Well...I've had a busy day to say the least. First, my friend Richard
came and drove us to my Social Secrity Appeals hearing. I was able to
look over my HUGE file before going in. It was VERY heavy and I had
trouble holding it to read. I used that file as an example to the Judge
of how weak I am and how much I can lift. It went well. He talked to
both my roommate Laurie and Richard. I did get emotional talking about
the depression. The Judge and the recorder and vocational representative
were very nice. He said he will send me a written decision in the next
few months. I have to notify that office when I move with my new
address.

Richard feels confident and good that I will get it. We will see. The
one thing against me is that I've been working, but, I reiterated the
fact that I have had no choice and he understands that. He also
understood my frustration about the lawyer telling me he can't represent
me because I'm working, knowing that I'd be unable to live without
income. Laurie told him how she's known me for 15 years and how I was
before, and how I am now. That I'm profoundly depressed and in pain and
fatigue constantly. She of course couldn't attest to how I'm sleeping
since we have seperate rooms, but, sees how exhausted I am in the
morning and throughout the day which indicates the lack of sleep. She
also mentioned how some people at my telemarketing job have told her
that my leaving was good for me because they had heard me crying
hysterically in the bathroom on occasion (she had not told me until this
morning, but it came in handy).

Richard told of how he'd come in and surprise me at the laundry I used
to work at and I would be in tears and exhausted, and how just watching
a movie at his house, I'd be fidgiting in the sofa from discomfort, etc.
He also said how he has not known anyone, until me, who has had
Fibromyalgia, and has become very informed on it in the 3 years he's
known me. He also said that he feels something needs to be done for me
and even mentioned how he's tired of people who don't need disability
are on disability and those, like me, can't get it. LOL!!! He warned me
he would say it and he did.

On my way out the Vocational expert told me that I have some pretty
wonderful friends, so that could be a good sign. A retired friend of
Richard's who has a law license told him that it is definately good that
I have persisted with this fight for the disability. He said so many
people give up and it is those that keep it going that eventually win!
They figure if you're willing to keep up the fight, you must be sincere,
etc. He told Richard earlier that we would not have the Judge's decision
today, and not even in a few weeks. That it would be a few months. The
Judge told me that "Just when you think I've forgotten you, you'll get
the decision in the mail." He smiled a lot and was very friendly.

After, we all went to eat at Cracker Barrell, and then Richard and I
went to Wal-mart and a few errands he had in Bellevue, and then went to
see "THE GRINCH" in Green HIlls. He had not seen it and I said i
wouldn't mind seeing it again. Then, after, we went to Borders Books
(it's a 2 story bookstore and cafe) on West End and drove through
Centennial Park to see the Lighted Christmas displays.

Leann


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