Thanksgiving.

I kept saying that the only thing that would make today even better- because it was a wonderful, wonderful day- would be seeing Josh. Guess what- I got to! Not in person, but this is better than nothing, right?



If you can't see that video- it is linked here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuYqNOSNiWI

I have had a wonderful vacation so far- and I have almost finished (just a few little details left) my dad's website. If you want to check it out- and feel free to give me feedback- the link to the site is: http://www.fortbranchucc.org/.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours- I am thankful for you all- and am better off for knowing you.

All my love,

Jules

Vacation

I need it, I am so glad that it is finally here. I am off work until December 1st. Today I have to finish this blog, finish packing, decorate my tree, wrap some presents and then relax till I head to my parents for a lovely, lovely week.

I am thankful for this time to get my head together. Time to destress. Time to spend with my parents. My only wish is that Jim had the whole week off as well- but work calls and that is the priority.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh- vacation. Life should be one big vacation!

Thanks for my lucky stars

I know, I know. The saying is "thank my lucky stars." Not for me tonight though. I was out walking Harley and it has been a gray, overcast day all day. So this evening when we were walking I kept looking up- trying to see the stars through the clouds. I saw a couple of planes- that was a disappointment. Just as we were heading home, I looked up and the clouds parted and there they were. Beautiful, bright, shining stars. I honestly think I grinned ear to ear. It just made my heart feel lighter. So tonight I am thankful for my lucky stars. <3

And if you haven't seen it- you need to check this out. Only someone with a heart of stone could resist these adorable shiba inu puppies on this puppy cam: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/shiba-inu-puppy-cam

I can spend literally hours watching them play. I will be so sad when they start going to their forever homes.

It's a beautiful Sunday morning

And despite the fact that it is flurrying (yuk!) outside this morning, there is much to be thankful for.

I had a very quiet day yesterday. We all need those days occasionally where we can do, or not do, whatever we want. I watched everything on my dvr, got my laundry caught up, the dining room is ready to become Christmas central and I relaxed- a LOT. It was lovely. I accomplished a lot- at my own pace.

My RA is still mostly undercontrol. A little swelling and stiffness is something I can live with- but there is a decided difference between this Sunday morning and last when I was on the dose pack of prednisone. I am just grateful to be out of the flare. It was SO not fun.

I only have four days till vacation! Next week at this time I will be firmly ensconced at Mom and Dads. I only hope that Jim gets the weekend off so that we don't have to rush back after Thanksgiving dinner.

This week I am focusing my thoughts and energy on my mother-in-law's upcoming surgery. Next Friday she undergoes a difficult surgery to remove a tumor in her throat/neck. It will change her life forever. I know that she has the strength to deal with the road that she faces- I only hope that she knows it. My prayers will be with her this week and in the months to come for her recovery. I am just thankful that she finally decided to go ahead with treatment.

Perscription drugs are my friend

I had a wonderful weekend with Mom and Dad, Jim and Harley but it was made even better by my new friends; Prednisone and Tramadol.

Since I got back from Boston (a whole nother gratitude post) I have been heading straight into a flare-up of my RA. Walking like a weeble, mass amounts of pain etc. It has not been a healthy week. Fortunately I had an appointment with my LPN on Friday who took one look at me, upped my methotrexate dosage, added the Tramodol for pain (permanently) and a dose pack of Predinsone for the inflammation. I have been sleeping a lot this weekend with really vivid dreams (thank you prednisone, at least it didn't mess up my sleep patterns) but I feel wonderful today. I feel better after this combo than I have in probably 2 years. It is amazing. Let's all hope that it pushes me toward remission because if remission feels this good, I can live with the slight deformities of my joints and the nodules if it means being somewhat pain free.