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in Lifestyle · December 12, 2017

Meet My Best Friend

This is a sponsored post, meaning I receive compensation for sharing it. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Kate the (Almost) Great!

I have been so fortunate in my life to have the support system that I do. This system includes not only my awesome family, but also my best friend, Sara. I don’t share a super ton of my personal life on here, so I figured I would let you guys in a little bit more by talking about our relationship, which has been so crucial in getting me through some of the worst of my life over the 7 years that I’ve known her.

Meet My Best Friend

Sara and I met way back in 2010 through the choir we were both a part of at Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt University Concert Choir (VUCC) has this saying – come for the music, stay for the people. And it’s so true! I joined in the second half of my freshman year when it became clear that I couldn’t continue to play the viola (this led to my diagnosis with arthritis). That first semester, Sara was studying abroad, but we connected in the fall of 2010 when she returned. We hit it off immediately because our sense of humor is really similar and we have similar backgrounds.

What started as friends who happen to be in the same friend group in fall 2010 led to being incredibly close by the time that she graduated in May 2011. We kept in touch afterwards and – she can correct me if she remembers it differently – actually grew closer after she graduated. She started working in Dallas, Texas, while I experienced one of the worst health years of my life my junior year of college. She helped me get through the uncertainty and the ER trips and the pain, even though we were in completely separate states.

Over the years, we’ve gotten closer and closer, which was definitely helped by her moving to Boston shortly before I moved back home here. Now, I joke that her family gets her for major holidays, but I get her for the minor ones.

Meet My Best Friend
2011

Part of why we’re so close is all that we’ve been through together. We’ve each gone through several relationships and breakups, as well as graduate degrees. There have been deaths and severe medical issues in our families. She has been my friend since months after I was diagnosed with arthritis and has listened to me complain and cry with frustration and pain.

Here’s a more specific example of how good of a friend she has been to me. In 2016, I had another ovarian cyst rupturing episode when my parents were in Ireland and my sister in Ecuador. She had been on Nantucket when it happened and couldn’t get back in time to take me to the ER (shoutout to our friend Tiffany who did that), but as soon as she got back, she relieved Tiffany and spent the night at my house in case I needed anything. I can’t count how many times over the years she has taken one look at me and held out her hand for me to squeeze while I suffered through huge pain episodes.

Meet My Best Friend
2012 or 2013

Sara and I have gone through so much together over the last 7+ years. I’m so grateful that I have her in my life and for everything she has brought to it over the years, and that Rockland Trust wanted to hear about meaningful relationships. They’re so important to living a fulfilling life!

PS – The first picture is from last Christmas!

What meaningful relationships do you have in your life?

Follow Rockland Trust on Facebook and Instagram.

Like this post? Check out:

 26 Things about Me Because I’m 26 Today, 2016 Wins and Successes, Dear College Freshman Kate

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  1. Haley Marie says

    December 12, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    I think it’s so sweet that you guys have been friends for so long! Loved this post <3

    Reply

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  1. Kate the (Almost) Great | Boston Lifestyle Blog - My Sister Dressed Me for a Week - Kate the (Almost) Great | Boston Lifestyle Blog says:
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    […] Best Fair Skin Makeup, Meet My Best Friend, Top Drugstore Makeup, 26 Things about Me Because I’m 26 […]

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I’m Kate, a millennial living in New England. I’m a writer and an advocate for people with chronic illnesses. Join me on my journey to greatness!

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✨ AN INTRO TO MY DIAGNOSES ✨ ⁣ ⁣ Hi, frien ✨ AN INTRO TO MY DIAGNOSES ✨ ⁣
⁣
Hi, friends! I haven't introduced myself in a while, so I thought I would share who I am, what my #chronicillness diagnoses are, and why I talk about my health online. ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a millennial in New England, either Boston or Maine. I work for an education non-profit, I have a blog for chronic illness patients and their loved ones, I read a lot of books, and I love my pets. ⁣
⁣
I have: ⁣
rheumatoid arthritis ⁣
fibromyalgia ⁣
endometriosis ⁣
POTS ⁣
chronic anemia ⁣
asthma ⁣
⁣
I talk about my health online to help other patients and their loved ones. Living with chronic illness is 𝘴𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺. There's the physical isolation, which has especially shown up since the pandemic started, and there's the loneliness of feeling like no one gets what your reality is like. ⁣
⁣
I felt so lonely when I was diagnosed with RA, which only increased when I couldn't go places or do things with my friends. The first couple of years after my diagnosis were so hard because most people I knew didn't get it. ⁣
⁣
The only people who did get it were others with chronic illness.⁣
⁣
If no one else gets it in your life, know that my blog and I are here for you. You can find it at the link in my bio or go to katethealmostgreat.com. ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
[Image: Kate sits on a gray chair with an open laptop on her lap. She's wearing a cream cable knit sweater, jeans, and round tortoiseshell glasses. Behind her is an open secretary, on which there is a lamp, and round mirrors hanging on the wall.]
We take spring real seriously around here 😂 ⁣ We take spring real seriously around here 😂 ⁣
⁣
Hey, we've got to enjoy it when we get it because in New England we can get Nor'Easters in April ... like we did last week. ⁣
⁣
📸 @happydogsboston ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic illness patient, advocate, and blogger. Check out my blog at the link in my bio or ➡  katethealmostgreat.com⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
[Image: Harley the golden retriever sits on grass on a little park in Boston. Behind him is a flowering tree and the grass is covered in petals. Behind that are brownstone buildings.]
There's a new blog post up today all about MEDIA K There's a new blog post up today all about MEDIA KITS! They are essential if you are a blogger or influencer who wants to make money from your work. Click the link in my bio to read or ➡ katethealmostgreat.com. ⁣
⁣
PS - My ebook for chronic health bloggers includes a Canva media kit template! That's just 1 of 11 resources in it, and the ebook is just $10. You can also find that at the link in my bio. ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic health blogger who blogs to help chronic illness patients and their loved ones. Follow me for more tips on living an awesome life with chronic illness! ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
[Image: Kate sits at a desk working on a silver laptop. She's a brunette white woman and is wearing a pink tank dress and large brown glasses. In front of the camera, next to the laptop, is a blue-and-white coffee mug.]
💉 day! Grateful grateful grateful ◼️ [Im 💉 day! Grateful grateful grateful

◼️ 

[Image: Kate takes a selfie. She is a brunette white woman wearing a peach top, a mask, and round tortoiseshell glasses. She is sitting in a convention center holding a card that says “Thanks! For getting vaccinated.]
✨ VISIBLE SIGNS OF MY "INVISIBLE" DISABILITY ✨ ✨ VISIBLE SIGNS OF MY "INVISIBLE" DISABILITY ✨ ⁣
⁣
1️⃣ TENS unit clipped on my jeans to help my foot and ankle pain ⁣
2️⃣ Wearing sneakers because a) they're the only shoes I can really tolerate b) I have an indoors and an outdoors pair c) I have to wear sneakers/can't go barefoot for long because of my foot and ankle pain ⁣
3️⃣ Leaning on my closet door slightly because it's the only way I can really stay still for pictures ⁣
4️⃣ Wearing glasses because I can't wear contacts due to dry eyes, which is a side effect of many of my medications ⁣
5️⃣ Popsocket on my phone because I really can't keep a grasp on it due to my super arthritic hands ⁣
⁣
These are just some visible signs! Just because you don't see these things doesn't mean they aren't there if you look. Invisible disabilities aren't truly invisible. ⁣
⁣
➡ What are visible signs of your invisible disability? ⬅ ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic health blogger who blogs to help chronic illness patients and their loved ones. Check out my blog at the link in my bio or go to katethealmostgreat.com.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
[Image: Kate stands in front of a mirror on the inside of her closet door, taking a selfie in the mirror., She's a brunette white woman wearing jeans, a blue-and-white top, and round tortoiseshell glasses. She has a TENS unit clipped to her jeans.]
Harley and Piper's new album, coming this fall 😂 ⁣
⁣
Comment below with what you think their album would be named if this was the album cover ⬇ ⁣
⁣
📸 @happydogsboston ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic health blogger who blogs to help chronic illness patients and their loved ones. Check out my blog at the link in my bio or go to katethealmostgreat.com.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣
◾⁣
⁣
[Image: 2 dogs but from the perspective of down on the ground looking up at them. The dogs are on a brick pathway in Boston and behind them are classic Boston brownstones, trees without leaves, and a cloudy sky. One dog is a red-and-white cavalier King Charles spaniel, and her ears are flying back in the wind. The other is a golden retriever.]
Even once you're done with school, you should neve Even once you're done with school, you should never stop learning. That doesn't mean that you have to take classes! Learning can look however you want. ⁣
⁣
You can take up a new hobby. ⁣
⁣
You can learn a new skill. ⁣
⁣
You can learn about the world by getting your news from different sources. ⁣
⁣
There are so many ways to learn, and one of the great things about not being in school anymore is that you can learn about whatever you want and whatever interests you. ⁣
⁣
What is something you've learned or learned about? ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic health blogger who blogs to help chronic illness patients and their loved ones. Follow me for more tips on living an awesome life with chronic illness! ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣
⁣
◾⁣
⁣
[Image: Kate sits in a gray chair, facing the camera. She's a brunette white woman wearing black pants, a white sweater, and round tortoiseshell glasses. She's holding an open book. Behind her on the walls are a couple of round mirrors.]
I've been missing rural Maine these days. While I I've been missing rural Maine these days. While I like being able to see people out and about in Boston, spending most of 2020 in rural Maine really reinforced how much my soul prefers country to the city. ⁣
⁣
I don't know what to do about that short-term, but it is helpful to know that my long-term goal of moving back to Maine (or at least not living long-term in the city) is in fact something that I will love. ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic health blogger who blogs to help chronic illness patients and their loved ones. Check out my blog at the link in my bio or go to katethealmostgreat.com.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
[Image: Looking at a lake that has a rock-filled "beach" with rocks going out to a point. The other side of the lake is filled with trees.]
Put on a full face of makeup for a small Easter ce Put on a full face of makeup for a small Easter celebration today. This is your reminder that while it's nice to dress up and look nice, celebrating in small ways is just as good as celebrating in big ones. Also, Jesus doesn't want you to risk your health or the health of others to celebrate. ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic health blogger who blogs to help chronic illness patients and their loved ones. Follow me for more tips on living an awesome life with chronic illness! ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
[Image: Kate takes a selfie. She's a brunette white woman wearing a v-neck ribbed shirt, claddagh necklace, and round tortoiseshell glasses.] ⁣
⁣
#bostonbloggers #bostonian #bostonblogger #proptoit #myunicornlife #makemoments #acolorstory #makeyousmilestyle #liveunscripted #howyouglow #mybeautifulmess #choosejoy #influencehercollective #howiseeit #inspiredwomen #documentyourdays #momentsofmine #myeverydaymagic #darlingdaily #todayslovely #seekmoments #momentslikethese #posttheordinary #thatauthenticfeeling #discoverunder5k #BossGirlBloggers #ChronicIllnessBlogger #bostonma
Follow on Instagram



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✨ AN INTRO TO MY DIAGNOSES ✨ ⁣ ⁣ Hi, frien ✨ AN INTRO TO MY DIAGNOSES ✨ ⁣
⁣
Hi, friends! I haven't introduced myself in a while, so I thought I would share who I am, what my #chronicillness diagnoses are, and why I talk about my health online. ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a millennial in New England, either Boston or Maine. I work for an education non-profit, I have a blog for chronic illness patients and their loved ones, I read a lot of books, and I love my pets. ⁣
⁣
I have: ⁣
rheumatoid arthritis ⁣
fibromyalgia ⁣
endometriosis ⁣
POTS ⁣
chronic anemia ⁣
asthma ⁣
⁣
I talk about my health online to help other patients and their loved ones. Living with chronic illness is 𝘴𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺. There's the physical isolation, which has especially shown up since the pandemic started, and there's the loneliness of feeling like no one gets what your reality is like. ⁣
⁣
I felt so lonely when I was diagnosed with RA, which only increased when I couldn't go places or do things with my friends. The first couple of years after my diagnosis were so hard because most people I knew didn't get it. ⁣
⁣
The only people who did get it were others with chronic illness.⁣
⁣
If no one else gets it in your life, know that my blog and I are here for you. You can find it at the link in my bio or go to katethealmostgreat.com. ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
[Image: Kate sits on a gray chair with an open laptop on her lap. She's wearing a cream cable knit sweater, jeans, and round tortoiseshell glasses. Behind her is an open secretary, on which there is a lamp, and round mirrors hanging on the wall.]
We take spring real seriously around here 😂 ⁣ We take spring real seriously around here 😂 ⁣
⁣
Hey, we've got to enjoy it when we get it because in New England we can get Nor'Easters in April ... like we did last week. ⁣
⁣
📸 @happydogsboston ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic illness patient, advocate, and blogger. Check out my blog at the link in my bio or ➡  katethealmostgreat.com⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
[Image: Harley the golden retriever sits on grass on a little park in Boston. Behind him is a flowering tree and the grass is covered in petals. Behind that are brownstone buildings.]
There's a new blog post up today all about MEDIA K There's a new blog post up today all about MEDIA KITS! They are essential if you are a blogger or influencer who wants to make money from your work. Click the link in my bio to read or ➡ katethealmostgreat.com. ⁣
⁣
PS - My ebook for chronic health bloggers includes a Canva media kit template! That's just 1 of 11 resources in it, and the ebook is just $10. You can also find that at the link in my bio. ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic health blogger who blogs to help chronic illness patients and their loved ones. Follow me for more tips on living an awesome life with chronic illness! ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
[Image: Kate sits at a desk working on a silver laptop. She's a brunette white woman and is wearing a pink tank dress and large brown glasses. In front of the camera, next to the laptop, is a blue-and-white coffee mug.]
💉 day! Grateful grateful grateful ◼️ [Im 💉 day! Grateful grateful grateful

◼️ 

[Image: Kate takes a selfie. She is a brunette white woman wearing a peach top, a mask, and round tortoiseshell glasses. She is sitting in a convention center holding a card that says “Thanks! For getting vaccinated.]
✨ VISIBLE SIGNS OF MY "INVISIBLE" DISABILITY ✨ ✨ VISIBLE SIGNS OF MY "INVISIBLE" DISABILITY ✨ ⁣
⁣
1️⃣ TENS unit clipped on my jeans to help my foot and ankle pain ⁣
2️⃣ Wearing sneakers because a) they're the only shoes I can really tolerate b) I have an indoors and an outdoors pair c) I have to wear sneakers/can't go barefoot for long because of my foot and ankle pain ⁣
3️⃣ Leaning on my closet door slightly because it's the only way I can really stay still for pictures ⁣
4️⃣ Wearing glasses because I can't wear contacts due to dry eyes, which is a side effect of many of my medications ⁣
5️⃣ Popsocket on my phone because I really can't keep a grasp on it due to my super arthritic hands ⁣
⁣
These are just some visible signs! Just because you don't see these things doesn't mean they aren't there if you look. Invisible disabilities aren't truly invisible. ⁣
⁣
➡ What are visible signs of your invisible disability? ⬅ ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic health blogger who blogs to help chronic illness patients and their loved ones. Check out my blog at the link in my bio or go to katethealmostgreat.com.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
[Image: Kate stands in front of a mirror on the inside of her closet door, taking a selfie in the mirror., She's a brunette white woman wearing jeans, a blue-and-white top, and round tortoiseshell glasses. She has a TENS unit clipped to her jeans.]
Harley and Piper's new album, coming this fall 😂 ⁣
⁣
Comment below with what you think their album would be named if this was the album cover ⬇ ⁣
⁣
📸 @happydogsboston ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic health blogger who blogs to help chronic illness patients and their loved ones. Check out my blog at the link in my bio or go to katethealmostgreat.com.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣
◾⁣
⁣
[Image: 2 dogs but from the perspective of down on the ground looking up at them. The dogs are on a brick pathway in Boston and behind them are classic Boston brownstones, trees without leaves, and a cloudy sky. One dog is a red-and-white cavalier King Charles spaniel, and her ears are flying back in the wind. The other is a golden retriever.]
Even once you're done with school, you should neve Even once you're done with school, you should never stop learning. That doesn't mean that you have to take classes! Learning can look however you want. ⁣
⁣
You can take up a new hobby. ⁣
⁣
You can learn a new skill. ⁣
⁣
You can learn about the world by getting your news from different sources. ⁣
⁣
There are so many ways to learn, and one of the great things about not being in school anymore is that you can learn about whatever you want and whatever interests you. ⁣
⁣
What is something you've learned or learned about? ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic health blogger who blogs to help chronic illness patients and their loved ones. Follow me for more tips on living an awesome life with chronic illness! ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣
⁣
◾⁣
⁣
[Image: Kate sits in a gray chair, facing the camera. She's a brunette white woman wearing black pants, a white sweater, and round tortoiseshell glasses. She's holding an open book. Behind her on the walls are a couple of round mirrors.]
I've been missing rural Maine these days. While I I've been missing rural Maine these days. While I like being able to see people out and about in Boston, spending most of 2020 in rural Maine really reinforced how much my soul prefers country to the city. ⁣
⁣
I don't know what to do about that short-term, but it is helpful to know that my long-term goal of moving back to Maine (or at least not living long-term in the city) is in fact something that I will love. ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic health blogger who blogs to help chronic illness patients and their loved ones. Check out my blog at the link in my bio or go to katethealmostgreat.com.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
[Image: Looking at a lake that has a rock-filled "beach" with rocks going out to a point. The other side of the lake is filled with trees.]
Put on a full face of makeup for a small Easter ce Put on a full face of makeup for a small Easter celebration today. This is your reminder that while it's nice to dress up and look nice, celebrating in small ways is just as good as celebrating in big ones. Also, Jesus doesn't want you to risk your health or the health of others to celebrate. ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
I'm Kate, a chronic health blogger who blogs to help chronic illness patients and their loved ones. Follow me for more tips on living an awesome life with chronic illness! ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ ⁣
⁣
◾ ⁣
⁣
[Image: Kate takes a selfie. She's a brunette white woman wearing a v-neck ribbed shirt, claddagh necklace, and round tortoiseshell glasses.] ⁣
⁣
#bostonbloggers #bostonian #bostonblogger #proptoit #myunicornlife #makemoments #acolorstory #makeyousmilestyle #liveunscripted #howyouglow #mybeautifulmess #choosejoy #influencehercollective #howiseeit #inspiredwomen #documentyourdays #momentsofmine #myeverydaymagic #darlingdaily #todayslovely #seekmoments #momentslikethese #posttheordinary #thatauthenticfeeling #discoverunder5k #BossGirlBloggers #ChronicIllnessBlogger #bostonma
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