Product Review: SAM 2.0

 Disclaimer: I received the SAM 2.0 device in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.

It's been almost 7 years since I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I don't keep my diagnosis a secret, sharing my mostly ups and occasional downs with this chronic inflammatory disease. Thankfully, I haven't had too many problems with pain or mobility. 

Over the past year, despite taking Humira every other week, I've struggled more with knee pain. When I was contacted by the company to trial their sam 2.0 device, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. I try to avoid taking NSAIDS or steroids, and the sam 2.0 sounded like a great alternative. The device requires a prescription, and once that was completed, I received my unit! I started using it right away, and I could not be happier with the results!

All Mixed Up

I was all confused this week--my work schedule was altered to accommodate my 3 partners who were all out of the office this week. Plus, I had to drive my parents downtown on Monday for a doctor's appointment at Northwestern. More on that below. Besides my work schedule, the only other thing consistent in my life is my workout schedule, and I had to move things around to fit into my days. I got it all done, though! I think that is what kept me sane. I like to think that I'm pretty flexible, but this week I didn't know if I was coming or going!

Is anyone else hearing the Cars' song All Mixed Up running through their head right now? Or is it just me?

Playing Outside

This really is the best time of year to be a runner! Or is it fall? I love them both so much. As for all my complaining about the slow arrival of spring, I will grudgingly admit that these cooler temperatures have made for some great runs. It has also allowed me to really appreciate the arrival of all the blooms. I've made sure to get out early to soak up all the beauty and solitude that comes with being alone on the trails.

Mini Book Reviews: May 2025

Disclaimer: I received ARCs of Shopgirls, All the Mothers, The Boy From the Sea, Aftertaste, Food Person, and Dreaming of Home from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest reviews. This post contains affiliate links.

When life gives you bad weather, you read a lot of books. At least I did. I had a lot of downtime this month, due to the never-ending cloudy, rainy, cool days. The only upside was that I had 6 Netgalley reads due this month, plus a few library holds that I didn't want to miss out on. It's not a bad problem to have. It's hard to pick a favorite read, but I have 2: The Boy From the Sea and Aftertaste, which came out of nowhere. Aftertaste was one of those last minute Netgalley offerings, and it sounded intriguing, so I jumped on it. I'm so glad, because the story blew me away. I'm not alone--out of everything I read, this was the highest ranked book on Goodreads this month. I hope it gets some momentum. The Boy from the Sea was a classic family drama, set in Ireland. Just so, so beautiful.

Can't Stop, Won't Stop

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Yep, the weather has been kind of sucky, but that hasn't stopped me from getting outside and getting it done. I have to admit that even though the temperature has been more like April than late May, it's given me some really decent runs. What would be ideal? Cool mornings and warm afternoons. Wouldn't you agree? 

We're up at the lake for this Memorial Day weekend. Sadly, it's going to be too cool for any waterskiing, even in a wetsuit. I can only hope that it starts to warm up! At least the rain is gone. I'm looking forward to hitting the trails on Sunday and Monday. Check out my IG for the details!

What Next?

Living in the Midwest, we're used to wild weather swings. This past week was off-the-charts bonkers. Considering what we've experienced this year so far, that's saying a lot. It was record-breaking warm, so wild weather was to be expected, but a DUST STORM? That was a first for me. I'm glad I wasn't outside when it blew in. I wear hard contacts, and when dust gets in my eyes, it's a very painful experience. Back in the day when my boys played baseball and the bored players kicked up the dust on the diamond, I'd have to run to the car with my eyes closed to avoid the dreaded contact attack. IYKYK

Anyhoo, the dust storm was weird. I wondered if the locusts were next. Is it the end of times? Not to get all deep and philosophical, but fellow Midwesterners have to agree, we've been subjected to some really extreme conditions these past couple of years. Mother Nature's got some splaining to do.

Meanwhile, today we're in the 50s, after breaking records for highs in the 90s just 2 days ago. The wind continues to blow. Dare I ask: what next?

I'm Spending Lots of Time Outside

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Last week, I asked for sunshine and Mother Nature delivered. It wasn't especially warm--Lake Michigan is to blame for that--but I can't complain. Everything is in bloom, and I enjoyed lots of time outside soaking it all in. I can't get enough!

Did I say lots of time outside? Read on...