What an absolutely beautiful morning. For many who have known me for a while,you know that we recently moved from NC to Maryland in December. When we looked at the house we are in now it was in the fall and leaves were all over the place and which had just fallen and it was beautiful. What one doesn't think of is how it will look day after day in the winter and snow and nothing but BROWN! UGH:( So over this last week we have had winds in the 30 to 50 mph range and the leaves have been blown into the wooded areas. YEAH less raking for me and my family right? lol
Well this morning as I was enjoying my first cup of coffee and letting Liberty out to sniff and aggravate the squirrels, I noticed that the grass is actually GREEN under the leaves that have been blown around. YEAH another color than brown and white. I am so excited to see what spring and summer turns our new house into. We live on almost 6 acres and there are more trees than I care to count. But one thing I noticed this week was that with the winds when it hits the tall trees, if you close your eyes, it sounds like the ocean. And believe me I grew up close to the beach so it was a nice comforting sound, until you open the eyes and see the tall trees bending towards the vehicles in your driveway lol :}
But never fear the trees are all still standing minus a few branches and the grass is popping up through the leaves, and spring is trying oh so hard to creep slowly into our neighborhood. Look closely enough and you can see that the monkey grass is trying its hardest to poke through the piles of leaves, and maybe just maybe the leaves on the trees are budding, or it could just be my hopeful wishing,.....
Anyway, I hope that everyone has a beautiful Sunday, relax, enjoy and rest your body for a fabulous week ahead. Savor the moment relish the memories, we are reinventing ourselves. :)
Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to everyone. Love from Jenn and the green grass.
Whatever hatred saves the number.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
How I get the dinner on the table with help from my kids...
My husband and kids have been very helpful about the fibro and have pitched in more than before. This week my 14 and 16 year old sons, yes I said SONS, helped cook dinner. On Thursday night my 16 year old made cinnamon rolls from scratch and then made scrambled eggs for the family. On Friday my 14 year old made Chicken Spaghetti, they were both fabulous and wonderful and even better because I didn't have to make them or clean up.
My children are learning that they can cook and don't always have to depend on mom. We are cooking out of a fabulous cookbook I borrowed from the library called "The Pioneer Woman" by Ree Drumond. It is a great cookbook and both kids asked if I could find it and we could have it so they could could other meals out of it. I immediately ordered it from Amazon. Anything for them if they want to cook. :)
I also had a fabulous day with hubby today at the largest IKEA store I have ever seen, while looking at cooking spatulas, my hubby asked if I was sure they would work because they were a little on the hefty side and he was worried they would be to heavy for me. Ladies and gentlemen, when you get to the point that your significant other thinks about your limitations all the time, tears will come to your eyes. They did mine, it proves to me that my limitations are not becoming something that I can't overcome. Just something I need to learn to work around and my hubby understands this and he is working around things with me. Made my year when he said this. I love my darling husband. I hope that everyone can find someone as caring as he is to me about FMS.
Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all. Jenn
My children are learning that they can cook and don't always have to depend on mom. We are cooking out of a fabulous cookbook I borrowed from the library called "The Pioneer Woman" by Ree Drumond. It is a great cookbook and both kids asked if I could find it and we could have it so they could could other meals out of it. I immediately ordered it from Amazon. Anything for them if they want to cook. :)
I also had a fabulous day with hubby today at the largest IKEA store I have ever seen, while looking at cooking spatulas, my hubby asked if I was sure they would work because they were a little on the hefty side and he was worried they would be to heavy for me. Ladies and gentlemen, when you get to the point that your significant other thinks about your limitations all the time, tears will come to your eyes. They did mine, it proves to me that my limitations are not becoming something that I can't overcome. Just something I need to learn to work around and my hubby understands this and he is working around things with me. Made my year when he said this. I love my darling husband. I hope that everyone can find someone as caring as he is to me about FMS.
Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all. Jenn
Friday, February 25, 2011
Pain, depression, saddness, overall well being and the weather changes
When the weather changes so does our bodies. When we moved to Maryland in December I was excited, I have always loved the snow... until Fibro. When a cold front comes in the pain comes with it. It is almost like sinuses when the allergy season comes upon us, however this pain is all over the body and doesn't go away with medication or a hot shower.
I have read a lot of information on managing our pain. For a while I could not understand this, until I sat back and really looked at how my body, mind and soul reacted to what was going on outside. If the day was somewhat warm and sunny, then I was generally feeling better and the pain while still there was tolerable. I feel like I can accomplish more and feel better about myself.
However, when the snow is coming, the pain gets worse, and if it is cloudy I struggle with fighting off a deep sadness and even depression. I try to practice ANT spray or Automatic Negative Thoughts, a type of cognitive behavior therapy, I tell myself that I am a great person, a good mom, a fabulous wife, a good friend... in general I give myself a pep talk. I listen to happy music and watch happy television. Sometimes our brains can tell us one thing, and we can believe it, however we know in our hearts that we are better than those ANT's and we need some bug spray to get rid of those thoughts. (I have a stuffed ANTEATER that sits on my computer desk as a reminder:)
Anyway, today was one of those days that was rainy in the morning cold and dreary, I didn't want to go to aqua therapy, run the errands that I needed to do, or even get dressed this morning. Had those days too? Well, I made myself get up, shower, dress and even put on make up, I felt better for it and when I finally got to town, the sun was out and it was 68 degrees. What a beautiful day and my mood improved. I ran my errands and went to aqua therapy. I came home sore and hurting, but with a smile on my face and a light heart.
It's Friday, my kids are home from school, my 14 year old is cooking dinner, Chicken Spaghetti, and while I may hurt, I am in a better mood because the weather turned out to be a nice day, BUT the most important thing is that I didn't allow myself to sit on the couch and wallow in my misery. I got up dressed and went out. Make it a point to get dressed, do your hair, makeup if you wear it and even if you do end up sitting on the couch, you will mentally feel better for it.
So I know that on those dreary days I may have to work harder to feel better mentally and physically, but I now know that to work on managing my pain, I have to plan my days according to the weather. If it is going to be rainy or snowy, I still get up, dress, hair, makeup and feel better. If not I could end up suffering in bed all day and what good would that do me? NOTHING!!! Take time to get out of bed, get a change of scenery, even if it is only your living room, and think positive thoughts. There are supportive and positive sites on the web that will and can help you.
Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.
Jenn
I have read a lot of information on managing our pain. For a while I could not understand this, until I sat back and really looked at how my body, mind and soul reacted to what was going on outside. If the day was somewhat warm and sunny, then I was generally feeling better and the pain while still there was tolerable. I feel like I can accomplish more and feel better about myself.
However, when the snow is coming, the pain gets worse, and if it is cloudy I struggle with fighting off a deep sadness and even depression. I try to practice ANT spray or Automatic Negative Thoughts, a type of cognitive behavior therapy, I tell myself that I am a great person, a good mom, a fabulous wife, a good friend... in general I give myself a pep talk. I listen to happy music and watch happy television. Sometimes our brains can tell us one thing, and we can believe it, however we know in our hearts that we are better than those ANT's and we need some bug spray to get rid of those thoughts. (I have a stuffed ANTEATER that sits on my computer desk as a reminder:)
Anyway, today was one of those days that was rainy in the morning cold and dreary, I didn't want to go to aqua therapy, run the errands that I needed to do, or even get dressed this morning. Had those days too? Well, I made myself get up, shower, dress and even put on make up, I felt better for it and when I finally got to town, the sun was out and it was 68 degrees. What a beautiful day and my mood improved. I ran my errands and went to aqua therapy. I came home sore and hurting, but with a smile on my face and a light heart.
It's Friday, my kids are home from school, my 14 year old is cooking dinner, Chicken Spaghetti, and while I may hurt, I am in a better mood because the weather turned out to be a nice day, BUT the most important thing is that I didn't allow myself to sit on the couch and wallow in my misery. I got up dressed and went out. Make it a point to get dressed, do your hair, makeup if you wear it and even if you do end up sitting on the couch, you will mentally feel better for it.
So I know that on those dreary days I may have to work harder to feel better mentally and physically, but I now know that to work on managing my pain, I have to plan my days according to the weather. If it is going to be rainy or snowy, I still get up, dress, hair, makeup and feel better. If not I could end up suffering in bed all day and what good would that do me? NOTHING!!! Take time to get out of bed, get a change of scenery, even if it is only your living room, and think positive thoughts. There are supportive and positive sites on the web that will and can help you.
Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.
Jenn
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Best Laid Plans...
It doesn't matter how well we plan, nothing ever seems to go the way we want it to. Well, with fibro it will never be the same again. I know my family is tired of hearing, :Let's see how I feel". But I can't help it, I can't travel for 6 hours if I am in the middle of a fibro flare, other wise I will be in bed for a week or more after the trip and feeling miserable during my visit.
So how do we overcome this predicament? Look on the positive side, and become spontaneous, I know, I know for those of us who have to plan everything down to the last minute detail, we are just going to have to give up that control and enjoy the moment of having a great day with the family.
I was supposed to take a load of stuff to a consignment sale yesterday, but after aqua therapy earlier in the week, and another appointment tomorrow I knew that I was just asking for a flare. So my darling husband and I decided that we would do the next sale in two weeks and he would take the day off and we would take everything in for the next sale early in the morning and avoid the evening pain. I have been planning for this sale for over a month and then comes the pain, BUT I know that if I do too much I will pay for it worse in the next few days, so I am learning how to pace myself and readjust my plans. Is it aggravating? YES!! But we can overcome this.
I have learned to LOVE internet shopping and even get rewarded through various reward programs, Swagbucks, MyPoints, EBates, and UPromise, and I am learning how to find the bottom price with no or very little shipping charges, Google is your friend :) I am also addicted to Amazon and their Prime membership:)
However, every now and then I crave the enjoyment of just looking through a store and getting my hands on the items I am looking for and hubby and I are planning a trip to the largest IKEA store in DC this weekend. (Thank goodness for tax refunds LOL) I am already planning to take the wheelchair, and incorporate a trip to the National Mall for my kids. However, I have learned not to tell them until we are on our way, this way if we don't get to go, I am the only one disappointed not them. Makes sense right? A happy surprise for them if we can go, and no disappointment if we can't :)
So in part letting go of the control of planning is something we have :control" over, we just need to learn how to control it in a different way :)
Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.
Jenn
So how do we overcome this predicament? Look on the positive side, and become spontaneous, I know, I know for those of us who have to plan everything down to the last minute detail, we are just going to have to give up that control and enjoy the moment of having a great day with the family.
I was supposed to take a load of stuff to a consignment sale yesterday, but after aqua therapy earlier in the week, and another appointment tomorrow I knew that I was just asking for a flare. So my darling husband and I decided that we would do the next sale in two weeks and he would take the day off and we would take everything in for the next sale early in the morning and avoid the evening pain. I have been planning for this sale for over a month and then comes the pain, BUT I know that if I do too much I will pay for it worse in the next few days, so I am learning how to pace myself and readjust my plans. Is it aggravating? YES!! But we can overcome this.
I have learned to LOVE internet shopping and even get rewarded through various reward programs, Swagbucks, MyPoints, EBates, and UPromise, and I am learning how to find the bottom price with no or very little shipping charges, Google is your friend :) I am also addicted to Amazon and their Prime membership:)
However, every now and then I crave the enjoyment of just looking through a store and getting my hands on the items I am looking for and hubby and I are planning a trip to the largest IKEA store in DC this weekend. (Thank goodness for tax refunds LOL) I am already planning to take the wheelchair, and incorporate a trip to the National Mall for my kids. However, I have learned not to tell them until we are on our way, this way if we don't get to go, I am the only one disappointed not them. Makes sense right? A happy surprise for them if we can go, and no disappointment if we can't :)
So in part letting go of the control of planning is something we have :control" over, we just need to learn how to control it in a different way :)
Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.
Jenn
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Changing Our Lives
I know I said I was going to talk about pacing ourselves, but this is sitting heavy on my heart, so someone needs to read it. I will work on the pacing yourself soon.
Okay, so many of us who have FMS, were A type personalities, busy, doing three or four things at once and ready to go at a moments notice. Then our lives come to a screeching halt and we are struggling to figure out how to reclaim our lives. Once we come to the realization that we are never going to be the person that we were before, we find ways to do things and still live a full life. Here are my top three ways I have changed my life.
The number one way for me is that I had to realize that I have to rest BEFORE I get too tired. This is hard, because at the times I am feeling ok and want to just do one more load of laundry, or sweep the floor, or even make sure the kitchen is clean if I don't stop I will pay for it later.
The number two way for me to come to grips is to realize that while I can't do it all like I could before, I can do it differently. Instead of baking cookies from scratch, I found a recipe that takes 25 minutes from start to finish and only uses 5 ingredients. This way my family can enjoy sweets and I feel like I am still giving them a part of their Betty Crocker Mom. For difficult recipes I try to find shortcuts and my family is enjoying most of them :)
The third way I have learned to do things differently, is to lose my pride when it comes to using a cane, walker, or wheelchair. I got a handicap plaque from my doctor, and use a wheelchair when I am shopping. This allows me to ACTUALLY go out and shop for groceries, instead of being stuck inside and allowing depression to suck me under. Then when we go places as a family, I use a wheelchair. This way I can still see the sights with my family and enjoy my life instead of moaning about what I can't do, I enjoy what I CAN do.
SO those are my top three ways I have come to change my life and as time goes on I will share more. Please know that you are not alone in this FMS. There are more of us here who will support you and help learn how to learn to live with this.
Okay, so many of us who have FMS, were A type personalities, busy, doing three or four things at once and ready to go at a moments notice. Then our lives come to a screeching halt and we are struggling to figure out how to reclaim our lives. Once we come to the realization that we are never going to be the person that we were before, we find ways to do things and still live a full life. Here are my top three ways I have changed my life.
The number one way for me is that I had to realize that I have to rest BEFORE I get too tired. This is hard, because at the times I am feeling ok and want to just do one more load of laundry, or sweep the floor, or even make sure the kitchen is clean if I don't stop I will pay for it later.
The number two way for me to come to grips is to realize that while I can't do it all like I could before, I can do it differently. Instead of baking cookies from scratch, I found a recipe that takes 25 minutes from start to finish and only uses 5 ingredients. This way my family can enjoy sweets and I feel like I am still giving them a part of their Betty Crocker Mom. For difficult recipes I try to find shortcuts and my family is enjoying most of them :)
The third way I have learned to do things differently, is to lose my pride when it comes to using a cane, walker, or wheelchair. I got a handicap plaque from my doctor, and use a wheelchair when I am shopping. This allows me to ACTUALLY go out and shop for groceries, instead of being stuck inside and allowing depression to suck me under. Then when we go places as a family, I use a wheelchair. This way I can still see the sights with my family and enjoy my life instead of moaning about what I can't do, I enjoy what I CAN do.
SO those are my top three ways I have come to change my life and as time goes on I will share more. Please know that you are not alone in this FMS. There are more of us here who will support you and help learn how to learn to live with this.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Good Morning
Good morning everyone, I hope you are all starting the morning with a positive thought and hope for a beautiful day. I spoke with Leah last night through Facebook and she has sent me the right link for her website: www.fibromyalgiacrusade.com check out her information. The doctor packet is extremely helpful especially for those who are in need of how to begin and where to go when your doctor does not want to listen or believe.
While not being able to sleep last night, I had a ton of stuff going through my mind about what I wanted to post today and then I sent my brain to a screeching halt, if I put it all on the blog in the first few weeks, what will I write about in the future?
So, I will begin with what bothered me from the beginning. Many times I could not figure out why my clothes bothered me. I thought it just didn't fit right, it was too loose, to tight, wrong cut, irritating fabric etc... Have you had those days to? Well after some research, I came across many other people that also have the same problem. It is the fibro. The textures and pressure from the tight waist bands, or even the bras, that cause us agony. I have lived in yoga pants for the past several months, they are the only thing that is comfortable and at least somewhat stylish (in black) that I can wear out in town and not look like I am a frump. I have loose fitting long sleeve shirts, due to being cold all the time, and wear Bear Paw boots as slippers in the house to keep my feet warm. Socks have to be super soft and not binding or my feet go numb and tingle. Bel;ieve me you are not the only one with these issues, and if this is not a problem for you then I hope you never have these issues :)
The only thing I have not found that fits me to be comfortable is of course the hated sling shot... the dreaded bra :( But never fear we are all on the hunt for the same thing, something that is comfortable and still supports us and helps us look nice. Anyone found anything that they like or have tried and hated?
So all and all, keep in mind that you are not alone in this new life, there are others out here that will be more than happy to give you support and keep you upbeat and positive. My goal with this blog is to not only journal my journey, but to help others by sharing my research and experiences.
Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all. Check back tomorrow for a blog about pacing yourself.
While not being able to sleep last night, I had a ton of stuff going through my mind about what I wanted to post today and then I sent my brain to a screeching halt, if I put it all on the blog in the first few weeks, what will I write about in the future?
So, I will begin with what bothered me from the beginning. Many times I could not figure out why my clothes bothered me. I thought it just didn't fit right, it was too loose, to tight, wrong cut, irritating fabric etc... Have you had those days to? Well after some research, I came across many other people that also have the same problem. It is the fibro. The textures and pressure from the tight waist bands, or even the bras, that cause us agony. I have lived in yoga pants for the past several months, they are the only thing that is comfortable and at least somewhat stylish (in black) that I can wear out in town and not look like I am a frump. I have loose fitting long sleeve shirts, due to being cold all the time, and wear Bear Paw boots as slippers in the house to keep my feet warm. Socks have to be super soft and not binding or my feet go numb and tingle. Bel;ieve me you are not the only one with these issues, and if this is not a problem for you then I hope you never have these issues :)
The only thing I have not found that fits me to be comfortable is of course the hated sling shot... the dreaded bra :( But never fear we are all on the hunt for the same thing, something that is comfortable and still supports us and helps us look nice. Anyone found anything that they like or have tried and hated?
So all and all, keep in mind that you are not alone in this new life, there are others out here that will be more than happy to give you support and keep you upbeat and positive. My goal with this blog is to not only journal my journey, but to help others by sharing my research and experiences.
Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all. Check back tomorrow for a blog about pacing yourself.
Monday, February 21, 2011
My First Post
Well, today is February 21, 2011 and I am starting my first appointment with the aqua therapist tomorrow. It will be interesting to see if the water therapy can really make a difference in the aches and pains in my body. After being diagnosed officially almost a year ago with fibromyalgia, I am finally learning how to live my life with this horrible syndrome. I have been researching many books on the topic of FMS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, CFS which many say go hand in hand. While I haven't been officially diagnosed with CFS, I am going to put it on the list to speak with my doctor about it at the next appointment.
I have noticed since the move the weather affects me differently up north, or my FMS is getting worse. We have had 70 degree days over the past week and are expecting snow tonight. I am sitting in bed on my laptop, knowing I am going to be sore and stiff tomorrow and already planning a slow cooker meal for dinner tomorrow night. BUT, I am learning my body and finding out how to manage these issues. I have found that many doctors ae not willing to accept the fact that FMS really affects us the way it does, but I am sorry to say even though we look fine on the outside, the inside is usually on fire, agony and burning muscles. Don't hug us to tight, a "butterfly" hug is just right.
Over the course of this blog, if anyone wants to comment, shoot me an email, and I will post it to the site, until I can figure out how to add a comment section. If you have questions send them to me and I will answer them with the knowledge and research I have. Please know I am NOT a medical doctor and will never claim to be one, however, I am living proof that we can live with FMS and still have a life with our family and be contributing members of society.
Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all. Want a great site to find out more, check out Leah's site on facebook The Fibromyalgia Funhouse. Great POSITIVE support. Love to all.
I have noticed since the move the weather affects me differently up north, or my FMS is getting worse. We have had 70 degree days over the past week and are expecting snow tonight. I am sitting in bed on my laptop, knowing I am going to be sore and stiff tomorrow and already planning a slow cooker meal for dinner tomorrow night. BUT, I am learning my body and finding out how to manage these issues. I have found that many doctors ae not willing to accept the fact that FMS really affects us the way it does, but I am sorry to say even though we look fine on the outside, the inside is usually on fire, agony and burning muscles. Don't hug us to tight, a "butterfly" hug is just right.
Over the course of this blog, if anyone wants to comment, shoot me an email, and I will post it to the site, until I can figure out how to add a comment section. If you have questions send them to me and I will answer them with the knowledge and research I have. Please know I am NOT a medical doctor and will never claim to be one, however, I am living proof that we can live with FMS and still have a life with our family and be contributing members of society.
Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all. Want a great site to find out more, check out Leah's site on facebook The Fibromyalgia Funhouse. Great POSITIVE support. Love to all.
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