I Am Grateful Because… (A RA Thanksgiving)

28 Thursday Nov 2013

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I may be new to the diagnosis and passed through the “numb” stage to the “realization” stage of how this disease will affect my life but I know I could have it a lot worse.

 

I am grateful I only have rheumatoid arthritis and it has not affected other parts of my body.

I am grateful because I have not had to take time off from work because of my condition.

I am grateful because, even during a flare, I can still live my life.

I am grateful because I could be on more than 12 pills every morning.

I am grateful because, even though I cannot keep up with one full-time job, I am fortunate to have two part-time ones.

I am grateful because I can afford to buy food for me and my pets.

I am grateful because I can still take care of my “pack”.

I am grateful because, even though I would never have imagined living at home after college, I have a strong support system when I am unable to complete everyday tasks.

I am grateful because I have friends who never make me feel like a burden.

I am grateful because I can still rock-climb.

I am grateful because I can still work.

I am grateful because I have my independence.

I am grateful I can afford my nail polish and make-up/skincare addiction.

I am grateful because I am still under my father’s insurance and do not need to worry financially about my condition.

 

I am grateful because my RA has not taken over my life.

 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

Nail Art: Peppermint Candies

28 Thursday Nov 2013

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My favorite part of the holidays is peppermint! I eat peppermint bark by the tin-ful and I regret nothing! 😀

 

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2 coats of Julie G White Orchid as my base.

I sponged Color Club Poptastic half-way and Sephora by OPI Cover Me in Petals closer to the cuticles.

I stamped Essie No Place Like Chrome and Bundle Monster plates BM 306, 322.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

NAIL Nov. Theme Three: Animals & Pets

27 Wednesday Nov 2013

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Playing catch up and finally posting the picture but here is my submission for the third November NAIL theme.

I really love how this came out! It zips me away to a warmer place!

 

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I was feeling a tropical theme so I used 2 coats of Essie Naughty Nautical as my base.

I stamped with Sephora by OPI I Come in Peas and Bundle Monster plates BM 310, 314, and 318.

I stamped the flying animals with Essie No Place Like Chrome and Bundle Monster plate BM 303, 313, and 315.

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

The Chronicles of the Infusion: November Orencia

27 Wednesday Nov 2013

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I decided to write about the infusion each month because apparently I do not have any clear idea of how I will react.

 

Last month, I was extremely weak. I slept for five hours straight and did not have the energy to take care of my pets the same evening.

This month, except for the sensitivity during the infusion, I felt okay. If I had work this evening, I could have managed!

I slept for about three hours. My arm was relatively weak, and in general, I felt a little tired but otherwise, functional.

 

Definitely a lot better than last month!

NAIL Nov. Theme Four: Feathers

27 Wednesday Nov 2013

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I played around with the waterfall technique and they looked like feathers so I decided to submit it for the Link-Up!

I especially like how the pinky came out!

 

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I used 2 coats of butter London Tea with the Queen for the base.

Waterfall Colors

  •  Color Club Wham! Pow!
  • Essie Tart Deco
  • Urban Outfitters Westside
  • Milani Dark Coffee
  • Zoya Cheryl

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

The Infusion, Part Three

27 Wednesday Nov 2013

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I should re-name this to the Chronicles of the Infusion or something of the sort.

 

I finally managed to sit for my infusion and was it horrendous! The tech very nicely increased the drip so it finished in 20 minutes vs. the usual 40.

This month we put the IV in my left elbow. We switch the IV between arms because of scarring. The scarring makes me more sensitive to the prick and makes it harder for the tech to find the vein. My left arm has more scarring than my right because of the added blood draws.

 

This month, I was feeling nervous and in turn, faint. My blood pressure was lower than usual and the needle prick was super painful. The tech could not touch my arm at all because of how sensitive I was. Within minutes my arm turned bright red and I formed a rash.

 

I think it was mostly psychological. I completely psyched myself out (which would explain the extremely low blood pressure) but it sucks that my left arm is so much more difficult than my right.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

Nail Art: Black Ice

26 Tuesday Nov 2013

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It is cold! And I am miserable….but finally: wintery mix alert!

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Bases used:

  • Julie G White Orchid
  • Wet n Wild Black Creme

Sponging:

  • Julie G White Orchid
  • Wet n Wild Black Creme
  • Essie No Place Like Chrome

Water decal from Born Pretty Store.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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