This is probably one of the simplest of all things for me to write about.Without one doubt my "Grandmothers" blanket that has satin/silk border around the entire thing is and always will be something near and dear to my heart.
It was hers and she kept it in beautiful shape actually for me. I have to say I've worn out MANY blankets with the satin/silk border on them. So even though this one that was my Grandmother's is not the "original" it of course still holds the many memories of me rubbing the silk on my blanket. I've kept them each for many, many years. Once I found one, that had the exact type of "satin" border I loved to rub, I would keep it until every little bit of that was rubbed off before I would give it up.
I have "rubbed" silk on a blanket as far back as I can remember. I guess even before I can recall it, Mom said I did that rather than sucking my thumb etc. I found it a bit embarrassing to say I still do this, and here I am just over 50 years old. but, I do it out of being stressed. Or, if I am sick, or down with a bad flare, then I want that blanket. I will rub that satin anytime I am down and out, stressed out, feeling lousy, the silk is like something that calms me down.
My Grandmother passed away over 12 years ago, yet I still have such incredible memories of her each time I put that blanket on my side of the bed.
I also have another item, that is about as near and dear to me, that in fact is also something from my Grandmother, She had a cookie jar that was covered in different kinds of "cookies". It was ceramic and has a "walnut" for the top on the lid. I LOVED that cookie jar from the time I was old enough to watch her bake in the kitchen. She just about always had home made, from scratch cookies, almost like a tea cake, and they had one "whole half of a pecan" in the middle of each cookie.
I had said for many, many years, that if something happened to my Grandmother I wanted that cookie jar. There were many beautiful pieces of china and silver that we had given her over the years. Yet, that cookie jar held and still holds so many awesome childhood memories for me that take me back to a much more serene, simple time in my life.
So, after she passed away, my Mom made sure it was saved for me. Along with it, was two of my Grandfather's fishing reels, because I fished with him and Dad when I was young, and of course the blanket. Also, I have a completely by hand done quilt that she also did for me.
So, as time continues to pass by, faster it seems with each day, there are a couple of "material" items that always help to bring back those wonderful times when I played under the shade trees at home in the Summer with my table and chairs, or fished for "crawdads" in the ditches around my Grandparents house, watched Dad garden, take care of quail he used to raise, go fishing, go to the deer lease, vacations, and many, many incredible memories at my Grandparents home, from all of our family holiday dinners, to just how wonderful it was to have a place that almost felt like a refuge from life when it seemed almost too much to bear.
Showing posts with label WEGO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WEGO. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
World Health Day! Tuesday 7th, April 2015 WEGO Writers Challenge #6 #HAWMC
After being diagnosed with many illnesses, mainly chronic in nature, our diet can make a huge difference in the way we feel.
For instance, those who are diagnosed as diabetic usually find themselves on a diet with much less sugar, carbohydrates, and things that can raise their blood sugar and make them even more diabetic. The lifestyle also usually includes weight loss, if weight it a contributing factor, and more exercise.
Those with certain types of headaches, such as migraines have what some call "triggers". Some of those triggers that can cause this type of headache can be certain wines, certain types of cheese, and other foods that can also make the headaches more frequent or worse than they already are.
With all of the different diets on the market today, what is sad is just how many of us in this nation are considered either "overweight" (20 pounds over your suggested weight), or worse "obese", which is 20 plus pounds over your suggested weight. Americans tend to be one of the most obese nations in the world. With all of our high calorie, high fat content, high carb foods; especially those right at our fingertips at fast food, drive through places to eat, we lead the world in the most ill people that have weight as a huge factor.
Heart attacks, diabetes, strokes, joints wearing out, legs that cannot hold our weight without some type of assistance such as a cane, or walker have became a common site in this nation. What is worse, is how many of those that do have health issues that are directly effected by what they eat, don't do the correct things even though they realize it is detrimental to their health.
As far as the Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren's, my joint replacements, osteoarthritis and heart problems, I don't necessarily follow to the exact "t" a so called diet of any kind. But, I have always been very careful to watch my intake of calories, carbs and bad fats, due to not wanting to develop other problems such as diabetes. Also, more weight puts a difficult strain on your legs, knees, hips, and feet. It also can effect the stress on your spinal column. So, anyone who has had or does need to have a joint replacement, especially below the waist should try to maintain a healthy weight, and get the exercise recommended in order to have success with a replacement joint.
There are things now since I've been diagnosed with Sjogren's that I must do on a daily basis that does effect my diet. I must have something to "sip" on all the time. I am constantly with some type of diet drink, green tea iced, at times water, but I carry a drink with me everywhere. If I don't my mouth and throat get so dry, it is like I have an entire mouth full of cotton. Or it feels as if someone put glue all over my mouth, and it sticks everywhere. I take Lasix daily. Since it is a diuretic, is another reason why especially in the warm months, I must try and continue to keep hydrated at all times. I could get my electrolytes out of whack and cause me to lose too much potassium. Which if it gets low enough, can put you at the very least in the ER, getting IV potassium, or like a friend of mine just lately, had to be admitted for a couple of days in order to get her potassium level back up. Potassium being too low in the body can cause severe fatigue, severe muscles aches and pains, cramps of the muscles, and set your heart rate off, or you could possibly die if it got too low and was not taken care of properly very soon. So, having the proper balances of those types of minerals in our bodies is critical for many reasons.
I have always tried to stay on a diet of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, very little red meat, more chicken, fish, and beans. I also buy most everything I can that is lower in fat and calories, such as cottage cheese, I buy Almond milk, lower calorie, "butter spreads", low calorie sour cream, and so forth. I use Splenda, rather than sugar or brown sugar. I use low calorie or Splenda based products such as soda, cake mixes, frostings, and any other baking or cooking product that is with less fat, calories, and uses items such as Splenda to lower the "bad calorie" counts, and so forth.
Since I love to bake, I have all types of recipes that I use and I substitute things such as using "egg beaters" or an equivalent, Splenda of course, I use wheat flour most of the time, buy low calorie canned milk, cream cheese lower in fat and calories, salad dressings and on.
We have SO MANY of "both" choices, even in our fast food and sit down restaurants. Buffets now tend to have lots of choices at their salad bar, and have many vegetables, usually baked fish, and alternatives to your higher in calorie or fats, like red meats, and so forth.
Many of our fast food places have now put calorie counts, fats, and carbs right on their items. They also have began to offer alternatives to high fat foods, especially to the kids. Applesauce and milk rather than fries and a soda. Yet, with ALL of the changes, still we have an ever growing population of obesity, to the point of being an epidemic in our country. As ridiculous as that sounds, due to the number of work out gyms, running tracks, and activities with baseball, soft ball, little league, soccer kids, and so many activities to keep the kids fit, and more on their good weight side, our kids are growing up to be very young, very obese adults. The numbers of children with a weight problem, high blood pressure issues, being diabetic very early, having all types of joint problems, and much more is a trend that just needs to be under control.
Of course that all starts with the parents, and what they offer and teach their kids to eat at an early age. Both of my children, watched me live on lower calorie, low fat foods, walk 5 miles a day, back then did some aerobics, and kept my weight in check.
Keeping my own weight in check for many years has been a task that was not and still is not all that easy. I've had issues in keeping the weight off since I was a teenager. Not due to what I ate when I was younger, and not because I did not get out and play. But, due to possibly some type of "genetic" issue I fought since I was about 20 years old to keep an extra weight off. In fact, I almost went the opposite way about 10 years ago, just before I came to know about my autoimmune problems. I got down to honestly a dangerously low weight. I stood back then about 5'5"tall, and got down to 101 pounds. As much as I loved the "0" clothes, and the extra small clothing, I know other were very concerned. By the time we had moved back to Texas, and I got settled in, then began to have multiple joint and joint replacement surgeries, my weight then came up to somewhat normal. I lost a few pounds, and fight daily with about 5 to 7 pounds I want to keep off because I feel my joints certainly don't need it.
I still try to maintain a diet of fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and star away from most red meat. I use ground turkey for anything that might call for "ground meat". I also make "turkey burgers" when I am making burgers at home. I've also ordered a turkey burger in a restaurant and have had them very flavorful. I don't "fry" anything. I either use my slow cooker, (for instance I make home made turkey chili), bake, broil, and sometimes grill meats. I've researched some items as far as food goes that could help with the autoimmune illnesses. But, for the most part, making sure to eat a well balanced daily healthy diet, along with some type of regular exercise program seems to be the best way I can take care of myself as far as my eating habits with the autoimmune illnesses.
Rhia Steele 4/7//2015
For instance, those who are diagnosed as diabetic usually find themselves on a diet with much less sugar, carbohydrates, and things that can raise their blood sugar and make them even more diabetic. The lifestyle also usually includes weight loss, if weight it a contributing factor, and more exercise.
Those with certain types of headaches, such as migraines have what some call "triggers". Some of those triggers that can cause this type of headache can be certain wines, certain types of cheese, and other foods that can also make the headaches more frequent or worse than they already are.
With all of the different diets on the market today, what is sad is just how many of us in this nation are considered either "overweight" (20 pounds over your suggested weight), or worse "obese", which is 20 plus pounds over your suggested weight. Americans tend to be one of the most obese nations in the world. With all of our high calorie, high fat content, high carb foods; especially those right at our fingertips at fast food, drive through places to eat, we lead the world in the most ill people that have weight as a huge factor.
Heart attacks, diabetes, strokes, joints wearing out, legs that cannot hold our weight without some type of assistance such as a cane, or walker have became a common site in this nation. What is worse, is how many of those that do have health issues that are directly effected by what they eat, don't do the correct things even though they realize it is detrimental to their health.
As far as the Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren's, my joint replacements, osteoarthritis and heart problems, I don't necessarily follow to the exact "t" a so called diet of any kind. But, I have always been very careful to watch my intake of calories, carbs and bad fats, due to not wanting to develop other problems such as diabetes. Also, more weight puts a difficult strain on your legs, knees, hips, and feet. It also can effect the stress on your spinal column. So, anyone who has had or does need to have a joint replacement, especially below the waist should try to maintain a healthy weight, and get the exercise recommended in order to have success with a replacement joint.
There are things now since I've been diagnosed with Sjogren's that I must do on a daily basis that does effect my diet. I must have something to "sip" on all the time. I am constantly with some type of diet drink, green tea iced, at times water, but I carry a drink with me everywhere. If I don't my mouth and throat get so dry, it is like I have an entire mouth full of cotton. Or it feels as if someone put glue all over my mouth, and it sticks everywhere. I take Lasix daily. Since it is a diuretic, is another reason why especially in the warm months, I must try and continue to keep hydrated at all times. I could get my electrolytes out of whack and cause me to lose too much potassium. Which if it gets low enough, can put you at the very least in the ER, getting IV potassium, or like a friend of mine just lately, had to be admitted for a couple of days in order to get her potassium level back up. Potassium being too low in the body can cause severe fatigue, severe muscles aches and pains, cramps of the muscles, and set your heart rate off, or you could possibly die if it got too low and was not taken care of properly very soon. So, having the proper balances of those types of minerals in our bodies is critical for many reasons.
I have always tried to stay on a diet of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, very little red meat, more chicken, fish, and beans. I also buy most everything I can that is lower in fat and calories, such as cottage cheese, I buy Almond milk, lower calorie, "butter spreads", low calorie sour cream, and so forth. I use Splenda, rather than sugar or brown sugar. I use low calorie or Splenda based products such as soda, cake mixes, frostings, and any other baking or cooking product that is with less fat, calories, and uses items such as Splenda to lower the "bad calorie" counts, and so forth.
Since I love to bake, I have all types of recipes that I use and I substitute things such as using "egg beaters" or an equivalent, Splenda of course, I use wheat flour most of the time, buy low calorie canned milk, cream cheese lower in fat and calories, salad dressings and on.
We have SO MANY of "both" choices, even in our fast food and sit down restaurants. Buffets now tend to have lots of choices at their salad bar, and have many vegetables, usually baked fish, and alternatives to your higher in calorie or fats, like red meats, and so forth.
Many of our fast food places have now put calorie counts, fats, and carbs right on their items. They also have began to offer alternatives to high fat foods, especially to the kids. Applesauce and milk rather than fries and a soda. Yet, with ALL of the changes, still we have an ever growing population of obesity, to the point of being an epidemic in our country. As ridiculous as that sounds, due to the number of work out gyms, running tracks, and activities with baseball, soft ball, little league, soccer kids, and so many activities to keep the kids fit, and more on their good weight side, our kids are growing up to be very young, very obese adults. The numbers of children with a weight problem, high blood pressure issues, being diabetic very early, having all types of joint problems, and much more is a trend that just needs to be under control.
Of course that all starts with the parents, and what they offer and teach their kids to eat at an early age. Both of my children, watched me live on lower calorie, low fat foods, walk 5 miles a day, back then did some aerobics, and kept my weight in check.
Keeping my own weight in check for many years has been a task that was not and still is not all that easy. I've had issues in keeping the weight off since I was a teenager. Not due to what I ate when I was younger, and not because I did not get out and play. But, due to possibly some type of "genetic" issue I fought since I was about 20 years old to keep an extra weight off. In fact, I almost went the opposite way about 10 years ago, just before I came to know about my autoimmune problems. I got down to honestly a dangerously low weight. I stood back then about 5'5"tall, and got down to 101 pounds. As much as I loved the "0" clothes, and the extra small clothing, I know other were very concerned. By the time we had moved back to Texas, and I got settled in, then began to have multiple joint and joint replacement surgeries, my weight then came up to somewhat normal. I lost a few pounds, and fight daily with about 5 to 7 pounds I want to keep off because I feel my joints certainly don't need it.
I still try to maintain a diet of fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and star away from most red meat. I use ground turkey for anything that might call for "ground meat". I also make "turkey burgers" when I am making burgers at home. I've also ordered a turkey burger in a restaurant and have had them very flavorful. I don't "fry" anything. I either use my slow cooker, (for instance I make home made turkey chili), bake, broil, and sometimes grill meats. I've researched some items as far as food goes that could help with the autoimmune illnesses. But, for the most part, making sure to eat a well balanced daily healthy diet, along with some type of regular exercise program seems to be the best way I can take care of myself as far as my eating habits with the autoimmune illnesses.
Rhia Steele 4/7//2015
Monday, April 6, 2015
"My Hero" - WEGO Health Writers Challenge Month for April 2015
I guess I could say I have a couple of "hero's" that have helped to guide me along the way of life. One in particular was back when I was a teenager. It was our next door neighbor, a nurse at the local hospital that was right around the corner from my home. In fact, she still lives in the same house, right next door to my Mom, as they always have. Of course Dean (the neighbors name) has long since retired, but the things she taught me back then have lasted throughout my life.
She brought me in as a "Candy Striper" with the red and white striped pinafore and the write blouse underneath. I even worn white shoes, that almost looked like nurses shoes back then. I got to do so many things that most other girls that came in to be one of these volunteers probably may not have gotten to do. She took me under her wing, taught me how to sterilize and "autoclave" instruments back then. They did not have many instruments that were "thrown away". Most were stainless steel, and they were sterilized, put in certain packs for certain surgeries, then put in an "autoclave" that really sterilized them from all germs, bacteria and so on.
She let me take care of the newborns, I took them out to their Mom's, and we even made "Christmas stockings" for the ones born at Christmas to send them home in. In fact, one Christmas I was in the local paper with a new Mom and Dad, and their baby going home in one of the stockings we made.
There are so many things Dean influenced me on, and being a nurse was something I wanted to do for the most of my younger years. But, she also taught me much more than just about nursing. She was like a "2nd Mom" to me. She showed me how to crochet, how to do counted cross stitching, and embroidery. She took me to Dallas shopping with her quite a bit. She taught me to sew.
When I was abut 14 years old, I had an extremely bad circumstance that happened to me, and she was the only person I felt I could go to about it. Even though eventually I had to tell my Mom of course, she was always the first person I went to no matter what the problem was. Of course now, the years have taken much of our communication away. We see one another every now and then, but she is about 90 years old plus, and has her own set of health issues, and her own kids, grand kids and great grand kids that help her, and she helps them.
Yet, time has never taken away all that I learned from her. The memories, and many of the things she taught me continue to have an influence on my life today.
I am so grateful for those young years with her, and how some of what I learned back then from her, continues to help me through life. Plus many of the things she taught me, had shaped my advocacy, activism, and volunteer work through out these past 7 to 10 years also.
There is another young woman that stepped into my life a bit over a year ago. She is one of the most compassionate people I know. Her ability to make you feel "useful" and "needed" is just something I don't see much in others. For the most part life keeps us so wrapped up in our own daily "grind" so jobs, family, friends, and so forth at times also effect how we treat others. Laura is so patient. No matter how busy she is, there is always time that she takes to answer a question, or send a quick email back. I've learned so much about advocacy over the past year with her help, plus I've also learned a great deal about myself, and just how strong I am and often don't realize it. I have also been taught so much about how "one email", one voice, one post, or even a phone call or letter can make a huge difference.
I used to think like many others, "How can I, just one person, ever make a difference in how the government, or some other place think on a certain illness, disease, treatment and so forth"? Yet, through the teachings of her, and her way of showing me just how much of a difference my voice does make; taught me to help others, and encourage others to do the same. I now try and persuade those that think as I did, gosh there is no way a call to my local, state, or federal Congress Member will ever make any change. Yet, our voices do make change! Our efforts, whether an email, voice mail, Twitter post, or any other Social Media post, can be the turning point in changing how research, funding, from the medical profession to our own government entities "see" these chronic illnesses, syndromes, and such. It can mean the difference between funding getting out there for a new medication, or a study that could mean the end to some of these illnesses. But, if "I" don't make a step forward, then I am not teaching others to do the same.
Thus, through this bright, intelligent, vibrant, patient, and very benevolent woman, I have learned just how important it is for me to speak up, speak out, and tell my own story. If I tell my own, then I am giving others the courage to also step forward and tell their stories.
I've had a couple more people that truly are my "hero's". My Dad, my Mom, and several others along my winding rivers path of life. But, the two I've really mentioned are those that helped to shape my life, my goals, aspirations, and ability to keep on "fighting the good fight" against chronic illnesses and chronic pain.
She brought me in as a "Candy Striper" with the red and white striped pinafore and the write blouse underneath. I even worn white shoes, that almost looked like nurses shoes back then. I got to do so many things that most other girls that came in to be one of these volunteers probably may not have gotten to do. She took me under her wing, taught me how to sterilize and "autoclave" instruments back then. They did not have many instruments that were "thrown away". Most were stainless steel, and they were sterilized, put in certain packs for certain surgeries, then put in an "autoclave" that really sterilized them from all germs, bacteria and so on.
She let me take care of the newborns, I took them out to their Mom's, and we even made "Christmas stockings" for the ones born at Christmas to send them home in. In fact, one Christmas I was in the local paper with a new Mom and Dad, and their baby going home in one of the stockings we made.
There are so many things Dean influenced me on, and being a nurse was something I wanted to do for the most of my younger years. But, she also taught me much more than just about nursing. She was like a "2nd Mom" to me. She showed me how to crochet, how to do counted cross stitching, and embroidery. She took me to Dallas shopping with her quite a bit. She taught me to sew.
When I was abut 14 years old, I had an extremely bad circumstance that happened to me, and she was the only person I felt I could go to about it. Even though eventually I had to tell my Mom of course, she was always the first person I went to no matter what the problem was. Of course now, the years have taken much of our communication away. We see one another every now and then, but she is about 90 years old plus, and has her own set of health issues, and her own kids, grand kids and great grand kids that help her, and she helps them.
Yet, time has never taken away all that I learned from her. The memories, and many of the things she taught me continue to have an influence on my life today.
I am so grateful for those young years with her, and how some of what I learned back then from her, continues to help me through life. Plus many of the things she taught me, had shaped my advocacy, activism, and volunteer work through out these past 7 to 10 years also.
There is another young woman that stepped into my life a bit over a year ago. She is one of the most compassionate people I know. Her ability to make you feel "useful" and "needed" is just something I don't see much in others. For the most part life keeps us so wrapped up in our own daily "grind" so jobs, family, friends, and so forth at times also effect how we treat others. Laura is so patient. No matter how busy she is, there is always time that she takes to answer a question, or send a quick email back. I've learned so much about advocacy over the past year with her help, plus I've also learned a great deal about myself, and just how strong I am and often don't realize it. I have also been taught so much about how "one email", one voice, one post, or even a phone call or letter can make a huge difference.
I used to think like many others, "How can I, just one person, ever make a difference in how the government, or some other place think on a certain illness, disease, treatment and so forth"? Yet, through the teachings of her, and her way of showing me just how much of a difference my voice does make; taught me to help others, and encourage others to do the same. I now try and persuade those that think as I did, gosh there is no way a call to my local, state, or federal Congress Member will ever make any change. Yet, our voices do make change! Our efforts, whether an email, voice mail, Twitter post, or any other Social Media post, can be the turning point in changing how research, funding, from the medical profession to our own government entities "see" these chronic illnesses, syndromes, and such. It can mean the difference between funding getting out there for a new medication, or a study that could mean the end to some of these illnesses. But, if "I" don't make a step forward, then I am not teaching others to do the same.
Thus, through this bright, intelligent, vibrant, patient, and very benevolent woman, I have learned just how important it is for me to speak up, speak out, and tell my own story. If I tell my own, then I am giving others the courage to also step forward and tell their stories.
I've had a couple more people that truly are my "hero's". My Dad, my Mom, and several others along my winding rivers path of life. But, the two I've really mentioned are those that helped to shape my life, my goals, aspirations, and ability to keep on "fighting the good fight" against chronic illnesses and chronic pain.
 | |||
#HAWMC |
Friday, August 29, 2014
WEGO Monthly Book Giveaway! I was one of the winners!!!
Please take a look! I was one of the lucky winners this month in WEGO's Question/Answer Book Give Away!
I am totally thrilled!
Can't wait to get it!
Rhia
Friday, January 3, 2014
Hope to be "Hopping" for All Things Autoimmune Arthritic for 2014!!!
Time!!! Time!!!! TIME!!! To Make Things happen in the World of Autoimmune Arthritic Illnesses and for all of the things I so believe in!
Wow! Yes, I say, "WOW"!!! First of all it is just almost impossible that 2013 has "flown the coop" and brought in a brand new year! I am always saying that it just seems like life is flying by too quickly! I blame it on everything from "getting older", to "being slower", to "wearing out earlier than I used to before I finish something", to I honestly think that "time has began to slow down"!
In all honesty, I feel it is ALL of those above and then some. Age as I have found out does several things to you. Most of us it does much more than we even want to admit to. Yet, I am talking more about what it does to our "time". Let's face it, I am not sure about you, but, I do KNOW I am "slower" at getting some things done. It takes me twice as long to get dressed and ready to go somewhere. Usually it is more when I am "dressing" to go some place special. Such as to the Casino, out to dinner, a movie, or anything "special". From the time it takes me for a shower, then to dry my hair, make up my mind "what to wear", and probably change my mind at least 3 times, to makeup, shoes, and the jewelry. Now I must say, that "men" in general have it quite a bit less to do, in order to go somewhere, even if it is a special occasion. Their concerns usually are not "what shirt", or what pants to wear. Men never have to wonder, well does this chain go with this belt, and you know the story. One thing for being male, is that in the normal sense of things, you guys have it much simpler as far as clothing and going out somewhere.
Then it is cleaning my home, doing laundry, and everything that entails. It has not been that long ago, I could on a Saturday morning, clean my ENTIRE house, and I mean top to bottom, dress, go the the market, and pick up everything else I needed to do or errands to run. I was home before I knew it, had that all put away, out to the yard where I could mow, and have all of my lawn looking great by mid-afternoon. When I was taking college classes at night and working, I could then sit down, do my "homework" which was usually 2 to 3 hours at least to complete, and by then either be cooking dinner or usually headed for the shower, to get ready to go out dancing, to dinner, friends, or whatever our plans were for the Saturday night. Now this was all done in the SAME SATURDAY! Stay out until midnight, sometimes catch a "early breakfast", go home, maybe sleep or rest a few hours, and it was off again, with either errands, to church, out to exercise, or whatever that Sunday afternoon brought. Then it was late Sunday, time to get everyone ready for the week that followed, and off we were on Monday mornings, kids to school, me to work usually at least a 20 mile one way drive, classes at night at least 3 nights a week, and that was in between everything else that was happening with the kids.
Honestly, I am already exhausted just typing that paragraph, much less thinking about "how the heck" did I GET IT ALL DONE??? I did, so thus "age" does have to be a factor. What I have also noticed, it is not just "me" that is slower, it seems we have "more to do" than before. I don't recall having to spend as much time at the market, as I do now. Between coupons, looking for the best deals, and just all of the lists of things to do, it took time. But, I also washed my car every Saturday, went shopping sometimes, other than house hold items, and still it seems "time" was more prevalent then.
Now I think "we" as a "society" have put WAY too much emphasis on "stuff" that takes up our time, rather than allowing "us" to use our time more wisely. You would also think with this day and age of computers, knowledge at our fingertips, being able to pay bills from home, buy from home, you practically NEVER have to LEAVE HOME if you have a way to get your market to deliver! Yet, in the scheme of things, I see that COMPUTERS can often be the "demise" of time. What happens when you are "checking out" and the "computer" goes down??? Well, there is no longer a way for most places of business to check you out "manually". Some of the checkers would not even be able to figure the sales tax, or heck give the correct change! Lord forbid, them have to "key" anything into a calculator and add it up! I know you have seen the same thing all too much. Certain things in this age of fast moving technology has made certain things extremely fast. But, "faster" isn't always "better".
Then we are stressed out it seems all the times. I feel (and I know I am chronically ill) that so many of us spend more time in the doctor's offices than we ever done. I used to never be in the doctor's office every month! Even my kids, they were not ill all the time. If they had a runny nose, or an ear ache, they took over the counter medications, rested a day, and went on their way. Now, each time we take a breath, they have a new medication for us to try.
We are bombarded with OVERLOAD, when it comes to our senses!!! We are shown so many THINGS, that we MUST have, or life would just not be worth it without them. I've "pared" down some of the "stuff" over the years that is just that.... stuff! Stuff that takes more time to dust, to find a place for, to throw away once it has sat for years and collected dust. I did not NEED an ENTIRE walk in CLOSET FULL OF SHOES! I love shoes; always have! When I worked, I had some nice shoes, and clothes of course. BUT, I did NOT need to buy a new dress, blouse, skirt, and shoes every time there was a "sale". That is another thing what is up with this SALE stuff???
By the time Summer was winding down a bit, and it was "school" clothes time and supplies, there are the Halloween decorations! This is in August! Well, as they push those out the door, here comes Thanksgiving, which is basically skipped over and Christmas decor comes out the first part of November, if not earlier. And just this week, as I watched in total amazement, our stores here locally, were putting VALENTINE candy out BY THE after CHRISTMAS sale, the DAY AFTER Christmas! Now unless I am mistaken they "missed" New Years there; plus Valentine's is in "mid-February"!!! I know because my birthday is the 15th of February! Well you can bet, Easter, Memorial Day, and St. Patty's will be all rolled up and tossed out before "spring" has sprung!!!
So, yes, my chronic "illnesses" and my age, have made me slower. I admit it all the time. I no longer can keep up the schedule I used to. And frankly, I don't want to. Yet, Lord where is there any "spare" down time now? My kids are grown and gone, it is just myself, Jim and the two dogs, I am home, he works from home, our house is tiny, we can't possibly eat that much, and for the life of me, I can't figure out where time goes.
I am up at 3am, and by 10am, I feel like nothing has been accomplished! My brain fog does not help, I do have to help Mom quite a bit, and we do live in a much "faster" paced world than just 15 years ago.
We are SPOILED to IMMEDIATE GRATIFICATION!!! Fast food, drive thru pharmacies, and doctors in some places, faster cars, television without commercials, you name it, we want it, THEN!!! Buy a physical book!??? Heck, read it then on your Kindle, I-Pad, phone... I could take a week and talk about all of those things... but you already get the picture, which also I would make right here, "looking at you" from my computer!
So, this year, it WILL BE a BUSY 2014! I have made "more" obligations, but those that I have made, will be ones that COUNT for something.
I am now officially an "Active Volunteer" for the IFAA. I plan to help out as much as the Founder and Co-Founders will allow me. I plan on blogging for Activism and for Advocacy! Not only on my personal blog here, BUT on the International Foundations of Autoimmune Arthritis Blog, "Systemically Connected", which I am already a "Blog Leader" on! I also plan on doing some things in the Health Activism realms for WEGO Health. I am "nominated" for a "Blog" award, which I am still so tickled about, along with being asked to be on the "Judges Panel" for the WEGO Awards, which will be in ceremony this March! Of course, then there is also my "book"! My 3rd book! I have not "forgotten" what so ever. In fact I am more than EVER KEYED up and looking forward to having that "puppy" ready to be published by the end of 2014! Now, if you are wondering how the "hell" "she plans", on doing all of this, ah, great question!
My plans are to use my "time" more wisely. The "time" when I am feeling like doing all of these things above, plus play some keyboard, maybe even "bang" around on my drums, after I get over this stupid hernia surgery in a week!
I HOPE that all of my "Autoimmune Arthritic Illnesses" stay at bay... in other words I hope that the "Wolf" stays the heck away from my door this year, along with the others like RA, Sjogren's and what all that focuses on.
I am a "schedule" and list maker. I make lists , for the lists, when I do lists! Yet, rather than trying to "force" myself into more, I plan on trying to encourage myself to handle things much more efficiently. Now, don't get me wrong, I am frugal when it comes to how I spend my time. But, I want what time I spend to be in the right places, for the right things.
My health first (or try to of course), my husband, Mom, and family, my home, errands, and all that goes along with those things, and then my plans are to put much MORE TIME into the THINGS I have so wanted to do and NOW I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY! Get my "Health Advocacy, Health Activism shoes on, put my head into the "real" meat of the autoimmune arthritic issues, do some great blogging, do some very meaningful work for the IFAA, WEGO and for all of those out there that deserve to have better information. and one add to this list!!!
WAAD14!!!!! World Autoimmune Arthritis 14!!!! Be sure to keep watching, for that is going to be one monumental event!!!
And then never shall I forget, my book. I have it probably "written" several times over. My issue is trying to put it into some type of "interesting" and "catching" way a order goes, so you, the public will WANT TO READ IT!!! IT DOES MYSELF and No one ELSE a bit of good, if they do not pick it up and say "WOW!" She really has some great things to say.... ;)
So, for now I close and I will call this my 1st "Initial" Post for 2014!!!
I hope to "SEE" each of you making comments, suggestions, asking questions, and helping me to help you!!!!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Only a Couple Days Left to Nominate for WEGO Activist Awards!!!!!
Please be sure you "run" over to WEGO Health and Nominate your favorite Activists!!! From the "best blog", to best health "activist" geek, there is an "award" for many that you may feel that deserve the "accolades" for their vast efforts in the realms of Health and how they give themselves willingly helping to show more people about different illnesses, make others more aware of illnesses, provide enough "pull and push" to get more research, more medications, more doctors, and more activists on board the "WEGO Health Train" and help to try and give more attention to so many health issues that definitely need to be looked into so much further!!!!
Take a look at the link below and see which of your favorite health volunteers/activists may fit one or more of these Awards! The 31st of December is the Deadline so don't delay!!!!!
https://awards.wegohealth.com
Take a look at the link below and see which of your favorite health volunteers/activists may fit one or more of these Awards! The 31st of December is the Deadline so don't delay!!!!!
Below are only THREE of the 14 Health Activist Awards being given out by WEGO Health for the year's annual awards event!
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| https://awards.wegohealth.com |
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