Simple Joys & "Must Haves" of a Sick Chick

First of all, thank you to Jodi McKee for coining the term "Sick Chick" and letting me in on it. The "Sick Chick Club" is a small group of strong, awesome, and chronically ill women living in the tri state area and, although I haven't been able to make it to a gathering yet, I'm happy just knowing they're out there.  The list below was born out of a summer that didn't exactly "go to plan." If you've been following along, you know my pain was at its worst these past few months and I'm still in the midst of taming it. The way I see it, though, it hasn't all been for nothing.

In the past, slowing down has made me feel inadequate - like I should be doing something more. But something big happened this summer. Hurting the way I have has forced me to slow down. Ironically, although my body has been physically in distress, I've also never been more comfortable in my own skin. Having actually seen just what this disease is capable of...having been unable to drive or travel and getting strict orders to relax... I've just come to a new place of acceptance. An "if you can't beat em' join em'" kind of thing.

This is me and the way I feel today is just the way I feel. Instead of focusing on what I can't do, I'm learning to feel proud of whatever I can get done. Some days that's meant a trip through Tuscany, while others it's simply meant washing the dishes. Once again, though, I've got to give credit to the family, the friends and the boyfriend who love me unconditionally. They're a huge part of the acceptance and the peace I feel amidst this turmoil.

Believe it or not, being a "Sick Chick" has its perks. Now sit back, and hopefully have some laughs over my "must haves" when all else goes to hell...

                                                      Heat

It comes in many forms. Be it a hot shower, a nap in the sun, or my most beloved (and sexiest) accessory - the portable heating pad - there's no denying that heat helps! It can ease the aches and pains or just provide enough comfort on "tossy-turny" nights. If you haven't tried Thermacare heatwraps, you must. Just stick em' anywhere on your bod as you're heading out the door and let the comfort begin. Hint: There are almost always generic, local pharmacy brands that are cheaper.

Fur Between My Toes

Is there anything more therapeutic then running your toes through a dog's fur? Maybe it's just the animal fanatic in me, but few things soothe me like being close to my pups.

A Comfy Bed

If you live with pain, you know that a poor night's sleep can be like kryptonite. It tends to become a vicious cycle - the more pain you're in, the less you sleep. And the less you sleep? The more pain you're in. There are places to cut corners financially, but in my opinion a good mattress is not one of them. If you want the name of my mattress, don't hesitate to e-mail me - I'm a very happy customer.

"Magic Fingers"

Identify the person or people in your life who gives the best massages and treat them veeeery well. For me, those people are John and my mom. Thanks guys - I've got your back too.

 Childish Humor (That Often Embarrasses The People I'm With)

If you've spent any amount of time with me (and especially at the dinner table), you know I often revert back to age 5. I like to think this is part of my charm? To the left, behold the face I created with my Thanksgiving leftovers last year that, as I recall, elicited hearty laughs from my family members. The day that I forget how to be a "silly-heart" (thank you, Uncle Buck) is the day you can put a fork in me cuz I'll be done...

Trashy Television

I'll  be the first to admit it that reality TV is my vice. I welcome mindlessness to some extent... Jersey Shore, Project Runway, Real Housewives from any city (preferably New York), Project Runway, and my new favorite - Cupcake Wars! The drama, the shock-value, the panel of overly critical judges - I love it all. Honestly, sometimes obsessing about the lives of strangers is just what I need to get my mind off my own problems ;)

 

Some Good, Mood-Appropriate Tunes

My brother once said that my music was "predictably depressing." Being a proud college student at the time, I defended my taste tooth and nail. But he had a point. Yes, the bands and the sounds I'm drawn to tend to be more melancholy and sometimes that's just what I need. Other times, I take his comment to heart and put on something bright. If I'm not going to try lifting my mood, then I can't expect anyone else to. Right?

Creativity, In All Its Dorky Forms

Creating art has always been my favorite past time. My parents said that, as a little girl, I was happiest with colored pencils and paper in my hand. Today, I'm almost always in the middle of some little project - be it making little clay sculptures, sewing tiny stuffed animals, or cupcake decorating with my best buds (notice my Yogi Bear to the right). What's your creative outlet?

                                                  

                                                  Girly Vanities

Amazing what ten painted toes or coconut-scented lotion can do for a girl's mentality. When it hurts all over and nausea and headaches have become permanent accessories, I'd say its more than okay to pamper yourself whenever possible. If you're going to be a Sick Chick, be a fabulous one.

Online Shoppin'

I don't think you need to live with chronic illness to understand that occasionally the last thing I want to do is interact with other humans. I know, I know. "Movement is crucial for arthritis patients...", but let's be honest - I really like when things come to me. So thank you Amazon.com, Ebay.com and Etsy.com (my favorite) for enabling my occasional, yet necessary reclusiveness.

Mac n' Cheese (Gluten Free), Mashed Potatoes, and Other Such Comfort Foods

This one's pretty universal, right? Especially when you're dealing with chronic illness and the unpredictable side effects of medications (nausea is a big one), it's nice to have your own little, tasty army of "Go To" foods. Speaking of mac n' cheese, how cute are these stamps? 

Coincidentally, I just received a letter full of autumn comfort foods from the ever-thoughtful Betsy! I thought I'd share the ones that intrigue me the most:

The Yummiest Macaroni & Cheese

4 cups cooked elbow macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked)

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup 1% low-fat cottage cheese
3/4 cup fat-free sour cream - I substitute low-fat french onion dip
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp grated fresh onion
1 1/2 tsp reduced-calorie stick margarine, melted
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1/4 C dry breadcrumbs

1.  Preheat oven to 350
2. Combine 1st 10 ingredients, and spoon into a 2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray.  Sprinkle breadcrumbs over casserole.  Cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes or until set.

ComfoTThe Best Blueberry Banana Bread 

1 c frozen blueberries

1/2 c sugar

1/2 t salt

2 eggs

3 bananas-mashed

1 1/2 c whole-wheat flour

2 t baking powder

1/2 c oatmeal

2 T canola oil

Spray 5x9 pan w/ nonstick spray and dust w flour. Preheat oven to 350. Sprinkle berries w/ 2T flour. Combine remaining flour, sugar, powder, salt, and oatmeal. Blend eggs, oil and bananas. 
Add mixture to dry and stir. Add berries & place in pan. Bake for 60 minutes

Sick or not, what are your simple joys and "must-haves?"

Love,
Maya