Living

So, I am still recovering from what I consider an “activity hangover”.  By that, I mean that place of insane fatigue, body aches, brain fog, and joint pain.  All, as...

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to reflect on an unusual part of life for which I am thankful: aging. They fear their mortality. They hate the changes that aging may...

As I write this, it is 5:45 AM. I am up early with a pulsing backache.  I did not sleep long, and I already sense a nap will be in...

Many people walk through the world without thought. They may notice a crack in the sidewalk or a large root in a trail, but they aren’t consciously aware of how...

It’s a tricky art to figure out when to change medications for rheumatoid arthritis. To be honest, I have probably leaned too conservatively toward not changing quickly enough when a...

"To travel is to live." --Hans Christian Andersen Last winter I was determined to take a big trip back to Europe to visit friends and places I've been greatly missing...

We recently adopted a scary-smart dog. She picks up on the subtlest of cues and knows what’s what. She doesn’t stay distracted for long, so we bought her some puzzle...

I love cheese. I love it so much. And I can taste it right now as I write this: a rich and delicious soft saltiness, melting in my mouth. Of...

Being in a relationship is hard.  Anyone who says they have it easy is either lying, or – well, nothing. Lying, that’s it.  Laying your soul bare for someone is...

I practically live in my red, double strap Birkenstock sandals. I slide them on as soon as it's warm and dry enough in the spring and wear them as much...

It’s been a long haul. Last year around this time I realized my current medication wasn’t working as well, that it’s effects were fading. So in December, I made the...

Having a lifelong illness comes with a ton of unique trials and tribulations.  There are things that we experience that most people will never understand – couldn’t understand – without...

Music has always been an important part of my life. From as early as age 4-5, I remember my mom playing the radio all the time: in the house, in...

We all know the health care system is changing, and not for the betterment of patients. These days it’s all about reducing costs no matter the impact on patients—especially people...

YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD AND IT IS NOT TOO LATE! These words of encouragement and empowerment are part of a meme that seems to be going around on Instagram...

I was recently asked to reflect on how I have managed to live with RA for over 20 years, while being a wife of 41 years, a parent of 3...

Every once in a while I come across a string of words that rocks me to my core. A few months ago, I had that experience while watching a Ted...

When I was originally diagnosed with RA and began to consider, along with my care team, how to treat it, I had no idea that the choices would be nearly...

It can’t be helped, but I’ve done a lot of failing expectations in my life with rheumatoid arthritis. While I’ve worked hard to make a good life for myself and...

Open eyes? Check. Stare at the ceiling for five minutes? Check. Make sure pets are still alive? Triple check. Consider everything I have to do that day? Yup. Try to...