Dear Diary,
Remember when I said all I had left to do was get home?
Simple enough, right?
WRONG!
Because apparently, Crohn’s and MG hadn’t finished their little Reno vacation.
After two days of conference activities, questionable coffee, bathroom negotiations, four flights of stairs, and a party that nearly took me OUT, I thought I’d earned a peaceful trip home.
SILLY ME! 🙄😂
Welcome to the grand finale of my Reno adventure.
Going Back to Cali!
And let me tell you, Diary, I had exactly one goal.
Get home.
Get comfortable.
And crawl into my own bed.
Unfortunately, my two uninvited roommates weren’t quite ready to cooperate.
😴 Bad Dreams, No Rest & a Body Already Running on Empty
After finally escaping the conference festivities the night before, I was looking forward to some much-needed sleep.
Considering how exhausted I was, you’d think I would have slept like a baby.
Nope.
Instead, my night was filled with bad dreams that repeatedly interrupted my sleep.
Because apparently, even my subconscious had decided I wasn’t entitled to a peaceful moment.
Wonderful.
Just wonderful.
By morning, I felt almost as exhausted as I had when I climbed into bed.
HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?!
I went to sleep tired.
I woke up tired.
At this point, sleep was starting to feel like a subscription service I was paying for but not actually receiving the benefits of. 🙄😂
Nevertheless, it was time to get dressed, pack my belongings, and head to the airport.
And I was READY.
Not necessarily physically ready.
But mentally?
GET ME HOME!
My flight was supposed to land around noon, which meant I’d technically have time to get a little work done once I returned.
And I intended to.
But after that?
Oh, honey.
ME AND MY BED HAD A DATE!
No conference speakers.
No networking.
No socializing.
And definitely no more stairs.
Just me, my pillow, and some uninterrupted rest.
At least that was the plan.
🫁 MG, Can We PLEASE Just Get to the Airport?
As I started getting myself together, I noticed something wasn’t quite right.
My breathing was already off.
Not exactly the encouraging start I was hoping for.
By the time I left my room and headed toward the lobby to check out, things had become more noticeable.
My breathing was labored.
My left arm was weak.
And my neck was aching.
OH, COME ON, MG!
We are literally trying to GO HOME!
You’ve attended the conference.
You’ve participated in the trade show.
You’ve nearly taken me out on the stairs.
You even showed up at the party!
WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT FROM ME?! 😩😂
But MG wasn’t interested in my complaints.
There I was, trying to navigate the hotel and check out while my body was making even the simplest movements feel like work.
I was beyond exhausted.
And the day had barely begun.
🚐 The Shuttle Ride: Laughing Through the Exhaustion
Eventually, I made it onto the airport shuttle.
Finally!
A seat.
A chance to stop moving.
A little relief.
Despite everything my body was putting me through, I found myself laughing and joking with a few coworkers during the ride.
Because that’s the thing about me.
I can be physically exhausted, uncomfortable, and internally negotiating with every muscle in my body…
And STILL find something to laugh about.
Humor has always been one of my favorite coping mechanisms.
And sometimes, a good laugh with familiar people is exactly what I need.
For those few moments, I could enjoy the conversation without focusing entirely on how awful I felt.
But eventually, we arrived at the airport.
And just like that, the break was over.
🧳 The Airport Walk That Nearly Took Me Out
Normally, walking through an airport is just part of traveling.
You get off the shuttle.
Grab your belongings.
Head toward the terminal.
Find your gate.
Simple enough.
Except when your body has decided that walking and breathing at the same time are apparently unreasonable expectations.
As I made my way toward the terminal, my breathing became EXTREMELY labored.
I had to stop numerous times just to catch my breath.
But wait!
There’s more!
Because apparently, my bladder had decided she wasn’t going to let MG have all the attention.
OH, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!
Not again!
Every time I exerted myself, I could feel that familiar urgency threatening to turn an already miserable situation into a full-blown public embarrassment.
So there I was.
Stopping.
Trying to breathe.
Clenching.
Trying to breathe some more.
And praying I wouldn’t pee myself before making it to my gate.
At this point, Diary, I wasn’t even worried about whether my flight was on time.
I WAS JUST TRYING TO ARRIVE AT THE TERMINAL WITH DRY UNDERWEAR! 😩😂
And to make matters worse?
I was overheating.
Yes.
OVERHEATING!
Inside an airport that was actually cold!
How does that make sense?!
Everyone else was probably enjoying the cool air, while my internal thermostat was acting like somebody had turned the heat up to ninety degrees.
Between the breathing difficulties, muscle weakness, exhaustion, and overheating, I couldn’t find a seat fast enough.
I didn’t care where it was.
I just needed somewhere to SIT.
IMMEDIATELY!
🚽 One More Bathroom Emergency Before Boarding
Eventually, I found a seat and joined my coworkers.
For a moment, I tried to relax and participate in the conversation.
But something still felt off.
And when you’ve spent as much time negotiating with your body as I have, you learn to pay attention when things don’t feel quite right.
So I excused myself and headed toward the restroom.
And THANK GOD I DID!
Because when I tell you I made it just in time…
JUST. IN. TIME.
Had I waited even a little longer, I absolutely would have had an accident.
And after everything I’d already endured, I did NOT need to add airport bathroom catastrophe to the list.
Crohn’s and MG had already provided enough material for an entire diary series.
We did not need a bonus episode titled:
“Kia Versus Her Underwear: The Final Showdown.” 🙄😂
Thankfully, I made it.
Crisis avoided.
Dignity preserved.
Underwear still dry.
PRAISE THE LORD! 🙌🏽😂
I finished up, gathered myself, and headed out of the restroom.
And wouldn’t you know it?
THE FLIGHT HAD STARTED BOARDING!
Well, Diary…
Here we go again.
✈️ Welcome Aboard! Somebody Turn Off the Heat!
After narrowly escaping another bathroom disaster, I finally boarded my flight.
HALLELUJAH!
One step closer to California.
One step closer to my bed.
One step closer to being reunited with my pillow, which, quite frankly, was the only relationship I was interested in maintaining at that moment.
All I needed to do was sit down, buckle up, and survive the flight home.
Simple enough.
Right?
WRONG!
Because apparently, my body had another surprise waiting for me.
The moment I boarded the plane, I started having a hot flash.
A HOT FLASH?!
LORD, WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY SYSTEM?!
I had already been overheating in the airport.
I was exhausted.
My muscles were weak.
My breathing had been giving me problems all morning.
And NOW my internal thermostat wanted to turn the heat up again?!
MA’AM! WE ARE ON AN AIRPLANE, NOT IN A SAUNA! 🥵😂
And as if that weren’t enough, I could feel a headache coming on.
Oh, GOOD GRIEF!
Seriously?
What else?!
Actually, let me take that question back.
Because at this point, I was afraid the universe might consider it a personal challenge.
I sat there hoping the hot flash would pass and the headache wouldn’t develop into something worse.
I didn’t need another adventure.
I didn’t need another surprise.
And I certainly didn’t need another member of my body’s dysfunctional management team showing up for duty.
Crohn’s, MG, and now my internal thermostat?
Apparently, everybody wanted to participate in the grand finale.
Meanwhile, I had exactly ONE request.
PLEASE, JUST LET ME GET HOME! 😩💜🌻
⏰ 10:34 AM Departure? Apparently, That Was Just a Suggestion!
I boarded the plane at approximately 10:15 AM.
Our scheduled departure time?
10:34 AM.
Perfect!
I was finally seated, counting down the minutes until I could get home.
My body was exhausted.
I was overheating.
My head was beginning to hurt.
And quite frankly, my patience had already packed its bags and gone home without me.
All I wanted was for this plane to take off.
10:34 came.
And went.
And there we sat.
Still on the ground.
OH, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! 🙄
Because apparently, after everything Crohn’s and MG had put me through, the airline decided it wanted a speaking role in the grand finale, too.
Under normal circumstances, a flight delay might be mildly annoying.
But when you’re physically exhausted, struggling with symptoms, and desperately looking forward to your own bed?
Every additional minute feels like an eternity.
I didn’t want another conversation.
I didn’t want another surprise.
And I certainly didn’t want to spend any more time sitting on an airplane than absolutely necessary.
Instead, I was watching the clock.
Waiting.
And waiting.
HELLO?! DOES ANYBODY PLAN ON FLYING THIS PLANE TODAY?! ✈️😂
Finally, at 11:18 AM, we took off.
Forty-four minutes after our scheduled departure.
FORTY-FOUR!
Now, I realize that isn’t the longest flight delay in aviation history.
But after the past few days?
It might as well have been forty-four HOURS.
My body wasn’t asking for much.
Just a little cooperation.
A little rest.
And a reasonably uneventful trip home.
Apparently, even that was negotiable.
California, I’m coming!
Eventually.
At the airline’s convenience, apparently. 🙄😂💜
🛬 Touchdown at LAX — FINALLY, Some Cooperation!
After what felt like an eternity, we finally landed at LAX at 12:24 PM.
PRAISE THE LORD! 🙌🏽😂
California!
Sweet, beautiful California!
And would you believe it?
WE MADE IT WITHOUT A SINGLE INCIDENT!
No bathroom emergencies.
No unexpected disasters.
No additional surprises from my two uninvited roommates.
THANK GOODNESS!
Because after everything I’d experienced over the past few days, I wasn’t sure my body had another adventure left in it.
For once, Crohn’s and MG apparently decided to sit quietly and mind their business.
Now, why couldn’t they have done that for the ENTIRE trip?!
I’m not complaining, though.
I’ll take the victory wherever I can get it.
We were back in Los Angeles.
The flight was over.
And I was one step closer to the only destination that truly mattered.
MY BED! 🛏️💜
Of course, landing at LAX and actually getting home are two entirely different things.
And considering how this trip had gone so far, I wasn’t about to declare victory just yet.
But for the moment?
TOUCHDOWN. NO INCIDENTS. UNDERWEAR INTACT.
I’ll call that a WIN! 😂💜🌻
🚽 Welcome to LAX! First Stop? You Already Know!
Now, you would think my first priority after getting off the plane would be getting out of the airport.
Nope!
FIRST STOP? THE BATHROOM!
Because apparently, my bladder had been patiently waiting for the plane to land before announcing that she was about to EXPLODE!
LORD, CAN I AT LEAST GET OUT OF THE AIRPORT FIRST?! 😩😂
But honestly, after everything I’d been through, I was just grateful she’d waited until we landed.
Small victories, Diary.
SMALL VICTORIES!
After taking care of that little emergency, I made my way outside to meet my chauffeur.
And FINALLY, we were heading home!
🚗 The 405, the 101 & a Woman Who Just Wanted Her Bed
Now, if you know anything about Los Angeles, you know the 405 and 101 freeways can test the patience of even the most peaceful human being.
But today?
I DIDN’T EVEN CARE!
Traffic?
Whatever.
Slow drivers?
Have at it.
The usual LA freeway nonsense?
NOT TODAY, SATAN! 😂
Because for once, sitting in traffic didn’t bother me.
I wasn’t rushing to a meeting.
I wasn’t trying to catch a flight.
I wasn’t navigating another conference event.
I was simply sitting back, enjoying the ride, and knowing that every mile brought me closer to home.
And after the past few days, that was enough to make me happy.
No more Reno.
No more hotel rooms.
No more conference activities.
No more airport adventures.
Just the familiar streets of Los Angeles and the promise of my own little sanctuary waiting for me.
🏡 1:45 PM — Back in My Little Bubble!
And then, Diary…
At exactly 1:45 PM, I walked through my front door.
HOME. SWEET. HOME! 🙌🏽💜
Oh, the JOY!
The RELIEF!
The absolute BEAUTY of being back in my own space!
My little bubble.
My sanctuary.
The place where I can take off my shoes, forget about the outside world, and just BE.
No expectations.
No networking.
No pretending I have more energy than I actually do.
And most importantly?
No having to explain to anyone why I need to sit down, lie down, or simply do absolutely NOTHING.
Because sometimes, when you’re living with chronic illness, home isn’t just where you live.
It’s where you finally get to stop pushing yourself.
And after this trip?
BABY, I WAS DONE PUSHING!
Reno had been an adventure.
Crohn’s and MG had certainly made sure of that.
But standing inside my own home, surrounded by the comfort of everything familiar, I couldn’t help but feel grateful.
I made it through the conference.
I made it through the airports.
I made it through the flight.
And I even survived LA traffic without complaining!
SOMEBODY GIVE THIS WOMAN A MEDAL! 🏅😂
But honestly?
I didn’t need a medal.
I just needed my little bubble.
And I was finally back in it. 💜🌻
💻 The Roommates Clocked Out, but Apparently I Didn’t!
Now, Diary, remember how I’d spent the entire trip talking about getting home and crawling into my bed?
Well…
PLOT TWIST! 😂
I didn’t actually crawl into bed.
Nope!
Apparently, the moment we walked through my front door, Crohn’s and MG decided they were officially done with their Reno vacation.
Because wouldn’t you know it?
THE ROOMMATES WENT TO SLEEP!
EXCUSE ME?!
After spending the past few days interrupting my plans, exhausting my muscles, challenging my breathing, and keeping me on a first-name basis with practically every bathroom between Reno and Los Angeles…
NOW y’all want to rest?!
OH, SO WE’RE DONE ACTING UP?! 🙄😂
Not that I was complaining!
For the first time in what felt like forever, my body seemed willing to give me a little breathing room.
And what did I do with that unexpected peace and quiet?
Did I take a nap?
Did I curl up under my blankets?
Did I finally enjoy that long-awaited date with my pillow?
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
I opened my emails.
Yes, Diary.
MY EMAILS! 💻😂
Because apparently, even when my two chronic illness roommates decide to clock out, the Regional Property Manager in me is still very much ON THE CLOCK.
So there I sat, catching up on messages while Crohn’s and MG apparently enjoyed their well-deserved nap.
The AUDACITY!
They spent the entire trip wearing ME out, and somehow THEY were the ones who needed a vacation from the vacation!
But you know what?
I wasn’t mad about it.
For once, I could focus on something other than what my body was doing.
No emergency bathroom negotiations.
No struggling to get from one place to another.
No wondering whether I’d have enough energy to finish what I’d started.
Just me, my emails, and two unusually quiet roommates.
And honestly?
I’LL TAKE IT! 😂💜🌻
🎵 Music Playing in My Head While Writing This
“Going Back to Cali” — LL Cool J 🎶
Because after everything Reno put me through, there really wasn’t a more appropriate soundtrack for this final chapter.
I wasn’t going back to Cali for the sunshine, the palm trees, or the Hollywood lifestyle.
I WAS GOING BACK FOR MY BED, MY BATHROOM, AND MY PEACE OF MIND! 😂
And while the song may have a completely different story to tell, the title perfectly captured my mood.
California was calling.
And this exhausted woman was answering!
💭 Reflection Corner: Sometimes Making It Home Is the Victory
Looking back on this trip, I realize something.
Living with chronic illness doesn’t mean life stops happening. It means sometimes you have to navigate life while your body is doing everything except cooperating.
I attended the conference.
I participated in activities.
I laughed with coworkers.
I pushed through moments of weakness, exhaustion, and breathing difficulties that most people around me probably never fully realized I was experiencing.
And yes, there were bathroom emergencies, overheating episodes, unexpected symptoms, and enough internal negotiations to qualify me for a diplomatic position with the United Nations. 🙄😂
But there were also good moments.
Laughter.
Connection.
New experiences.
And memories that had absolutely nothing to do with being sick.
That’s the part I don’t want to forget.
Because Crohn’s and MG may be my permanent roommates, but they are not the entirety of who I am.
I’m still Kia.
The woman who loves to laugh.
The woman who enjoys an adventure.
The woman who shows up for her responsibilities.
And the woman who sometimes needs to acknowledge that showing up comes at a physical cost.
This trip reminded me that there’s a difference between being determined and being invincible.
I can be proud of everything I accomplished while also recognizing how much my body struggled.
I don’t have to pretend the difficult moments weren’t difficult just because I managed to get through them.
And perhaps the biggest lesson?
Just because my symptoms finally settle down doesn’t mean I have to immediately fill that quiet with productivity.
When I got home, Crohn’s and MG finally went to sleep.
And what did I do?
Opened my emails.
Of course I did! 😂
But maybe next time, I’ll remember that I deserve a little rest, too.
Not because I’ve earned it by pushing through exhaustion.
Not because I’ve checked every item off my to-do list.
But simply because rest is something my body needs, and I’m allowed to give it that.
So here’s to the adventures we take, the challenges we navigate, the laughter we find along the way, and the comfort of returning to a place where we can finally exhale.
Reno, you were memorable.
Crohn’s and MG, you were exhausting.
California, you were a welcome sight.
And my little bubble?
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME! 🏡💜🌻
🌻 A Little Something to Think About
To my fellow chronic illness warriors:
Have you ever returned from a trip, outing, or special event feeling like you needed a vacation just to recover from the vacation?
Have you ever pushed yourself to participate in something you genuinely wanted to experience, only to realize afterward just how much energy it cost you?
And when your symptoms finally give you a break, do you allow yourself to rest, or do you immediately start catching up on everything you couldn’t do while they were acting up?
Because if you’re anything like me, sometimes the hardest part isn’t recognizing when your body needs rest.
It’s convincing yourself that you don’t have to be productive every single moment you’re feeling well enough to function.
Remember, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying life, making memories, and showing up for the things that matter to you.
But there’s also nothing wrong with slowing down afterward.
Your body deserves compassion, too.
And sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is absolutely NOTHING.
Even if your inbox disagrees. 😂💜
💜 Until Next Time, Diary…
Three chapters.
One Reno adventure.
Two uninvited roommates.
More bathroom negotiations than I care to remember.
And one very grateful woman who made it back to California with her humor, her dignity, and, most importantly, her underwear intact!
RENO OR BUST?
We made it.
OH RENO?
You certainly gave me something to write about.
GOING BACK TO CALI?
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! ✈️🙌🏽
And to Crohn’s and MG…
Thank you for finally giving me a little peace once we got home.
Next time, however, I’d appreciate it if you could take your vacation BEFORE we leave the house.
Sincerely,
Your exhausted, sarcastic, slightly overheated, but still laughing roommate.
Kia Lorice 🌻
Founder • Author • Advocate • Future Wellness Coach
The Dual Diagnosis Diaries 💜
Two Diagnoses. One Journey. A Whole Lot of Real Life.
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