Spouses are funny things aren’t they?
They hold so much power but because they’re the ones we see day in & out, the ones who see us with no makeup on, or even worse, first thing in the morning when we’ve neglected to wash our makeup off & have lady of the night raccoon eyes, we often forget how great of an impact they can make.
Throughout this experience with being sick I’ve thought of many of the specialists I’ve seen as the ones who could make a huge difference in my quality of life but the truth is the person who sleeps in the bed next to me every single night, the one who drives me batty by leaving his dishes in the den or whose underwear I fold is the one who actually makes the biggest difference.
It hasn’t exactly been rainbows & butterflies since I last blogged. The Dr appointment I mentioned really bummed me out & I did what I’m noticing I tend to do when life gets to be a little too hard & I just don’t feel like searching for ‘the bright side’. I went into emotional hibernation.
I wasn’t really all gloomy & depressed but I pretty much relieved myself of all social opportunities outside of P & the kids. Normally I go downright b-a-n-a-n-a-s if I don’t leave the house but when I’m hibernating anything more than a quick trip to Target has zero appeal.
I think it’s probably ok to get a little recluse for a short amount of time, it can be like taking a minute to recharge & restart after pushing ahead for too long, but this time I just couldn’t quite figure out how to hit that reset button. I knew I’d feel better if I blogged or went to a playdate but the thought sounded too unattractive. That’s when that guy I live with knew exactly what to do.
Yesterday he came home from taking the girls to Target, handed me a fox cookie jar & said, “I don’t care if you paint it, upholster it or decoupage it just make something!” (Ok, he definitely didn’t use the word decoupage but you get the point)
So I did.
He’s not the best looking decor in my house but what he represents makes him invaluable.
I’ll be honest, P drives me absolutely nuts sometimes, he also can make me happier than anyone else on this Earth. When you really love someone but also are going through life with them there will be bad times. It’s inevitable that they will disappoint you and hurt your feelings. They will not appreciate you at times & will not only know how to press your buttons but will most likely purposely do so from time to time. But they will also know when exactly what you need is a fox cookie jar & that my friend, that’s pretty special.
I loved this so much! What an honest and real post! Hope you feel better soon!
The tail is my favorite part! Way to go P!!
Beautiful. We should all find our fox cookie jars!
I love this post! How true that our spouses can be the worst and the best thing for us. It is great to document the times that they demonstrate their heroics. I’m so glad your husband knows you and loves you to help you through this very trying time.
I don’t know if a million other people have already asked you this, but have you looked into the Paleo diet? My mom has been dealing with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue and thyroid issues for my entire life (after being sick with Mystery Illness for years). She has done a ton of research and seen soo many specialists, and while she does take some medications, the thing that has made by far the biggest difference in her life (from my outside observation as well as her testimony) was the change to a Paleo diet a couple of years ago. If you’re interested I can put you in touch with her, and she has all kind of resources that have helped her. One of the things that she’s become a big believer in is the idea that inflammation in the body is responsible for many chronic and auto-immune ailments, and that a lot of that inflammation can be controlled by our diet. Since you’re still dealing with Mystery Illness, I wonder if that idea might be of interest just for exploration?
One other thing to note is that my mom is an AH-HA-HA-MAZE-ING cook, so you can rest assured that the food is good — even GREAT!
You might already know all about this, and if so, more power to you. Most important thing is to get well and be well, and I hope you’re on a road that takes you there. soon. Lots of love your way!
That’s so interesting that you say that Sydney because my Dad and I were JUST having the exact same conversation! He was telling me about diet and how it can worsen inflammation which is certainly one thing I’m having a hard time controlling. I’ve never heard of the Paleo diet though! I’ll be sure to look it up though, thanks!
My mom always recommends the book It Starts with Food. Well Fed by Melissa Joulwan is still her favorite Paleo cookbook. She says her favorite FREE resources for beginners are http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com, and http://www.thepaleomom.com. Both of those include recipes and help transitioning diet, even if you’re a mom. Also, she likes a lot of the recipes on http://www.againstallgrain.com.
I really hope you feel better soon!
I’ve done the master cleanse a few times which is life changing but I’m also on the paleo diet!! It’s awesome in my opinion and I just feel really great. If you give it a try, let us know what you think! There are so many sites and resources for paleo recipes. A few of my personal favorites are:
elenaspantry.com
againstallgrain.com
paleomg.com
On another note, I love this post and your blog in general. Thanks for always being so honest and so damn talented! I think the fox looks amazing. Kudos to hubby for knowing you so well. That’s why marriage is amazing.
Way to get your groooooove back! Love the fox, honestly will probably be copying it soon 🙂
Why did this make me tear up? And feel so proud of P for being such a good guy? I am oddly invested in your well-being. (oddly because, for all intents and purposes you’re a stranger to me, yet… I feel like I know you through your blog – moreso that I do other bloggers).
On another note (no pun intended)… have you heard the Tenth Avenue North song, “Worn”? If not, listen to it. Like, immediately. While you’re at it, check out “Blessings” by Laura’s Story if you aren’t familiar with it.
Ooo, haven’t heard either but am going to now!
And I so do not think it’s weird because if its strange for you to be invested in me then its just as odd for me to be helped by your comments so much!
Such a beautiful post!
Love this story and that is the best when your significant other knows just what you need! Keep your head up! Cute fox by the way:)
I’m glad you’re at least a little out of your current emotional funk, kudos to P for knowing just how to pull you out of the darkness. Family can really be helpful with brightening one’s spirit. The fox is SO amazing. The color is perfect (I’ve been crushing on this color so hard lately), the golden tail is hot hot hot, and the actual fox mold is adorable, I just love it!!!
Love the Fox!!! I hope you get some relief I miss your posts. I second paleo 🙂
Hey Natasha!
Glad you’re in better spirits! 🙂 Count your blessings with the spouse you’ve got, even if he’s a pain the butt sometimes (they usually are). Sometimes, we cause our own illness and suffering by stressing out.. if you find yourself more over whelmed and tense, you should take a step back.. the body has a way of telling you to slow down forcefully if you don’t listen nicely. We can be our worst enemies when it comes to our health and controlling not fighting out stress is the way to go: don’t fight stress just recognize when it is there and learn to acknowledge the source. Once you know what it is, find ways to control and/or eliminate if possible. Don’t stress about stress just smell the roses sort-of-thing.
Also, have you seen a naturopathic physician (I am going to see one myself in January for my sleep disorder) of some sort versus a traditional medical physician? Sydney has a point with the dietary recommendation, in that what we put in our mouths affect our entire systems and we sometimes don’t realize the harm we’re doing. Thankfully, dietary changes are easy (for the most part).. try to avoid medicine route, if possible, as there are natural (usually and hopefully) ways to remedy your symptoms and ailments. Medication should only be taken under absolute necessary circumstances so I hope you can find a solution that is safe and improves your over quality of life without compromising it in the long run.
Have a great day!
-Iva
Awww… That is great that you have such a good support with P that he knows exactly what you need, when you need it. I’ve been in that hibernation any times but it’s hard when you have to end up pulling yourself out if hibernation when you just don’t know how. It sometimes takes longer, but as long as you get out of it is all that matters. I’m glad you’re in better spirits.
I love this post! I am getting married in February and he pushes my buttons to no end but always knows just how to lift me up when I need it even if he is having a difficult day himself.
PS I have a feeling P was singing “what does the fox say” as soon as he spotted your jar. 😉
Here’s to getting healthy and feeling better! You’re a fighter.
Actually I so heard him & Sam singing it after he brought it home!
Congrats on the wedding by the way, enjoy it!
Awesome and I completely agree!
I have to tell you that I love your blogs! I agree with Wendy about the tearing up…as I was reading the only thing that came to mind was, “OMG that is soooo cute!” (yes with the extended O in so) LOL. Your posts can be very short or a mile long and I still sit here and read the entire thing. You and P are amazing and every time I read your posts, it makes me remember and appreciate what I have. Keep them coming, I really look forward to your blogs.
Aw, thank you so much Cristine! Your comment totally made my day! (:
I love the fox. I want one! Great post! ❤
What a sweet hubby you have! And here’s to your comeback! The fox turned out awesome too 😉
I love the paint job! I bet you made P happy too, when he saw what you did.
xoxo,
Bren
Hey Girl! Hang in there! I hope you get some real answers soon! I decided to comment cause I’ve been there (lots)! I have UC and got it when I was 21….I’m 33 now. Anyway, montgomery co has great docs but I’m a local and see a GI in Annapolis. He’s fixed me up physically and got me emotionally back on track many times (especially when i first got sick) because he’s so confident and makes it his job to make you better. Hopefully I’m not coming across like a creepster….but I put a lot of faith in this doc. I have no affiliation with the guy or the office, I’m just a normal patient. If you end up needing a new GI check him out….Dr. Charles King, digestive disorders & associates.
Good luck!!
just make something – love that. They know you better than you think, right?
Hi Natasha! Loooove this post! Were these your typical home depot soray paints? I neeeeeed that gold paint in my life…asap! Lol
Thanks for the help,
lj
Honestly Lori get yourself to Michael’s and buy the Design Master spray paint, it’s AMAZING! The teal is actually just a Rustoleum find but you can’t get that gold in other store brands, I’ve tried. I love the rose gold and the ’24k gold’ design master ones…they’re worth it if you need a good paint!