Category Archives: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sep 03 2013
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Rheumatoid Arthritis, Solitary Fun

Day 344: Routine

Labor Day threw me off. I forgot to do my shot because it seemed like Sunday all day. When I woke up today and remembered (that I forgot), I decided to do the shot on my own.

I knew the hubs was doing a presentation that he had been working on for a while so I did not want to disturb him at work. Normally he is with me (or sometimes on the phone)-he has a role in the routine of doing the injection. Routine is an important word here because, in the past, I have thought of it as anything but. Something told me today was different though, that I was ready for it to seem normal, regular.

I took the shot out of the fridge and while it set, I took my temperature (normal), washed my hands and got out the other stuff I need (cotton ball and alcohol swab). I always check the expiration date and the fill line on the syringe. Then take off the cap and push out the air bubbles. Alcohol swab my thigh, pinch some fat and insert the needle at a 45 degree angle. I release the skin, pull back the plunger to check for blood (blood = vein and do NOT inject) then begin pushing medicine in. Normally the hubs helps with pesky air bubbles that need tapping. He announces, “no blood!” And he disposes of everything for me at the end. Today I was able to manage the bubbles, trust myself to verify no blood and dispose of all materials on my own. It felt very routine, yet I also felt confident and empowered for the rest of the day!

Sep 02 2013
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Rheumatoid Arthritis

Day 343: End of Summer

I still mentally operate on an academic calendar. I can’t help it. I’ve had way more years in school than out so the summer still holds that magical spell over me. I still associate it with freedom from responsibility and, increasingly, also travel. The hubs and I have probably spent more weekends out of town than in over the last three months and I love that. I may even go out on a limb and say this has been one of the best summers yet (whoa!)

Yet Labor Day marks the end of all that. Even though Fall doesn’t officially begin until the end of the month, for me, summer is over. It’s the new fiscal year. Theater seasons are beginning. We spent this last weekend at the Cottage until who knows when-probably next Memorial Day. And that’s ok. I actually love Fall and the ramp up to the Holidays (remember all those decorating and baking posts last year??). It’s also not that I’m not ready for that transition. I am. I’m just thinking about it a lot and realizing how close I am to the end of the Year of Fun. (The fact that I began this blog almost right in sync with the academic year is telling). I’m wondering what next year will bring, what this blog will become and what it means to “finish” the year. Don’t worry, I’m cooking up some fun things!

Aug 31 2013
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Fitness, Friends and Family, Guilty Pleasures, Outdoor Fun, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Travel Fun

Day 341: The British Are Swinging!

It’s Labor Day Weekend. All we did was go to the beach and then swing in the Red Coats. Since we missed Fourth of July in Grand Haven, the people who run the Twitter and Instagram accounts were wondering what happened to our annual parade. Well we are just so swing obsessed, this is all we could give them:

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Aug 30 2013
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Fitness, Friends and Family, Outdoor Fun, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Day 340: Just Something About a Swing

Just to prep you, this might be the most fun thing not only of the Year of Fun, but also ever.

The neighbor of the cottage in Michigan suggested we go find this rope swing that lives in the woods not too far off the road. Some children visited us today so we thought that might be the best time to look. Two children and four adults easily found the swings (there are two!) at the top of large sand/dirt hill hanging from a very sturdy tree. The climb up the hill was strenuous enough to leave my legs feeling achey (or maybe that was the fishing trip on choppy waters we took this morning–no fish, but also no barf so it was fun). Once we got to the top everyone tried the swing.

At first, I was a little nervous. It seemed like the swing required a lot of arm strength to hold yourself up. However, once the 2 and 4 year olds started doing it by finding a way to sit on one of the knots rather than stand, I knew I had to try. Because the swing goes out over the steep hill, I felt like I was very far off the ground. Yet that did not bother me. I was more caught up in what an amazing stress reliever it was. Everyone who tried it, let out of yell of joy (maybe some terror). I am certainly taking the hubs and friends (who arrived a little too late) every day for the rest of the weekend. I mean, these pictures say it all.

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Aug 26 2013
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Friends and Family, Guilty Pleasures, Nightlife, Pamper/Beautify, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Day 336: Arbonne

At the last minute, my co-worker Elizabeth had some extra space at an Arbonne party she was hosting, so she invited me. I did not really know much about Arbonne (I mean except that it is “good” face products) but I am so glad I do now.

I absolutely love everything I learned about the products–from the all natural ingredients to the animal testing policy (no testing on animals). Every product we tried smelled lovely and, even better, felt amazing on my skin. Recently, I have been on a crusade to rid my bathroom of antibacterial soaps because they kill all of the good bacteria (and I can’t afford to lose any of those). On NPR, I heard a story about how those same antibacterial ingredients are found in many face and body lotions, shampoos, deodorant and toothpastes (yes toothpaste!). I checked all of my labels at home and found them in many of the my other products. Arbonne sells all of these products (and more) yet all comply to same high standards they set for their make up and face lotions. They have even branched out into the world of supplements and juices–we did not even have time to go there at this party.

So….I’m super hooked. The only downside is it is a little pricey, so I’m starting with a facial care system and will move on from there…check them out.

Also, it was really fun hanging out with some of my co-workers outside of work. I am super glad I went!

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