Saturday, September 5, 2009

What's a little Flare Up



Hello my friends, here is where I started my day very early this morning. No, I didn't go inside I went through the drive through and got my muffin and coffee to go.
It was sooooooo good.

The past couple of days I have been nursing a flare up of RA. I am happy to say I am much much better....hardly any pain tonight....yay!!!!

Yesterday was very quiet, in fact when my doorbell rang at 3 o'clock I was sleeping and still in my pyjamas....as I slowly made my way to the door I glimpsed into the mirror and thought how much I looked like my grandmother, not my mother but my grandmother.....sorry Gram but I looked dreadful.

Holding my housecoat together with one hand I opened the front door with the other, and it was a man painting the trim on our condos. He had accidentally pushed on the door bell.....thanks a lot buddy. Anyway it was pouring down rain and I asked him how he expected it too dry...he said he had already been around during the morning and put on the first coat and it had dried, this would dry too. Sure enough when I checked a few hours later, it was still raining but the paint had dried. Looks really good too, so thank you Mr. Work In the Rain painter.

Okay so I went back to bed and fell back to sleep very quickly....that is why I was awake this morning at 6 am.....I had slept most of yesterday away and I was well rested this morning. I got up, showered, did my make up and was dressed for my day and it wasn't even 7 o'clock yet.....it was going to be a long, long day I thought.

I headed for Tim's and picked up an extra large cup of coffee and blueberry muffin then drove back home to enjoy it while I read my newspaper. It was nice outside, very wet and a bit cool but it was so quiet and smelled really fresh just like my coffee.

I enjoyed my quiet time with my coffee and newspaper, and just as the Tennis was about to come on TV my friend called. I was suppose to meet her yesterday but cancelled so when she asked me to go into the city with her I said okay. I did, and we had a nice day together. We stopped at a few yard sales and I saw a few things like sinks and antique bells I knew my friend Eileen would of liked but since I have been busy purging my own house these past couple of weeks I sadly turned away from them knowing I didn't have the energy to bring anything home, clean them and find a place to put them. I did enjoy browsing though and my friend picked up some old dishes which she has a passion for. We then stopped at Chapter's, one of my favorite book stores and I did pick up a couple of books that I had written on my list of books to buy. We had lunch at Sorentino's and I had a scrumptious Chicken Ceasar Salad and a glass of wine....I know it was early for wine but it went so well with my salad.
After lunch we went to another favorite store of mine, The Bay where I picked up some cute winter pyjamas and a cashmere scarf to go with my winter coat.

I finally arrived home around 5 o'clock, put my shopping away and got ready to go to Mass. I was tired and still a bit stiff but I knew I had better go tonight as I felt I wouldn't make it in the morning. I'm glad I did as I always feel good going to church and I stayed a bit after Mass to light a candle and say a few heartfelt prayers for those on my prayer list.

All in all it was a good day, I wanted to move around today, work out the stiffness a bit and get some fresh air....so for me it was mission accomplished. You see I find if I give in too much to my pain, it only gets worse. It's even harder for me to move if I rest too much. Yesterday was good for me, my body needed rest so I rested it, today I wasn't tired just stiff and sore and by moving around it helped me a lot. Only wish Marcy's WD 40 would work on my joints.

I haven't received the e-mail concerning my curtains yet, so I guess I shouldn't expect one now before Monday. I am not going to rush my decision either way, these curtains will have to last a few years so I want to be sure I really like them.

Now I have to say the book I have just read by Dr. Wayne Dyer, called Excuses Be Gone is an excellent read....he shows one no matter what their problem may be there is no reason whatsoever not to deal with it and move on. He is great, makes so much sense with everything he says. One would never be able to complain around him, that's for sure, he just doesn't accept nor tolerate excuses about anything. I like that, and I agree with him. Complaining, feeling sorry for oneself does absolutely nothing to make one feel better or deal with a problem. I think his book allowed me no excuses but gave me incentive to get up and get going this morning. Too easy to just say I hurt and not do anything. I am so glad I read this book and have it to go back too whenever I start making excuses to justify babying or feeling sorry for myself.

I want to thank whoever nominated for the POTD award and David of Authorblog for presenting me the runner up award for my post, Life's not Fair but its Still Good. I wasn't aware such an award existed until yesterday, I had to e-mail a friend to find out about it and I feel honored. I truly appreciate it, sure wish I knew who you were though.

Am off to read my favorite blogs, Good Night my friends and God Bless.
As always I am sending you all many, many hugs........:-)

35 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Marian Dean said...

You are so right Bernie, give in to pain and it starts to rule you. The only concession I have made is to do things slower. I have always been a fast 'doer' and everything at a good speed, no matter what, so I find it quite a challenge now to do things slowly.
I also find it hard to give in, even for a day, and have a 'day-off' doing anything.
I love Sundays, as I always have a lovely morning at church, even though we meet up during the week most weeks, I still love seeing everyone at church, as we listen to the preach and sing our hymns.. afterwards we have coffee and biscuits, and another hour soon wiles away, as we sit chatting.
So glad you are feeling better.
Love Granny

Bernie said...

Hi Granny, I am feeling better thank you. Oh I have to keep moving or I am sure I would stiffen up so badly I wouldn't be able to do anything.
My favorite day of the week is Sunday, it always has been. It is so quiet and peaceful and a much slower pace than weekdays. I really love it.
Enjoy your Sunday my friend, as always.....many hugs, :-)

Wanda..... said...

Good morning Bernie...Hope this Sunday morning your body cooperated with you and it finds you pain free. Your apology to your grandmother was sweet Bernie...maybe we should all remove our mirrors or drape them so no unplanned reflections of ourselves shock us!

Sunday is a day of rest, so make sure you rest extra well.
Congratulations on the nomination for POTD Bernie...You do live your life as an example for all...
I see that you have read many of Dr. Dyer's books...you could probably write one of your own Bernie!

Have a good day Bernie,
Wanda

Eileen said...

It never would enter my mind to think of you as an 'excuse maker' or as someone who doesn't deal with each situation at hand.
I definitely have to get that book as I am such a procrastinator, not just in projects or with tangible things that need to be done, but also in dealing with problems. I do have a tendency to try and make believe if I just ignore it all, all the bad in my life will just go away.

You sound like you had a really nice day, and I'm so happy to hear that you're feeling better!
Okay, while your tending to your home don't forget to tend to yourself too. Don't sacrifice one for the other.
Love you, Bernie,
Eileen

Diana said...

Good Morning Bernie,
I do agree with the sitting for too long being bad for the arthritis. The longer I sit and then get up I can barely walk. So I try not to sit too long. I never feel sorry for myself but I do get angry that I have to go through this when there are so many other things that I can be doing! I miss all of the crocheting and sewing and just working that I used to do! It makes me feel very, very old! But I am still hopeful. And I hope that your pain starts to ease up as well. I love Dr. Dyer. I've not read his book but have seen him on T.V. He appears to be a very intelligent man! I hope you are feeling less stiff today Bernie. Love Di

Bernie said...

Good Morning Wanda, hope you are enjoying this Labor Day Weekend and that you are spending time with your wonderful family.
I am not too bad this morning, just taking my time getting around. I think the damp air is playing havoc with me as well but I am doing quite well....ever since I found Dr. Dyer's books I have read them all. He just makes so much sense to me and I can relate to what he says.
Have a great Sunday my friend, until tomorrow.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Eileen, I know you are right, I do tend to sacrafice one for other, I just don't know how to do a little, I seem to start something and can't stop until it is finished.

I love Dr. Dyer's books Eileen, I have been reading them for years and I think I have most of them even his CD's. Honestly he has a book it seems for every problem I have had in my life. I really respect his opinions.

Have a wonderful Sunday at your SIL's, hope the weather holds out in New York for the long weekend... as usual ....:-) Hugs

Gail said...

HI Bernie-

Oh lazy days of day dreams and sleep in one's pajamas are so important. I also know that movement is so important to manage pain and also prevent depression. Looks like you are well aware too. I must say, I sensed that your day was some what robotic - an effort. I am really impressed that you forged on, many would ave surrendered and just stayed home. You are very strong.
I am also impressed that you can drink wine in the afternoon. If I do I need to nap. You are a "helluva" gal!! :-)

Love Gail
peace......

Bernie said...

Hi Di, I don't think there is a person I know who works as hard as you do so I know you absolutely don't make excuses or feel sorry for yourself, that's just not you.
It's okay to get angry, I have as well but then I focus on what I can do.... not what I used to be able to do. If I am going to survive Diana I always have to move forward and not look back.....there are so many more who are able to see things diffently than I do, and I learn
so much from them. I am quite a bit older than you are sweetie, so I am old.....and that's okay. Life is good I love it.
Have a wonderful weekend with your family my friend, when does Jake go back to work. So nice for you and Katy that he was home for a while......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Gail, I think I may have been a bit robotic when I first woke up yesterday and begun the day but it certainly wasn't when I really got into it. So true that I have to keep moving or else I stiffen up dreadfully....and yes there are some days I have to push myself more than others.
I ended up enjoying my day immensely.

Oh yes, I did have a glass of wine with my lunch, it was almost...... 3 o'clock! LOL

I do hope you enjoy the rest of your long weekend......:-) Hugs

Teresa said...

Hi Bernie,
I am so sorry to hear your RA is acting up. I too have been feeling stiff and sore, and I think it is the weather, it turned so cold so fast on Friday, with the rain. That is why I wanted to go to Yoga, it always stretches me out, and I feel so much better.

I too love Wayne Dyer, I have some of his books, and I think he is very wise. I would like to read his latest one about making excuses, that sounds like something I need.

((((HUGS)))) T AKA 555

Bernie said...

Hi Terri, it's so good you can do yoga, I have tried and love the stretches but there are so many I was unable to do....yet I can manage the machines at Curves and nothing beats good old walking.
I think the change in weather has a lot to do with the aches and pains in this old body. I think I should get a dog, Molly is so cute and you are always up and out walking her....I think it would be good company to have a dog as well....something to think about isn't it.
You would love Dr. Dyer Terri and I feel his books would really help you. If you can't find them at Sharva or the library just let me know and I will lend you some. I always give my books away when I am done but I always keep his as I go back to them many times, he has helped me more than he will ever know.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend my friend.....:-) Hugs

Tranquility Speaks said...

Hi Bernie,

Reading about your day, makes me feel so good. I don't know how and why, but I derive a lot of strength from you, each day, through each of your posts. I wish I could hug you and just sit with you all day :)

Loads of love and here's wishing you a brilliant day ahead :)

Tranquility Speaks said...

Just make sure you eat well Bernie. The body will heal itself. Sleep as much as your body needs it and exercise as much so that lethargy is kept at bay!

Bernie said...

Hello Stillness, I wish we could sit together, have a nice cup of coffee and just chat. I have gained much wisdom from you my young friend, you have a real gift with your words...Luv ya, Hugs

Bernie said...

Stillness, not to worry, I am fine and feeling better all the time.
Luv you.......:-) Hugs

Anne said...

Hi Bernie,
I hope you are having a restful Sunday. You have such a good attitude about life, Bernie. Sometimes you do have to just get up and do it. This morning, I felt like I really didn't want to go for my morning walk, but I did just as you did.- I got up and took my walk and I felt soo good.
Take care and enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Bernie said...

Hi Choices, in my opinion attitude says everything about a person and just to show everyone I am not that perfect I posted my horrible picture of Tim Horton's and why not?

I had to chuckle as I stopped beside the drive through to take it and everyone started beeping their horns at me....I had worked so hard to get that picture and it turned out to be horrid, to me the picture showed hard work is not always the answer but attitude is....I laughed so hard when I saw how my picture actually turned out....so why not share it.


So happy you got your walk in, exercise has to become a habit as it sure isn't love of it that makes us do it.


Have a great Sunday my friend, and I am sending you a big hug....:-)

Diana said...

Hi Bernie,
Jake went back to work early this morning. I know that I shouldn't get angry about the arthritis Bernie and I am trying to accept the fact that I have to start slowing down. But it's so darn hard! What I used to be able to do in a few hours now takes days! I am trying to get used to it though, just not very successfully! I did get my whole kitchen and pantry cleaned this morning! Katie is now baking a chocolate cake, finally!!!!!!
Love Di

Anonymous said...

RA is so unfair! I know...I know...life isn't fair...but for someone who likes to get up and go and be out and about....helping others, enjoying life....I do wish that someone could and would come up with not just something to control the pain, but to completely remove it...
You are MY kind of girl! PJ's at 3!!! Yes!! We need to get together and have some serious talking.
Are you coming to the southern U.S. anytime soon? If you do, please, give me a call. We could meet. I'll wear my PJ's and housecoat if you'll wear yours!!
I'm so proud for your nomination for POTD. You deserve it.
Smiles from Jackie

nups said...

hey Bernie
i so hope u r feeling better today dear..... and u knw wat... i too have jus got Dr Wayne's book.. No excuses.. in fact its almost midnight n m so lazy to brush my teeth n wipe off my make up but as u said.. No excuses!! n we both agreed its a great read so i mustnt give in... hey if u feel stiff try some yoga n stretchng.. m sure it will do u good :)
enjoy ur Sunday my dear ... mine is over :( already monday blues r hitting on... have a healthy day

Anonymous said...

It always makes me feel good to see you visit my other blog. I love to just put foolishness on there, maybe because I know only special folks will visit. I have arthritis bad too, but that is not what keeps me at home. After raising 6 children and working all my life and being involved in everything coming and going and being president of this and sec of that etc. I only want to stay home. I am very active around my home and my husband and I get along wonderfully. He goes where he wants and I stay at home and write and read and paint. I agonized for awhile when I first stopped going to Mass, but that is over. God knows why I can't or won't go. I'm not even sure myself. It has nothing to do with my faith and belief in God. It is the remembering what day it is or what time it is that bugs me. Sorry to bend your ear, but you sound like someone I would love to know in reality.
QMM

Mary said...

Oh, Bernie, your post had me in stitches..but there is so much truth, and your perspective is to be admired. I love visiting your post...you're a breath of fresh air!

Have a peaceful and blessed Sunday, my friend!

Mary

Rebecca said...

I always am impressed the way you "answer" your pain and move through it. Winter pajamas and a cashmere scarf...what a pleasant and deserved indulgence. And that's what I call getting prepared! I'm going to have to find a local muffin place. Your description of muffin and coffee in the comfort of your home sounds inviting. (Guess I COULD make some - I have a great Raisin Bran Muffin recipe, but eating someone else's sounds better somehow.)

Rose Marie Raccioppi said...

Pain is so often a signal and in its own way serving to support our ultimate well being. The need for rest is indeed a call and pleased you were kind enough to provide a respite for yourself. Do be well. I enjoy my visits here and I am always pleased when you visit APOGEE Poet.

Best,

Rose Marie

Bernie said...

Hello Di, sorry Jake left this morning I was hoping he would have the long weekend with you.
So nice you got your kitchen and pantry done, don't you just feel so good when you accompolish something so meaningful.
How about that little Katie, baking a cake, yay Katie.
I know you will be just fine Di, it's hard to slow down....I am still trying to deal with that one, but when my body speaks I try and listen. Luv ya....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Jackie, I know sometimes it is just fun to have a pyjama day...and I love it.
Thanks for shout out for POTD, it was really nice.
Same goes for you if you are even near Alberta I'll come and get you and we can have a great visit, wouldn't I love that.
Have a great evening.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Nups, did you finally get your make up off and brush your teeth?
I had to chuckle at that as I remember those nights when I was younger. Glad you are reading Dr. Dyer's book....isn't he great.
Have a great Monday my friend, sending you many hugs.....:-)

Bernie said...

QMM, I love your blogs and am always impressed with all that you do and you know I feel you are doing God's work and I know he knows your heart so don't worry about what you aren't able to do.
You can bend my ear anytime you want sweetie, love hearing from you and visiting you. Sorry to hear you have arthritis as well, but you know what... I think we have a designer disease and it's in right now so we both are cool...
Have a great Monday my friend, and as always many hugs....:-)

Bernie said...

Hi Mary, thank you for your kind comment, I drool over your beautiful blog everytime I am reading your post, it's a real treat for me to visit.
I am glad you like coming to see me and please do visit anytime you like as you are so welcomed here. Have a great Monday....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Rebecca, I made honey cinnimon muffins today and they tasted as good as the one I bought yesterday.
I am blessed I have found a way to work through my pain and I am thankful for it.
Rebecca, when I go shopping I always seem to purchase something I may need or want in the future, I also am blessed to have what I need right now.
Have a great Monday....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Rose Marie, I am the one who enjoys my visits to your blog...I love it.
I am well rested now my friend and happy to say I am feeling much better.
Have a wonderful Monday my friend, and as always.....:-) Hugs

Barb said...

Hello Bernie,
Just catching up with you after our long family-oriented weekend. It's nearly Noon here, but I'm still enjoying a cup of strong coffee in my favorite mug! I ran the trails behind the house early this morning with my husband - he's leaving for Denver soon for a couple days. I'm staying here in Breck to spend time with a friend tomorrow. I think your RA flared because of all the work you did last week. I haven't read a Dyer book for a long time, but I must say, from your book review, I espouse his philosophy. Moving on is important, no matter what we encounter in life. I'll keep reading your posts, Bernie - hope I find out that you're feeling A-OK!

Bernie said...

Hi Barb, so glad you had a wonderful weekend with your family. You will find I am doing really well now, and I am so thankful for it.
It has turned windy and very cool today....almost like snow..Yuk!
Enjoy your friend tomorrow.... have a wonderful day...:-) Hugs