My Chronic Illness Taught Me How to Grieve My Pet’s Death

17 Jun

On May 31st, with the help of a home-visit veterinarian service, my best friend and sole companion of nearly 14 years passed away. She was a retriever mix named Amica. I’m still grieving. I know I will continue to grieve, … Read More »

Editing Memories

10 Jun

Last month, after April’s surprisingly successful jaunt together for business and pleasure in New England, I took my beloved nearly-14-year-old mutt on one more adventure, to visit the people I got her from as a puppy (who are also dear … Read More »

4 Ways I Do It Anyway (When Pain and Fatigue Conspire Against Me)

20 Mar

Oh, springtime …. I’m seeing green of my lilies starting to reach out of the ground. Daily I marvel at the new growth on the rosebush I planted last year. And the weather is … all over the place. So … Read More »

Invisible Disabilities and LEGO

11 Jan

I love LEGO®, and LEGO helps me love myself. Here’s how it happened. LEGO bricks were my favorite childhood toy. When I was in middle school, they existed in secret. It was the early 90s, and I was getting teenager … Read More »

The Sag Wagon Advantage

27 Aug

Earlier this month, I attended a bicycle ride event for charity in Iowa. It’s an event a friend of mine puts on and I’ve seen the pictures on Facebook every year and decided this time I was going to go, … Read More »

When an Apostrophe Made Me Cry, and How I Made It OK

14 Aug

This afternoon, an apostrophe made me cry. OK, context. My fibromyalgia is in full flare today. Extreme fatigue, brain fog, body aches, plus the mental health symptoms: anxiety and depression. I have a ton of work to get done in … Read More »

On Lambeau Field, Celebrity, Possible Impossible and Heroes Defined

18 Jul
Christina Irene wearing Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodger's jersey in Lambeau Field

Two weeks ago, I was in Green Bay, Wisconsin, home of my favorite American football team, the Green Bay Packers, and my soul scored a big win on Lambeau Field. I’m not a die-hard fan, but I’m a fan. I … Read More »