Workin' It

I know I do this every once in a while, that post where I'm all, "Oh my gosh!  I totally just did something physical that I didn't think I could do!!".  Sorry, this is one of those posts again.  I can't help it, I'm positive sometimes :)

I got home yesterday, feeling the need to do some kind of physical activity (it had been a while).  So, I broke out the running shoes and got on the elliptical (I had tried it once since I got it back, but only for a few minutes).  I think I did about 15 minutes, broken with 30 second/one minute breaks to stretch and relax my ankle.  I knew after 15 minutes that my time on it was done, but I wasn't done.  So, then I hopped on my bike and did another 15 minutes.  I was actually sweaty and had an increased heart rate!  This is major for me.  Both physically and mentally.  I know that the one workout session didn't make a huge change in my body, but I do feel stronger just having accomplished that.

Oh, and my jealousy of my dog is going away as I am taking the afternoon off with my mom and doing some ice-fishing of my own!  AND, it is a totally beautiful day outside :)  Bliss.

Monday, Monday

Blah, blah and flare.

So, after only having a one-day weekend (working on sunday) I'm back at work for a thankfully short week.  Having just the one day off has drained me beyond belief!  I cannot wait for that glorious four-day weekend to sleep and just plain relax.  And, maybe eat.  I like to do that sometimes, too.  And walk my dog, poor girl has only played frisbee in the backyard lately.  Though she did get to go ice-fishing yesterday.  Without me.  While I had to work on a sunday.  Is it ridiculous to be jealous of my dog?

Anyway, I'm noticing that my RA seems to flare a few days before my next shot of humira is due.  It's like my body has run out too quick, or something.  I wonder if this is just a coincidence, or if it is actually the case?  I had always assumed the reason I took the meds every two weeks was because it stayed in my system that long.  I suppose it is like any other med, sometimes they just don't cut it.

What I wouldn't give.....

....for a rheumatologist.  I live in no-rheumy land, and it kinda sucks.  One comes up occasionally, but my last appointment (a good year and a half ago) was incredibly brief and he basically slapped me on the hand for not taking enough meds.  I don't know about anyone else, but this method does NOT work for me.  I usually make do, I have a pretty up-to-date gp and I'm pretty savvy with getting myself ed-u-ma-cated.  But, sometimes you just want to talk to someone whose main focus is RA.  I have so many questions and concerns about getting/being pregnant with this disease.  I think I just need a lot of comforting right now.

Anyone else have issues with seeing a rheumatologist?

Heaven in a jar

So, I've been noticing all over the foodie blogosphere a little thing called coconut butter.  It's the meat of the coconut, blended up.  So many bloggers out there are using this and can't stop talking about it.  They're putting this nectar on absolutely everything. Now, I love me some coconut in all of it's forms and this looks like a goodie.  And, I SERIOUSLY wanted to try this stuff.  But, where to get it???  I live in Labrador for pete's sake!

Aha!  This is where Heather comes in, of this blog: http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/.  I've been enjoying her site, when lo and behold!  She decides to MAKE her own coconut butter!!!  Here is the link to her adventure: http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2010/03/09/homemade-coconut-butter/.  Thank you HEAB!

So, I went to the grocery store today, picked me up some unsweetend flakes and went to town.  And, you have to go to town, and by that I mean blend the crap out of it.  I threw that stuff into my magic bullet and blended my butt off.  It was so worth it.  Oh my heavens, was it ever.  Folks, if you like coconut you have to try this stuff!  Anyone out there try coconut butter?

Home

Well folks, I am on a much needed vacation.  It's only for six days, but still.  I'm back in my hometown, fly-in only, where the pace of life is much slower.  I'm resting a ton, spending time with my sweetie, reading constantly, eating like a pig, visiting relatives, playing boardgames and enjoying the woodstove :)  On the days leading up to this trip I was in a pretty bad flare, and since I've been here I've felt so good.  I know that there are some other factors playing into this, but this really goes to show how much stress can negatively impact my health.  I've gone on a couple of short walks, and my wrists and thumb are functioning well.  I feel rested and somewhat in control of my body.

Why must vacation end??

Back in the Labrador Groove

Well, this has certainly been a long two weeks!  I've just returned from my second trip to the Island in two weeks and am totally bushed.  My sweetie is finally (fingers-crossed) getting home today after a month long absence.  I cannot tell you what a happy woman I am :)

I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of my blog, as well as catching up with all of you!  I'm feeling a little withdrawal from my usual blog lovin'.  So, look out everyone!  I will be doing some major reading and commenting on all of your blogs!  Can't wait to see what's going on with everyone!

On another note, it's International Women's Day!! Remember, "Feminism is the radical notion that women are people" * .  Imagine that. 

*Charlis Kramarae and Paula Treichler

Travel Bug

So, I've barely gotten home from a quick trip to the Island when I am off again in two days.  This is making me most happy, for a variety of reasons:

1.  I get to see some really wonderful folks (one of which I have been friends with for about 18 years!) who happen to have a really wonderful baby.  Who likes to wipe her grubby hands on me :)  She also likes to get up at about 5 in the morning, but I am not holding that against her :)  She's way too cute for that.

2.  Kill some major time while the Dom is away on his nearly month long school/olympic adventure.  I'm so proud of him, and happy he got to check out a hockey game, but jeez!  This is a loooonnnngggg trip.

3.  Food.  In the form of lovely vegetarian Pad Thai, homecooked chicken heaven, and soon to be sushi in ma tummy.  And, I usually get an awesome breakfast made while I'm there, cause Dave is great like that.

4.  Really awesome decaf, dark roast, fair-trade, organic coffee.  It's the best decaf I've had.  It's so good we're questioning just how "decaf" it is.

5.  Wedding magazine browsing.  Jen is getting married this summer, and it is indeed fun to laugh at those ridiculous dresses!  I know I want to try one on at some point in my life, but I can't imagine actually wearing some of those creations.  I guess I just like to be comfortable.  Strange.

Anyway, I'm pumped about this trip.  I'm leaving a bit earlier than my meetings, just to get some good visiting/eating/shopping for various food items unavailable in Labrador.