UGH .... for sunshine!!

People think I'm crazy when I say I don't like the sun and it makes me sick, but today is even more proof!! 

The girls and I went down to my parents this long weekend.  Well technically we went on Sunday and came back on Tuesday.  The girls didn't have school on Monday or Tuesday so we took advantage of it and all went to a water park in Greensboro.  We had a blast -- spent the whole time riding one ride -- but the downside of it is not I'm paying for it.

I don't have a sunburn or anything to show for it, just exhaustion.  It's almost like I have the beginnings of a flu and the only thing I can attribute it to is the sunshine.  Happens every time.  Oh well, the girls had a great day and it was worth it.

The upside of it -- I've spent the day creating!!  In October I'm partnering with a local business to support breast cancer research so I'm busy making watches galore to get them ready!!  Here's a couple of pictures of what I've done recently.

 

One of "those" weeks

The last few days have been a whirlwind!  Okay, make that the last two weeks --
We spent a few wonderful days in Nashville hanging out with friends and family -- well the girls and I got to relax, Kevin went to meetings most of the time.  We were able to see some family that were there for the convention as well.

The girls loved getting better acquainted with Uncle Bryant.

Then it was hurry home and get everything ready for school to start on the following Monday.  H started 4th grade -- she has the same teacher as last year.  R was a little more nervous, the 7th and 8th grade room has a new teacher.  Plus moving up into a new classroom, even if you know the teacher is a little nerve-wracking -- at least for her. Any new experience causes anxiety.

All ready for the 4th grade.


Trying to be silly to stop all the picture taking.

I was busy with meetings and such the first couple of days as well, and then all the nonsense started. 

UGH.....

There are some days that I can say I don't feel well and can describe it -- I either have a headache, my joints hurt or something else that I can put a name to.  The last two days have been a frustrating mess.  I can only say "I don't feel good."  I have all of the above symptoms, but it's so much more than that....  Just to "BE" hurts -- I want to hit the pause button until all feels better. 
It's like I'm at the point where one more thing just tips the scales. Putting clothes on, covering up with blankets, making a single movement, the list goes on and on.....Even trying to get the brain to think -- it's all so discouraging.  Mostly because there is nothing that I can do about it, except wait it out...

Problem is -- I can't just wait it out.  I have two little girls that still need a functioning Mommy.  They are somewhat self-sufficient, but they are still little ones that need mommy.  And then there's all the house stuff -- I feel guilty asking K to take even more on, especially this time of year, he's so stressed with school stuff.

So I just hang out and do what's absolutely necessary and hope that this bout goes quickly.

Crazy health

Today is actually a do nothing day -- well except for a little appointment for Rachel this afternoon.  Other than that - nothing.  Actually more than nothing, because we don't have any water.  Technically we have water, but there is a leak in the basement that's dripping on the breaker box and making a mess on the floor, so I've turned the water off to the house.

I'm actually glad it's a do nothing day because I'm wiped out!  Last week was super busy, the weekend was crazy and yesterday was paint till I'm done day :-)  Everything I set out to do was accomplished, but I'm now paying the price. 

I don't talk about it a lot or let it dictate my life - but I deal with the effects of lupus on a daily basis.  It's frustrating because I've had one positive blood test and the rest aren't, so everytime I switch doctors the process starts over again.  End result at the moment -- I am taking nothing!!  Which I think is better for me in the long run, if I can manage symptoms as they appear, but some days I just wish I had something to take the edge off and give me some energy. 

Anyway, long story short - my hands and arms are killing me.  I have braces on my hands, so hopefully that will help some, but for today, nothing that requires fingerwork.  They are numb and difficult to command.  I've already dropped a couple of things, don't know if it's the fingers or the lack of arm strength.  Oh well, we move forward, it will only last a couple of days.  Thankfully I've dealt with it long enough to know the time frame, which is why I did all the painting yesterday!  My body takes about 2-3 days to respond with pain and fatigue, so I figured that yesterday was my only opportunity to do anything this week.  The rest of the week will be spent in recovery.

The girls were also gone last week, they had a busy week of fun with the grandparents -- down side is they are tired and both fighting little bits of cold.  So we're all just laying around --

I DID MAKE MY BED THOUGH!!!