End of the week recap

Wednesday was a blissful day of rest. I spent the day reading and then went to Youth. There were like 12 kids!! Woohoo! We played in the gym with the children and ate hotdogs. I took my little neighbor girl to and from church by myself. 

When I got home, there was a tornado watch. Dad and I camped out in the hallway until it had passed. We sat there for like 2 hours... Wow! There was no damage done to our house, but the ditch across the street did overflow onto out front yard. Needless to say that the rest of the week was HUMID!! 

Thursday  and Friday I subbed for regular classes. Both were at the high school level and both went extremely well! One teacher left plenty of stuff to do and the other left the ending of The Hobbit for the kids to watch. What a great two days! 

Friday night I went to hang out with a friend of mine. We were celebrating another friends' graduation. I had a blast!! I walked up 2 steps for her and we talked the whole night. Sister and her boyfriend were there, too. After all the fun, I went home and slept. I need to learn to go to bed on time. I think I'm suffering from sleep deprivation. Haha! 

I am really enjoying my life and all the   craziness that comes with it! My friends and family are extremely supportive and I always feel loved. The circumstances suck, but the outcome is worth it! 

And that's life...

I didn't even mind that it was Monday!

Monday I got up and took Dad to school. I then got ready and met my friend at her office. We went to lunch at Cracker Barrel (I got eggs in a basket) and then had dessert at The Cupcakery downtown. We had such a good time and got to talk and joke!! I did all of this WITHOUT my wheelchair! That's right, I WALKED the WHOLE day!! Woohoo! 

I did have to adjust my liner once because it was almost falling off. It's already like 4800 degrees here, so I was sweating quite a bit. So much so, that my liner had slipped down my leg some. I'm going to have to talk with my leg guy about a different anti-perspirant. 

After hanging out with my fabulous friend, I went to pick up Dad at his school so we could go to PT. We stopped at Sonic and I accidentally ordered him a Diet Doctor Coke... He wanted a Dr. Pepper. Goodness!! I think I was starting to tire out. Haha! 

I showed my PT my stair walking and did some arm strength exercises while mostly standing or walking the whole time. Then, we practiced balancing on my right (amputated) leg. Talk about difficult!! Ugh. I was so worn out when we headed home. 

We stopped and got Papa Murphys on the way home. Mom cooked it and we watched some Hawaii 5-0 and Elementary. After a fulfilling an exhausting day, I slept a wonderful 7 hours. 

On Tuesday I was called to do lockdown again. So I went to work with Mommy. I spent the day finishing up half a book and starting another. I had a delicious lunch from the lounge and enjoyed an array of deserts. Yum!! 

After work, I went to PT. She had me walk around the building. Outside (nature-ew). On an uneven surface. That slanted. And went uphill. I'm a boss!!! It was about 400 yards; I took 3 breaks. I know, I'm impressed too! I took my leg off so she could look at Stumpy McGee. She said that although he was so so sweaty, he looked really good! Yay!! 

After PT, I headed to the hospital to see a friend. This woman knows a mutual friend of mine and found my blog while I was still in the hospital. She contacted me and kept up with my life. She was worried she would have to have an amputation some day; that day came Monday. I went to visit her because I felt called to do so. I had never met her, but I wanted her (and her husband) to know that it will be ok. A new normal will eventually occur and life will go on. I was a little worried that I would react badly to the hospital atmosphere with someone who had just had an amputation, but I did fine. I really am ok with this whole crazy situation. It's very comforting to know. 

Anyways, I talked to them and explained everything I could. I referred them to my prosthetist and the home health care place I used to work for. I told them to contact me at anytime for anything- really- because I want to help them any way I can. I think the husband was more comforted than she was. Either way, I'm glad I could help. 

Next, we went to On The Border for Taco Tuesday!! Yum yum! I took off my leg and let the couple see my liner, socks, leg, foot, scar, all of it. So I had to put my leg back on before eating- I feel weird without it now... There was just one problem, I have to pull my pants down to get the liner on my leg right. So, I did in the parking lot. Haha! Dad shielded me while I adjusted my wardrobe right there in front of the restaurant. The funny thing? This is NOT the first time I've done something like this. I live a crazy life!! Ha! 

When we got home, Dad watched the Rangers while I read then went to bed. What a satisfying 2 days!! Can't wait for the  rest of my week! 

And that's my crazy, unpredictable, super fun, and love filled life!! 

Another fabulous weekend!

On Friday I spent another half day in lockdown and a half day in a classroom. It was interesting. I got a lot of reading done in lockdown and basically just watched the kids in the classroom. 

After school Dad and I got Mom's Mother's Day gift; a new bathroom vanity, mirror, and light. I helped pick them out and supervised while Dad installed them. It looks amazing! She loves it!! It was also about the second time I've been in my parents' bedroom since before the accident. Yay!! 

After it was mostly installed, one of my BFFs came and got me to go to another friend of ours house. It was pouring, but she promised to drive carefully- she totally kept her word. It stopped raining about 5 minutes after we left so we felt we made a good decision. We went to my other BFFs house and I used only my walker the whole time. I walked up (and down) about 10 steps and then used my walker the rest of the night. It was awesome!! We had such a GREAT time! She made us cookies, cheese sticks, daiquiris, and bought me Cheese Its. I had an excellent time!!! We played Apples to Apples while we were there, which was so much fun! 

On Saturday, Dad and I got up and went to a gun show. We have learned that we need to know more about guns before going to a show. Haha! Needless to say, I did not get a gun... Yet. 

After the show, we went to Sister's apartment. It was the first time I went without my wheelchair even in the car. Whoop!! They made the most delicious lasagna and Italian cream cake for us. It was SO scrumptious! We raved about it the WHOLE way home. Ha! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4scmIILrfyM&sns=em

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=088-Nl3k7Ow&sns=em

On the way home we stopped by a Redbox and got The Perks of Being A Wallflower. We watched it and were NOT impressed. It was scattered and confusing. It really just kind of wasted our time. So many people raved about how good it was, but I don't understand why. 

On Sunday Mom wanted to stay home and relax, so we did. We just relaxed most of the day. Dad and I did leave for a bit to go to Home Depot and Albertson's to get some stuff for the mower and dinner. Mom made us ravioli (before we had a chance to make her anything) in the crockpot. It was soooo good! 

We watched some Arrow and then Dad and I finally planted our flowers. I was out in nature and got my hands dirty and everything! It was a lovely evening. 

I had a wonderful and full weekend!!! 

And that's life...

Midweek festivities

Real conversation between Dad and I after something the radio announcers said about sports...

Dad: Do you know what oblique muscles are?

Me: Yeah, they're right here. *Points at sides of belly.*

Dad: Well those are your external obliques. You have internal obliques, too. When you eat ribs, that's what you're eating; the obliques. 

Me: Obliques are yummy!! 

Dad: *Shakes head and laughs.* I knew I wouldn't gross you out with that. 

Wednesday we started off the day with a flat tire. I was scheduled to sub half a day; so I left when Mom did in the morning since the schools are doing state testing and she was giving a test. I had no way to get there other than being on campus for the whole day. That was lucky for the school. Apparently the girl I'm in lockdown with all day was NOT testing and they needed me for all 8 hours. Lucky, lucky, lucky! I had brought my tablet with me, so, naturally, I read the whole time.

Mom had a meeting after school and I had to watch the student and their sibling while the teachers met. Booooooring! I forgot how many questions younger kids ask! Whew. The meeting lasted sooooo long, that I missed church. I was not very happy about that...

We finally got to go home! We had some dinner, watched the Rangers (we do this a LOT), and I read. I stayed up entirely too late because I had miscalculated my bed time. Dumb dumb. 

Thursday morning I got up with the same intent I'd had on Wednesday; half day lockdown. This time, she really DID have a test. So, I slept in Mom's office until it was time to sub. It was very nice! 

I read again and did my job. On Thursdays they have Chik-fil-a sandwiches for like $3, so that's what I had for lunch. I also got a good old fashioned ice cream sandwich from the cafeteria (which was FULL of rowdy kids, by the way). 

After school, Mom and I got her tire changed. We got queso at On the Border because I had coupon for a free one. It was yummy!! Happy hour happened to be during the time we were there, so I indulged a little. 

After the tire was taken care of, we went to Target. I ran into THREE different people I know!! How crazy. Next, we stopped at Payless. Now, I've been waiting to buy shoes until I know what I can do, but I couldn't wait any longer. I bought a pair of Tom-like shoes and adorable black flats. I'm taking them to PT on Monday to see if I can walk in them. Although I might try tomorrow night... I'm too tired to do any walking tonight. 

We got home and I read until bedtime! 

A little something I've been thinking about lately. Don't get cut, cause this gets deep! Haha! 

I thought that when I walked for the first time I would feel more joy; instead, I felt doubtful, scared, unbelieving. I know I can never go back to "normal", but I guess I thought walking would afford me at least some of that luxury. It didn't. I still feel like something is missing. Like I'm forgetting something. I am still learning. I knew it wouldn't be immediate, but I thought I would feel "healed"- and I don't. I feel one step above wheelchair bound. I just want to be normal. It's all I've ever wanted; well that and my fairy tell ending. Now I'm farther from either of those than ever.  I thought I would feel whole, but I feel just as broken as ever. I just don't know what I should feel or how I should deal with all this. It's almost like I thought walking would make it all better, but it failed miserably. I thought it would make it easy to forget the past and just move forward. Maybe it hasn't sunk in, or maybe it never will. I honestly can't say. I just hope I find my happiness somewhere. And soon. 

And that's life...

I need the week to rest from the weekend!

Monday morning I got up and watched some Downton Abbey. I decided after one episode to read. I downloaded about 15 books yesterday and am way too eager to read them! I'm like a starving child eating at a feast. 

I love reading. It allows me to take a break, if you will, from my life. I can be someone else. I can watch the decisions being made and not suffer the consequences too harshly. I can give up the control that I, for some reason, can't seem to let go of. It's freeing in a very satisfying way. I get very, very drawn into books. I can feel what the characters feel and laugh and cry at things in the story. I can just be. I love it. But I digress. 

After the book, I went to PT. We worked on balancing on my right leg. It is MUCH harder than I thought it would be. Kind of like standing on stilts... I can't use my ankle for balance, I have to learn to use my hip and knee. Sometime, stand on one foot and watch your ankle. It adjusts your balance for you. I, obviously, can't do that anymore. I have to use different muscles. 

I woke up on Tuesday and had an appointment with my leg girl. She adjusted some things and had me walk for her. She said that I have improved since she saw me walk last time. I am glad to hear it! 

I spent most of the rest of the day being in lockdown with the same girl I was a sub for a couple of weeks ago. So basically, I read and she worked. Again, SUPER happy!! 

After the school day, I headed back to PT. I did... Wait for it... STEPS!!! Yes! I stepped up, and down, and to the side. I also walked around the floor (200-something feet each time) in the opposite direction- so I can learn how to turn that way as well- TWICE. I think I pretty much ROCK at PT. Like if there was a prize, I would win it. Ok, I'm a little proud of myself... 

Dad and I stopped for well-deserved smoothies on the way home!! We tried a vegan cookie and it never made me so happy to have animal products in my food! It wasn't bad, but as someone who eats non-vegan cookies, it was not that good. 

When we got home, Mom made us dinner. We had Cajun chicken stuffed with cheese and spinach (http://cuckooking.blogspot.com/2010/08/cajun-chicken-with-pepper-jack-cheese.html?m=1) which was amazingly scrumptious!!! We watched the Rangers, read some more, and then went to bed.

And that's life...

 

Best. Weekend. Ever.

The movie Pitch Perfect was hilarious!! It is one I would absolutely watch again! Sister and I watched the movie then talked until we went to sleep. It was so nice and normal. I loved it!!

This was one of the best and most normal weekends of my life!! I think maybe things are just finally getting back to normal or I am adjusting to a new kind of normal. Either way, I am loving it!!

We got up on Saturday and went to a 5K at Rahr and Sons. We had to run by Party City first to get sombreros and mustaches. Ha! Basically, we paid $10 to run *cough*walk and ride*cough*, eat food, hear a live band, taste test, and tour the factory. Sister pushed me the WHOLE way which was amazing! We drank a beer, that I did not like, and ate at the Chile Pepper Grill food truck. It was really fun!! 4 friends were there with us and we got a little, ok a lottle, sunburned. Ha! We know better...

After the Beer Run we went back to the apartment and took one of the best naps I've had in a while!! Next, we played some Little Big Planet. I always have so much fun playing that with my seester!!

We left for dinner at Schlotzky's. We tried the new Muffalotza roast beef sandwich- which was really tasty! We also got an Original to split. You just can't beat the Original. Yum!!

After dinner, we went to a movie theater in Irving that that has like $1.50 movies that are out of theaters. We saw Identity Thief. It was not a let down! It was pretty funny.

We got a call that some friends wanted to go downtown for some drinks at Library. So we ran to Sister's apartment and freshened up. Then we headed out. We had SO much fun at Cinco de Drinko!! We laughed, met new friends, and I even sat IN the booth with everyone. A few randoms and all of my friends sat in my wheelchair. Hahaha! It was kind of hysterical!

We stopped by Whataburger on the way back to my house. Sister ended up staying at the house with me. I love my seester!!!

We missed church the next morning, but I did make it to Sundae Sunday for Youth. We watched Rise of the Guardians while we enjoyed some delicious sundaes.

When I got back home, we watched some Nikita and ate dinner. Mom made some cauliflower pancakes (http://agoodappetite.blogspot.com/2009/09/cheesy-cauliflower-pancakes.html?m=1) and tilapia. Yum yum!!

And that's my super jam packed awesomely fun life!!

Midweek

I basically spent all Wednesday and Thursday reading. It was great!! I just lounged around and read.

On Wednesday I did get my butt out of the house and to go to church. I drove my neighbor girl and I there and back. Independence here I come!!!

Friday I got up and watched some TV then went with Dad to an appointment- boring. Afterwards, Sister and I decided to take Mom and Dad to dinner. So we met Sister at Olive Garden and enjoyed an excellent meal and a GREAT waiter!! He gave me extra mints for answering a question right! Haha!! Go me.

Next, Sister took me to Target. We were going to hang out with friends, but decided to stay at her apartment and watch Pitch Perfect. I'm spending the night with her tonight and I'm so super excited!!

I'll tell you all about my night tomorrow!

And that's life...