For my father’s recent birthday, I made him a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing.  And while I am a fan of eating cake, I am not really good at making them. Although it tasted pretty great!

When taking this picture, we tried to find the best angle on the cake, as it is lopsided with lots of mistakes. However, I have found that whipped cream covers a multitude of sins…

If you would like to see some hilarious cake bloopers, be sure to check out http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ and take a moment to explore some of their pics. I have spent a lot of time there this week and have been reduced to chuckles, snorts, and even tears.

Hope you’re having a great week!

April

I recently celebrated my 35th birthday and then proceeded to flip out about all the things I haven’t accomplished in my life. And seriously, I am beginning to doubt titling this blog “On the Bright Side” because I have been on a real Debbie Downer kick since I started posting earlier this year. And the last thing I want to do is bum anybody out.

On the other hand, I just think this is all part of the journey of dealing with chronic illness. And one day, when I get my head straight and have gained some wisdom about how to deal with it all, I will be able to turn around and help others dealing with it.

Earlier last month, I actually thought I would no longer have a place to live. And that basically knocked me down hard because I am at a place in life where the alternative is homelessness. By the time I was given a reprieve,  I was an emotional wreck, because I have come face to face with how precarious my situation is.

The anxiety of my unknown future has been like wrestling with a bear every day. Thankfully, my faith has anchored my heart, even if my mind is adrift in turmoil.  I may not like the journey right now, but knowing God is at my side makes everything bearable and gives me hope for a better tomorrow.

That sounded cheery.  But things will get better. Hope I didn’t bum you out…ugh. Email me and maybe I’ll dig up those cupcakes for you. A boxed mix is okay, right?

hug, hug, hug!

April

             Every morning, as soon as I open my eyes, this 9 lb. furball named Ernie carefully climbs up my bed and lays his head on my chest while I adjust to the fact that I am awake. He is content to lay there and snooze quietly while I gradually wake.

            A couple of days ago, I had enough sense to grab my phone and film him for a few seconds. You can see his head moving as I breathe in and out.

            The serenity of this moment gives me courage to face the day. And sometimes, that’s all you need.

In Japanese it says that shutting the door and turning the lock will activate the light. But I like the English version better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dUfsjLS-W8

1. A Hot Bath—not too hot, and not more than 15-20 minutes. The heat relaxes my muscles, but if I stay in too long or the water is super hot, I can trigger exhaustion and more pain.
2. Microwavable Heating Pads–I particularly like the ones by Thermalon that tie around you, and this way I can wear the heating pad and move around the house. http://www.thermalon.com/cart/
3. Electric Heating Pads–for the hardcore pain moments when you can lay down, these are great.  I recommend a large sized moist heating pad, like Thermaphore (the black box) or TheraTherm. Make sure that the one you get has a switch that doesn’t have to be held to stay on.  It is so worth the investment.  Try here: http://www.amazon.com/Thermophore-Arthritis-Pad-Moist-Heating/dp/B000ZHJS0G/ref=pd_sbs_hpc_2 
4. A  Manual Massager–like the TheraCane www.theracane.com. Be careful not to use this too vigorously or it will hurt. But, this cane-like stick thing has rounded ends which are great for gently massaging pressure points on the back that are hard to reach.  
5. An Electric Percussion Massager–I bought mine from Brookstone. A percussion massager actually moves up and down instead of just vibrating, thereby breaking up the muscle tension There are several brands out there, like Homedics, that are available at your local drugstore. 
6. Laying still with a warm blanket –when all else is not available,  I just plop on the couch or bed and lay still for at least 20 minutes with a blanket over me. Even if I don’t feel cold, the warmth helps the pain. I try to relax my mind with a book or television and just zone out for a while.

I  can think of other strategies I use, but I will post them another day.  In the meantime, I would be happy to hear any practical advice on how you deal with pain.  Hope these suggestions help!

Gentle hugs,  April