Healing, Cowboy Hats & Donut Burgers: My Diagnosis, Fair Days & Finding Hope

Alright y’all… long time no see.

Told you I’d disappear every now and then during this month — grief, ya know. Some days you’re okay, some days you’re not, and some days you just kinda drift. So I figured it was time to pop back in and actually update you on life, because whew… there’s been a lot.

So first things first.

🥁 Drum roll please…

Your girl officially has Long-Term Reactive Arthritis.

Yep. And apparently it all traces back to that lovely E. coli UTI I had way back in December 2024. After my rheumatologist explained everything and I went down the Google rabbit hole (as one does), I’m about 99% sure he nailed it.

I started a new weekly medication called methotrexate, and let me tell you — she is not gentle. I’m not really “sick sick,” but for a day or two after taking it I deal with nausea, headaches, and this bone-deep exhaustion that makes me want to crawl into bed and become one with my pillow.

But… I’m hopeful.

Hopeful this is finally the thing that brings some real relief. Hopeful I’ll get pieces of myself back. And honestly? Hopeful feels like a win right now.

Nowwwww… onto something way more fun.

Fair Time, Florida Style 🎡

We finally experienced the Florida State Fair, and I’ve gotta say — for whatever reason, I enjoyed it way more than the one time I went to the Kentucky State Fair.

Maybe it was because this time I had a purpose (hello, photo contest). Maybe it was because I had my camera in hand. Maybe Florida just does fairs better. I don’t know. But I loved it.

And listen… I tried a donut burger.

Let me paint this picture for you:
Two ooey-gooey glazed donuts.
A juicy burger.
Cheese.
Bacon.
And a butt load of pickles smashed right in the middle.

Was it ridiculous? Yes.
Was it delicious? Also yes.
Would I do it again? Don’t tempt me.

If you hop over to my portfolio page, you can see some of the photos I took while we were there — and I’ll be adding more over the next few days as I finish editing. There were so many little moments I captured that just made my heart happy.

The boys had an absolute blast… and somehow I ended up coming home with three cowboys.

No joke — all three of them bought cowboy hats.

So now I live with cowboys. YeeHaw. 🤠

And before I disappear again for a bit…

Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️

In case I don’t make it back here before the weekend is over — HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY from me and mine to all of you. Whether you’re celebrating big, keeping it low-key, loving on your babies, your partner, your pets, or just yourself — I hope it’s full of warmth and gentle moments.

Thank you for sticking with me through the quiet seasons, the healing seasons, and the messy in-between ones.

Much love,
Simply Sina 💛