Monday, October 25, 2010

Grace In Small Things: 42/2010

What I am grateful for this week:
  • Homemade chili simmering in the crockpot
  • Walking without crutches or a cane!
  • DRIVING again! (Missed driving SO much)
  • Going to the Animal Protective League fundraiser on Sunday....they do such good work for homeless animals, and we always support them.
  • Lil Dude sleeping on my computer desk in front of my monitors as I type this....what a sweetie.
Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Grace In Small Things: 41/2010

What I am grateful for this week:
  • Got an EXCELLENT report from the Doctor Monday, and got to start walking on my right foot again, for the first time in almost 6 weeks
  • On Saturday, I was released to be able to drive again! (Just short trips, but the freedom feels great!)
  • Fresh produce from the Produce Market - - the last one this season, unfortunately.....
  • A big pot of homemade Chili simmering on the stove....the whole house smells SO good!
  • A new purse from Payless - - beautiful, on sale, AND a coupon for additional 20% off! Yes, I am "super shopper"!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Driving!!

I am now able to drive again! Yay!

Yesterday was my first attempt at it after six weeks of not being able to be in the Driver's Seat. My first little short trip was to the Farmer's Market at the College; I wanted to go because it was the last one of the season. And, since the College is only 5 minutes away from home, Mr. Dizzy and I figured it would be a safe little trek for me to try for my first outing.

It went fine, except I noticed that I was being overly cautious, mainly because my foot still has that big clumsy surgical shoe on (my friend Adam, who saw it for the first time yesterday, called it a "Jesus Sandal"....never thought of it that way before, but ya know? He's right.).

Once I got back home, I decided to run a few errands......

HOURS later, I got back home.

Poor Mr. Dizzy - - now that I'm back in the saddle, he can't keep me home!

Believe me, I appreciate everything Dear Mr. Dizzy did for me the past six weeks - - nursing me back to health, getting me drinks, snacks, my computer, books ..... even cooking supper almost every evening! Getting my "sea legs" back doesn't mean he's no longer needed. He is. And hopefully he believe me when I tell him that.

But - - oh my, does it ever feel good to get some independence back!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Well, THIS Isn't Fun.....

I started walking, for the first time in FIVE WEEKS, Monday evening.

It feels weird, like having to learn how to walk all over again. I was a bit shaky at first, and a little off-balance. (I know, I've always been a bit "off-balance. Hush. I'm being serious here!)

You know when you start working out, or step up your workout to a higher level, how your muscles get mad at you? How the next day, you are a bit sore, but the day after THAT, you are in so much pain you just want to crawl in a hole and cover up?

Tuesday, my ankle and legs were a little bit achy and tired. I figured "hey, not too bad; I'm going to be okay." Right? RIGHT?

Wrong. So, so wrong.

Tuesday was the "day after." Yesterday was the "day after THAT."

Last night was a trip back to Vicodin land.....my back, hips, legs, ankles, feet - - hell, my whole BODY - - was one giant ball of pain. It was Vicodin, or no sleep. The Vicodin won. Even then, I woke up in the middle of the night, stiff and sore from laying so still, and had to take another one.

But today? MUCH better. I was not about to take any Vicodin at work, so carried a bottle of aspirin with me; but, didn't have to take any until about 2:00 this afternoon.

MUCH better.

And, I am walking much better today....actually starting to get the hang of it again!

I'm going to get through this. Really I am.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Post-Op Checkup: Good News!

I had GREAT news from the Doctor yesterday....everything is healing up well, and I am able to do some walking now! I still have the kneewalker stroller until the end of the month, as it will need to be used for long stretches that would be too much for me to walk just yet. But he wants me to try walking for short little treks, around the house, down the hall at work, etc.

But the nerves in my foot? Are NOT happy with me - - when I first start taking a few steps, they flare up and give me hell.....for about 30 seconds, then it calms down and I'm able to amble on down the hall.

I have also been cleared to try some driving this weekend - - just short little trips at first so that I don't tire out my foot and have it start swelling on me. But this means I can drive myself to work starting next week, and can go back to my normal work hours!

My next checkup is in 3 weeks. If all is still looking well, I will be able to get out of the surgical shoe and start wearing real shoes again. That will feel SO good!

All in all, this makes me a very happy lady!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Grace In Small Things: 40/2010

What I am grateful for this week:
  • After a month off on Medical Leave, I was FINALLY able to go back to work this week (with Doctor's restrictions, of course)
  • MAKING IT through the whole work week - - some days were tougher than others
  • A Chocolate/Heath Bits/Cool Whip topped cake brought by my Director as a "Welcome Back" to work
  • Cool nights and warm kittycats - - makes for good sleeping
  • Chicken Tetrazzini for supper last night - - the whole house smelled wonderful
This afternoon I go back to the Doctor for my third post-op checkup. Hopefully the stitches will be taken out, and I also hope to get some news on when I might be able to try some walking. I will admit to being impatient, but - - I also know that following Doctor's orders to the letter is an absolute must. Baby steps, people, baby steps....

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Monday, October 04, 2010

Grace In Small Things: 39/2010

What I am grateful for this week:
  • My knitting project is going extremely well
  • Dinner out with "The Ladies" at Firewater Cafe - Broiled Salmon on Garlic Spinach....yum!**
  • Cooler weather....good for snuggling!
  • Warm, cuddly kitty-kids sharing my lap robe with me
  • Going back to work after a month of Medical Leave!
Tomorrow is my first day back to work (with Doctor-ordered restrictions). Wish me luck!

**Side Note: If Travis Erwin reads about this, I'm sure he will have something to say....I know you may not believe this, Travis, but I really DO like steak also! (But sometimes I stray to the "Dark Side" of fish and veggies.....)

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.