SITS Day!

9 Jun

Today is my SITS Day! “The Secret is in the Sauce” is a wonderful group of women bloggers who support each other through comments. I have come in contact with so many great bloggers through SITS and received encouragement, support and advice. I highly recommend you check them out.

If this is your first time visiting my blog, Welcome! I’m Ashley, a young wife. I’m married to David. We have a dog named Henry.

dog

Henry says hi.

As you might have noticed from the banners, I love Diet Coke. I even did a vlog about Diet Coke. I also love dessert, reading and wakeboarding.

husband and wife

In 2008 David was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. It has completely changed our lives. I started blogging as a way to cope with the arthritis.

We’ve tried all sorts of things to ease David’s chronic joint pain from a Back 2 Life Machine, a Sleep Number Bed, chiropractic care, acupuncture, reducing David’s animal protein intake, to going gluten free. If you have a chronic illness, you know how it is. Everyone sends you information on “cures” and “remedies”. In fact, there is no cure for arthritis. There are several things that help David, but there’s nothing that completely heals him. Trust me, we’ve tried it all!

These days I write about living with chronic illness, my TMJ Disorder, how we really want children, being a caregiver and a homemaker.

In March, David accepted a new job, and we moved from Dallas, Texas to Camden, New Jersey. I’ve been blogging a lot lately about the culture shock and the challenges of taking a 70 pound dog from a four bedroom house with a yard to a two bedroom apartment.

dog in snow

Our backyard in Texas on one of Dallas' rare snow days.

Thank you for reading and commenting! I’d love to keep in touch through Twitter or Facebook. Love ya, sitstas!

Related Posts:

250 Responses to “SITS Day!”

  1. Kerri June 10, 2010 at 11:21 AM #

    Hey girlie!
    CONGRATS!!! WHoooo-Hooo!!!! Couldn’t have picked a better blogger! The link from the SITS page didn’t work for me, but you’re on my blogroll, so no worries. Hope you have a wonderful day!!!!

  2. Susie's Homemade June 10, 2010 at 11:23 AM #

    Congratulations on your SITs feature! I hope you enjoy your day in the sun:-)

  3. MommyReview.com June 10, 2010 at 11:28 AM #

    Happy SIT DAY! Great site, my mom has rheumatoid Arthritis for 29 years and lives with us.

    Check out my site when you can!
    mommyreview.com

  4. Heather June 10, 2010 at 11:29 AM #

    I haven’t been here in awhile. :( I was happy to see you were featured on SITS today! And I won’t hold the diet coke against you. LOL I love diet pepsi. Off to read what you guys have been up to!

  5. Jill Shelley June 10, 2010 at 11:34 AM #

    I think it’s wonderful how you are willing to share your story with others. We can all learn from one another’s trials.
    I will be back.

  6. Michelle June 10, 2010 at 11:37 AM #

    Congrats on your SITS day! Boy, I know what it’s like to deal with chronic, debilitating illness. Both my husband and I have very serious health problems. It’s always a lot of trial and error, and a whole lot of patience. My advice is always get a second opinion, and make yourselves aware of alternative therapies (holistic/natural options). Peace. :)

  7. bubbleboo June 10, 2010 at 11:37 AM #

    Hi, happy SITS day!

    I love your blog, and the way you guys just keep going through it all.

    My mum had TMJ when I was little – and she came out the other side. Many blessings to you both, I hope you each find something that will at least ease the pain for you

    ((hugs))

  8. Krysten June 10, 2010 at 11:39 AM #

    Wow, so glad SITS sent me over here. What an amazing blog. Happy SITS day lady, I can’t wait to read more!

  9. Jenny June 10, 2010 at 11:40 AM #

    Grats on your SITS day :D I can’t wait to have mine but I know that day will never come. xD

  10. Jess June 10, 2010 at 11:41 AM #

    Oh my geez, Ashley, I’ve already hit the subscribe button. It’s amazing how alone you feel when coping with a close family member who has a chronic illness and then you jump onto the interwebs and Poof! There is everyone that has ever understood what it’s like to live with a chronic illness.

    Happy SITS Day lady!

  11. Pua June 10, 2010 at 11:41 AM #

    Happy SITS day! Can’t wait to go explore your blog home!

  12. Barnmaven June 10, 2010 at 11:55 AM #

    As a Washington-stater who transplanted to New Jersey in 1998 (and moved back home in 2007) I can relate to the culture shock you are experiencing!

    Congratulations on your SITS day!

  13. carina June 10, 2010 at 12:05 PM #

    Enjoy your day! I can’t imagine dealing with the chronic pain that comes from your husband’s condition. I imagine it’s brought you closer together… Hope you adjust well to your move! Going to check out some of your other posts…

  14. LBDDiaries June 10, 2010 at 12:14 PM #

    We went from Arkansas to Vermont – you’re right – MAJOR cultural shock. I had rum. arthritis & found apple cider vinegar, krill oil, plenty of water, getting off all white sugar & white flour, diet drinks (sorry), processed foods, and faith worked for me. I haven’t had flare ups in years. That said, it is your journey and no one can say their walk is like your because it isn’t.

  15. Melinda June 10, 2010 at 12:23 PM #

    happy SITS day!

  16. Brianna June 10, 2010 at 12:31 PM #

    My husband is a Jersey boy, and my BIL and his wife still live there. We had the chance to fly out there for their wedding in ’08 and it was beautiful! The 4 of us got a chance to drive through their old stomping grounds of Sparta, NJ, and it was the FIRST TIME I ever saw fireflies in person! I guess that’s what I get for being a California girl! *lol*

  17. Swirl Girl June 10, 2010 at 12:39 PM #

    Congrats on your SITS day!

    My mom has Psoriatic Arthritis as well and has tried every remedy known.

    She just started a new infusion treatment called Remicaid (sp?) which so far has helped both the placque psoriasis and her arthritis. The best news is there are NO adverse side effects (for her anyway).

    email me if you want more information!

  18. Doreen McGettigan June 10, 2010 at 12:46 PM #

    What a beautiful couple you are! And I just bet you are in culture shock. I live just across the river from Camden about 2 miles south of Phila. June 17th will be our 3rd anniversary. I raised 4 kids alone and met my husband 4 years ago on line. That was culture shock for me..learning to share decisions etc. after being the only one in charge for so long. I understand your health issues too; I have TMJ and was recently in an accident and suffered a severe concussion which triggered horrible TMJ pain. What do you do for relief? I hate taking pain meds and they really do not help! My husband has a heart condition that has been controlled for 2 years now thanks to a brilliant doctor at University of Pa. Hospital; one of the perks of living in this area. I may be a part of their dental schools research on TMJ; I applied and have not heard back yet. Anyway Happy SITS day and good luck with creating a family. Stop by for a visit when you have a chance.

  19. Little Birdie Secrets June 10, 2010 at 12:49 PM #

    Happy SITS day. Hope it was all you dreamed it would be :)

  20. Kristy June 10, 2010 at 1:04 PM #

    Congrats on your day! Looove your blog and can’t wait to read more. New follower!

  21. Yankee Wife June 10, 2010 at 1:09 PM #

    I love your blog! I moved from Texas to your neighboring state of New York so I completely understand your culture shock! It gets easier as time goes by. In fact, you may just find yourself enjoying it after a while!
    I will pray for your husband to find relief from his pain. I admire you for staying strong for him!

  22. ElizOF June 10, 2010 at 1:16 PM #

    Happy SITS Special Day! Thank you for sharing your story and I want to send you and your hubby prayers of peace, joy, health and a speedy recovery. I wish you much more and please keep blogging…
    Cheers,
    Eliz

  23. cynde June 10, 2010 at 1:23 PM #

    Happy SITSday! I am glad to have found your blog it is great!!!! I will be back to read more for sure.

  24. alison June 10, 2010 at 1:23 PM #

    happy SITS day to you! i live in the south and couldn’t imagine moving to the land of snow!

    hope you enjoy your day in the limelight :)

  25. Abby June 10, 2010 at 1:24 PM #

    Happy SITS day! Glad you found a church you are interested in visiting again, hopefully that will make you feel more at home.

  26. Nicole June 10, 2010 at 1:28 PM #

    Happy SITS day!! I can relate to chronic illness. It’s part of our lives too, except it’s me who’s the culprit. There’s so many things that people don’t understand, especially when it comes to grieving the dreams you had and adjusting to a new normal. I just started a second blog (in addition to the review blog I write) to have a place to share my experience.

    Enjoy your day! I look forward to reading more :-)

  27. Emiloo June 10, 2010 at 1:29 PM #

    Congrats on your SITS day! I know how hard it is to stay positive in the face of adversity. Stay strong.

  28. Anali June 10, 2010 at 1:32 PM #

    Happy SITS Day! ; )

  29. The Grasshoppa June 10, 2010 at 1:35 PM #

    I just helped myself to a diet cherry coke. It’s the strongest thing in the house right now and I have a super long day ahead!!

    Enjoy your SITS day.

  30. julie June 10, 2010 at 1:51 PM #

    COngrats on your SITs day!
    Come visit my fashion blog!
    Julie

  31. Barb Boyack June 10, 2010 at 1:54 PM #

    Hi Ashley, just wanted to say hi…your hubby is so young to have a chronic painful illness. I am also ill with chronic fatigue, Epstein Barr virus and fibromyalgia so I know how he feels..its neverending is it and hard for the caregiver, too.
    I love Henry, what a handsome fellow he is…
    Have a wonderful day sweetie..

    Barb

  32. {Not Quite} Susie Homemaker June 10, 2010 at 2:19 PM #

    Happy SITS day! I have TMJ as well & it is a BITCH. Maybe it’s something in the diet coke because I drink that more than water. :P I’m definitely going to be following your blog now. :)

  33. Rene W. June 10, 2010 at 2:22 PM #

    Wow – you are very interesting! Happy SITS day!!! I look forward to reading more – I’m your newest subscriber :)

  34. Patti June 10, 2010 at 2:22 PM #

    Hey Ashley! I’m PJ from Comanche, Texas. If you’re from Dallas, I’m sure you know where Comanche is. Anyway, I can tell you, David’s Arthritis is not going to be ANY better (if not worse) in Jersey. I lived there for 7 years when my ex husaband was in the military. We lived all over NJ. Fort Monmouth, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, and last but not least Lakehurst. The humidity there is horrific. I made the mistake of sunbathing at 7 am one day for 30-45 minutes and ended up with huge blisters all over my body! The humidity makes it really hard to breathe, and my present husband has arthritis from the neck down and when it’s humid here he has trouble functioning without a lot of pain, so I know it will be ALOT harder for David up there. My constant prayers will be with you.

    God Bless!

    PJ

  35. Rita June 10, 2010 at 2:33 PM #

    Well HOWDY from a fellow TEXAN!!!!! I am wondering if you are as homesick as I was when I first left home =) We’ll have to chat if you ever wade through all your SITS comments and get to mine, LOL. Hope you are enjoying your beautiful day.

    ~Rita from
    http://www.bitsybaby.com/
    http://photographybyrita.blogspot.com/

  36. Heather June 10, 2010 at 2:33 PM #

    Congrats on your SITS day!

    It looks like you have a very full life and in addition to the struggles God has given you, you have been blessed as well.

  37. Emily June 10, 2010 at 2:49 PM #

    You love Diet Coke? What about Coke Zero? That’s my fave. Great blog! Enjoy your SITS day.

  38. Mamaganda June 10, 2010 at 2:52 PM #

    Your dog is a big guy. Don’t you notice the big dogs are the ones that are so great with kids?

    Happy SITS day!

  39. Jodi June 10, 2010 at 2:55 PM #

    Happy SITS day!

  40. Stephanie June 10, 2010 at 3:03 PM #

    Congrats on your SITS day and best of luck with everything!

  41. ericka @ alabaster cow June 10, 2010 at 3:10 PM #

    happy SITS day! when i was younger we moved to texas to massachusetts and i totally understand the culture shock thing! :)

  42. Scottish lass June 10, 2010 at 3:33 PM #

    Wow! Texas to New Jersey as a newly wed – big changes.
    Congrats on your Sits day!

  43. Jo @ To a Pretty LIfe June 10, 2010 at 3:43 PM #

    Wow, a big dog in an apartment? You’re brave!

  44. John Deere Mom June 10, 2010 at 3:52 PM #

    Wow…you have a lot going on! I am off to read. Great to blog-meet you!

  45. John Deere Mom June 10, 2010 at 3:52 PM #

    Off to read more, I should say!

  46. Kimi@SoManyKids June 10, 2010 at 4:12 PM #

    Happy SITS day!

  47. Debbi June 10, 2010 at 4:34 PM #

    Happy SITS day! I dont’ know much about your husband’s form of arthritis. I’m interested to learn about it. I am excited to explore your blog!

  48. Katie (The Life of a Firefighter's Wife) June 10, 2010 at 4:38 PM #

    Happy SITS Day!! What a tough move, downsizing to a 2 br condo. I can’t imagine!

  49. ThatVanessa June 10, 2010 at 4:46 PM #

    I love the pictures of your dog in the snow! What a great blog – thank you for sharing!!

  50. Carey June 10, 2010 at 4:47 PM #

    YAY for your SITS Day!! Enjoy your special day and take in all the wonderful comments you have and will continute to receive! :)

« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply

Please leave these two fields as-is: