Biography of Janis Stalcup

I am the middle of five children and daughter of the greatest parents on Earth! (You doubt? Ask any of my brothers or sisters!) Born in Lubbock and raised amongst the cotton fields outside of town, I was blessed to meet and marry a city feller - who I later realized was the most giving, forgiving and dependable man ever! (Don't believe me, just ask anyone who knows him!)

When we married, I couldn't have imagined pushing a "mouse" around in front of a computer for fun! I drove a bobtail truck and played softball, tennis and volleyball. I went to every sporting event and theatrical or musical performance of every family member I could. We attended church three times a week and I took classes in Sign Language, Judaism and Christian studies, too.

However, I'd been annoyed by mild seizures and sinus headaches since an episode of scarlet fever at age 7. Then, after exposures to diesel, solvents and other chemicals at work in my mid-30s, the seizures became more frequent and the headaches became incapacitating. We learned the headaches were "migraines," triggered by a neurological or olfactory hypersensitivity to chemical fumes, smoke, and other strong odors. I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia and arthritis in my neck, back and shoulders, which also triggered the migraines. Life as we knew it came to halt; sports and social activities became increasingly difficult!

I left the workplace for a life of daily shots, weight gain and chemical/fume avoidance - no colognes, no candles or potpourri, no backyard grills, no fires in the fireplace, no dry-cleaning, etc., etc. We had to replace common consumer products with hard to find and more expensive fragrance-free products for our laundry, cleaning and personal hygiene needs. I also discovered that some "friends" preferred their perfumes over me; some just thought I was crazy. (Fifteen years ago, fibromyalgia and hypersensitivities were not recognized as real medical conditions.)

Thankfully, I was married to a man, who stuck by me. After 13 years of treatment and avoidance, I improved enough to go back to college part time. I turned from crafting, photography and desktop publishing for friends, family and charities to "Photoshopping" and web design. On May 9, 2008, I graduated with my Associate's Degree in Design Communications - Internet Specialization from South Plains College! I am working from home as a freelance graphic artist, web designer and computer tech.

Thankfully, we're also back in church! I am still often incapacitated by a migraine or seizures after a day of almost any extended social activity. Still, it is great to be able to go outside the house on my good days. I cherish my time with others! Although we never had children of our own, I do have the most precious, teeth-grittingly-adorable nieces, nephews and great- nieces and nephews that anyone could ever want to hug. (If you disagree, just...just...git off my website!)