Tag: fibro

Uncategorized

Pain Flare Types, Ranked From “Mild Nuisance” to “Summon the Ancestors”

JoLeave a comment

Let’s be honest: pain flares deserve their own tier list.
Not all suffering is created equal. Some flares are just a polite tap on the shoulder and others feel like they’ve traveled across lifetimes to personally drag you into the void.

So in the spirit of scientific accuracy (and by scientific accuracy, I mean vibes), here’s the ultimate ranking:

1️⃣ The Tiny Gremlin Twinge — A Mild Nuisance

This one pops up like, “Hey girl, just checking in!”
It’s annoying, but you can still function… mostly. You limp a little, grab a heating pad just in case, and pretend it’s fine.
It’s never fine — but we lie to ourselves anyway.

2️⃣ The Low-Battery Huff — You’ll Feel This Tomorrow

Your body starts sending strongly worded emails.
It’s not enough to stop you, but everything feels… heavier. Slow. Foggy.
You start rationing spoons like you’re preparing for a winter on the Oregon Trail.

3️⃣ The Surprise Stab — The “Who Threw That?” Pain

Sudden. Sharp. Personal.
Like your muscles decided to reenact a crime scene with no warning.
You freeze, gasp, and immediately question every life decision that led you here.

4️⃣ The Weather Channel Special — Barometric Betrayal

You wake up and instantly know a storm is coming.
Your joints creak like a haunted staircase. Your spine predicts humidity better than any meteorologist.
Honestly, you deserve a salary for this accuracy.

5️⃣ The Sensory Riot — Everything Hurts and Also Everything Is Loud

Pain spike + fibro fog + sensory overload = a cursed smoothie.
Clothes? Too much. Lights? Too bright. Air molecules? Too aggressive.
You consider relocating to a dark, soft cave forever.

6️⃣ The “Cancel All Plans” Episode — Nope. Absolutely Not.

The flare that turns your day into a hostage situation.
Suddenly every joint is negotiating its own peace treaty.
Even sitting still is exhausting. Being alive? Optional.

7️⃣ The Full-Body Betrayal — Your Skeleton Has Filed for Divorce

It spreads. It radiates. It’s everywhere at once.
Nothing helps. No position is comfortable. You do that weird slow shuffle walk that looks like your bones are taped in.
Heating pads, meds, and prayers to whoever will listen.

8️⃣ The “Summon the Ancestors” Flare — You Have Exited This Plane

Oh, this one?
You can feel your DNA screaming.
Pain so intense it becomes almost spiritual. You’re like, “I see the veil… it’s thin… tell MawMaw I’m coming…”
You contemplate your will, your life choices, and whether reincarnation offers better warranty coverage.

Final Thought

Pain flares are rude, unpredictable, and truly lack professionalism.
But calling them out? Naming them? Ranking them like Pokémon?
Sometimes that’s how we cope — with humor, honesty, and a little dramatic flair. Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Uncategorized

The Spoonie Survival Guide to December: Manage the Joy Without the Meltdown (Ok SOME meltdowns, but minimal)

JoLeave a comment

Ah, December.
The month where everyone else seems to be powered by peppermint and holiday magic… and I’m over here running on fumes, stubbornness, and one functioning spoon. Maybe two if I slept weird and accidentally charged myself.

But here’s the thing: December doesn’t have to eat us alive.
We can enjoy the cute twinkle lights, the cozy vibes, the nostalgia — without sacrificing our last working nerve.

So here are my tried-and-true, spoonie-approved tips for making it through the season with your sanity (mostly) intact.

1. Lower the Bar. Then Lower It Again.

Holiday movies lied.
No one needs matching pajamas, a handmade wreath, and a three-course dinner.
Pick the bare minimum that still feels like joy — the rest can sit in the corner and think about what it’s done. Matching PJs? Nope, I get everyone a shirt and call it good.

2. Build Your “Nope List” Early

These are the things you’re not doing.
Not even considering.
Not even thinking about reconsidering.

Mine includes:

  • Wrapping gifts like a Pinterest mom
  • Baking anything that requires more than one bowl
  • Going to three events in one weekend (laughable)

Write it down. Honor it like a boundary carved in stone. I will NOT be guilted into something I physically am unable to do.

3. Embrace the Lazy-Girl Gift Strategy

If it can be ordered, mailed, or printed without me putting on real pants?
It’s fair game.

Digital gifts, Etsy finds, consumables… honestly, the best gifts don’t come from a craft room meltdown. Pants arent really the enemy but shoes and a bra always seem to take more spoons than I have.

4. Schedule Recovery Time Like It’s a Medical Appointment

Events = exhaustion.
Fun = exhaustion.
Walking from the couch to the door to sign for a package = sometimes also exhaustion.

So plan buffer days around anything that drains you. No guilt.

Your energy is a budget — spend wisely. I try to not plan anything for the whole month of December because things come up.

5. Keep One “Emergency Joy” Thing Nearby

A candle.
A smashbook.
Your comfort show.
A snack that makes you feel alive.

Something tiny that sparks joy when your spoon count hits “Windows XP crashing” mode.

6. Delegate Like a CEO on a Deadline

Kids can help.
Partners can help.
DoorDash exists for a reason.

Being a spoonie in December means becoming a master delegator with zero apologies.

7. Create a Bare-Minimum Holiday Tradition

One thing.
Just one.

A movie you always watch.
A hot cocoa night.
A drive to see lights.

Consistency beats intensity every time. I’ve got little things I add each year, with trimming the tree (daughter does under my supervision.) We TRY and watch a movie with a holiday theme. Hot chocolate. Little things.

8. Let Go of the Ghost of December Past

Maybe old you did more.
Maybe old you hosted dinners or ran around like a festive tornado.

New you deserves grace — not comparison. What sucks is there is ten years between middle and last child. I could do WAY more when the older two were prime Christmas ages! Theres not even a comparison.

9. Pick the Memories Over the Motion

If something makes a good memory but doesn’t drain you?
That’s the sweet spot.

We’re not chasing “perfect.”
We’re chasing “present.” There’s a lot of moments you can be ‘present’ for once you take shortcuts on the things that matter less.

10. Celebrate Your Way — Even If Your Way Is the Couch

Rest doesn’t make you less festive.
Joy doesn’t require performance.
You’re allowed to celebrate at the speed your body allows. Do things in advance to use when your spoons are empty, cook in bulk when you have everything out.

And honestly?
That’s where the real peace of the season lives.
December is not a test you have to pass.
It’s a month — messy, beautiful, loud, overwhelming — that you get to shape in the way that works for you.

You deserve moments of joy that don’t cost you your health.
You deserve ease.
You deserve gentleness.

So here’s to a season that meets us where we are — not where the world tells us we “should” be.Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Uncategorized

Things My Brain Treats Like Optional DLC

JoLeave a comment

Living with Chronic Illness is basically like living with a brain that’s trying its best… but also doing parkour off the furniture. Some days I’m thriving, some days I’m forgetting what I’m doing mid-sentence, and honestly? Most days I’m just negotiating with my own executive function like it’s a hostile coworker. So here’s a little peek behind the curtain: the things my brain treats like optional DLC.

1. Object permanence… most of the time.
If I put it down and walk away, it may as well have been launched into another dimension. Keys, water bottles, important documents — all living their best lives in the ADHD void. Tell me its important, its the surefire way to get me to lose it.

2. Starting tasks? Easy. Finishing them? Bold of you to assume.
I will begin a project with Olympic enthusiasm and then abandon it halfway like a Victorian ghost girl drifting out of a scene. Don’t believe me? My craft desk is currently auditioning for a documentary called ‘When Hobbies Attack.’ Pearls would be clutched. Fainting couches would be used.

3. Time? A concept. A myth. A prank.
Ten minutes feels like an hour, an hour feels like twelve seconds, and deadlines feel like cosmic jokes written specifically for me. I need to get up, says my brain, the laundry should be done. Sure, its done, as is the day, the entire day slipped through my grasp like time itself saw me trying and said, ‘Aw, cute,’ before sprinting off.

4. Noise? Too much. Silence? Also too much.
I am either overstimulated by the faint hum of the fridge or suddenly panicking because the quiet feels suspicious. There is no chill setting. I generally leave the tv on and use the mute button, sometimes I even remember to unmute or unpause (go me)

5. Hyperfocus that appears only for hobbies, never chores.
Ask me to reorganize a shelf for fun? Instant productivity demon. Ask me to fold laundry? My brain blue screens. Meanwhile the laundry is over there quietly becoming part of the home’s structural integrity.

6. Forgetting why I opened a new tab mid-click.
My fingers click “new tab” with confidence. My brain immediately abandons the mission. We will never know what the goal was. This is the thing I hate the most. Yesterday I was at hubby’s desk and he was saying something and I said ‘I’ll go look that up’ and I turned and FELT myself forgetting it, I hadnt made it to the door when I had to turn back around and apologized and asked him to repeat himself.

7. Needing a reward just to take a shower like it’s a game quest.
“+10 XP for personal hygiene. New achievement unlocked: You Finally Did It.”
Honestly, adulting would be easier if life came with a loot box. Honestly, the only thing getting me in that shower is the promise of pajamas immediately after. The shower helps most days its just the act of doing all the things is exhausting.

8. “I’ll do it in a minute” — famous last words.
Because that “minute” might be five hours later… or three to five business days, depending on vibes and moon phases. And if a kid interrupts me? Congratulations, that task has now been postponed indefinitely.

Sure, my brain is a gremlin on roller skates, but honestly? I’m still waking up and doing my best every day. Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Uncategorized

Brain Fog vs. Cognitive Fatigue: Understanding the Science Behind “I Can’t Think Today”

JoLeave a comment

Some days, my brain feels like it’s buffering. I’ll stand in the kitchen with zero clue why I’m there, reread the same sentence five times, or forget my own train of thought mid-sentence. And then there are the days when my brain feels tired. Not fuzzy—just done. Like someone unplugged the power source and said, “Nope. We’re closed.”

People often lump brain fog and cognitive fatigue together, but they’re not the same beast. Brain fog is that hazy, disconnected, “can’t access the file” feeling. It’s common in chronic illness, ADHD, and even post-viral recovery because it’s tied to inflammation and disrupted neurotransmitter signaling—especially in areas like the prefrontal cortex, which handles planning and focus. (See research: Defining brain fog across medical conditions.) ScienceDirect+1

Cognitive fatigue, on the other hand, is your brain’s version of muscle fatigue. It happens when your mental resources are overused or depleted—like when you’ve been masking all day, juggling a thousand tasks, or fighting through sensory overload. Studies show that prolonged cognitive load triggers measurable changes in brain activity consistent with fatigue. BioMed Central+1

Cloudy with a chance of fog

The cruel joke? Many of us with chronic pain, ADHD, or trauma live in a state where both are happening at once. Inflammation clouds the signals (fog) while constant effort to function burns through what little energy reserves remain (fatigue). Add medication effects, sleep disruption, or stress hormones—and your poor nervous system is basically trying to run Windows 98 on low battery.

The next time you say “I can’t think today,” remember—it’s not laziness or lack of willpower. It’s biology doing its best under impossible conditions. Be kind to your brain. It’s been through a lot, and honestly, it deserves a nap and maybe a snack. Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Uncategorized

🍁 Two-Week Fall Comfort Menu + Reserve Snapshot Wk 27 & 28

JoLeave a comment

Fall is for fuzzy socks, warm dinners, and absolutely not overcomplicating your grocery list. This round of my two-week reserve-based meal plan is all about cozy, comforting food that doesn’t require you to play kitchen martyr. We’re talking about meals that fill the house with that “mmm, someone’s cooking something amazing” smell — without requiring you to stand too long or juggle twelve pans.

Like always, the plan mixes a few cooked meals with reserve-based options — things you can pull together fast from your pantry or freezer when energy or spoons are running low. The goal: flexibility without frustration. You deserve to eat well, even on the days that don’t go as planned.

So grab your list, sip your coffee, and let’s make sure the next two weeks taste like comfort and sanity.

🥘 Cook Meals

  1. Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie — Creamy, cozy, and low-effort. Add frozen veggies, shredded chicken, broth, and biscuit topping.
  2. Sheet Pan Sausage & Potatoes — Chop, toss, roast. One pan, minimal cleanup, maximum yum.
  3. Beef Tips with Gravy + Mashed Potatoes — Comfort classic. Slow simmer or use the crockpot if you want to make it even easier.
  4. Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Garlic Butter Rice — Quick skillet dinner that feels fancy without being fussy.
  5. Loaded Baked Potato Night — Bake or microwave potatoes, then set out toppings like cheese, butter, and green onions for a build-your-own vibe.
  6. Simple Spaghetti or Noodle Bowl Night — Customize with what you have on hand — sauce, veggies, or even leftover meat.

🥫 Reserve Meals

  1. Breakfast for Dinner — Eggs, toast, or breakfast sandwiches. Always hits the spot.
  2. Soup Starter Night — Toss frozen veggies, broth, and leftover meat or rice in a pot and call it done.
  3. Wraps or Sandwich Night — Turkey, ham, or whatever deli meat is handy.
  4. Ramen Remix — Doctor up instant ramen with egg, spinach, or leftover veggies.
  5. Snack Board Dinner — Cheese, crackers, fruit, pickles, whatever looks good on a plate.
  6. Emergency Frozen Meal — Whether it’s pizza, burritos, or something store-bought — no guilt, no dishes.

Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Recipes
Shopping List
Uncategorized

🧩 11 Things I’ve Accepted I’ll Never Have Together (And That’s Okay)

JoLeave a comment

There comes a point in every adult’s life where you stop chasing perfection and just start chasing peace.
Mine came somewhere between my third “lost laundry sock” breakdown and realizing that meal planning for the week doesn’t make my brain any less chaotic.

So here are 10 things I’ve fully accepted I’ll never have together — and honestly, I’m fine with it.

1. My Sleep Schedule

Some nights I’m out cold by 9. Other nights, I’m rearranging my thoughts (and furniture) at 2 a.m. Balance? Never met her. My problems are in those wee hours of the morning but my issues are waking up no later than 4, even if I dont fall asleep til 3. Its maddening.

2. Laundry

There’s clean, there’s dirty, and there’s “on that chair I swear I’ll fold tomorrow.”
Spoiler: tomorrow’s been rescheduled indefinitely.

3. My Phone Storage

I can delete exactly 400 screenshots and still have “not enough space.” I think the memes multiply when I’m not looking.

4. Matching Socks

At this point, I’m calling it fashion. If my socks are both clean, that’s a win.

5. My Inbox

Some people zero out their email every night. I zero out emotionally about my email every night.

6. That One Junk Drawer

It’s basically a time capsule for expired batteries and mystery cords from 2008.

7. My Brain’s Tabs

They’re all open. None of them are loading. I’ve accepted it’s just part of my operating system.

8. My To-Do List

For every item I cross off, three new ones appear like hydra heads. Productivity is a myth perpetuated by people with working serotonin.

9. My Diet

Sometimes it’s vegetables and lean protein.
Sometimes it’s cold pizza and vibes.
It’s called balance, baby.

10. The Idea of “Having It Together”

Turns out, nobody does. Some just accessorize their chaos better.
So here’s to letting go, laughing at the mess, and knowing that imperfect is still enough.

11. My Posting Schedule

I love sharing my thoughts and connecting with my community — but some days, the mental energy just isn’t there.
And that’s okay.
Skipping a post doesn’t mean I’m lazy or unreliable; it means I’m human. listicles are just easier to do when your brain wont shut up enough to do any research or even just have the mental capacity for boring depressive stuff. I’m trying to keep it up beat and hold it all together. Sometimes “taking care of business” looks like closing the laptop, eating something carb-loaded, and giving my brain a breather.

💭 Final Thought:

You don’t have to fix everything to be doing okay.
Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is stop fighting the tide and just float for a bit.Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Uncategorized

🐾 7 Reasons My Emotional Support Cat Is the Best Thing to Happen to My Nervous System

JoLeave a comment
  1. He gives actual hugs.
    Not “cat-style affection.” Not a polite leg rub. I mean full-on, arms-around-my-neck, genuine hugs—every. single. day. It is adorable and sometimes the BEST part of my day.

He runs to me like I’m the main character.
I can be in the middle of a meltdown or just opening a can of soda, and here he comes—flying in from another room like, “My human needs me!”

He’s got emotional radar.
Somehow, he knows the difference between “I stubbed my toe” and “life is lifing too hard right now.” That’s when he turns on maximum purr mode.

Therapy sessions are 100% confidential.
He’s heard every rant, every ugly cry, and not once has he told a soul. Best therapist I’ve ever had. Cheap too, works off lovies

    He reminds me that love doesn’t have to be complicated.
    He doesn’t need words, money, or plans—just a lap, a snuggle, and maybe a treat afterward. (Boundaries are important.)

    He’s the king of comfort.
    Heating pads? Overrated. Weighted blankets? Optional. Warm, vibrating cat on your shoulder? Perfect.

    He makes me believe in the healing power of small moments.
    Every time he chooses me—out of the whole house—to snuggle, it feels like the universe reminding me that I’m worth comfort, too. Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

      Uncategorized

      💊 When Your Body Stages a Coup: Surviving Withdrawal from Your Legally Prescribed Meds

      JoLeave a comment

      So picture this: you’re minding your business, taking your meds like a responsible adult, when suddenly—boom.
      Pharmacy delay. Doctor out of town. Prior authorization “pending.” Ah the setback of psych meds.
      And your nervous system? It’s like, “Cool cool cool… let’s panic about everything now.”

      Let’s be clear right out of the gate:
      This isn’t addiction.
      This is what happens when your body gets used to something your doctor prescribed, and then it disappears faster than your motivation on a Monday.

      For people managing chronic pain, ADHD, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, anxiety—basically anything that makes life feel like juggling flaming swords—missing meds can wreck your whole week. Sometimes your whole month. It used to be pain meds were controlled, well I got off all them and then I find out one of my meds for my mental state is controlled too.

      So here’s the practical, not-patronizing guide to surviving it.

      🧠 1. Know What’s Happening — It’s Not “Just in Your Head”

      Your body doesn’t care that you’re being responsible. It just knows chemistry changed.
      Withdrawal from meds like antidepressants, or mood stabilizers can cause:

      • Flu-like symptoms (the fever, chills, and “oh God, why” kind)
      • Dizziness or brain zaps
      • Stomach chaos (you know what I mean)
      • Anxiety that feels like being trapped in your own skin
      • Crying at car insurance commercials

      You’re not crazy, dramatic, or weak. You’re literally detoxing from a medication your body depended on.

      🩺 2. Call the Pharmacy and Doctor — Every. Single. Day.

      Yes, it’s annoying. Yes, they hate it. Do it anyway.
      Sometimes the squeaky wheel really does get the refill.

      Ask for:

      • A partial fill (even a few days’ worth helps)
      • Generic or alternative options
      • If your doctor can bridge it with samples or a similar med

      If you can’t get through to your doctor, ask to speak to the nurse or pharmacist directly—they can often light a fire under the process faster than anyone else.

      🧘‍♀️ 3. Temporary Coping Tools (That Actually Help)

      You can’t cure withdrawal, but you can soften the edges.
      Try:

      • Hydration like it’s your job. Electrolytes help your body flush junk out faster.
      • Protein and complex carbs. Blood sugar swings make symptoms worse.
      • Body temp tricks: cool showers for feverish restlessness, warm baths for muscle tension.
      • Magnesium and vitamin B supplements (if cleared by your doc).
      • Ginger tea or mints for nausea.
      • Noise + comfort TV. Distract your brain from itself. (“SVU’ or ‘Chicago’ shows is a favorite here.)

      And yes, sleep whenever you can. Withdrawal can feel like a bad breakup between your brain and your body, and you’ll need rest to survive the drama.

      🚨 4. Know When It’s Too Much

      If your symptoms go beyond “ugh” and start looking like “dangerous,” it’s time to get help.
      Go to urgent care or call your doctor if you experience:

      • Suicidal thoughts
      • Chest pain
      • Severe confusion or disorientation
      • Tremors, seizures, or blood pressure spikes

      No guilt, no hesitation. This isn’t weakness—it’s biology in meltdown mode.

      💬 5. You’re Not a “Druggie.” You’re a Human Being.

      Let’s kill that stigma right now.
      There’s a difference between dependency and addiction—one means your body adapted to a med, the other means there’s misuse or compulsion.

      If you’re following your prescription and life implodes when you miss it, that’s not moral failure. That’s chemistry. And it deserves compassion, not judgment.

      🌿 Bonus: What to Do Once You’re Back on Track

      • Ask about tapering. Even a few days’ gap can make restarting rough.
      • Set up refill reminders. Calendar, app, sticky note, carrier pigeon—whatever works.
      • Request overlap fills (some pharmacies will fill a few days early if you ask).
      • Stock an emergency buffer once you can, even if it’s just a few days’ worth.

      And most importantly: forgive yourself for the mess that isn’t your fault.
      Medication management in modern healthcare is like playing whack-a-mole blindfolded. You’re doing great just by surviving it. Dependency is’nt addiction. Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other!

      Uncategorized

      🍗 Two-Week Reserve-Based Crockpot Menu: Chicken, Sausage & Beef Edition (Wk 27&28)

      JoLeave a comment

      Because ovens are rude and we deserve ease.

      Let’s be real — chronic illness, neurodivergence, parenting, and general life chaos don’t care that dinner still has to happen.
      So here’s a two-week, reserve-based crockpot plan that keeps you fed without a meltdown.

      You’ll cook just three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday) and still have enough food for reworks, leftovers, and “oops, I forgot to defrost something” days.

      🐔 TUESDAY: Chicken Day

      🥣 Salsa Crockpot Chicken

      The OG lazy girl dinner. Don’t mess with perfection.

      Ingredients

      • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
      • 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
      • 1 packet taco seasoning
      • Optional: 1 cup frozen corn or a can of diced tomatoes (drained)

      Instructions

      1. Dump it all in the crockpot.
      2. Cook on low 6–8 hours or high 3–4.
      3. Shred it up and mix before serving.

      Serve With: Rice, tortillas, or potatoes.
      Reserves: Use leftovers in quesadillas, nachos, rice bowls, or over pasta.

      🍽️ Chicken & Veggie Bowls

      Healthy-ish. Easy. Zero oven time. We love that for us.

      Ingredients

      • 1 ½ lbs chicken (breasts or thighs), chunked
      • 1 bell pepper, sliced
      • 1 zucchini, sliced
      • ½ onion, sliced
      • 2 tbsp olive oil
      • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
      • Salt and pepper

      Instructions

      1. Toss it all in the crockpot.
      2. Cook on low 5–6 hours or high 3–4.
      3. Stir before serving to coat everything evenly.

      Serve With: Rice, quinoa, or in wraps.
      Reserves: Toss leftovers into scrambled eggs or pasta for a second meal.

      🌭 THURSDAY: Sausage Day

      🍝 Sausage & Peppers Pasta

      A classic one-pot wonder — but make it a slow cooker.

      Ingredients

      • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
      • 1 onion, diced
      • 1 bell pepper, sliced
      • 2 cloves garlic, minced
      • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
      • 2 cups broth
      • 8 oz pasta (add later!)
      • Italian herbs, salt & pepper

      Instructions

      1. Add everything except the pasta.
      2. Cook on low 5–6 hours or high 3–4.
      3. Stir in uncooked pasta 30–40 minutes before serving (add a splash of broth if needed).

      Reserves: Bake leftovers with cheese or thin it out for soup.

      🥔 Sausage, Potato & Pepper Hash

      Like a diner breakfast but without having to move.

      Ingredients

      • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
      • 1 ½ lbs potatoes, chopped
      • 1 bell pepper, chopped
      • ½ onion, chopped
      • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
      • Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper

      Instructions

      1. Grease crockpot lightly with oil or spray.
      2. Toss everything in and mix well.
      3. Cook on high 3–4 hours or low 6–7, stirring halfway through.

      Serve With: Fried egg on top or a warm roll.
      Reserves: Wrap leftovers in tortillas for breakfast burritos.

      🥩 SUNDAY: Ground Beef Day

      🌶️ Lazy Chili Mac (No Beans)

      It’s comfort food that won’t fight your stomach.

      Ingredients

      • 1 lb cooked ground beef
      • 3 cups beef broth
      • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
      • 2 cups elbow noodles
      • 1 tsp chili powder
      • ½ tsp cumin
      • Salt & pepper

      Instructions

      1. Add everything except noodles to the crockpot.
      2. Cook on low 4–5 hours.
      3. Stir in noodles 30 minutes before serving.

      Reserves: Serve leftovers over baked potatoes or tortilla chips.

      🍚 Beef & Rice Bowls

      Your freezer meal hero.

      Ingredients

      • 1 lb cooked ground beef
      • 1 ½ cups uncooked rice
      • 3 cups broth
      • ½ onion, chopped
      • 1 tsp garlic powder
      • Salt, pepper, paprika

      Instructions

      1. Combine everything in the crockpot.
      2. Cook on low 4–5 hours or high 2–3.
      3. Fluff before serving.

      Reserves: Wrap in lettuce or tortillas, or top with fried eggs.

      That should last us into November, wow it flies by, til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

      recipes
      Uncategorized

      8 Times My Mental Health Made Me a Genius — and 3 Times It Made Me a Dumpster Fire

      JoLeave a comment

      Some days, I swear my brain is a chaotic supercomputer running on caffeine and trauma responses. It’s exhausting. It’s unpredictable. And occasionally, it’s brilliant.

      So let’s give credit where it’s due — because sometimes mental illness hands you a superpower… and sometimes it hands you a Molotov cocktail.

      🧠 The Genius Moments

      1. Hyperfocus: AKA My Accidental Superpower
      When my brain decides something is interesting, I turn into a NASA-level researcher on a Red Bull IV. I can build a business plan, reorganize my entire digital life, and deep-dive through 42 tabs of psychology articles before breakfast. I might forget to eat, but I will emerge knowing the mating habits of penguins if it’s remotely relevant.

      2. Emotional Intelligence on God Mode
      Years of overanalyzing every tone and micro-expression have made me a human lie detector with empathy upgrades. I can walk into a room and feel the vibe like a weather forecaster for emotions. It’s exhausting but occasionally makes me the person everyone calls when they need comfort or brutal honesty — whichever comes first.

      3. Creative Problem Solving: The Chaos Alchemy
      Give me a problem and 15 minutes of unfiltered panic, and I’ll have three off-the-wall solutions that actually work. Spoonies and neurodivergent folks don’t just “think outside the box.” We’ve set the box on fire, repurposed the ashes, and turned it into an Etsy product.

      4. The Art of Masking (AKA Professional Acting)
      Sure, it’s born from survival, but let’s be honest — I’ve basically earned an honorary degree in emotional theater. I can hold it together in public, then immediately turn into a crying burrito when I get home. Oscar-worthy.

      5. Intuition That Borders on Witchcraft
      When you live in constant hypervigilance, your brain notices everything. Energy shifts. Tone changes. The fact that Karen at the store is not okay. Sometimes it’s anxiety, sure — but sometimes it’s eerily accurate intuition. I’m not saying I’m psychic, but…

      6. The Research Rabbit Hole™
      I’ve “accidentally” learned the DSM-5 like it’s bedtime reading. If I love something, I deep dive — no casual interests here. Just full-blown expertise in ADHD coping strategies, trauma theory, and which weighted blanket won’t suffocate me.

      7. Empathy = My Super Serum
      Pain teaches compassion. Chronic illness teaches perspective. Together, they make you someone who can meet others where they are, not where you wish they were. That’s no small thing.

      8. Resilience Built from Pure Stubbornness
      You ever meet someone who survived their own brain on hard mode? Yeah — we don’t quit easily. We rest, cry, reboot, and come back with snacks and spreadsheets.

      🔥 The Dumpster Fire Moments

      1. Overwhelm Level: Existential Crisis
      Sometimes, everything is just too much. The noise, the people, the to-do list — all of it. My brain freezes like an overloaded computer and suddenly, I’m watching TikToks instead of doing basic human tasks like “laundry” or “feeding self.”

      2. The ‘Fun’ Side of Mania or Hyperfixation
      Oh, you wanted balance? Sorry, my brain just ordered $120 of craft supplies for a project I’ll finish never. I’ve also rewritten the same paragraph 14 times because it’s 3 a.m. and I’m possessed by perfectionism.

      3. Memory? Think Again
      There are entire days that vanish like deleted browser history. Did I take my meds? Did I text back? Why is there coffee in the microwave from yesterday? No one knows.

      ✨ The Takeaway

      We’re walking contradictions — brilliant and burned out, wise and impulsive, compassionate and chaotic. But you know what? We still show up. Every single day, we rebuild from the ashes our brains set on fire.

      And that? That’s not a flaw. That’s art. Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other!