Rania modified and changed the contents of this thread for personal reasons.
More in my last post in this thread.
Rania
Sorry Sis, but since you are an "old timer" I had to move you over here. ;D
We will know where you are and now you will know.
I sure hope you are feeling rested and don't overdo. Take care of yourself and let us know from time to time how you are doing.
You have to show me some of you drawings sometime. I love to draw myself, but haven't for a while. I taught the great grandson to draw and how to use his colors. My eyes won't let me do what I want anymore, even my knitting has to be on the larger needles.
Take care and I'll talk to you soon.
Hugs, "Big Sis" Pooh
Rania,
It's so good to hear from you and to know that you still have that great sense of humor. :D
I'm sorry that you are not doing as well and hoping that you have good doctors.
I too love everything you say. I remember that I said that when I got old and couldn't do anything, I'd have my needlework and books. Poo on that. Eyes are not the best now. But I do some jewelry and it fulfills me. That and 3 little dogs. I'm just so glad you are going to do this thread. We always worry so much when we quit hearing from people.
I'd like to hear more about your home an country and coulture. This is always interesting to me.
Hugs to you,
Billye
Hi Rania :)
Good to see you again. Mim and I have missed you.
I'm sorry you've been having such an awful time with your health. I hope the next year is kinder to you and you get a break. (NOT a broken bone I hasten to add!!)
Pop in when you're able. When you draw your designs does anyone else sew them for you now?
Take care - Scottie :)
Hi Rania.....Its good to see you posting again! We have missed you!
I'm glad that you try to keep us current on how you are doing when you feel up to it. It's nice to hear from old friends!
Btw.....I love your positive attitude!Thats always a plus for any of us to have! (http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/whacky047.gif) (http://url=http://www.freesmileys.org)
Hi Sis,
As you can see I got to hold my little Allena again Thursday. She is getting so big, I can't believe it. Babies grow to fast, I want her to stay little for a while. Oh well, I will still love her.
I sure hope you are feeling better today. It sounds like that trip to Trondhiem really wore you out.
Hugs and God Bless,
Pooh "Big Sis"
Modified by Rania for personal reasons.
Hi Rania,
I am so glad to hear from you! You are showing a lot of Christmas spirit for someone who is ill! ;) Don't you over do it!
I tried to search for the Christmas tree lighting, but I had no idea if it was a religious ceremony, a custom of your country or what. It turned out that people all over the world celebrate in different ways.
I'm thinking there is no way I can put up a Christmas tree this year. So taking a hint from your post about lighting your tree, we've decided to get a small fir tree in a pot and I'll hang red bows on it. Then after Christmas we'll plant it in our woods. I like the idea of giving life, rather than taking it. I'll give back to the earth.
If you find something about your custom, I'd love to hear about it. We always light a candle in our window for our children, hoping they will find their way home on Christmas Day. This year I believe one of them will. We're always careful of our candle, it's only a small votive and we put it out before bed.
Take care of yourself our dear Rania..
Billye
Rania - good to hear from you! Like you, I prefer to dwell on the positive even though at times I have to mentally force myself to get up and move. These past few days have been a little harder because everything aches with the cold, damp weather. My fake knees really stiffen up and lose their flex action so I lumber along. In spite of it all, my family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. In a couple of days I will put up a few decorations but will also keep it simple. Think I will go with the small three foot tree this year and a few decorations around the house with a wreath on the door. That will do it. LOL My hubby has been down sick for the past two weeks so there is not a whole bunch of energy to spare around here.
I hope you will have a comfortable holiday this year and will truly enjoy the season. I know this past year has been rough and hope the low times will stay there --- in the past.
Take care - keep us posted.
Sal
I think the tradition your talking about is the Advent Wreath, Rania.
Traditionally, the wreath is made of four candles in a circle of evergreens. I use three candles in white and the fourth in violet, but four white candles or four violet candles can also be used. Each day at home, we light the candles for supper-- one candle the first week, and then adding another each succeeding week until December 25th.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent_wreath
I love all of my Christmas decorations, but I think I favor the Nativities and angels. I have quite a few of each, and the angels stay on dislay all year.
Modified for personal reasons.
Rania
Billye,
I really like your idea of getting a small fir tree, decorating it, and then planting it after Christmas! Such a wonderful idea to give life as you said instead of taking it! I had never thought of doing anything like that....I think its a wonderful tradition to start! I don't own the land I live on now...or I would definitely consider doing the same thing!
Rania and Linda,
Talking about the Advent wreath brought back fond memories for me when as a young child we would go to church every Sunday as a family and eagerly watch them light the candles every week knowing Christmas was not far behind....and when that last purple candle was lit on Christmas Eve....it was such a wonderful night with the Christmas program and lights and songs. That was so so many years ago...........thanks for bringing those memories back for just a few minutes!
Hi Sis,
Yes, we do the Advent wreath in our family also, only we use 3 lavendar candles for the first 3 weeks and a pink one on the fourth Sunday. Then Christmas Eve we replace them with all red when we return from church service.
I am looking forward to Christmas Eve, more so than Christmas Day, but they both will be wonderful. I have made up my mind that nothing will prevent me from enjoying my family.
I am going to wrap a roll of Duct Tape up in a beautiful box and give it to my DIL with a note. "If you know not what this is for, the family does". ;D If she starts with her snide remarks and her Gestapo tactics we will tape her to chair and put a strip across her mouth.
Not that I would really do that, but it sure has it's merits. :D
Take care and please don't overdo with the preparations.
Hugs and God Bless,
Big Sis
Linda,
Thank you for the Advent Wreath information. I grew up in the Baptist Churches and I have to say I've never seen the Advent Wreath or the special candle lighting. What a beautiful custom. I will hopefully be able to shop next year to start that tradition in our family. It is so beautiful.
I got so excited this morning! My husband went to old Wally's World (walmart) and they have small fir trees with red velvet bows on them. Already made up. Was the Good Lord listening to me or not?! :) My hands and elbows have been terribly swollen the last few days and I was dreading the typing of the bows. My husband said he'd put a small string of twinkle lights on it for me. I'm hoping I remember where my tree skirt is. He said they were in red baskets tho if I can't find it.
Pooh,
I think your DIL is too dense to know what the tape is for!! ::)
Rania,
Did you get some sleep? I sure hope you are feeling better this morning. Let us hear from you when you find the energy and time. :)
Billye
Modified for personal reasons.
Rania
Rania,
Please get some rest. You sound as if you are on overdrive. I can tell you are very hyper and doing too much. That happens to me too. I can't seem to stop until the body stops.
The jewelry is what I do to stay sane. I took lessons in a lot of the things you do in order to make good jewelry. My jewelry is for sale in a local upscale boutique. I used to do big shows, like festivals but I haven't been able to do them for several years now. I find that the boutique gives me all the work I can do most of the time. My sister-in-law was here a few weeks ago and order two necklace and earring sets. She lives in Kentucky and it was sight unseen. When she received it, she ordered another of a different design and type for a Christmas present for her daughter in Hawaii. So I can now say, I'm an international jewelry designer. :D
You will find a lot of different jewlry ideas and supply lists on line.
Sure hope you have a better day.
I loved the description of all of your trees, ideas of Christmas, etc. Wish I had that energy.
Billye
Modified for personal reasons.
Rania
Hi Little one,
So glad to hear your wreath arrived. Isn't it amazing how they "grow" in the mailing. ;D
I mail ordered a Thomas the Train pop up for my little great grandson for Christmas. I was so surprised when I read the measurements on the box. I hope they have enough room to open it when he gets home. It's much to cold and damp to play with it outside right now. Oh well, he will love it anyway. It's Thomas.
I hope you are feeling soon so you can get to your list. I have one also, and though I am getting to some of it, a lot will be still there after the holidays. If it gets done, it gets done, if not, well I'll get to it when I can.
As long as I get the creche set up on the fireplace mantel, and the outside wreaths on the windows and garage, I'll be happy. I will be at my daughter's for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so I don't worry if the tree gets up or not. It probably will, but only the little one this year. Other years I have put up the 7 ft. tree, but this year with Paddy I will put the little 3 ft. on a table in front of the window. That way Paddy won't eat the ornaments. :D
Take care and get well soon.
Hugs, Big Sis Pooh
Modified for personal reasons.
Rania
And a Merry Merry Christmas to you too Rania!
I was hoping to hear that you were making jewelry and had created a beautiful Christmas present for me. ;) I'm so sorry to hear that you are not feeling well.
Yes, Christmas comes too fast for me too. I did get everything I wanted bought this year. Thank goodness for the internet shopping. But it wasn't as much fun because I couldn't see anything until it got here and I was dissappointed in some things I bought and then had to send back. I keep saying "Maybe next year". My Christmas season has been filled with a lot of physical therapy for pain. I wish I could say it's working.
Rania, I've thought about your outside tree a lot. It was just such a pretty description.
anyway....Merry Christmas and I sincerely hope the new year goes better for you next year.
Billye
Hi Rania :)
Those pictures are amazing. I love the northern lights!
Merry Christmas to you too.
Take care - Scottie x x I hope 2008 is better for you.
Merry Christmas Rania. Thanks so much for sharing the fantastic pictures, such a beautiful landscape must at least take the edge off having to rest at home. I'm sorry to hear you've been ill, let's hope that the New Year brings New Health to us all.
Rania,
I missed those beautiful pictures when I read your post before. Must be some button on this new computer. (driving me crazy!)
The pictures are quite beautiful. I live so far south that I only see real snow maybe once every 5 years or so. And even then it's only here for one or two days. I can't even imagine what it is like to have this beauty everyday. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Billye
Rania,
Those pictures are fantastic, I wish I had that view from my window. I hope you start to feeling better soon and have a much better 2008.
Merry Christmas!!!
Sue
Merry Christmas dear one, I hope your day is restful and happy. I pray that the new year will bring you much joy and better health.
The pictures are beautiful and they tug at my heart strings. I have seen the Northern Lights from the Pennsylvania Mountains, but I'm sure they don't do justice to those you see every night.
Take care and try to have a great Christmas. I know you will be celebrating on the 24th and I will think of you while at my daughters. (Please be careful driving that new car, but have fun.)
Hugs and God Bless,
Pooh
What gorgeous pictures! If memory serves, you live in Norway, Rania?
I hope your Christmas was merry and your New Year will be bright, Best, BB
Rania,
Your country is truly beautiful. I'd love to visit there and see it for myself. Thanks for the pictures! Take care.
Cheryl
Rania, A belated Merry Christmas. Those pictures are beautiful. I bet they take your breath away when you are observing in person.
I hope that you have been able to enjoy the holidays. I know that you have had a tough year and I hope and pray that 2008 will be better for you. Hugs Irish ;D
Modified for personal reasons.
Rania
Oh my gosh Rania!
You have made me soooo hungry! :D I've cooked so much this holiday, but given it all away. Should have kept some of it for us. I'm struggling to find something for dinner tonight. You have given me some ideas.
I'm glad you were able to go visit some friends and enjoy the holiday festivities.
thanks for the pictures.
Billye
Modified for personal reasons.
Rania
Hi Rania :)
That infection sounds nasty! Hope your 'killer pills' zap it stone dead!
I hope that 2008 is kinder to you too.
Take care - Scottie :)
Hi There Little One,
Sorry to hear about that toe. How did you do it? I am a great one for finding the leg on my bed with my toes.
I hope the swelling goes down quickly and you get some sleep.
Today is the first day in 3 that I haven't been in bed more than I have been up.
I brought home more gifts that I thought from my daughter's on Christmas day.
I sure hope you are feeling better and have a wonderful New Year. Especially health wise. I'll try, if you will. ;D
Hugs, Pooh
Rania I hope that you are feeling better and that the "killers" are still on the prowl and taking care of business like they are supposed too...
Last day of 2007 guys!Time sure does fly....and I haven't even necessarily been having fun every day so I think it should have at least slowed down to accommodate me! ;D...
Kim
A Happy New Year wish coming your way Rania!!
Happy Healthier New Year Rania!! Maybe the 2008 will be better for all of us! :)
Billye
Modified for personal reasons.
Rania
I am so glad to hear that your toe is feeling better. Dr. Rania you must have done a fine job on it. :D Good that you used a sterile needle. :o Eck!!
We had the type of snow you are describing last night. Combined with the rain it didn't lay and now the ground is dry and bare again.
I saw my doctor yesterday and all is fine on my EKG. It seems my heart likes this new food plan that I am on. WooHoo!!
I pray this year will bring nothing but better health, lots of happiness and good fortune.
Hugs, Pooh
Hi and thank you to all who responded to this thread.
I originally made it to have a place to put health updates, small stories from everyday living with this Sjs and so on. I got the inspiration from the newbie section, where new members can present themselves.
Well I have been curious about members who has been here for a longer time too. I feel that I "know" quite a few of you, but when it comes to symptoms and each persons individual experience of Sjogrens, I feel very lost. I keep forgetting who have this symptom very bad, and who experienced that. I hoped more members would make a thread an maybe make a presentation of themselves about healthissues. Well that did not happen, and I do understand it and respect it.
However I feel very uncomfortable about this thread I have made now, and I decided to stop posting in it. I have modified my previous messages, and I hope this thread will sink and disappear in the future. I'm very sorry about any inconvenience this has caused for any of you. But I just don't feel well posting about myself in this way anymore.
Hugs and God's Blessings,
Rania
Rania, please don't think about this thread as a negative thing...we've enjoyed learning more about you, and as a result more about ourselves. It's obviously been well read and appreciated, but if it's your wish to let it settle into the shadows, hopefully that will be allowed to happen.
You haven't caused any inconvenience, but we will follow your lead, and understand and respect your wishes.
I hope you continue to post in the other threads, and keep letting us know what's happening in your life.
Rania, I don't feel that I am hearing too much from you or about you. I don't always post but I do read this thread. You have been gone so much with your illnesses that it is a joy to hear from you and about you. You are the only Sjoggie from Sweden on this site so that really makes you special. Like other said though, if you want us to let this thread go into the archives it can happen. Just please make sure that you post on other threads. I don't want to lose touch with you. Hugs Irish ;D
Rania,
I just wanted to pop in here to tell you how much I enjoyed reading about your Christmas. I was never able to travel and hearing about other countries and their customs was very satisfying to me. I understand your need for privacy, but at the same time, you made me very happy hearing about your holiday customs. I know how fragile your health is and hearing from you pleased me because it let me know how you were doing.
I did not suffer any inconvenience from this thread,...quite the opposite...I enjoyed it very much. Please let us hear from you now and then.
Billye
Just a quick note...I so enjoyed my trip to Finland...saw Sweden from the sky...a new part of the world for me. I hope you feel okay...love Shari
Hi Rania, I actually thought about starting a new thread titled "Missing Rania", when I did a search for the last time you posted. I hope you don't mind my updating this thread just to say how much I enjoyed all of your posts and hearing from you anytime you felt well enough to share anything.
I sure hope that I didn't contribute in any way to your feeling bad about posting here. Anyway, I for one miss hearing from you from time to time and hope that you might find a way to again contribute, that feels good to you. Gosh, we all deal with so much health wise. If you have any negative feelings at all, and being away helps, that's all that matters.
Take care Rania. I hope your health is at least stable now, that you have more good days than bad, and that you find support from family, friends and those who know you best.
Active or inactive so many of us miss you and wish you the best.
Blessing, Nettie
Rania, I saw your name here and thought "yippee" she is being heard from. Been concerned about you and how you have been getting along. Missed you. Irish ;D