#408 – Year-Round Gift Shopping

Image courtesy of Kym McLeod.

Years ago, I learned that last-minute gift shopping and rheumatoid arthritis do not go well together. The crowds, the lack of selection, the heat of the stores, the weather – all those things serve to drain my energy.

I have a solution, though. I shop for the people on my gift list throughout the year. Whenever I see something I think someone would like, all the better when it is on sale , I buy it, bring it home, and it goes into the Rubbermaid Gift Box

Around the beginning of December, I pull out the box and do an inventory to see what I have. Often, most of my shopping is complete. I love that! It’s the stress-free way to shop.

So, even if you’re not fond of my most recent giveaway for a leather wristlet from Danier, perhaps there’s someone on your gift list who might appreciate it. It’s never too early to start your shopping!

Please check out my

You might wish to check out Gift Ideas for Loved Ones Who Have Arthritis.

Children, Self-Care and Vacuuming

I’m delighted to introduce you to Harmony Wilderson, who has blog entitled Laughing Through the Pain of RA. She graciously and good-naturedly accepted my request to do a guest post. This practical post is all about setting priorities.

RA symptoms can sap your strength and leech the fun right out of you. But if you’re the parent of young children, you need to maintain the highest level of wellness possible. Nap time for the kids is a great chance to catch up on a little TLC.

Years ago, my children’s nap time meant two hours of frantic cleaning. My house looked great, but by evening, I didn’t care. The pain and stiffness in my joints overwhelmed my feelings of accomplishment.

Now I keep my Dr. Scholl’s Paraffin Spa out-of-reach but handy. While the grandchild sleeps, I coat my hands with several thick layers of hot wax, wrap them in a soft towel, and let the heat restore me. Better than vacuuming, any day.

Image courtesy of Armin Hanisch.

More than Just “Thinking Of You”

People often don’t know how to help or what to do or say when someone is going for surgery.

Ask your friends, family and colleagues to think about you, pray for you or send you positive vibes or energy (whatever their belief is), at your scheduled surgical time.

It can’t hurt and it may just very well help.

Double-Duty Luggage

Laptop. LCD projector. Books. Props. Prizes. These are just a few of the things that I bring with me whenever I present at a conference or do a workshop.

I have tried many types of “wheels” to help me get whatever I’m transporting into the room. I am conscious about protecting my joints from the strain of all that heavy lifting and about conserving my energy for what I’m being paid to do.

Even if I’m not going anywhere, at least my luggage is! Everything I need to bring with me, fits in quite well. On the rare occasion that the room I am trying to reach is only accessible via the stairs, I am able to wheel my worldly belongings up behind me.

A big thanks to Kathrin for the artistic layout and for providing the instructions on how to do this.