Healthy Shopping

I went "healthy" shopping this past weekend. I started at Sam's, because we were already going there, and boy is healthy shopping HARD!!! Ugh. Everything has too much of something. It was also not cheap. I was NOT impressed with spending so much money to be healthy. 

We also went protein shopping. Another sad experience. I have guidelines to follow and a LOT of the "healthy" proteins do not have enough protein, have too many carbs, and have too many calories. Interesting that they can market a "breakfast" drink as a meal when it has 8 grams of protein. I ended up getting a few to try- I like the Muscle Milk the most right now. It's quick and easy; no mixing. 

I'm working on cutting my portions down and eating more fruits and veggies. I already drink like a ridiculous amount of water (no soda) and am working on walking as much as possible. 

Medical update: I got in the pool with my leg to work on some strengthening and balance. It was fun!! I'm am trying to wear my brace 3 times a day for 30 minutes each. That's not exactly working, but I'm doing it AT LEAST once a day, which is more than I was! I can already see and feel a difference!!! Yay! I'm taking my wheelchair fewer and fewer places, but I still need it for "long" distances. I'm still loving working with my youth (who constantly push me to be better) and am going to a conference in a few weeks. My PT is thinking about dismissing me from services- because I'm awesome- unless I get an ankle. I started playing Guild Wars 2 with my dad and am loving it!! Like we need more things to bond over... Haha! I'm still learning a new normal every day. I'm starting to figure out what I can do and how to quickly put on my leg, what feels ok, how to fix things, and all the things I can still do. I can't complain about my life, I'm still happy I have one. I can't believe it's been almost a year since my accident and how far I've truly come. I selfishly like people that haven't seen me in a long time see me walk or climb stairs. Haha! 

Enjoy some random pictures!! 

VBS

So I had VBS last week!! I had a blast with my kids and taking pictures. The little children asked me about my leg and this is what I said, "I was in a car wreck and they had to cut off my leg; but, it's ok because I got this awesome NEW leg that has zebra and sparkles on it!" I think it went well. One mol told me her daughter wants a leg like mine. Haha! 

On Sunday I visited a different church with a friend. I took Sister to see if she might like it- we will see. The couple took us to lunch and I got to see a friend from mission trip! Yay!! Overall it was a GREAT week! 

Last night I had Youth, we went bowling- fun! I think the kids enjoyed it. We were going to play mini golf, but it rained ALL day. Yes, I drove in it. Tthen I had a sleep study- not fun. I slept with all sorts of wires on me. This, plus the results, is my final step before I can go in for my weight loss surgery. 

Today I had PT. I had a real and honest conversation about my arm with my brace guy and will do everything I can to wear my brace everyday! If it kills me... 

I think I'm going to change my blog focus to weight loss. I will be honest and deep. I'll continue to update you on my recovery, although it's fairly complete. Ha! So my next post will be shifted more towards that. 

And that's life... 

Weekend fun!

Friday we ran some errands. Dad and I, waiting on Mom and the tax office compared our arms. I got ripped off in the gene pool of skin color... Seriously. We ate at Wagon Wheel BBQ. I had a stuffed baked potato. It was delicious! I wasn't so impressed with the potato salad, though. I guess you can't have everything...  That night Sister and I, along with my BFF and a few other friends, went to a drive in!! Yay! We had to drive waaaaaay out in the middle of nowhere, but it was worth it. We saw Despicable Me 2 and Monsters University. They were so cute! I loved the first one of both of these movies and the second one did not let me down. 

Saturday I had lunch with Sister and a friend. On the way there, I pumped my own gas for the FIRST time since last August! After a sub-par meal, we went to see The Purge. It was scary in a psychological I-can-totally-see-this-happening way. I usually don't watch scary movies because I HATE being scared, but this wasn't so bad. I hung out with Sister for a bit, then went home. 

Sunday I enjoyed some father-daughter-bonding then Mom made lunch, steak, for us. Yum! Next, I went to Youth. It was Sundae Sunday and we enjoyed watching most of the movie I rented. Unfortunately, it was scratched, so we spent the rest of the time playing in the gym. I love hanging out with my kids!! When I got home, I contacted Redbox and they credited me 2 movies. I thought that was awesome! Anyways, when I got home, we watched some Next Food Network Star, ate dinner, and went to bed. 

VBS is this week and I am SO excited!!! I love this time of year. I will be taking pictures and checking on my youth. Yay! I was worried at some point I wouldn't be able to go to VBS, but I clearly will! Updates to follow. 

And that's life... 

Weekday activities!

This week has been fairly low key. 

Monday I went to PT. She made me work hard, like she always does. I had to walk on an incline of grass up and down one way, and then back the other way. Whew! We watched a little bit of TV and Mom and Dad worked on the pool once we got home. 

Tuesday I went with my friend to Oklahoma City. She was going to drive up, visit a mission team, and drive back all by herself. I offered to go with her because that is a BORING drive. So we road tripped! We brought my chair (just in case), but I didn't use it. I walked in the gas station, at the worksite, and to switch cars. Yeah, I'm a little impressed, too! After the road trip, I went back home. 

Wednesday I went to PT again. Again, she made me work hard. And sweat. I do not enjoy sweating... I don't care how "good for you" it is. I did good work, tho. I tried to talk mom and dad into a drive in movie, but they weren't having it. So we want home and I played some Guild Wars 2 (yes, I'm a nerd), and went to bed. 

Thursday was the 4th of July. I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Independence Day!! I did! I went to my friend's (the same one I went to Oklahoma with) housewarming party. It was a cute little house, with cute little children, and cute little foods. I loved it!! I walked into, around, and out of her house as well. I got to talk to a few friends and really enjoyed myself! 

Next was on to the fireworks! I conned Dad into going with me to get some fireworks, which he did. By the way, those things are EXPENSIVE!! Oh my gosh! Anyways, I got them and headed to another friends' parent's house. It was out in the middle of NOWHERE, but the whole neighborhood seemed to be doing fireworks, so we were surrounded. At some point there was a fire about 3 miles off (yes we could see it- I said middle of nowhere...). It was pretty bad, but once the fire department got there, they put it out pretty quick. I'm sure that the 4th of July is their least favorite holiday... We shot our fireworks, ate s'mores, hung out with my friends and Sister, and watched the neighborhood fireworks. Success!! It was awesome! 

I hope your week has been as fabulous as mine has been! 

And that's life...

Weekend

On Friday sister, her boyfriend, Dad, and I went to the Rangers game! It was very hot and very fun!! We won, which always makes the game better. Ha! We ate ballpark food, had Lemon Chills, and giggled. It was fabulous! 

Saturday I visited with my dear friend and her daughter. Then headed off to lunch with a fellow youth director. We ate at Chuy's- I had a salad- and talked about youth stuff and life. It was really fun!! 

I went to Dallas with Sister and some of her friends. We laughed and talked and had a grand time! I really enjoyed myself. I walked a little for my friend and loved hanging out with new people!! 

My youth talked about their mission trip experiences in the morning. For youth I had planned to move all of the tools back to where they go, but it had been done during the morning. So, we played games until game night which started after youth. I had so much fun!! 

I had a wonderful and fun-filled weekend and loved hanging out with so many people! Like I've said before, I'm getting back to a new normal!! 

And that's life... 

Weekdays

Monday I slept in for most of the day. When I got up, I went to PT and we got our Monday night pizza from Papa Murphy's. As always, it was delish!! At PT, I did some new leg exercises and balancing. It was very strenuous! 

When we got home, we watched some shows and went to bed way too late to have to get up so early the next day...

Tuesday I gave the STAAR test. I apparently thought this would be a good idea when I signed up to give it the week before mission trip. Dumb plan. I spent 4+ hours watching kids take tests. Ugh!! Gag me. For those of you who don't know, people giving our great states' achievement test can only actively monitor students; no books, electronics, lesson plans, etc. Most. Epically. Boring. Thing. EVER. So boring, in fact, that I signed up for TWO days!!! What is wrong with me?! 

After school we all went to see the family doctor- for different reasons. Next, Mom and I went to have dinner with my grandma!! I walked into the doctor's office and restaurant. We went to Mamma Mia's and I got something different. It was, of course, scrumptious! I had so much fun, too!! We sat outside- I know- after dinner and watched people while we continued chatting. It was lovely! 

Wednesday I gave the test again. Again, it was brutal. I wish whoever made those rules would try to do that! So dull. 

Mom took me to PT after the test and we did some arm stuff like push ups, lat pulls, my version of dips, and triceps push downs. I asked how to jump, and my therapist taught me!! Not that I jump a lot, but now I know how! 

We headed to my grandma (different one) and grandpa's when we were done. And... I went swimming!!! I did not use my leg, although that was an option. I sat down and slid in and stood up and sat in my chair after. It was pretty awesome! It felt super weird because I couldn't use my legs to keep me afloat and balanced. Plus, my leg just didn't know what to do being so weightless in the water. Yay! We had some Mama's Pizza for dinner and homemade buttermilk pie for dessert- yummy!!! 

I am walking a WHOLE lot more. However, I still use my chair if I will be out a long time and if I don't know if there will be a place to sit and rest when I get tired. I have come a LOOOOOOONG way from August. I really couldn't have done it without my God, my parents, my family, my friends, and my supporters (not necessarily in that order). Thank you all again for all of the wonderful support, love, and prayers you have poured out on me. 

Update on the black marks on my prosthetic foot- nothing I have tried ha worked. I will have to get them buffed out and NEVER wear just shoes on my foot again. Jeez! Where was that warning?! 

And that's life... 

My Week of Mission Trip

So we took off last Sunday for mission trip. This happens to be my favorite (and possibly most griped about) thing to do every summer! I love to see the kids get to know other youth and I love to meet new people; both things took place on this trip!

We went to Sapulpa, Oklahoma to help the community there. We stayed at a church and had food and worship every night. I got to know some fantastic people and learned a LOT!!  

The first time I took a shower in the "handicapped" stall, I was underwhelmed. The seat was coming off the wall and I was not about to trust it to hold me. So I took a metal chair into the already cramped space and showered the best I could. This was one of my big worries... It all worked out alright, though. 

One day we took Popsicles to all of the work teams out in the heat. I got out of the car and walked to help deliver them. I walked across grass, dirt, pavement, driveways, steps, and different inclines. I have to say that I was SUPER impressed! The next day I had to use my wheelchair most of the day, but could easily walk again the following day (two days after walking a ton). 

Monday night's worship I gave my sermon. I didn't cry, although it came close, and the people laughed, looked interested, and clapped when I finished. I guess it went well. I was nervous- no lie. I don't really have a problem talking in front of people, I just don't usually like to bear so much of my soul to large groups of people. I guess it all boils down to I don't want to look weak. I have issues, I know. Anyhow, I thought it went pretty well considering. I had some help writing it and am happy I chose to get it. Ha!

I did some serious reflecting this week and will have to change some things in my life. I am going to start talking anout my faith more and try to "walk the walk" more as well. That's not to say I'll be a whole different person, it just means I'm changing some things. 

Everyone knows I love kids, even though I tell them I don't. Ha! I got to spend SO much time with my wonderful youth and see them grow in just a week. I could not be more proud! Everyone there took care of me and helped me do whatever I needed. Since this was the first time I was away from my family for any length of time, I was grateful for the help. This trip taught me that my new normal is enough and is working!! 

There was a girl in my center (the church we stayed at) who was also an amputee. She had cancer a few years ago and we swapped amp problems and stories. She was amazing!!! She uses forearm crutches and can get around better than some kids that were there. I was impressed. She kept telling me how awesome I was and I kept being floored by what she could do and that NOTHING kept her back. She climbed a ladder, swam, danced, and even served communion; she was a ROCK STAR!!! 

Sometimes God speaks to me in different ways. Most of the time I listen. This week I was ready to hear anything that was said and heard a lot. I can't wait to continue on this journey and to see where it takes me. 

I had a wonderful week and met some people that I will be friends with for a long time. I learned a lot about myself and my capabilities. I am excited for what the future brings! 

Each day I had a different pithy tshirt. 

Sunday- awesome Get Swag (saved with amazing grace) youth shirt. 

Monday- Jesus Saves Bro (for my sermon). 

Tuesday- Check Meowt with a cool cat wearing some shades. 

Wednesday- My dad has the most awesome daughter in the world. 

Thursday- Mr. Rogers- It's all good in the hood. 

Friday- Keep calm and swag on. 

Saturday- mission trip t-shirt. 

And that's life...