you have.

Write down 10 things that you can do to show your appreciation for you.

2. Select the qualities you need in a relationship.

When looking for anything in life be it a person, and object, a job or a holiday you first have to decide EXACTLY what it is that you are looking for. Otherwise you will just drift, never knowing if you have found the right one or not. It’s no different when looking for your ideal partner.

How do we normally meet someone? In a bar or club, at work maybe or because they share a common interest? We just both happened to be in the same place and were both needing someone. You hit it off, have something in common and the chemistry kicks in. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, you get together…time goes by and when the chemistry fades you’re left wondering why you’re together.

By setting out our wants, needs and must-haves in a relationship in advance we run a much lesser risk of spending a long time with the wrong person. When the chemistry kicks in and common sense disappears at least you have a pre-defined list of what you want to compare this person with to know if they are really what you were looking for. It’s so important to set out what we absolutely must have (and absolutely must NOT!) in advance if we are truly to find the Mr or Miss Right for us.

* Define your Ultimate Soulmate

Who is the man/lady of your dreams? What physical attributes do they have? What height are they? What weight? What colour hair and eyes? What age are they? What do they wear and look great in?

What career do they have? What kind of income?

What hobbies and interests do they have?

Should they have kids? Should they want kids? Should they have none and want none??

What characteristics do they have? Are they funny and witty? Intelligent? More intelligent than you or less intelligent than you? Do they like to keep fit or to relax a lot? Do they play sport or the PSP?

Are they vegetarian or a red-blooded meat eater? Do they like to socialise or are they quiet shy and retiring? Are they extrovert or introvert? Life and soul of a party or a wall flower?

Who is your ideal partner.

Which of these is a MUST and which would be great to have?

* Mate from hell!

Normally I would not even go to the negatives but here, well, it is SO important to have this list to combat making a poor partner decision when the chemistry is raging. List below all of the attributes this person must no way have. What will you absolutely not stand for in a person or relationship?

This one is probably easier than the first as we usually know what we don’t want better than what we do, so go on….make that list!

For example:-

I will absolutely NOT have a person who is abusive mentally or physically. No coach potatoes. No rudeness. No-one who is foul-mouthed. Etc.

Your turn.

* Define the Ultimate Relationship

Describe now the relationship you will have with your ideal person. What will you do together? Where will you go? What goals will you share. What will people say about you as a couple. Write down everything about your ideal relationship.

3. The final step

So here it is, the final step in the journey to finding your ideal mate.

No matter where you go and what you do to find this ideal mate your past relationships and your future ones all have one thing in common.

You take YOU with you.

So - in order to succeed in love….

What kind of person would YOU have to be to attract your ideal mate?

Like attracts like. That’s the basis of rapport and rapport gives us that deeper connection. You need to become the sort of person you would like to find. Describe the values, characteristics, conduct, and habits you would need in order to deserve the mate you just described.

So, I hope that you have written down the answers to all of the questions above. When you commit to finding this ideal person and become the person you want to be with some ting magical happens and I know from my experience that this absolutely works.

I wish you every success in finding true love and hope that you will share your experiences with us too.

Tracey Dowe is a qualified life coach, NLP Master practitioner and trainer with a mission to inspire others to find the best in themselves and to give the best of themselves. She has an uncanny knack of being able to ask just the right question at just the right times to enable clients to have the break throughs that they need. She not only loves what she does but get results too!
Tracey says “My own life has changed immeasurably in the last 5 years and I now live each day with boundless energy and passion for life, something that you’ll discover if you go to my web site at http://www.momentumpeople.co.uk and I love to inspire others to have the same joy and success in their lives too. It’s amazing just what each of us can achieve with even a little external encouragement and insight. I have a particular interest in developing strong leaders for the future both within businesses and organisations and within individuals - empowering them to take control of their lives and Lead rather than do what’s expected”.

Tracey is committed to giving you easy to follow strategies that will give you immediate results in your personal life, business, relationships and finances through coaching and training with Momentum People Ltd.