Why I am Supporting National Cupcake Day

If you are wondering which chronic condition is served by National Cupcake Day, you’ll be surprised by the answer.

I guess you could call it chronic because it is sadly so common. It brings awareness and funds to the increasing problem of caring for stray and abandoned pets.

That’s right, it is honoring the SPCA’s and shelters in each region. I am collecting for the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS).

We ended up getting Miley from Mexico and the Puerto Vallarta SPCA as LAPS did not have what we were looking for at the time. However, it is all in the family and LAPS does so much for local dogs.

So, why am I doing this?

1. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love to bake and decorate cake of any kind
2. They also know how much I love dogs, cats, birds … (well anything that isn’t a rodent!)
3. I have wanted to give back on behalf of our lovely goofball, Miley since we got her
4. It makes me feel good to be able to contribute to something
5. Did I mention I love making cupcakes?

There are some pitfalls when a person with chronic illness takes on a project like this, however. I spent yesterday making cupcakes and by the end of it was so sore and exhausted I wasn’t able to sleep until well after 2 am. I loved every minute of making them but forgot my pacing and my limits.

Today, my care-worker, who helped with cakes when we worked in the kitchen together cooking at a camp 10 years ago, piped the frosting which was a big help. Then we both add the decorations. I also checked in with one of my support groups and had several members telling me to not worry if I don’t get the last batch done (I didn’t), remember to rest, ask for help, and be happy with what turns out. I did and I am happy.

There is a huge conundrum when someone suffering from pain, fatigue, and other chronic symptoms signs on to do a project. You want to do something to feel alive again and productive; however, you can so easily burn out that you don’t finish and/or you beat yourself up for not doing it “as well as an able-bodied person”.

I don’t know what is going to happen during the sale. I currently only have two people who have donated online so far – one of them is me and the other my care worker! However, even if I only sell one cupcake, I want to hold my head high and know that at least I participated. I know that is more than others do.

Lydia!