Cupcake update:

I made over 100 cupcakes this past weekend for my friend's wedding in Montara Beach, California, and they were a hit, if I do say so myself. Hurrah for me!

For the most part, all the baking went very smoothly, though the German chocolate cupcakes proved a little climate-sensitive, so they had to be made again  the next morning (suckers). Not to worry,  they were no match for me, my glass of champagne and my baking mojo.

The cupcake marathon did reveal a good lesson, though. I have been feeling a wee bit spoiled about my kitchen aid mixer, but by the time I was onto the third batch of cupcakes using a hand-held mixer, my right hand decided it was so not into it.  A joint on the outside rim (I didn't even know there was a joint there, but there is) began to swell up, and then, in an act of sympathy, my right wrist and elbow followed suit. (Aren't they sweet?)

For me, this is one of the strangest and most humbling aspects of having RA - when I am feeling pretty normal and good, I get on a roll and proceed with my life as if everything is the same as before, until suddenly, a part of me super-sizes itself and I'm reminded that nothing is like it was before.  It hasn't failed to take me by surprise yet, even though I'm coming up on my first anniversary. (Gee, I wonder what my RA will get me to celebrate? How about REMISSION!!!)

In the end, this little tantrum wasn't too bad - once I iced my hand and got through all the mixing, the swelling went down pretty quickly. By the time the reception came around (after a really beautiful and moving ceremony), I was able to hold my champagne glass all night long with no problem (thank god, right!), but I no longer feel like my kitchen aid is a luxury, that's for damn sure.

Comments

[Jeff]

I totally feel for you on the whole, "hey, today's a good day, I must be okay after all" syndrome. Yesterday, despite a touch of extra dizziness in the morning, I cranked all day on various tasks. Today, migraine. Oh, joy.

[millicent]

The cupcakes look beautiful--what a lovely gift! Maybe the "key" is moderation--making 100+ cupcakes with a hand-held mixer would be very taxing. At any rate, the good thing is that there was ice...& champagne!!

[Jennifer]

Thanks for directing me to recipe; those cupcakes look divine! It's always such a slap in the face to have RA intrude, especially when it's an activity that should only be fun, fun, fun! I had a very simular occurance when doing all the Christmas baking this year. But! You trooped on and had a good time in spite of, and that's the important thing!