I Want to Get Rid of Christmas????

Yesterday morning Izzy and I decided to take a longer walk than usual.  The sun was strong and I couldn't bear to hurry back inside when the sun had been so gracious in being there for me.  On our longer route we ran into a neighbor whom I do not know.  She was taking down her outdoor Christmas decorations.  I said, "Good morning."  She responded, "I can't wait to get rid of Christmas.  I want everything back to normal." 

I remember feeling this exact same way years ago.  By the 28th of December I was ready to have everything put away and back to normal.  Something has changed over the years.  I am not in a hurry to get rid of Christmas.  I consider the whole week after Christmas to be part of the Christmas celebration, only simpler.  That week after Christmas everyone is relaxed.  There aren't anymore surprises or planning and everyone can relax and just be.  I have found myself snuggled with Sophia several evenings this week in front of the tree talking. 

Generally Christmas isn't completely put away until right before I head back to work mid January. With the colder days and nights, I enjoy the warmth the Christmas lights bring to a room.  Besides that, I just find that I enjoy bringing back regular life a little slower these days.  The holidays for me are a sign of slowing down and enjoying those around me.  I am in no hurry to get back to a life any different than that.

Slowing Down During the Holidays: A Gift from Rheumatoid Arthritis

For me, the holidays are a time of slowing down. This is the time of the year when my classes come to stopping point and I have more time at home. The weather gets colder and I feel it is telling me to stay home where it is warm. I have no problem obeying. I figured out years...


To read the rest of this post and other great posts on rheumatoid arthritis, please visit Health Central.

Quiet Thanksgiving Weekend - Just What This Introvert Craves

Long ago I came to the happy realization that I am an introvert.  Once I accepted this about myself, I started respecting the needs that come with being an introvert.  Although I love people, they exhaust me.  I find that I get my energy from being at home reading, taking walks, or hanging out with my family.  This weekend provided exactly what this introvert needed.  I am now revived and ready to tackle a busy week full of people.  

A delicious grain free meal prepared by the three of us.

Steve doing his manly job of slicing the turkey. 

Alexander has helped Steve put up the tree since he could stand.  It is so fun to see him now.

Sophia's ornament for this year is a s'mores inside a sleeping bag to represent her week long camping trip.

Alexander received a license plate with his name since this was the year of learning to drive.

Enjoyed some time alone with Sophia decorating for Christmas.

Alexander putting up his collection of ornaments.  Great memories.

On Friday night we went to our town's Christmas tree lighting.

The big guy that makes all these wonderful memories possible!

It feels good to be me!

Kennebunk, Maine: A Family Vacation with My Mom and Siblings

(Front) Sherry, Stacey, Mike, Robyn, Mom (Back) Cathy and Danny

My first solo trip without Steve or the kids was a success!!! I spent two days and three nights in Kennebunk, Maine with my mom and five siblings to celebrate my older sister's upcoming 50th birthday.  In my family, we don't generally celebrate birthdays with anything besides a phone call or an email, but turning 50 is a big deal and something to be celebrated.  For my brother Mike's 50th two years ago, my mom rented a space in Kansas and we had everyone - siblings, spouses, parents, nieces, nephews, grand kids, etc.  It was huge.  For the second 50th birthday we decided to do siblings only.  I loved this time with my siblings and mom.  It was absolutely perfect!

This was our first morning in Maine.  Stacey and I were up early and decided to walk.

This was on our last morning in Maine.  Stacey and I were up at 4:15AM.  We needed just a little more time together before I headed to the airport with my two brothers.  I love time with her. 

All four of us girls decided to walk to the beach and see the sun rise.  Perfect!

Cathy, Stacey, Robyn, and Sherry

The four sisters on our early morning walk along the beach.

Stacey went to Australia last year with my mom and brought back a wine called "Four Sisters".  

This was my favorite day because it was so relaxing.

Spending some time talking with my mom on the beach.  She made all of this possible.  Thanks Mom!

I loved seeing my brothers hang out.  They would often desert us girls and meet up for a beer. 

My sister Robyn had me cracking up so hard as we ran along the beach.

The beach was the perfect place to get some barefoot time in.

Our last evening together we decided to skip sitting at a  restaurant. Instead we each brought back  food from wherever sounded good to us individually.  We sat outside eating until the mosquitoes finally forced us inside.

The last night we also sang "Happy Birthday" to my sister Sherry with a blueberry pie.  (I didn't have any but I heard it was delicious. )  She will be 50 in September.  Happy Birthday Sherry!

My favorite part of the trip besides laying on the beach was coming back to our rooms at night to play games, drink wine, and eat chocolate. 

This is me, Cateepoo, in our room.  This picture is how I felt during this trip - happy!

I came home to a clean house, two kids and a husband that missed me, and a border collie who was beside herself with happiness to see me.  I am glad to be home knowing that I have shared some wonderful memories with people I truly admire and love.

Complete Happiness: My Rheumatoid Arthritis Has Come a Long Way!

Yesterday the weather warmed up after the snow arrived making it bearable to be outside for long periods of time. I couldn’t resist taking advantage of this warmer weather and the new snow. After walking Izzy and shoveling the driveway with Alexander (something I couldn’t do last winter), we loaded up the car with sleds and Izzy and headed to our “secret” sled hill.

Alexander and Sophia.  We took advantage of being homeschoolers and made it to the hill before anyone else. 

When we got to our sled hill, I attached Izzy to a long leash that I use when it is snowing so she can frolic in the snow ahead of me. I had planned to stay and sled with the kids, but Izzy had other plans for us. She was so excited to be somewhere new where she could play in the fresh snow. She took off in a run and I was swept up in her excitement and ran with her. I was laughing out loud as we ran thinking, “This is how Santa must feel when the reindeers take off with the sled.” It was exhilarating. We ran up hills and through trees. My legs were so tired, but I didn’t want to stop. I wanted to enjoy this time of complete happiness. I wanted to run with Izzy and feel her freedom and I did.

 I wish I could have captured the excitement radiating off of Izzy.  I love to watch her run and hop through the snow.  It is a joy like no other. 

As we were returning to the kids, my laughter turned to tears. All the sudden I was caught up in a realization of how far I have come since last year. Last winter walking through any amount of snow was exhausting and painful. Last year sledding was not an option as my knees were too swollen to sit down on the sled and getting up by myself was impossible. Yesterday I was running in at least five inches of snow with the only pain coming from pure exhaustion that one gets when running through piles of fresh snow. I suddenly realized that I was not sitting on the sidelines any more. I was living life the way I want to live it. I was having fun! I think Izzy realized this too and didn’t let me stop. She knew I had it in me and pushed me on a little further.

This sweet Border Collie that made me so happy yesterday started off our day by stealing my breakfast sausage out of a cast iron pan while it was cooking and knocking the pan to the floor.  This was the first time she has ever stolen food while it was cooking.  She was banned from the kitchen the rest of the morning.  

After the sledding was over and we were all pooped out, the four of us took the long way back to the car so we could enjoy the trees, the snow and the quiet of the park. I shared my feelings of accomplishment and happiness with Alexander and Sophia. Sophia said, “Last year lifting a cup of tea was hard some days. Now you can do everything.” It is true. There is little I can’t do these days. Coming from where I was to where I am brings me pure, complete happiness.  I have been given a wonderful gift of health and I plan to use it.

 The always gorgeous Sophia. 

My adorable Alexander.

The completely happy me.

Making Christmas Ornaments

All of my shopping is done except going out tomorrow to buy food for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  I am on a one month break from work.  Homeschool group doesn't meet for two weeks.  Today begins the first of my relaxing days.  I feel the spirit of Christmas filling me as I begin to appreciate these quiet moments. 

Every year since the kids were little I have given them a Christmas ornament that represents something they were interested in during that year.  This year life got crazy and I didn't have anything the day we put up our Christmas tree which traditionally is when I give them to the kids.  Over the weekend I shared with Steve my ideas for their ornaments this year and how I planned to make them.  He suggested I go out and look around for something or see if I could have something delivered in time rather than burden myself with making them. 

This project isn't a burden.  All week I have been looking forward to this morning when I would have several hours before the kids woke up to roll clay around in my hands.  I have looked forward to creating something special for them that I know they will treasure for many years. 

This morning I spent about two hours creating the ornaments.  For Sophia I made a guitar out of Sculpey clay.  This year she bought a Taylor guitar and has been taking lessons with Steve.  He is really impressed with her abilities.  He has taught guitar to many kids her age and said she is the first one that really just seemed to have a natural ability for it.  I guess she takes after her daddy.   For Alexander I created an Animal Farm ornament.  This year has been amazing for him.  He constantly has a book with him and loves to share the details of the books he reads. This year I have seen a change in how he thinks.  He has become more opinionated and questioning.  It is fun seeing his mind evolve as he seeks to find answers.  I love his enthusiasm.  In fact, I started rereading 1984 (I haven't read it since college) based on his morning descriptions of the book.  I think they are going to love their ornaments.  (Sorry, no pictures because they are sitting in the oven right now since Alexander woke up just as they finished up.)

The ornaments were a way to relax this morning.  To not be in a hurry.  To quiet my mind.  Also, they were a great way to work my fingers.  I have continued to do my hand exercises since completing physical therapy but have not yet been able to make a complete fist.  I am getting closer and my physical therapist recommended doing crafts like this to work the fingers, so hopefully it helps.   

As many of you finish up your shopping this week and begin Christmas preparations, I wish you good health, happy joints, and wonderful memories.  

Reusable Bags Great for Christmas Shopping

Although most grocery stores have become accustomed to customers bringing in their own bags, retail stores have not.  I do most of my shopping online as I find that to be more pleasurable than going out shopping, but a few things had to be purchased from the mall and elsewhere.  When I mentioned to the cashiers that I had brought my own bags, they were often surprised and had to be reminded again as they tried to put my purchases in a regular bag.  The great thing about using reusable bags at Christmas is that you can come home with all your bags and your family has no idea which stores you have been to.

The bag in the picture is one that folds up real small in my purse.  I use it only for "pretty" things such as new clothes.  After the surprise of me having my own bag, the clerks are always complementary of how beautiful the bag is.  Thanks Mom!

Regrets About My Degree? No Way!

Yesterday Sophia asked me, "Do you ever have regrets that you went to college for education?"  My immediate response was, "No."  She went on, "You never wish you had done something else or wondered about what another job would be like?"  Again my answer was "No."

When I set out for college at 18 years old I knew I wanted to be an elementary teacher.  I totally absorbed myself in my education classes and couldn't wait to have a classroom of my own.  For five years I taught fifth grade full time and then for two years I taught part time (Alexander was born and Steve and I had opposite schedules so one of us could be with him) in elementary and middle school teaching ESL.  I loved it.  Everyday was different.

I took a break from teaching when Sophia was born and we moved from Kansas to Illinois.  For the last nine years I have been teaching adult ESL part-time and I have to say it is by far my favorite age of students.  I love creating lessons, delivering lessons, and interacting with students who realize it is a privilege to be educated.  I love that with adults I can do what I love without having to deal with potty breaks, discipline, or a strict curriculum.  My job has always felt more like a hobby to me!  It feels like me. 

At the end of every quad we have a party to celebrate the hard work the students have accomplished.  As my morning class was planning the party on Tuesday, I volunteered to bring something.  One of my students said, "No teacher, this is a celebration of YOU."  Wow!  That really warmed my heart.  While I have been thinking we were celebrating them, they were thinking we were celebrating what I gave to them.  Oh my, the food was incredible.  We had the most delicious seasoned pork, Puerto rican rice, tamales, a shrimp salad, jellos, and lots of flan. (Yes, all diet restrictions are ignored for these parties.  I am not about to reject these gifts from my students.)

As each student left yesterday, I was received with hugs from each and every one of them along with a "Thank you Teacher."  From some I also received, "I love you Teacher."  I also received other gifts (gift card, candy, homemade flan, candle) and nice cards.  Many of them asked if there was any chance I could move up with them next semester.  I have done that on a few occasions, but over the years I have learned that each new set of students quickly becomes my favorites so I might as well start enjoying them. 

My answer to Sophia is a solid answer.  I love what I do!  When I teach my students, I leave each and every class feeling that as much as I gave, I received that much more.  Saying that, this semester has been exhausting. I took on an additional ten hours of teaching this quad and I am looking forward to a month long vacation.  My family has missed me and I feel the same way.  January 18 will be here soon enough and again I will be ready to meet all the wonderful loving people out there who work so hard to learn English while also maintaining jobs and families.   

  

Holiday Office Party

A week ago Saturday was Steve’s office party. It was fun. As he introduced me to his colleagues, I felt like each person was a character in a book because I hear so many stories about each of them. Seeing their faces is like going to a movie and being a little surprised that they don’t look as you imagined.

Whenever we eat anywhere except home I worry about consuming foods I have eliminated. I was in luck with this party. Everything was served “family style” so I skipped the pasta and breaded chicken and stuck with the salad, salmon and steak. Yummy.

We ended up not staying for the dance. We have been getting up around 5am to work out and we are both beat by 10pm. But we had fun dressing up, eating good food, drinking free wine, and socializing with Steve’s co-workers. 

When we got home from the party, Sophia asked how it went. Steve replied, “Cathy was the prettiest one there.” Seriously, this man makes me feel like the most beautiful woman alive. In our many years together, it has always been that way.

*Yes, that is me in heels!  I was totally surprised that I could wear them all evening.  I have never been a "heel wearing gal", even pre-RA, so this was a step outside my comfort zone.  Since feeling better, I am trying to move out of my comfort zone more often.  It is fun.

Halloween 2010

Alexander and Sophia have a tradition of carving a pumpkin with Steve.  This year they each decided to do their own instead of one.  I think they turned out pretty cute.

Here is Alexander.  He is "Splicer" from the videogame Bioshock.

My little devil.  

This year my kids hosted the Halloween party at our house.  Together they "trick or treated" and then came back to eat chili (I made a Paleo chili and a vegetarian chili.  I think I was successful at not mixing the meat chili spoon with the vegetarian), chicken ziti, chips, cookies and of course lots of candy.   Luckily for Steve and me, many of the parents stayed for the evening.  We REALLY enjoyed ourselves.  I am doing a pretty good job at eliminating sugar and gave the Norcal Margarita a try.  Delicious!!!

This was after "trick or treating".  This is one of my favorite parts of the evening when the kids organize their candy in their own unique ways and then the trading begins. 














RA Update:  We had some crazy high winds last week in Chicago.  Although my heart loved the winds as they reminded me of Kansas, my joints weren't very happy with them.  I had that intense flare in my right shoulder, my left wrist was swollen and in lots of pain and my fingers swelled up.  Oh, my knee and feet were included in all of this too.  For some odd reason I didn't panic, I didn't feel depressed, and I wasn't scared.  I have been feeling so good lately that I just knew this flare was a temporary situation and I needed to remain calm and like the winds, it would pass.  And it did. 

Easter Day

Easter for my family involved a treasure hunt for the kids, a big breakfast, and our annual Easter walk through a forest preserve. We were able to enjoy the sun and wind before the storm came through late afternoon.