Pop Culture Wednesday

Television has been more of my muse (and way to pass time in pain) this week, as opposed to film.  Either way, it is still meeting my need to have deep emotional relationships with fake characters, as opposed to those in the real world.  Woo!  I win at everything!

True Blood Season 3:

I've only watched three episodes of this new season, so I can't judge the season fairly, but come on!  I thought the first round was quite sharp and entertaining, but the writing went seriously awry in the second season.  So far, it's been a non-stop sex fest, but when was it ever not?  True Blood hasn't been doing it for me this season, but I keep watching it for Eric - because he's so pretty!

The IT Crowd:

Season 4 of this show just started, and the first episode was a laugh a second!!  This is easily one of my favorite shows of all time.  I think I will always have a crush on Roy.  The role-playing businessmen scene was one of my favorite in the series!

Leap Year:

This movie is a mash-up of all romantic comedies, and anyone who sees the poster will know that instantly.  Even so, I'm going to push aside my judgmental nature for these things, and review it on how it made me feel.  I was sick, curled up on the couch, and this made my heart grow four sizes.  It helps that Matthew Goode is a dreamy piece of man candy.


Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog: 

My favorite thing ever.  If you haven't seen this, put it as the number one thing on your to-do list.  If Neil Patrick Harris wasn't a gay man, I would stalk the hell out of him.  So much love :).

Apparently this post is all about my fictional loves - time to go see the boyfriend stat!

xoxo,
Annie

Review of Beat Sugar Addiction Now!

I am not unfamiliar with Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.  He is the author of one of the most important health books on my shelf - From Fatigued To Fantastic.

This book was recommended to me following the initial suspicion that I was suffering from Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain Syndrome.  It helped explain these illnesses to me, and reassured me that I wasn't crazy (which is what most doctors I had seen regarding these symptoms had claimed).  Many treatments were proposed throughout the course of the book; D-Ribose being the most prominent.  I started taking D-Ribose more than a year ago, and I can say that it has been a very useful addition to my pill and vitamin arsenal for lessening my symptoms.

On to the point, I am here to review Dr. Teitelbaum's new book, Beat Sugar Addiction Now!  I consider this a great time for such a publication, as so many individuals in the Western world are eating mostly sugar and white flour in their processed foods (claiming it not to be an addiction, when the opposite is true).

He breaks the book down into four types of sugar addiction:

• Type 1 - "Sugar as an Energy Loan Shark.  Chronically exhausted and hooked on quick hits of caffeine and sugar."
• Type 2 - "Feed Me Now or I'll Kill You. When life's stress has exhausted your 'stress-handling' adrenal glands."
• Type 3 - "The Happy Ho-Ho Hunter.  Sugar cravings caused by yeast/candida overgrowth."
• Type 4 - "Depressed and Craving Carbs.  Sugar cravings caused by your periods, menopause, or andropause."

Dr. Teitelbaum explains how excess sugar in a diet can cause chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, pain, autoimmune disease, hormone issues, and decreased immune function (a fact I naturally found VERY interesting!).

There are neat quizzes at the beginning of the book so that you can figure out what kind(s) of sugar habit(s) you have, and then there is a special plan just for that circumstance.  When I do the quizzes, I definitely have qualities of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 4 sugar cravings.

He then recommends that you cut out ALL sugar, unless you have severe withdrawal symptoms in which case you should have a nibble of dark chocolate or fruit.  The best replacement sugar = stevia; worst replacement sugar = aspartame.  You are allowed one cup of coffee a day on this diet, and then should switch over to tea.

Other great advice:

• Add vitamin powder
• Drink more water
• Get enough sleep
• Exercise

It proposes a variety of ways to stick to these lifestyle changes as well, which is something I find most health books lacking!

It tells me everything I should and shouldn't eat in order to get my adrenal glands, regulating hormones, and immune system functioning better (very necessary it my topsy-turvy body).

It is the EXACT book I need to start my spreadsheet on foods that are low glycemic index, anti-inflammatory, and gluten-free.  

I recommend to everyone, as I feel there is far too much pollution in our current food.  A must-have book for anyone looking to increase their health! :)

                         

xoxo,
Annie

Things That Bug Me Mondays

• I feel like 18 kinds of miserable.  Must not let sleep schedule get messed up.
• I had some of the knots worked on in my back and neck - after this, of course my entire upper body froze in a painful mess.
• Mosquito bites.  My friends and I took a short walk to the beach and were swarmed!!  Now I'm so itchy even though I used Afterbite!
• I'm attempting to get a part-time retail job as my Government job totally fell through.  I should know better.  I'm either going to have to find work on the Internet, or wipe my resume and see if anyone will take pity on me for never having worked consistently...
• My lack of productivity in the last few days for sure - my head is just soooooo fuzzy.  I'm going to force myself to do something creative tomorrow.
• I need to learn to eat more often in smaller serving sizes rather than twice a day and stuffing myself.
• I ran out of How I Met Your Mother episodes :(.  Now I need to find another tv show.
• How much work it is going to take to make a spreadsheet of the foods I should be eating and the meds and vitamins that I should be taking...

(Images from WeHeartIt)

So do tell everyone!  What has been getting you down this past week?? 

Much love,

Annie

How I'm Feeling: Quote

Truth.

xoxo,

Annie

Book Review: Middlesex

It probably seems like I haven't picked up a book in forever on this blog.  Lately, I have been having a case of the memory that forgets everything before you even start.

However, I did manage to get through the Pulitzer Prize winning Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.

This was a book about Cal, formerly Calliope, and the explanation of how the child became a hermaphrodite through his family history, reaching back several generations of family incest.  

One can understand the choices that the elders make in marrying family initially, and that is what makes the story all the more tragic.  These people had fear for their actions, and this anxiety proved true. 

The only problem was, Calliope had been raised to the point of teenage girl, before ever finding out that she had a predominantly male genetic structure.  When her family attempts to have her "fixed," she runs off and assumes her new identity as Cal.  

It is an epic story and an excellent read.  If I could ask for more it would be to further learn about the identity crisis that Cal had, although it does explain the loneliness that he feels throughout the course of his life.

I think that just about anyone with invisible illness can relate to those with combination genitals.  Just because we aren't of the norm, does not mean that we are not real people with real feelings.  If anything, the book made me feel even more accepting of the unknown.  

I highly recommend.

4.5/5.

xoxo,

Annie

Love Me Fridays

• A new stack of unopened magazines for the weekend!!!
• Peppermint tea :)
• Being able to channel a semblance of inner calm in situations where I used to lose my marbles.
• The book Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin.
• That summer has now arrived!
• Anything I can find to make me laugh.  I need more laughter in my life :).
• Essay contests!
• Sleep! (Even though it is making me into a neurotic mess - go breathing exercises! haha)
• http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-is-why-ill-never-be-adult.html
• Getting mail that said "Press Materials".  I nearly hopped on the bed I was so excited.  And rarely do I have energy to hop on beds...
• The Onion coffee table book.  It is amazing to pass random time :).

• Painting nails and putting on lipstick.  Always makes me feel glam :)

(Images from We Heart It)

Okay everyone, now it is time for you to tell me what is filling your heart with joy this week!  We can all be thankful for the little things! :)

xoxo,
Annie

Fighting For A Living...

I sometimes wonder if I will ever feel confident in regards to my healthcare.

I saw my psychiatrist today, and it felt like he was aggravated with how little progress I am making.  In my opinion, I've made nothing but progress.  Those who know me well have seen me grow into a wiser and more well-controlled young woman.

My doctor claimed that I haven't been doing his breathing exercises (which I have - but like everyone else, I have a life to focus on too...).  In addition, he stated I need to keep better track of my symptoms so he can weed out the psychological ones.

Argh.

I know it isn't blatantly being called crazy.

I know he means well and that the brain can be incredibly powerful.

I know he wants to help.

I know the only way to get my medications is by co-operating.

I'm giving myself a pat on the back for how far I've come along.  The medical system should celebrate any success in humane treatment of suffering creatures, not simply strive for the existence of only one right answer (in my personal opinion...).

(Image from WeHeartIt)

xoxo,

Annie

Under Our Skin

I just watched Under Our Skin.

This was one of the most powerful things I have had the opportunity to witness in a LONG time.  Chronic Lyme Disease is often contemplated alongside illnesses like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.  As someone who has overlapping symptoms, I'm naturally going to be curious about a film that investigates the disease further.

I love the tagline: "There's no medicine for someone like you."  All of these people have gone through years worth of torture - seeing doctors and being referred to psychiatrists.  Doctors seem to think that no one gets that sick and has their blood tests come back reasonably normal!

All of the investigations of the doctors successfully treating the disease, only to be sued by the medical boards and lose their practices, literally BLEW MY MIND.  So much conspiracy is involved with the financial ties and medical documentation regarding Chronic Lyme Disease.

No matter what, if you have had an illness where you have been treated this way by a doctor - YOU SHOULD SEE THIS FILM!  We have to fight for our rights as patients.

And that is all.

xoxo,
Annie

Pop Culture Wednesday

I'm always amazed that I watch so many movies, but this week was no exception!

Toy Story 3:

I was so excited to go see this movie!!  The night it opened, I lined up at the theater.  This movie made me laugh hysterically, and I bawled my eyes out through the last half hour.  There are some potent emotions that are put to amazing use in this film.  No flaws.  Grade A+ movie.  Everyone watch this as soon as you can! So much love for this trilogy!!

She's Out of My League:

I went in with low expectations for this one, and ended up laughing hysterically along with my other friends.  When you are watching this film, you feel like you've seen it before.  It is like a mash-up of every other awkward romantic comedy ever made.  Even if it isn't anything new, it is still highly entertaining.  Worth the time :).

Invictus:

Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela - that alone should be reason enough to take the time to watch this film.   This is the story of Mandela bringing together the whites and blacks following the end of apartheid by creating hype around the national rugby team.  This is a sports story, but it really is just part of the tale of a GREAT MAN.  Wonderful.

Drop Dead Gorgeous:

Hilarious.  Messed up.  Satire central.
It's not normal, but it's a lot of entertainment on a rainy day.  Plus, it is the best of the 90s teen actresses! :)

Okay, recommendations time!  I loved the Tom Petty album that was recommended by Sonja last week so music counts too!!

xoxo,
Annie

Who Am I Right Now?

Okay, I'm going to try something a little different for my post today.  A little game for me (and possibly for you...); something to see how I actually think of myself.

25 Adjectives I Would Use To Describe Myself At This Current Moment:

• Tired
• Determined
• Fuzzy (in the brain, not on my body...just FYI haha)
• A Survivor
• Frustrated

• A Blogger 
• A Homebody
• Artistic(ish)
• Equal parts country and city girl
• Fragile (the boyfriend likes to joke that I'm made of glass!)

• Needy(ish) [I hate saying that, but it's true]
• Easily overwhelmed
• Stubborn
• Frugal, with expensive taste (sadly)
• Reasonably intelligent

• Easily inspired
• Socially awkward
• Fiercely loyal
• A supporter of invisible illness awareness
• Clumsy

• Lustful
• Information addict
• Over-sensitive
• Honest (to a fault)
• Neurotic

What words would you use to describe yourselves?  To describe me even?

xoxo,
Annie

Things That Bug Me Mondays

• I LOST ALL OF MY COMMENTS!! Seriously, I teared up over it.  I transferred it so that it would go to my new domain name and nothing.  My boyfriend moved it back and says he can fix it on the new site, so I believe him.  Also, I should learn to be less emotional.
• Speaking of emotional, I BAWLED through the last half hour of Toy Story 3.
• I feel like I grocery shop ALL of the time, and yet there is never anything to eat in the house.  I don't even know how that works.
• Rain.  However, it is currently in the midst of a torrential downpour, and those I like haha.
• The fact that Sticky Tack does not come off nearly as easily as you would think it should.
• TMJ pain.  My God, it aches.  I need muscle relaxants for my face.
• I bought a curved stick that is supposed to help break up the trigger points in my body, but I've got to say...human touch is vastly superior.
• I need to leave the house and get my hair cut ASAP.  I look like a shaggy animal.

(Images from WeHeartIt)

Tell me of your troubles this week!  Get them off of your chest!
xoxo,
Annie

One Lovely Blog Award

ONE LOVELY BLOG AWARD

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL RAY OF SUNSHINE ON SUCH A CLOUDY DAY!

Jolene, from over at Graceful Agony, and Rosemary, from Seeking Equilibrium, passed me along this lovely blog award!  It is always nice to have a little sunshine sent my way, especially from two such great bloggers, as they make me feel remotely important here in Internet-land :).  Their lists included some great health bloggers (ones that I read every single day!).  As a result, I'm going to try to dig deep and find some people that haven't already been given the honor...

As acceptance of this award, the following criteria should be met:

• 
  Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
  
• 
  Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
• 
  Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
  
  
  Fifteen is a hard number to make sure I don't miss anyone!! Chances are even if you aren't on here, I'm still in love with your blog!  I spend a lot of time on the Internet haha...

1.  My darling friend SR at Grad Student With Lupus.  I never fail to be amazed at her positive spirit and ability to be so successful in school :).  Plus, she writes a fantastic blog and twitter!

2. Sonja from Mud and Lotus! This girl has struggled with SO MUCH PAIN from a wicked case of endometriosis.  I love all these women keeping their heads up in the face of such struggles.

3.  Mo from Mo Is Blogging...I Think!  Maureen has been an absolute source of warmth and wonderfulness in the chronic illness blogging community.  She has given me support on this blog right from the early days.

4.  Elisabeth from Redefining Good.  She always has something funny to say (or links to send!) and writes a wonderful blog :).  She's another early chronic illness Internet friend!!

5.  Jenny Ryan from Cranky Fibro Girl.  This is a new discovery for me, but she is amazing!! Much love :).

6.  Miss Kayla Morris, of ...Mind, Body, and Soul... is a wonderful friend on the Internet of mine.  She is a chronic pain sufferer, and I love her attempts to maintain a positive and optimistic outlook!

7.  Alison of Blog Wormwood.  She doesn't post as often as some of us computer addicts, but when she does - watch out.  This girl writes posts that knock my socks right off.  So informative, so poignant, so awesome!

8.  Laurel, at Dreams at Stake.  Again, she doesn't post as much due to a SEVERE case of ME/CFS, but her posts are some of the strongest in the community.  Laurel is fighting for all of our rights, and I find her endlessly inspiring.

9.  Katie, at Overflowing Brain.  She is so honest, and I love that about her.  I wish more people could be brave enough to put their real self out there for everyone to see.  Fantastic blog.

10.  Selviester (Twitter name!) at Vie Couture.  Not typical blog on this list no, but it is still a girl who has been diagnosed with lupus who has gone on to have a fabulous fashion blog! What's not to love?

11.  Sarah at This Lunatic Express - I love how candid she is with her journey with mental health.  I think it is becoming apparent that I just love people who throw themselves out there to the wolves of the Internet!!

12.  Wendy at Transform Your Chronic Life is such a wealth of information, and delivers it with a take-no-prisoners attitude.  She's a really great voice for chronic illness on the Internet.

13.  Dominique at 4 Walls and a View has a spirit like no other!!  Her posts are inspiring and I love how she has embraced raising awareness.  She has also just had a spiffy blog makeover!!

14.  Judith at Creativity to the MAX manages to mix her suffering with the creation of art and I love the results.  I am a firm believer that art therapy is one of the best tools to use for a successful existence with chronic pain.  

15. Phoenix Peacock at The Tip of My Nose! She's been a wonderful commenter and runs a chronic illness blog and a fashion blog.  Yay!

There are a MILLION more blogs out there that have touched me in some way or another, but these were the 15 that popped into my head :).

I may be a little late notifying everyone (as I am in the country), but just know I love the blogs!

xoxo,
Annie

Cartoon Love

This Saturday, I'm wrapping up the week with some cartoons that are kicking around my hard drive!

Hahaha...this is perfect in every way.

I sometimes love being held when I have problems (assuming my skin doesn't hurt and I'm not acting like a wounded animal!)...I think I need to also set this booth up outside of my apartment.  I wonder if anyone would hug me haha.

This just confuses me.  But it reaffirms - there is nothing much to get.

My boyfriend is an EXPERT at all methods of arguing. I always lose.  Always.  As a result, I resort to the name-calling of asshat.

Isn't this the truth?!

(Images from WeHeartIt)

Hope you like them and that you all have wonderful, pain-free weekends! <3

xoxo,

Annie

Love Me Fridays

• The lilacs and buttercups that were brought to me courtesy of my boyfriend's lovely mother.
• My new keyboard and mouse combo, courtesy of the wonderful boyfriend.
• Getting an actual diagnosis, even though it involved illnesses that are rarely magically cured.
• The Fashion Faceoff part of People Style Watch...I like voting for the winner (even though no one cares but me :P)

Wow, I am having wayyyyyyyyy more luck coming up with things worth complaining about in this brainstorming session.

• The endless amount of amusement and information all over the Internet.  Keeps me from being a total lump on a log.
• Feeling like a student when I sit at this desk again.  I miss that feeling, although don't miss the pressure.
• Sprite Zero...my new substitute for Diet Coke.
• Zinio, which lets me preview my magazines before I buy them!

Mmmm slushies

Baby Stitch!

Cute kicks!!

(Images from WeHeartIt)

You can tell I'm grasping at straws this week!  I have just been in a crummy head space in the last few days.  I need a life overhaul.  I should hire one of those people.

Tell me what is making your life cheery this week!!

xoxo,

Annie

What Are Your Thoughts on Sleep??

To morning or not to morning?  That is the question that is often debated by the ME/CFS crowd.

For a long time, I subscribed to the theory that you should work incredibly hard to maintain a specific sleep routine.  This means going to bed at the same time and getting up the same time EVERY SINGLE MORNING AND NIGHT.  It is virtually impossible for anyone to follow this lifestyle and have a social life.  The worst thing I have found about this method is how hard it is to go to sleep at night, especially without a pile of drugs to knock me out.

I swear sometimes it is like my energy system is wired backwards.  Sadly, that ends up with me being violently sick from lack of sleep.

After that time period, I got into the habit of sleeping whenever my body told me to sleep.  This works pretty well too, other than the fact that I am asleep for short periods of time all over the place, and that no real restorative action is happening in my body.

So here is my question to the Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS crowd - which lifestyle do you choose for sleep??  I get the feeling that I'm not the only person who is wondering which routine is more useful.

(Images from WeHeartIt)

Strict routine or sleep at whim?  Do tell!!!

xoxo,

Annie

Pop Culture Wednesday

As per usual, my obsession with film, television, and social media continues.  My weekly wrap-up of films starts now!

How To Train Your Dragon:

I had heard such GREAT things about this movie prior to watching it.  My expectations were obviously set too high.  Maybe you had to see it in 3D.  I don't know.  It felt like every other children's movie I have ever watched, and not even the great early 90s Disney quality.  I could anticipate every action and line throughout the entire thing.  Cute but boring.

I Love You Phillip Morris:

I had NO idea what I was getting into when I sat down to watch this movie.  All I knew was that it was Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor as a delightful gay couple.  Well, it was fantastic.  Since much of the film takes place in jail, it can be quite graphic (so prior warning!).  The fact that it is based on a true story makes it even better.  I wish I even had the capacity to be as audacious as Jim Carrey's character!!

Best In Show:

Again, a movie where I expected more entertainment than I actually received.  The jokes were funny, in the dry British humor way (usually my favorite form!).  I know that there are people who take their dogs this seriously.  I just could not suspend my belief long enough for these highly unlikeable, neurotic individuals and their competition panic to bother to laugh.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo:

I have ONLY good things to say about this film.  It was sharp, gritty, stylish, sexy, and completely captivating.  I know they are Americanizing it, but I swear - you can't get better than this.  I know some people aren't a big fan of subtitles, but you get so wrapped into this film that you can't tear your eyes away.  Seriously, one of the best films I have watched in the last couple of years!!

Tell me everyone - what should I be watching and listening to these days??!

xoxo,
Annie

Confirmation

Today was an important day in my health care history.

I met with one of the two doctors on this Island who appear to be at all interested in the illnesses of the less-common public.  I knew that whatever answer came out of this visit would be the most definitive answer I was ever likely to receive.

It was a four hour appointment at the Pain Clinic, including them reviewing my extensive chart, taking an elaborate family and personal history, doing physical and cognitive exams, and the like...(it was a LONG day, I'm a little fuzzy on all the details!!).

His answer was that I fall into the spectrum of sensitization disorders - in this case, pronounced Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue syndrome, and Myofascial pain syndrome (among a million other symptoms that show up as a result of everything else I have).

Another MRI is going to be ordered for my spinal cord (to look for signs of MS), and I've been advised to follow an anti-inflammatory diet.  I have exercises to implement and a ton of material that I'm supposed to read (although I'm fairly well-read on the subject as this diagnosis has been tossed around for awhile now).

Blood tests are being ordered for Hepatitis, Lyme Disease, and so many hormones and antibodies - just to make sure nothing terribly important has been missed.

I knew this would be the result, and now I guess I can continue trying to fully come to terms with the hand I have been dealt.  It would be easier if I was coming up with the money to help pay for some of the terribly expensive treatment options which are still not easily allowing a job!

Going to keep my head high though, as there can always be good stretches of existence :) !!!

xoxo,
Annie

Things That Bug Me Mondays

• I have a big and scary doctor's appointment at the pain clinic.  It lasts 3-4 hours and I am terrified that he's going to be more on the cruel side than the nice and supportive side.
• The feelings of up and down, up and down, up and down.  Diagnoses changing as fast as they are given out.  
• My weekend of everything following the beginning of the bf's birthday party.  Was it worth it to go?  Well he's awesome, so yes.  But my god, did I pay the price.
• The fact that I seem unable to stop ripping my fingernails and toenails off.  Talk about killing a good polish job!
• As soon as my brain stops fogging up, I desperately need to get my act together to do something to bring in some money.  Whether it is to pick up a part time (shitty retail) job and fight it out, find something to use my education with on the Internet, or start the battle for disability - something needs to get done.
• The fact that I still haven't purchased a domain name for this website yet.  I'm going to this week I think.

(These hands are scary as hell!!)

(Images from WeHeartIt)

Okay, I'm going to not complain and be excited that a new week is starting!  What is getting under your skin this week??  I hope you are all wonderful! <3

xoxo,

Annie

 

Mistakes. They suck.

I hurt.

Badly.

I think I may have forgotten a Celexa dose, as I have appeared to have developed 'electric brain shocks' again.  Everything is thrown off.  There is no part of my body that is not screaming in pain right now.

Ow.

Question commonly asked by my boyfriend:

(Image from WeHeartIt)

How are all of my favorite people this weekend??

xoxo,
Annie

Pushing My Limits...For Fun, No Less

Ugh.

Why must I always push my limits?

I even know for the most part where my limits are.  I've been at this for awhile, and I thought I was getting pretty good at it.

I thought wrong (haha, as per usual).

Scene: My boyfriend's birthday party.

Situation: Felt an onset of crippling fatigue after a week of reasonably decent health.

Solution: Decided to try and drink my problems away, assuming the one of few occasions a year when I consume alcohol would break me out of my rut.

Ending: Not pretty.

Now I will proceed to lay entirely still for most of the weekend as the muscle weakness in my legs is super high.

I am so S-M-R-T.

xoxo,
Annie

How I'm Feeling: Quote

"I thought I knew certain things and it turned out that I didn't, so I don't really try and anticipate so much anymore. I'm not making any bets on the future".

— Michelle Williams

xoxo,

Annie

Love Me Fridays

• Giving away paintings!  My work is obviously mediocre at best, but it still makes me happy that other people get excited about having them!
• My boyfriend claims that this comic is me in cat form: http://www.harkavagrant.com/index.php?id=173 (I'm not sure how this is a love me, but I'm putting it up anyways!)
• Doctor appointment countdown...dun dun dun...lots of important ones are coming up.
• I haven't had any migraines this week.  I have gotten optimistic many times only to be shot down, but it feels odd.  Maybe I'm doing something right for a change.  Or it's the fact that my sleeping pills are actually putting me to sleep this time.
• (Definitely not the Twitter Fail Whale...no love)
• Surprise naps! [Even though I'm trying to keep a very strict sleep schedule so I shouldn't like them as much as I do...]
• The sunshine making a comeback!!
• I dyed my hair and now it has a more even consistency in color! [I'm just saying that to cover the fact that it looks virtually the same as it did before.]
• My online friend Ashley's open letter to those without chronic illness! http://arthritisfoundationwpa.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/ashleys-journey-to-wellness-entry-17-lets-get-real-an-open-letter-from-someone-with-chronic-illness-to-friends-family-and-strangers-ashley-boynes-community-development-director-arthr/

Keep searching for answers to my problems! Plus, I just like The X-Files.

This song won't get out of my head!!! Ack.

I'm totally going to make a similar sign for my apartment!

(Images from WeHeartIt)

I wish often that I could have this kind of attitude, instead of dwelling on everything.  So far, hasn't worked.

What is making your life snazzy this week???

xoxo,

Annie

Potential Upcoming Reviews!

Is it wrong how excited I get when people contact me with things they want me to review for fibro/CFS symptoms??

A) I'm always down for things that could possibly help my situation, especially when I don't have to give my left kidney as a result of the cost.
B) I am learning that my blog is slowly, but surely, accomplishing what I want to accomplish: to be a voice for the invisible illness community in the hopes of reducing stigma.
C) I get more excited about finding packages in the mail than I do about nearly anything else in life.

Being as I haven't received a phone call, I'm guessing I'm not getting the communications internship position.  This has its pros and cons: pros being I don't have to get thrown into a fast-paced, overstimulating environment; cons being I continue to make zero dollars an hour.

(ImagesfromWeHeartIt)

I can't wait for the day when I can afford to do giveaways!

Oh, someday I'll take the blogging world by storm! If only...

xoxo,

Annie