Tuesday, August 24, 2010

A different kind of tired...

 Sometimes when I try to explain my disease, I get the feeling that I can't really explain it no matter how hard I try.  The symptoms can be vague or ambiguous at times, and it is so different for each Addison's patient.  Lana writes about her experiences with Addison's on her blog Finding Lana.  She is so much more articulate than I am.  While she has had a different experience than me with Addison's and battled it much longer- I really enjoy having another blogger to identify with.  Here she describes the almost inexpressible feeling that Addisonians often face:
"Even now and then, after almost ten years of experience with Addison's, there are days when I feel an overall sense of unwellness. Sometimes, my vision will go a bit blurry. I just feel rotten - dragging. There is not enough rest, not enough exercise, not enough steroids...not enough of anything to alleviate this kind of malaise. There might not be anything to be found that is finger-pointing wrong, not in particular, just a sense of dragging and an incredible, oppressing heaviness that can't be shaken. This is the bad business-end of Addison's disease. The hard truth is...there are times when I take extra meds, but there's nothing that can wash away the mysterious pressing upon my body. Those are the days that harsh realities in this world come to light and I admit that Addison's Disease can be unkind, but my determination can be just as formidable."

It's nice to know that someone else knows how it can be.  Some days I don't feel like I'm any different than anyone else.  Other days I get to the end of the day and I feel like I'm out of energy completely.  It's not just being tired after a long day, it's Addison's tired.  It's an emotional, can't make a decision to save my life, sick to my stomach, arms and legs heavy kind of feeling.  But knowing that it happens and having ways to deal with it makes all the difference.  You give yourself a break.  Take extra medicine.  Don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect.  And do the best you can.  Life always looks brighter after a night's rest. 

Monday, August 23, 2010

I've always wanted to be a "drop by and say hi" kind of friend...


Some days I look around my apartment and think, "If someone were to stop by to say hi today, I would be really embarrassed by the mess in here..."  Realistically, the chances of someone stopping by without calling first is pretty slim.  Unless my Grandparents are driving through town, I'm probably not going to have anyone just "drop by."  I don't know where I get this image in my mind (maybe sitcoms?) but I've always wanted to be the kind of person my friends knew they could "drop in on."  I want to be the kind of friend you know will love to see you and offer hospitality no matter what time of day.  That kind of casual closeness and acceptance is something I crave.

Maybe I'll have that someday, but right now it doesn't really work that way.  I wouldn't just drop in to see any of my friends.  I would worry that they would be in the middle of something, or that I wouldn't be welcome because they aren't ready for company.  Our lives are so busy that it seems like most people have something planned for every night of the week.

I want to be the kind of friend who can offer support, company, and hospitality whenever my friends need it.  I want to have a home that is welcoming and a comfortable place to be. I want to be able to answer a knock at my door with a smile and ready to say, "Come on in!"  (not thinking about how I need to make a quick de-cluttering sweep.)  How do I make my home that place?  What do you think?  Is it possible to be that kind of friend? 

If you ever want to stop by and say hi, please do!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Shoe Lovin' Saturday

I know, I know, Birkenstocks are frumpy...  But I can't help but love the feeling of kicking around in a worn in pair!  I have some wool clogs for several years and I wear them despite the fact that they are so out of style.  It's the same for Birkenstock sandals.  I adore these pretty blue ones.  If summer wasn't already more than half over I might be tempted to buy them.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Friday Fill in the Blanks


1.  My favorite current TV show is... HGTV Design Star

2.  The TV character I can relate to most is... hmm, not sure.
 
3.  My life is like (fill in with TV show and why)....  at work, my life is like The Office- too many things happen that should or could be on that show.  

4.  My all time favorite TV show is...too hard to choose!  It's a close race between Cosby Show, Gilmore Girls, Amazing Race, For Rent, Hoarders, Dear Genevieve, and I love Lucy.

5.  A TV show that is ridiculously stupid, but I continue to watch is... Jerseylicious.  :) I love the salon drama!  

6.  My favorite TV couple is... Luke and Lorelei on Gilmore Girls.


7.  One TV episode I could watch over and over again is... probably any episode of the Cosby Show.  

Link up at

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Blog design choices

I'm in a re-arranging, re-organizing, changing mood.  Last night as I went to sleep I planned to re-arrange my bedroom.  This morning I woke up thinking about a new blog design.  I'm addicted to small, fresh changes around me.

So, what do you think of my options?

# 1





















# 2


# 3



# 4





















# 5






















# 6




So what do you think??  I would love to hear which one you like best!

Wordle my blog

http://www.wordle.net/

Monday, August 16, 2010

Things I would make if I had a sewing machine... version 2

I'm not very talented when it comes to sewing, but I want to be!  My Mom tried to teach me, but I treat sewing a lot like I do cooking- without rules or recipes.  I end up with a lot of wonky results.  :)  I keep seeing really wonderful things people are sewing, and I can't help but wonder if I could handle some of these projects?  I mean, most of them don't involve too many steps or patterns even.  (following pattern instructions is waaay too complicated for me...) 

Take this pretty pillow:
http://jonesdesigncompany.com                                                                                                                                                          


http://www.dana-made-it.com

Or this amazing skirt!!
http://sewlikemymom.com 

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Shoe Lovin' Saturday


Oh how I love flats!  Being on the taller side, heels often make me feel out of place.  Some women wouldn't go a day without a stylish pair of heels, but I am completely happy in a comfy pair of leather flats. 

Here are some that I'm loving right now:




1. Aldo Stakoe
2. Nine West Fabsy Flat
3. GUESS Earnest
4. Nine West Fiercely
5. Miz Mooz Dorothy
6. Calvin Klein Lexa II
7. Steve Madden Kappy Flat
8. Calvin Klein Lexa II
9. Nine West Smartie Flat