Summer Days!

Hello to one and all! I know that typically when I blog it's about the things that are going wrong in my life, so I decided to switch things up a little and tell you about a great trip that I just took.

As anyone with lupus knows, getting ready to travel is always more work than the traveling itself. We have to fight with insurance companies over vacation refills, figure out what kind of suitcase you can take and be able to carry, and of course, having to pack as much sunblock as you can. When it's finally all done and you are sitting on the plane, you really do breathe a sigh of relief.

I had the unique pleasure of taking the trip of a lifetime this summer. All my life, I have wanted to go to Greece and I finally asked myself what I was waiting for? A girlfriend and I made plans to fly to Istanbul, Turkey and start our trip off with a fabulous cruise to Athens!

It was almost 100 degrees almost every day on the cruise, so I got a whole new experience in discovering what a hot mess really looks like! I was sweating and wearing my hair up the whole time and was totally obsessive about keeping up on my sunblock!! I'm sure I drove my friend up the wall, but the one thing I discovered over everything else is that I survived. Sure, the heat isn't always comfortable and climbing to the top of an acropolis isn't an easy task, but I took my time, did things my way and I was able to really enjoy the trip.

I know that most Lupus patients out there are struggling with summer flares because of this August heat and my heart really goes out to you all, but for some reason, my body really does better in the warm weather. My joints are looser, my hips aren't as tight, and hey, who doesn't enjoy seeing the sunshine every day? Each of have our own struggles with the weather, but in my case, this heat is working pretty great.

We've been really busy getting ready for the big Molly's Fund annual event called Serving up Style. It takes place at the Oregon Fall Home and Garden Show the last week in September and seems like it's going to be spectacular. For those of your who don't know what Serving up Style is, we invite 12 design teams to have a 12'x 16' space and they create the most innovative and creative dining room experience they can. Last year's event was so much fun and I can't wait to see what people come up with this time.

Also for the event, we created plastic butterfly's that went out to some of the top artists in the state and each person is creating their own butterfly and we will use them at Serving up Style! I am so excited to see what they create and so grateful to all the people who are making this event such a success. With the money and awareness that we raise, will all go towards finding a cure for Lupus!

I hope you all are avoiding the summer heat and are having healthy and happy days!! Take care my friends!!!

"In summer, the song sings itself."
- William Carlos Williams