Catching up in the new year

Feeling happier!!

It has been a while since I've last posted.  I kind of checked out for a bit.  It was becoming frustrating getting approved for Actemra and I was getting a bit down about it.  The good news is that I was finally approved and have finally started my infusions.  I had my second infusion yesterday.  I haven't noticed any difference as far as my pain level, but I am keeping my hopes up!  The Actemra infusions are much easier to deal with than the Remicade infusions I had before.  They're a lot shorter and the place where I get them is well organized and I get in and out fairly quickly!  The infusion nurse is great too.

IV in and ready to go!

My birthday was last month and that was also the day of my first infusion.  I didn't have any reactions from the infusion or anything like that.  So, we decided to go downtown to celebrate my birthday at a place called Andalucia's.  They have Spanish tapas, Flamenco music and Flamenco dancing.  I'm not big on celebrating my birthdays, but it was a blast!  They somehow managed to get me up on stage (someone who shall not be named told them it was my birthday...).  I did my best impression of Flamenco dancing...  Not so great considering my RA!!  LOL!  But all in all, it was a great time!  I think the Sangria helped!

Birthday cake, Italian cream cake, yum!

"Solero Flamenco" and dancers

Flamenco dancing footwork!

 I'm still getting things organized after moving into my sister's place.  Integrating some of my home decor and fixing up her place too.  Things are looking good.  I still have the garage from my other place to go through.  I've gotten some of it cleaned out.  I'm taking it one day at a time...

I'm also trying to get money together for a trip to Arizona.  There is an Arthritis support group that has an annual gathering and it is in Tempe Arizona the weekend of April 8th through the 12th.  It is a fantastic group!  It's called Arthritis Introspective.  I went for the first time last year and made some wonderful and lifelong friends.  Believe me, this group is very welcoming, informative, understanding and lots of fun.  If any of you are looking for a great support group, I urge you to check out the link on my blog page here.  Come to the gathering and join our arthritis family!!

Me and Chelsea.  Sorry the pic is fuzzy...

A couple of weeks ago my daughter Chelsea came down from Austin for a visit.  Words can't express how wonderful that was for me!  She gets more beautiful every time I see her!  We had a well deserved and happy visit together.  I wish we could see each other more often.  She is in college, and with my RA it makes visiting a bit difficult.  I was so happy to see her and am so proud of the person she's become and the path she has chosen with her life!  I was finally able to give her the gifts I got her for Christmas and her early birthday gift.  I hope she liked everything.  I know she doesn't like opening gifts in front of people!  I'm the same way.  The visit wasn't long enough but it was still fantastic.  I love you with all my heart Chelsea!!

More journeys to come.  Next weekend will be busy.  My very good friend Joan is coming down from New York next weekend to visit.  We are going to visit a friend of her's goat farm.  Sounds like fun!!  I'm also going to a fundraiser on Saturday called "Queer Bingo" down in the Montrose area.  It's being held at one of my favorite Greek restaurants.  That should be entertaining!  Later that night is an art show that I'd like to attend if I still have any energy left...  Also the Superbowl is on Sunday.  Being born in Pittsburgh, I'll always be a Steelers fan!

And finally I owe the biggest gratitude to my sister Sherry and her boyfriend Paul for taking in my wayward ass.  If it weren't for them, I would be homeless and living in my truck with my dogs and cats...  Many, many thanks to you both!  Hopefully I won't get on your nerves too much and end up having you kick me out!!  LOL!


So check back soon everyone,  I'll do my best to keep up with my blog on a regular basis!  Love to all of you!!