Thankful Thursday

I have so much to be thankful for, so many blessings.

However, today, I am in pain, tired and weepy.

I hate that.

So, I got up, took my morning meds, got dressed, ate some food and took a vicodin (which I hate to do), drank 2 coffees, drank an orange juice, checked emails, and crackbook, er Facebook, I mean, and now, I am here.

Weepy because I am so blessed. Weepy because I really wish I could ENJOY my blessings more.

Today lupus/rheumatoid arthritis is kicking my ass.

Anyhow...

1. Coffee. Thank you, Juan Valdez. Green Mountain. Keurig.

2. My kids. My life. My heart. My reason.

3. My parents. Dad's 70th Birthday was yesterday. We had a surprise dinner for him on Saturday night, just adults, with my cousin Karol and my sister/bff Kathy. He is their surrogate dad in many ways and they wouldn't miss it for the world. It was nice. Last night was dinner out with the kids and Uncle K, who couldn't make it on Saturday due to work. :-)

4. Reading. Oh how I love to read! AND, I am so blessed that my kids ALL have the reading bug too! YAY!

5. Tonight, Fuzzy will have his Eagle Scout Board of Review... and he should be elected as one with no problem! The big public ceremony will be in May and he and Hammer will have that together!!! I am so proud!

6. Libby. She is snuggled on the floor right next to me as I type. If I get up, she follows, and then reclines near me, wherever I may go. Nothing like a dog for loyalty!

7. The cats! Oh the fun they are having with mylar balloons from dad's birthday floating about! They are so funny!

8. American Idol. I enjoy watching it each season. By extension, I am grateful for music. It is just such a wonderful gift and part of life. It can help lift you up, pump you up, express love, hate, frustration or fun!

9. Piano. I love listening to Pumpkin play piano! She is so gifted... and doesn't get it! LOL

10. My friends. Thank you, your support means the world to me. Truly.

be well...

Thankful Thursday

How did I do three entries last week and miss Thankful Thursday?

A good question, for which, I have no answer. :::hanging head:::

:::perks up:::

But, I'm baaaaaaaack!

1. Coffee. Oh yes... yum.

2. Asthma meds. For Fuzzy. Very thankful indeed, because my son would not be able to breathe and might be one of thousands of children each year who die in asthma related deaths, usually because they are not being treated for it. (just one shameful aspect of our stupid healthcare system)

3. My husband. I have been going through a particularly difficult time of late for a variety of reasons that I am not going to recount here and now. Suffice it to say that much of it is relating to coping (or not) with chronic illness/pain. ALSO, suffice it to say that I have been, at times, difficult to deal with. I know, I know, hard to believe (:::snicker:::) but true. Hubby has been WONDERFUL and patient.

Except for the one lapse where a smart ass comment sent me careening out of the house in the truck, in my jammies, to McD's, but I won't hold that against him. Or mention it again. I don't think. :::shrug:::

4. Uncle K. He won't read this as he is computer deficient, but one of my kids will probably tell him, THANK YOU for being a good friend.

5. My parents, as always, for all their help.

6. My kids. The reason I put up their picture yesterday for my Wordless Wednesday post is because they are MY LIFE. MY HEART.

7. Our quirky humor and family life.

OMG, you have to hear this... too funny. So, Pumpkin Muffin was being told this joke that had to do all this math. She got each and every answer right and quickly, then at the end she had to 'QUICK, name a vegetable!'

Her answer: Banana!

Yep, that's my Distiguished Honor Student! Just brings a tear to your eye... as you realize our future is doomed!!! LOL

8. My friend Donna, a childhood friend, that I have reconnected with on Facebook! After many email conversations, we are getting together for coffee tomorrow! YAY! :-)

9. Books. This week I have read, Kalayna Price 'Twice Dead', Jane Austen 'Sense and Sensibility', Stephen Coonts 'The Disciple' and I am reading Mark Henry 'Battle of the Network Zombies' (for free on kindle this month!). The latter has had me laughing out loud so hard, I had tears rolling from my eyes! (A warning though, the book has graphic language, violence and sex - all done hilariously, but it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea!)

10. American Idol! Not sure who is my absolute fave yet, but I am enjoying it!

Okay... time to go! Pumpkin Muffin will be walking in the door any second and will demand all my attention to discuss her day prior to starting homework!

be well...

Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful to be back on my blog!

2. Thankful that Fuzzy seems to have not broken his leg/knee in his injury yesterday, even if we are cautiously treating it as such.

3. Coffee. Coffee, coffee, coffee.

4. Thankful that my recent head cold/ear infection seems to have resolved itself quickly and on its own.

5. Thankful that at Pumpkin's 13th birthday party hotel sleepover I was able to get 4 hours of sleep. The girls got 2. lol And, very thankful that we got a reduced room rate and the adjoining room free, including breakfast.

6. Thankful that both my parents are alive and relatively healthy, and able to give me help and support with the house and the kids. I don't know how I would ever manage without them.

7. Thankful that both my parents are also my friends. We have fun together and enjoy being together as a family and even just going out as two couples. I am very blessed.

8. Thankful for all the silly things between my hubby and myself that make me laugh. It is so true that just laughing together or with the kids can be full of healing/soothing energy and it helps me cope.

9. That Fuzzy will be doing his Eagle Scout project soon over two weekends, and he and Hammer will be able to have their Court of Honor together in May! YAY!

10. Thankful for friends that in person and online make my life better. The support, love and consideration helps me cope. Coping can sometimes mean whining, complaining, being cranky and sad. Sometimes it means laughing, sharing and hugging. It's great to have pals to share the good and the bad.

11. Thankful for Facebook. Mindless games help me cope with pain and stress. Reconnecting and staying connected with old friends and new so easily is just a wonderful blessing. We are so lucky for technology that aids us in this way. Yes, you have to wary and set your security settings well and all, but it is worth the time and effort!

12. Thankful that Libby is moving better with her arthritis now that we are giving her buffered aspirin twice a day. :-) Thankful that she and the cats give us so much joy.

Well, that is it for today...

be well...

Thankful Thursday... yeah yeah yeah, it's Friday again...

:::sigh:::

I have round 3 of the 'Head Cold of Doom'. That was for you, Hammer. LOL

Apparently, the germs morphed when Hammer got it and he was able pass it back to me so by Tuesday I was a blubbering, nose blowing, sneezing coughing mess. Still same today...

I am hopeful that tomorrow will be better. Please. Really. Let it be better. I try to be good. Really really good.

1. Coffee. 'Nuff said.

2. Puffs. Yeah. My nose is that red.

4. Vaseline. It soothes the above nose.

5. Chapstick. Lips chapped too.

6. My new pj's from Land's End. Best Christmas present ever when you are repeatedly sick and wearing them nonstop. All day. And, night. Yeah, it's been like that.

7. My dad. He bought me my favorite donut yesterday from Dunkin' Donuts. He is the best. Truly. :-)

8. My dad again. On another errand after dinner he bought me my favorite potato chips. He rocks. And, he obviously feels sorry about the pathetic sneezing, nose blowing, hacking mess of a human I have been stuck as for the last 7 weeks on and off. Thanks, Daddy.

9. Books and computer. You have kept me sane.

10. Nyquil. Cherry. You give me 'sound' sleep for about 4 hours... ahhhh

Okay... so that is the 'sick' themed thankfuls for this week!

I said this on Facebook... whatever I did in my last life must have been awful because I am paying for it now! :-/

I have one serious thankful...

11. Fuzzy's ultrasound was negative for appendicitis and gall stones and all we seem to be dealing with is a little nervous stomach. Which sucks, but it is better than anything requiring surgery.

be well...

Thankful Thursday (yes, I know it is Friday... LOL)

So,I was all excited that we were going to get snow today... but we didn't. Just an inch of nuisance. Feh. Gimme a real snow storm please!

I am late, but better late than never, and I am always ready to count my blessings!

1. Coffee. Yep. After fighting bronchitis twice this holiday season and having this congestion linger on much too long, coffee is the only way my brain and body seem to be waking up. And, we had that uber cold spell in the 20's and my steaming cup of coffee kept the chill away! :-)

2. Family. I was able to see most of my family and friends over the holidays and I really enjoyed seeing everyone.

3. My parents. My Mom and Dad who spoiled us all at the holidays!

4. Fuzzy's new bowling ball! His first two practice games were a 224, a new high for him, and a 168! Very nice!

5. Farmville! Great for hours of enjoyment while hacking up a lung and wishing you could sleep.

6. Facebook! Recently, I it has been a blast! One evening this week about 6 of my friends from high school and I had a really giggly silly girl conversation and it was so much fun!

7. Books. I highly recommend the new Steve Berry 'The Paris Vendetta'. Awesome! Also the new Jeff Shaara 'No Less Than Victory' his final in the WWII trilogy. Fabulous. On a lighter note also good reads Wendy Roberts 'Dead and Kicking' and Charlaine Harris 'Grave Secret'.

8. Kindle. I love my Kindle. My daddy bought it for me last year and even though there are certain authors I still want in a hardcover book, there are plenty I don't and read on my Kindle which is such a delight for my hands!!! :-)

9. Uncle K. Things are still not completely settled for him, but they are moving forward. Should be all done soon. I am thankful for the time he spends with my kids and being a friend to Hubby and myself.

10. Libby, Susie, Tina and Pumpkin. My dog and 3 cats. They always provide me with comfort, but this holiday season, lots of laughs too. Lots of cat fights over the tree skirts etc... very amusing!

Well, signing off now!

be well...

Thankful Thursday

Time to count blessings and not a minute too soon!

Panic mode is over, and I am firmly entrenched back in my denial place! LOL

1. I am grateful for my house, my home and my family.

2. I am grateful for my health insurance.

3. I am grateful for the meds that I have to help me and the doctors that are my partners in my healthcare.

4. I am grateful for the friends I have in my life.

5. I am grateful for my online friends, their availability and support have been invaluable over the last 7 years of coping with chronic illness. (rheumatoid arthritis, and for the last two years the brain thingy)

6. I am grateful for the technology that allows me to not only keep in touch but that lets me play stimulating and challenging games - some for fun - some for brain exercise - all of which help me cope and keep my mind off of worrysome stuff.

7. I am grateful for my pets. Yes, even though cleaning up cat hairballs and dog puke sucks, the unconditional love and joy they give daily far surpasses the difficulties they present on occasion.

8. I am grateful for Boy Scouts. Hammer has begun the planning for his Eagle Scout project which should be executed in the next 2 weeks. Fuzzy will begin planning his in the new year as he is just completing the last badge. Scouts has afforded the boys many opportunities for leadership, community service and personal growth.

9. I am especially grateful this week for my Hubby realizing that a hug, a cup of coffee and a snack would go a loooooonnnnng way.

10. I am grateful for the outlet that my blog and Facebook give to me and therefore, I am for YOU, the reader.

11. I am also grateful for the clarity health issues have given me in life. It sharpens into focus that which is truly important; those special gifts and blessings that no illness can take away.

Life is good. Thanks for being a part of it!

be well...

Thankful Thursday (brought to you by 'holy crap! A week has gone by again?)

The Union doctor and his tools.


The rebel company camp.

The cooking area and commander camp.

A Union infantry uniform. Authentic.

View from atop Little Round Top.

Yes, Virginia, a week has blown by! Yikes!

Some Gettysburg pics above for your enjoyment!

1. Gettysburg. I really, really love the place. The people are so nice, the history is all around you, and there is so much to do and see.

We saw 2 groups of reenactments. The first set was mostly Confederates out of Virginia representing Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, up on the extension of Seminary Ridge, near General Longstreet's Memorial. The doctor was a Union doctor of the Army of the Potomac, that was with them and he was very knowledgeable. Gave a great talk and demonstrated with actual Civil War instruments how he would amputate legs etc. A good doctor would do 3 legs in about 5 minutes, moving quickly from one to the next. Would only clean their tools to keep them from slipping out of their hands.

The second reenactment group was from 124th New York Regiment! They were celebrating their anniversary of being called to service 148 years earlier in 1861, on Sunday, October 11th. They were an all volunteer regiment. They did some line formations and demonstrations of rifle firing. No balls in the rifles, just the powder which gave a good bang!

We also visited Little Round Top. This was the extreme left flank of the Union line which Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and his 20th Maine were told to 'Hold at all costs to the end.' And, they did. Even though they were facing 3 times as many soldiers, they held the high ground, and when they ran out of bullets they began the first and only bayonet charge ordered in the Civil War, the last ordered in any battle since, as well. They held the line, captured more soldiers than they had to guard them (thankfully their reenforcements arrived before anyone noticed, but the Rebels were all unarmed quickly), chased off the rest of the Rebs into a retreat. The 20th Maine saved the Union line from collapsing unto itself and thus ended day 2 of the Battle of Gettysburg. (can you tell I LOVE this period of history?)

2. Hubby. He organized a great trip for the boys. Our kids have already been to Gettysburg and probably will return again, but many kids in our troop would never have gotten this opportunity and were exposed to the living history of the Civil War. It wasn't easy to arrange moving 30 plus kids and some parents to the Battlefield and around it. Good job, honey.

3. Mom and Daughter time. Pumpkin Muffin and I really enjoyed our time alone with each other at the hotel room for night 2 and 3 of our trip. We went to the pool, had dinner and snacks. Relaxed and watched tv together, and got to talk a lot. Very nice.

4. Hammer. He helped me so much with all the camp laundry and regular weekly laundry over the last 2 days.

5. Technology. It does make life easier to connect and share.

Okay... that is all I have the brains or brawn for today.

be well...

Thankful Thursday

WOW! Time flies doesn't it? Loved the above pic... he he he...

Here we are at Thankful Thursday again!

1. Gettysburg Trip. I am really looking forward to getting away and experiencing Gettysburg again. I love history!

2. Coffee. A must have everyday, even on trips!

3. Laughter. I watched the first episode of the new show 'Modern Family' last night. We have them all tivo'd. OMG, I laughed so hard I lost my breath and cried. It was great!

4. The Arts. Dancing, singing, music, painting, sculpture, etc. The beauty and talent of those around us can be awe inspiring. Listened to some Mozart last night... brought tears to my eyes. Watched dancing show and was amazed at some of the talent...

5. Farmville. Totally addicted and having fun with the distraction it provides.

6. Life. Whether easy, hard, painful, fun, happy or sad it is to be lived and savored. Autumn is my favorite season, watching nature's exquisite show aflame against a grey blue sky is like none other!

Leaving for Gettysburg tomorrow after some more running around! Ack! Will check in at some point next week, maybe over the weekend if there is time!

be well...

Thankful Thursday

I am sure you are all familiar with this phrase!

RA SUCKS. Ok... enough whining, I was having a good week and in spite of my latest flare issue resulting in trochanter bursitis or hip impingement or just plain old BUM RA HIP ISSUES, I am going to CONTINUE having a good week.

Thankfuls..

1. Hubby. I asked Hubby to stay home so I could load up on the vicodin and get some 'better/more' sleep. And, Hubby stayed here, working from the house. Thank heavens for technology that makes this possible! Internet, Blackberry, fax machines...etc.

2. Kids. All three have gone above and beyond in supplying help to Mommy during the latest flaring and this hip issue.

3. Boy Scouts. It provides great leadership skills and experiences. For the family too. Next weekend we have a Scout trip to Gettysburg. It will be our second as a family. The boys and Hubby will be camping ON THE BATTLEFIELD. Soooooo awesome. Pumpkin and I will be camping at the Marriott Courtyard! LOL

Positive energy and prayers needed for my hip and flare to go AWAY so I can keep up in Gettysburg next week!

I may have to do a prednisone taper. I am thankful that I have this opportunity, yet its side effects make me hesitant. So, waiting at this point to see what happens.

4. Autumn. Oh how I love that crisp feeling in the air! No other season gets that snap. Nature's kaleidescope show is soon to begin on the trees... sigh. I love it! ::: sigh :::

5. Coffee. Tried a new flavor from Green Mountain called Pumpkin Spice. Not as awesome as Gingerbread, but close! Yum.

ps... coffee machine still acting up. BJ's has one on sale thank the caffeine gods.

6. NCIS and NCIS LA! I love both these shows! Yay! I am just happy that the new fall season is upon us and we have NEW things to watch! Some just fun, some thought provoking, some full of adventure and puzzles.

7. Life. It is good. I have people I love all around me. My kids, Hubby, and parents. I have friends who care. A roof over my head and money to pay the bills. Books and computer to entertain and educate.

COULD BE MUCH WORSE.

And, that fact is NOT lost on me for one minute!

8. Pets. Even though Libby keeps pooping on the front lawn and pissing off my dad, even though Tina still hates me and loves Hubby who hates her, even though Suzy knocked over the hamster cage AGAIN yesterday, even though Pumpkin (the cat) is very obviously declining as she ages --- I wouldn't trade the love, comfort and entertainment that you all provide on a daily basis.

The hamsters could go though. Anyone? lol

9. Diet. It has been a tough two weeks. Feeling the loss in my clothes, but the scale stayed the same. First, I went 2 pounds while Aunt Flo visited, and now, I am back down but still holding at 10 pounds total. This is pissing me off, but this is also how we women lose. So, I am waiting out the plateau. I can't exercise because of the hip... frustrating.

I believe that covers it. :-D

May this entry find you well and happy in your world!

be well...

Thankful (but cranky) Thursday

I am thankful. I am blessed in many ways.

I am just not feeling it today on the outside, but it is there on the inside, in my head.

I am blessed with 3 marvelous kids who give me so much joy and purpose in life, much more than they will ever know.

I am blessed with an amazing set of parents who give not only time and money, but the gift of themselves to me, Hubby and the kids in so many ways.

I am blessed with insurance. Even if it is crappy. Even if my the ultimate insurance situation is still not settled, I do have something. Better than nothing.

Hubby has gotten his head out of his butt, and as always hold my heart in his hands.

So far, so good, with regard to any terrorist activity in NYC. Maybe they did squash the right bugs so far.

I have coffee, I have wonderful pets, and nice house (even if it needs work done, so does everyone's right?) and a nice car that Hubby and I share.

My parents are healthy. My Hubby is health and MOST importantly my kids are healthy.

Here is the rub and the source of cranky. I am not healthy.

This complicates my life in many ways.

Yeah, the little tiff with Hubby came from it, it causes inconvenience. It causes frustration for my family with that inconvenience.

It causes pain. I don't remember the last time I didn't have pain. The best times are when I do a prednisone taper. Day 2 is usually the best because you get this super buzz from the prednisone where you feel like superwoman and it drowns all the inflammation and you feel like you can conquer the world!!! But prednisone is bad for so many reasons that I am happy not to be on it except for the rare tapers that I do.

Pain is a constant. Every time I roll over in bed, when I get up, when I walk, when I type, when I open jars, when I blow dry my hair, when I stretch to grab something, when I stand, when I lay.

Fatigue. Tired is something you get over. You sleep, you rest. You wake up refreshed.

Fatigue doesn't leave after sleep. It persists. Normal people walk through a world of chicken broth. I mostly walk through a world of pea soup. Hard to move through...

Then, there are the cognitive issues too. That is part of the pea soup. You don't think and react with the clarity you used to have. It is called RA Fog or Lupus fog or Rhupus Fog for those who are active in both diseases. It causes some pretty funny moments, and some very frustrating ones, too.

Nerve issues really suck. Nerve pain usually happens when a nerve gets stuck in the inflammed area of a joint.

That is what is going on along my jaw. It is apparently inflammed and causing spasms and strange icy hot sensations. It is not fun. Only my left side. It is the bottom of the trigeminal nerve. I am not happy.

My left elbow is a mess and my right hip and foot. Both my hands have several fingers sore and inflammed. My ankles are in their usual state of unhappiness.

I am overdue for a rheumatologist appointment and haven't had any bloodwork since May. I haven't been on the strong RA drugs since my reaction to the Enbrel in April. Or was it March? I can't even remember.

I am frustrated, fed-up, and sick of being sick. There is no cure. It never ends. It is an endless roller coaster loop of good days and bad days.

Usually, I let it all out and I feel better. Today, not so much.

Tonight is back to school night for Pumpkin. I don't know if I will make it. That upsets me.

be well...

(ps... being sick does clarify for you all that is good and important in life and usually that is what keeps me happy. I will get over my little pity party soon. Don't worry)

Thankful Thursday

I just love this lolcat. I hear his voice in my head like Ralph from the Honeymooners!

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I don't know why, but lately when I post a picture I can't have any hard returns in my entries. I know it is probably something stupid that I am doing, so if you can tell me what... please feel free! LOL

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1. Hubby. You know what Beth and Ken, he really does listen to me about 90-95% of the time. Like Beth said, it is just that 5-10% - whoa nelly! LOL ;-)

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2. Sleep. I got 3 hours last night. It could have been worse. I finally fell asleep around 1:30 and woke up WIDE AWAKE at 4:30am. I read online on my iphone for a while, then I decided that if I was still awake when my mom went to work at 6ish, I was getting up. :::waving::: Yep, hi mom! LOL

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3. Kids. They are not happy that I just woke them. Pumpkin grumbled her way down the steps and collapsed under a blanket in the family room to get some more Zzz's. Fuzzy grabbed his fruit bar and iced tea, added a blanket and put on the news. The morning routine has begun! (Hammer gets to sleep in until 9ish, and Hubby told me to go away until after I drove the kids to school. Ok then, guess no morning meeting for him!)

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4. Donna. Thank you. You know why. It made me feel 'useful' for the first time in a long time! And, you are right, when you know someone it is easier... so maybe at some other point in the future.

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5. My cousin Karen. As I mentioned yesterday, life gets away from you and sometimes you just have to grab it back and hang on again!

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6. Coffee. I have a feeling it will be instrumental in my survival today. After all, I am awake but it isn't like I am bouncing around ready to do a tango! It is more like the 80+ year old shuffle around here right now.

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Ahhh Green Mountain Caramel Vanilla. YUMMY!!! Cup 2 down the hatch! WOOHOOO!

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7. Vicodin. Well, I wouldn't have even gotten 3 hours sleep without that!

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8. Subway and Dawn and John. I have to tell you, having a friend that you grew up with (Dawn) open, own and work at a Subway in your town is awesome. The food is uber-fresh, the place is SPOTLESS clean. I am in love with the Veggie Delight! Maybe I can give Jared a run for his money, as I am up to 8lbs lost now! Yay!

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9. The 'Lose-it' Application on my Iphone. First, I should thank Hubby for indulging me with the iphone last year as my anniversary/birthday gift. The 'Lose-it' app is amazing. I track my weight and my calories and more on it. Chronicling each item I put in my mouth is really a great weight loss tool!

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10. Yankees. They are so hot and this season has just been AWESOME! And, Traci, doesn't matter one iota that they lost the game on 9/11 that Jeter hit the 2722 hits within. You have no idea unless you live in this area the 'lift' that it gave to everyone to have something really fun and positive for that date now to reflect on. ;-)

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Okay... time to torture the kiddies to brush teeth, get dressed, recheck school stuff etc.

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Have a great Thankful Thursday everyone!

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be well...

Thankful Thursday

Finally, school has begun in our little slice of NJ!

The summer, frankly, went too quick for me this year. It didn't feel like summer at all until August, and then *poof* over - in the blink of an eye! I actually love the time with the kids with no schedule and just relaxing.

Sigh.

Thankfuls...

1. Fuzzy. That although he was much like the kitty in the picture above, and was full of nerves, Fuzzy is now happy with high school and seems to be enjoying the new experience and the teachers and the work. Yay!

2. Pumpkin. As always, just a bundle of happy at the thought of starting a new year and after starting it - she still is a bundle of happy! Yay!

3. Friends. Thanks for the prayers and support this week!

4. Hubby. No one pisses me off quite like you. No one loves me better, either. Feh. It's all good, hon. lol

5. Farkle. Thank you for taking my mind off worrying about Fuzzy during his first day at high school. I like being in first place out of my friend's scores too.

6. Books. How I love you all!!!! Thanks also to you for helping me keep my stress levels under control this week!

I am VERY VERY behind on blog reading!!! I am sooooo sorry! I will catch up soon!

I am happy to report that in spite of the increased stress this week, I stuck to my diet and stayed under my calorie goal each and every day! Yay!

More soon...

be well...

Thankful Thursday

Exactly, dear kitty! Me too!

So, the time has come for me to reflect on the many blessings in my life!

1. Coffee. Hey, some weeks it isn't on the list at all, or near the top. This week - well, it has earned its place. Not a lot of good sleep happening.

2. Friends. So many to thank in so many ways... you know who you are... online, in person, via the phone, via the email. You all rock. Thanks for your support this week.

3. Kids. At least they are healthy and normal enough to bicker with each other! LOL They are wonderful kids, and I have been blessed with the honor of being their mom. I am thankful for that, always.

4. Hubby. You make me laugh, you make me nuts, but you always make me happy that you are there at the end of the day, good or bad. Thank you.

5. My parents. I am so blessed that they share my life on a daily basis. They have helped make what seemed impossible to cope with manageable, and help me keep my sanity on a daily basis.

6. Libby. My sweet puppy. We just had a nice talk which ended in me giving her a some belly rubs. :-)

7. The weather. Yesterday, before dinner, Uncle K, Hubby, Fuzzy and Pumpkin all played some basketball. I sat in the shade and watched. It was a lot of fun. Lots of laughs, trash talk and silliness. Pumpkin claims she was born with a disability that prevents her from doing a lay-up. I told her lack of skill is NOT a disability... hard work can cure it. LOL

8. Orientation. Yesterday, Fuzzy had his high school orientation. He went reluctantly but came out with a great attitude and a new found excitement for the new year that begins on Wednesday! Yay!

Can I ask everyone to pray that there will not be a health insurance glitch this week? Heaven knows most insurance companies would be glad to dodge covering me with the Rheumatoid Arthritis, lupus, and brain tumor. Ack. We do need some kind of insurance reform... don't have the answer as to what... but something... thank you.

I hope that this entry finds you all with a joy in your hearts and a song on your lips!

be well...

Thankful Thursday - A Day Early!

So, a day early for my Thankful things... why?

Tomorrow myself, my dad and Hammer, my eldest, go on a special trip to Chicago! This is for Hammer's 17 birthday. You may remember that I homeschool him and he has Asperger's Syndrome, an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Hammer is not yet feel ready or interested in driving yet, and since he has been homeschooled he missed out on the special trips overnight with the school and the graduations, so my mom and dad helped to make this possible!

Hammer has always wanted to visit the Field Museum in Chicago, since he was 5 years old, to see Sue the largest and most complete T-rex dinosaur skeleton. Since then we have also read some great books featuring Chicago and its architecture and history. Some fiction, like Jim Butcher's 'Dead Beat' and some factual like Erik Larson's 'Devil in the White City'.

This is going to be quite a trip! We are going by train! Hammer (as most Aspie's do) loves trains, and so does my dad (hmmm, lol). Sleeper car and everything! We leave from NYC tomorrow afternoon and arrive Friday am in Chicago!

We are also staying at the very historic and newly renovated Blackstone Hotel! Visited by more than 20 US Presidents, and the sight of the coining of the political phrase 'smoke filled room' and where FDR received his third nomination etc.

We are also planning to go to the Shedd Aquarium (adjacent to the Field Museum) and to Navy Pier, which has many recreational activities. We are planning to do a water boat tour, either the historical or the architectural one.

No trip to Chicago would be complete without trying authentic Chicago deep dish pizza! The plan is to hit Lou Malnati's for that, maybe even Friday night!!! And, no Dan, it isn't 'real' pizza, just a different kind, 'deep dish'. 'Real' pizza is what you get in NY and NJ!!!! LOL

Saturday will be our Field Museum day and it is Hammer's birthday. I am not sure where we will go for dinner, but Hammer has already put in a vote for a good steak. ;-)

So, on to the Thankful's...

1. Chicago Trip. And, for my parents making this possible after our financing fell thru when Hubby's old yucky job cut his pay, etc. We are eternally grateful for the memories this will create, of Hammer's dream come true!

2. Coffee. The magical elixir helping me to get packed and ready for said trip!

3. Fuzzy and Pumpkin. For being wonderfully supportive siblings of this trip for their brother, and understanding that this will not be giving him 'more' but simply 'tipping the scales to even'. I am so proud to be your mom!

4. Hubby. For holding down the fort while I will be away. And, for the spectacular job you did Sunday on cleaning out the garage. It is heavenly now!

5. Friends. You are all wonderful... thank you. Those on bookface, those on my email loop, Kathy, Karol... all of you. Wind beneath my wings...

Off to packing and organizing for the trip!

be well...

Thankful Thursday

It has been a week... that's about all I can say off the top of my head... but I know when I start this week's list, my blessings will come to light!

1. Mia. My friends Bob and Ilene adopted a kitten for their daughter, S. Last night when they brought R, their son, here to stay over they brought sweet little Mia to visit me. I held her and she slept in my arms for over an hour. Such a sweet little kitty. Best thing to happen to me since we returned from lake.

2. Tom. Your hospitality at the lake was wonderful and we had a wonderful time. The silence and beauty of the lake Saturday morning in the sun is something that will revisit in my mind often in times of stress or pain. Thank you.

3. Pumpkin Muffin. My sweet daughter. You have seen that this has been a tough week for your mom and you have tried to take care of me with extra hugs and 'I love you's' whenever you can.

4. Coffee. No way I would moving today without it.

5. Facebook. I have reconnected with some old school friends and have had my faith restored in the kindness of people in general. Thank you. You know who you are...

I should explain why that means so very much to me. Since becoming more actively chronically ill (after Pumpkin's birth), I have lost some friends here in town, and even a cousin, one town away. And, it hurt. I thought after being diagnosed with the brain thingy that maybe it would bring back one particular friend, because at first she seemed to be very concerned and wanting to reconnect. But, that was short lived. Once she found out I wasn't going drop dead any second from it, she ignored me again.

I have found more understanding and kindness from those who haven't seen me in over 20 years... Strange how life can be, isn't it?

6. My mom. The manicure and pedicure you treated me to last Friday before we headed to the lake still looks great! And, everytime I look at my cute pink toes, I smile! Thank you!

7. My dad. For stopping on his way home today to get me a large iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts because today isn't a good day for me. Thank you.

8. Icanhascheezburger.com. For never failing to make me laugh outloud at the new updates, and we all need laughter. Lots of it. :-)

9. Farkle. My new addiction. I even bought the application for my iphone so I can play in on the computer or on the phone! lol

10. Bagel Bites and mini-hotdogs. My kids favorite summer lunches that they make themselves in the toaster oven, and even make for mom sometimes! lol

Well, I am feeling better already. Maybe the stairway to heaven will be open now, or at least purgatory... lol

Off to go watch the kids plus R play Guitar Hero for me! They are going to do 'Crazy Train' as a band. Can't miss it!

be well...

Thankful Thursday

I am in a wistful mood this evening...

I have decided to link my blog into my 'bookface' in order to share my blog with a greater audience. In some ways, this is letting a lot of my 'local' world in to see more of me than they usually do.

Welcome to all that venture over here to check out my musings.

I started this blog originally on AOL journals in March 2005. It was with the intention to help others struggling with the daily wear and tear of rheumatoid arthritis while juggling a family. Instead I found a lot of help and support. Maybe, I gave some too, I'd like to think so.

I also found out that having fun on here doing silly memes and surveys and lists helped me with coping more than one would think! Laughter is the best medicine sayeth Reader's Digest, and they are right!

And, doing a weekly Thankful Thursday entry keeps me grounded and focused on what is really important. No matter what 'curves' life threw at me (thanks, Donna), I was bound and determined to count my blessings.

And, I still am.

So, welcome again and here is this weeks list of thanks!

1. Coffee. Yep. Been one of those weeks! Almost ran out and I was not a happy camper. Tomorrow my Green Mountain automatic delivery will arrive in a nick of time!

2. My Pumpkin Muffin. Yes, I use silly nicknames over here for the kids because I want to keep my blog public, still in hope of helping others. Back to my daughter. It seemed like yesterday that we were playing tea party together and today she was lounging around in pj's all day with cramps. How did that happen?

Tonight, however she was so sweet when watching 'So You Think You Can Dance' when she told me, head in my lap, 'You are soooo comfortable and squishy Mommy.' Who knew that prednisone (ack) could be such a gift! LOL

3. Fuzzy. For seconding Pumpkin's claim that I am the softest, squishiest mom around and I give the best hugs, too. Thanks, sweetheart.

4. Hammer. I am so thankful for all your help, all your love and all your silliness, all at the same time. I don't know if I have ever told you this but thank you for all the laughs the Insecticons bring me!

5. Hubby. Sure, you nabbed the last $ I had to my name from my purse and forgot to tell me about it, and brought me home popcorn that you left on the bus, but it's the thought that counts. Over and over you prove that the thought is 'you love me'.

6. LoLcats from Icanhascheezburger.com. Never fails that at least one of the daily updates will get me to laugh out loud. See an example at the bottom of this entry!

7. Books. Reading has always been a perfect escape for me. Escape, stress reliever, whatever. Today, it was Kat Richardson's 4th book in the Greywalker series called 'Vanished'. It was better than I thought it could be! I recommend her series to all!

8. Bungalow Dish. Yum. A quirky 5 generation favorite passed down from my mom's side, but prepared to perfection by my dad this past Sunday. It rocked, didn't it Kath? Yummmmmmm! Thanks, Daddy!

9. My meds. Better living through pharmaceuticals? Hell yeah! They keep my immune system from wreaking too much damage on my joints and organs. So far... so good. It ain't perfect, and there is not cure yet, but we keep plodding on!!!

10. Tom. A wonderful childhood friend of hubby's and Uncle K's, who is allowing our entire brood to crash at his house, which happens to be on a lake, and is taking us to the Wayne County PA Country Fair this weekend! Yay! Thank you dear Tommy; it should be a blast! (Pray for me that I have the strength to get thru all I want to do this weekend!)

That is it for today. I put the picture at the top of Carpe Diem written in the sand about to washed away to express how I was feeling. Must 'Seize the Day' because it is so fleeting.

be well,

Thankful Thursday

This is just such an adorable find... I couldn't resist.

Which leads me to Thankful things and the first one on my list this eveningtide.

1. My Hubby. Tonight Hubby took Fuzzy and Pumpkin Muffin to the bowling alley to have fittings done for their new balls. Nephew D went along and they all threw a quick game after they were done at the pro shop. Hubby knew I had a sore day and stopped at 7-11 to get my favorite potato chips, but they were out. So, he drove to the 7-11 not on the way home, the one past our house and out of the way, to get them for me. Very sweet. It's the 'little things' that mean a lot.

2. All of you. J-land Refugees. My Blogging Buddies. Thanks for welcoming me back with open arms! I know I would get back here eventually but wasn't sure anyone would care! I am so happy you still do!

3. Coffee. In the face of all this rain, medication issues etc, it has been my 'mommy's little helper'! LOL

4. My parents. Their patience and the safety net they provided in our moments of panic and need were well timed and freely offered as always. They are the rocks with which we build our family foundation on and they are so appreciated by both myself and my Hubby. Beyond words...

5. Lock n Roll. A mindless game I play on my iphone that helps me fall asleep at night!

6. Your kinds words, prayers and good thoughts for Uncle K. I am really hopeful that good things start to flow his way and soon.

7. My nephew D. He is such a goofball and a sweetie and I really have fun during the week he stays with us each summer. I hope he never grows 'too cool' to come hang at Aunt Dawn's.

8. My two K's, BFF Kathy and Cousin Karol. My gal pal support. Thank you both for always being there.

9. Illness. Yes, you rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and brain thingy. You are a pain, you bring pain, yet you bring clarity. You force me to see what is really important at a very basic level EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Not everyone has that. I am blessed.

Just a couple of quick notes and shout outs...

Joann and all, snag away, my pics are from http://www.icanhascheezburger.com/

All the facebook peeps; I can't friend you, too much kid stuff on there. But I promise to be more 'here' again! At least once a week! If not more.

be well...

ps... About the Kindle. I still buy my fave authors books that I collect or books we all share, but there are a lot I would buy and then give away or pass on to others and this saves me some money. Plus it is soooooo easy on my hands and wrists and with the RA that is awesome!

Thankful Thursday

Ahh... Thankful Thursday... you do like to sneak up on me! Like now, very late on Thursday... actually Friday am! I am having trouble relaxing because I needed to drink an extra cup of coffee at about 4pm today, and now the caffeine has me up.

I drank it in order to have a little extra 'oomph' because tonight we had a high school 'open house' to attend with Fuzzy. It was good, but long. Whew.

Here are my thankfuls...

1. I am thankful for Hubby, and that the biggest complaint I have about him is that he is a big baby.

2. I am very thankful for coffee! Especially, GINGERBREAD! Yay! It is a seasonal k-cup that I can only get for my Keurig coffeemaker during November, December and January! My first cup of it yesterday was just heavenly! I made a big deal out of it and Hammer was laughing at my lunacy as I turned the first cup into a momentous occasion!

3. I am thankful that on Monday I will be heading to Atlantic City with mom! YAY!

4. I am thankful for my upgrade to the iphone so I can keep in touch with home easier while I am away! I will send them pictures and texts and emails.

5. I am thankful for my early birthday/Christmas clothes from my mom and dad since I needed some new winter things and I can wear them next week on my trip first! (ps... My birthday is coming up on 11/22, since a few of you asked)

6. I am thankful for my kids and my family and my wonderful busy life! And, although it has kept me away from the keyboard, I know you are here and will be here when I am able to get back and catch up properly!

7. I am thankful that I have good healthcare and access to medicines that are helping me to manage my chronic issues! Today, I would never have made it all day and through and 2 1/2 hour Open House without the aid of vicodin. I was really hurting, but after the vicodin I was able to focus on my son and all the info that I needed to absorb tonight.

I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers! This may be my last post until somewhere around 11/24! I will try to pop in and leave a quickie if I can, but if now, know that I am okay!

Maybe I will even win some money in AC! Wish me luck!

be well...