I'm busy preparing for Refreshing Hope which begins next Monday. It's a motivational, inspirational class for women living with chronic illness. I can't wait to get started and next Monday will be our first meeting.
That's where YOU come in! If you live with a chronic illness, please consider leaving a comment for me in answer to the following question:
What is the ONE thing you do for yourself that makes living with chronic illness just a bit easier?
Now I'm not saying anything makes living with illness EASY, but what is it you do for yourself that takes the edge off just a bit? I have never been much for pampering myself, but after living with CIDP for many years, having a pedicure is something I do for myself that makes life easier for me. It's a treat and it's a healthy thing for me.
Now it's your turn!
What is the ONE thing you do for yourself that makes living with chronic illness easier?
With HOPE,
Kristen
Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, November 28, 2008
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!
I'm one of the crazy shoppers who gets up the day after Thanksgiving, before the crack of dawn and heads out for the deal of a lifetime! This year was no exception.
I got up at 3:15 a.m. and after a quick shower and ten minutes of being sick to my stomach...I headed to Kohl's to stand in line with all the other deal seekers! (I'm being honest about the nausea because this is a CIDP blog and I'm trying desperately to tell it like it REALLY is. I'm not trying to gross you out!)
I stood in line at Kohl's with four or five hilarious ladies who were total strangers, but we were buddies after experiencing the long wait together. It occurred to me after twenty minutes or so, I was standing outside Keva Juice and it should have been open! A delicious smoothie is exactly what deal-seeking women need, isn't it? Hmm...maybe they'll be open next year.
After 45 minutes of waiting, the doors opened and we formed a human shield to keep out those who tried to cut in line. I kid you not! It was like something out of a movie. My new friends hollered to me to find them in the checkout line and they would save me a place in line. I found exactly what I was looking for and was out of there in 15 minutes. (BTW, I bought a KitchenAid set of knives, regularly priced 149.99. My price....insert drum roll....29.99. Oh yeah baby!) I would say this caused a perk in my step, but by now I was dragging my left foot off and on but determined to keep going!
Next stop...JCP...not very exciting. Bought DiMarco one gift, left without anything exciting and caught my breath.
Next stop...Target! I sucked down a bottled water and took my place in line where I stood for over an hour. I listened to four teenage girls behind me and learned some new cuss words and new ways to use some old ones. After the initial shock wore off, we chatted for awhile and they were actually very sweet girls. Despite their harsh exterior they seemed so young.
Target was marvelous when it came to customer service today. Lines were easy to maneuver outside and employees even came out and walked down the line asking shoppers if they had any questions or needed to know where to find an item. Very cool to this weary shopper! On Black Friday, you never know where things will be located in a store. One woman asked where to find a vacuum and the employee told her the boys department. Who would've known? Kudos to Target for customer service this morning and I actually found everything I went for i-n s-t-o-c-k! Can I get a woohoo?
A group of late arriving shoppers tried to rush the door at the last minute and there was an absolute revolt by those who had waited in line. It was hilarious! It was interesting to watch people come together in such a funny situation. Black Friday is the perfect day to study people.
I drug my weary bones back home by 7:00 and crawled back into my comfy bed and slept like a rock, only to get up and do it all over again with my mom several hours later. I can hardly move now. Literally. My legs feel like they weigh 200 pounds each and my hands are ridiculously numb. Such is the life when shopping with CIDP, but boy oh boy was it fun!
With hope,
Kristen
I got up at 3:15 a.m. and after a quick shower and ten minutes of being sick to my stomach...I headed to Kohl's to stand in line with all the other deal seekers! (I'm being honest about the nausea because this is a CIDP blog and I'm trying desperately to tell it like it REALLY is. I'm not trying to gross you out!)
I stood in line at Kohl's with four or five hilarious ladies who were total strangers, but we were buddies after experiencing the long wait together. It occurred to me after twenty minutes or so, I was standing outside Keva Juice and it should have been open! A delicious smoothie is exactly what deal-seeking women need, isn't it? Hmm...maybe they'll be open next year.
After 45 minutes of waiting, the doors opened and we formed a human shield to keep out those who tried to cut in line. I kid you not! It was like something out of a movie. My new friends hollered to me to find them in the checkout line and they would save me a place in line. I found exactly what I was looking for and was out of there in 15 minutes. (BTW, I bought a KitchenAid set of knives, regularly priced 149.99. My price....insert drum roll....29.99. Oh yeah baby!) I would say this caused a perk in my step, but by now I was dragging my left foot off and on but determined to keep going!
Next stop...JCP...not very exciting. Bought DiMarco one gift, left without anything exciting and caught my breath.
Next stop...Target! I sucked down a bottled water and took my place in line where I stood for over an hour. I listened to four teenage girls behind me and learned some new cuss words and new ways to use some old ones. After the initial shock wore off, we chatted for awhile and they were actually very sweet girls. Despite their harsh exterior they seemed so young.
Target was marvelous when it came to customer service today. Lines were easy to maneuver outside and employees even came out and walked down the line asking shoppers if they had any questions or needed to know where to find an item. Very cool to this weary shopper! On Black Friday, you never know where things will be located in a store. One woman asked where to find a vacuum and the employee told her the boys department. Who would've known? Kudos to Target for customer service this morning and I actually found everything I went for i-n s-t-o-c-k! Can I get a woohoo?
A group of late arriving shoppers tried to rush the door at the last minute and there was an absolute revolt by those who had waited in line. It was hilarious! It was interesting to watch people come together in such a funny situation. Black Friday is the perfect day to study people.
I drug my weary bones back home by 7:00 and crawled back into my comfy bed and slept like a rock, only to get up and do it all over again with my mom several hours later. I can hardly move now. Literally. My legs feel like they weigh 200 pounds each and my hands are ridiculously numb. Such is the life when shopping with CIDP, but boy oh boy was it fun!
With hope,
Kristen
Monday, November 17, 2008
My New Bling!
Melie, Would you email me? kristen (at) kristenreyna (dot) com. Thanks!
Thanks to those who left comments about my wedding ring. Your thoughts were so encouraging and I wanted to share my new bling with you!
Thanks to those who left comments about my wedding ring. Your thoughts were so encouraging and I wanted to share my new bling with you!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tears and Pride
Regardless of your political views, last night was a pivotal moment in history. As my oldest daughter and I were watching the election coverage, I felt as though I was witnessing a piece of American history in the making. It was almost surreal. I have to admit, I was moved to tears.
Why? For starters, I love this country. No, I'm not always in agreement with governmental decisions and I'm often indifferent to political issues. But I'm honored to live here in the United States and privileged to live in freedom. Privileged.
I don't care who you voted for. Forgive me, but I honestly don't and I don't think you should care who I voted for. Whether my candidate won or didn't was not the reason for my tears.
I cried because my Nana wasn't alive to witness the election. You see, after the death of my maternal grandfather, my Nana remarried and her second husband was black. That's right, she married a black man. In her day that was unheard of. She was the recipient of hatred and ignorance and my mother and her sisters lived in fear for a period of time. Whether noble or otherwise, Nana lived with pride in her decisions. Her marriage wasn't a perfect one, but despite the discrimination she experienced she was a proud woman.
Funny thing was, it wasn't until I was in the seventh grade that I became aware that not every family was of mixed heritage. I literally thought this was the way every family lived.
As an Anglo woman married to a Hispanic man, I've experienced discrimination although it pales in comparison to what Nana experienced. I've never lived in fear and am proud to live in a part of the U.S. where this is considered the norm.
What saddens me more perhaps than the issue of racial discrimination is the fact that I've experienced more discrimination within the walls of the "church" than anywhere else. The fact that my opinion carries less weight than a man's opinion cuts me to the core and continues to be a source of personal, private grief in my life.
I pray my daughters will never experience what I have, just as Nana prayed her grandchildren would never experience the discrimination she endured.
I cried last night because for those living with chronic illness, a change in our country's leadership can have a dramatic effect on our lives...health care, treatment, insurance, etc. I cried tonight for those who were watching in fear.
I cried because we've come so far as a country and have made huge strides in the area of prejudice. I cried with pride because one man, who years ago would've been forced to ride in the back of the bus, is now given the same rights as any other man. I cried watching the faces of those who've endured hatred and ignorance light up with pride.
I cried because of the magnitude of this election's outcome, no matter which candidate I supported.
How could you not be moved to tears?
With hope,
Kristen
Why? For starters, I love this country. No, I'm not always in agreement with governmental decisions and I'm often indifferent to political issues. But I'm honored to live here in the United States and privileged to live in freedom. Privileged.
I don't care who you voted for. Forgive me, but I honestly don't and I don't think you should care who I voted for. Whether my candidate won or didn't was not the reason for my tears.
I cried because my Nana wasn't alive to witness the election. You see, after the death of my maternal grandfather, my Nana remarried and her second husband was black. That's right, she married a black man. In her day that was unheard of. She was the recipient of hatred and ignorance and my mother and her sisters lived in fear for a period of time. Whether noble or otherwise, Nana lived with pride in her decisions. Her marriage wasn't a perfect one, but despite the discrimination she experienced she was a proud woman.
Funny thing was, it wasn't until I was in the seventh grade that I became aware that not every family was of mixed heritage. I literally thought this was the way every family lived.
As an Anglo woman married to a Hispanic man, I've experienced discrimination although it pales in comparison to what Nana experienced. I've never lived in fear and am proud to live in a part of the U.S. where this is considered the norm.
What saddens me more perhaps than the issue of racial discrimination is the fact that I've experienced more discrimination within the walls of the "church" than anywhere else. The fact that my opinion carries less weight than a man's opinion cuts me to the core and continues to be a source of personal, private grief in my life.
I pray my daughters will never experience what I have, just as Nana prayed her grandchildren would never experience the discrimination she endured.
I cried last night because for those living with chronic illness, a change in our country's leadership can have a dramatic effect on our lives...health care, treatment, insurance, etc. I cried tonight for those who were watching in fear.
I cried because we've come so far as a country and have made huge strides in the area of prejudice. I cried with pride because one man, who years ago would've been forced to ride in the back of the bus, is now given the same rights as any other man. I cried watching the faces of those who've endured hatred and ignorance light up with pride.
I cried because of the magnitude of this election's outcome, no matter which candidate I supported.
How could you not be moved to tears?
With hope,
Kristen
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Living the Life Conference
Although a bit overdue, I wanted to share my Living the Life weekend with you. Hopefully next October you'll share the weekend with me!
Friday night was so inspiring. Seeing all the women arrive was exciting and scary all at the same time! The James Roots Band opened the weekend and they are just plain gifted! Such passion. How cool that men are excited to participate in a Women's Conference! The only woman in the band, Molly Richey (bass player and vocalist) has one of the sweetest hearts and a sweet voice as well.
The speakers were fantastic both Friday and Saturday. I was blown away by the talent in one city! I'm still amazed at the organizational skills and talents of Rochelle Roots. Most of all, her humility shines through.
I performed Dirty Little Secrets, an original drama on Friday night. I first performed this drama at the SHE Fellowship Conference in 2006. It's my very first original drama. Thanks to Alene for encouraging a dream.
I met some wonderful ladies on Friday night at my table. Thanks to those of you who stopped by and introduced yourself. Thanks to my sweet daughter, Ellen and my wonderful friends Tabatha and Susan for working my table! You gals are the best!
Saturday started out with my friend Susan getting her finger severed in a door...yikes! Boy is she tough! If I'm ever in an emergency situation, someone get me Susan! After a visit to the ER, her finger was reattached and she never once complained. She even took pictures with her own cell phone! Crazy woman!
I was privileged to lead a break out session with my talented friend Alene. Speaking to women is definitely her gift and I was excited to get to share the stage with her. Thanks again to Amanda for your encouraging email about our break out session!
Right before Laura's amazing talk, I performed "Change Your Pajamas" and was accompanied by Guy Boatman on the keyboard. I was honored he would agree to play and hope to work with him again soon. He and his precious wife, Theresa just became the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy! If you liked Guy's music, check back soon for upcoming cd information you won't want to miss!
I was so excited to meet so many new friends at the conference and to have lunch with my new friends, Mary and Shonda. These ladies have an amazing passion for the Lord and we had such fun together. I hope to get the chance to spend time with both of them in the very near future. Check out Shonda's blog for conference pictures. There's even one of my in my silly pajamas near the end of the slideshow!
A very special thank you to those of you who shared your chronic illness stories with me at the conference. The woman who shared of her MS, I'm still praying for you! To the woman with breast cancer, keep fighting! To the woman who shared her battle with lupus, the woman with fibromyalgia, the woman with chronic pain, the woman with depression...I think of you every day. I pray for you. I love hearing from you. I will always love hearing from you. I'm standing with you...always.
With hope,
Kristen
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Webkinz
Thanks to those of you who asked how I'm feeling...I'm much better! My breathing was a bit annoying, but it only lasted for one day.
I'm up and at it this morning preparing to help at Webkinz Live! Our church is doing a neighborhood event for kids and we're expecting hundreds of kiddos. I'll be doing registration because that's just my speed...slow, sitting down, and hopefully in the shade. I'll let you know how it goes.
I want to post about the Living the Life Conference from Oct. 3-4, but I was hoping to show pictures. I'll get that out very soon! It was an awesome weekend!
I hope today you find joy and peace. Even in the midst of illness, we can choose to live with joy. Ask me how.
With hope,
Kristen
I'm up and at it this morning preparing to help at Webkinz Live! Our church is doing a neighborhood event for kids and we're expecting hundreds of kiddos. I'll be doing registration because that's just my speed...slow, sitting down, and hopefully in the shade. I'll let you know how it goes.
I want to post about the Living the Life Conference from Oct. 3-4, but I was hoping to show pictures. I'll get that out very soon! It was an awesome weekend!
I hope today you find joy and peace. Even in the midst of illness, we can choose to live with joy. Ask me how.
With hope,
Kristen
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Huffing and Puffing
I'm huffing and puffing today to breathe so not posting much until tomorrow. Until then, have an awesome day filled with HOPE!
Love,
Kristen
Love,
Kristen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)