Archive of Marcia's Musings March 10-16, 2003Sunday, March 16, 2003
Didn't Happen
Or at least that's what I'm claiming in regard to yesterday. Not because anything bad happened, but because I just didn't have the time or the inclination to post anything. So you're going to get this post now and probably another post tonight, as well just because it'll be another busy day today.
Yesterday, I had a nail appointment in the morning and then, came back and sorta-kinda tried to clean up my office. Its hard to do since things don't have enough space to get moved around in or they are too heavy to move around. Yes, I know I have twice the space I had before but, I'm using it all!!! I need more storage space in my office because I've got things that need to go into other things, like more "stash files" for fabric but no place to put the files-- not a good thing!! I'll probably get finished organizing it later today but, its kinda iffy.
I did spend some time yesterday afternoon organizing our move receipts for our tax appointment on Monday night. Yes, that should be loads of fun, don'tcha think? I know I can hardly wait-- NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway, its all ready to roll except for finding last year's tax forms which is up to Brian to do.
I also put the label on Pat's quilt yesterday and chose a pattern to put on a sweatshirt for Alex for her birthday present. Should be really cute-- there are problems with lettering that I knew were going to be a problem but hopefully, it won't happen on everything-- the print on labels is kinda small and that's when the biggest problems happen-- of course.
Netscape Email Problem
Rememeber me telling you that I hated the email that I had set up back around December? It turns out that if I haven't opened the file folders that I have mail filtered into, emails don't show up. I hadn't opened my sister-in-law's email folder since the beginning of January and, when I did, guess what I found? Yep, those are three happy kids!!
Nope, Not There!
The problems with my computer however, do not stop there! My computer is causing me many problems lately. It gets "stuck" (as in frozen) and has had to be re-set about a half-dozen times in the last week, three of those happened yesterday and, this morning, things aren't looking any better. The Geek Master is going to be taking a look at it for me later on this afternoon to try to diagnose its problems. No, I don't want to think about it yet, okay?
The Knee
I almost forgot to give you an update about my knee!! Okay, the knee is doing great!! There is absolutely NO pain at all. I have a bit of a "thick" feeling but then, it should be a bit thick since it has extra fluid on it from the surgery, right? The extra fluid (also known as "inflammation") builds up during activities and then subsides with icing.
It feels sooooo good not to have pain!!! I'm able to walk up and down stairs with little or no discomfort and the down-part is the hardest-- you have to use the top of your thigh muscles when going down but you control it (most times without thinking about it). If I don't control it, it sounds like a heard of elephants going down the stairs but if I do, it hurts. Eventually that part of the pain will go away but the re-training of my thigh muscles is what is required and with physical therapy and continued work on my part, it'll happen sooner rather than later. As an example, there's a double-staircase at the salon where I get my nails done that I could've avoided by taking the elevator (must be handicapped-accessible) BUT, I did not avoid the stairs. I took them as I usually do and practiced my thigh-muscle-holding on the descent as I do here at the house.
Yesterday, with the exception of folding one load, I did the laundry which required up-n-down the stairs, carrying the clean clothes up (Brian brought the dirty clothes hamper down). The "up-part" of the stairs is easy-- I can feel the muscle in that part of my thigh getting stronger already!! This means, of course, that I'm going to be able to ride my bicycle, both indoors and outdoors, soon-- I'm actually looking forward to riding my bicycle again!!
I'm sure I'm going to get a glowing report at the doctor's office tomorrow-- can hardly wait!! I've got physical therapy scheduled to start on Wednesday, too-- yes, its another busy week-- and Tuesday, I go back to the store.
That's enough for now-- I'll come back later with an update. I need to call my sister in Brazil amongst other things-- and it is a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!!
Have a GREAT morning and afternoon!!
Friday, March 14, 2003Another Productive Day
I went back to the office today; it felt good to be back in that swing of things, too. It was a busy day-- seemed like I had a gazillion phone calls but, in reality, there were only two or three calls that could be considered "conference calls" with the others being people that suddenly decided that they had stupid questions about contracts. No, I won't go there! Too weird.
Takin' It Easy
This weekend will be pretty much a take it easy weekend. I've got a nail appointment tomorrow but that and dropping off hte raffle ticket sales for the Quilt Guild is about the height of my activities. Its our niece's birthday tomorrow; Alex will be 7 years old!! She's such a cutie!! I had bought a sweatshirt to embroider something on for her a few weeks ago but haven't figured out how to turn it yet. When I get that, I'll let you know-- hopefully, soon before it isn't sweatshirt season anymore!
As always, thanks for coming by-- I appreciate the emails and cards that were received this week. Its been nice hearing from you and I appreciate your care and concern. Thanks for everything!
Take care and have a great evening!
Thursday, March 13, 2003Productive Day
I came really close to going into the office today but, I was too lazy to put on make-up so I decided that I wasn't going to go. Terrible, huh? I'll go tomorrow-- I'm getting cabin fever!! Man, I've gotta get outta here!! I've got a dull ache as in "Yes, I just had surgery so I guess I should feel that... feeling but what is that feeling?" Its kind of a dull ache but certainly not "pain"-- the Vicodin are outta here-- permanently!!
I went to a facial appointment tonight-- I enjoy being tortured or at least, I must since I pay people to do horrid things to my face!! She's the woman who also waxes my legs so you know I know what I'm talking about: I pay people to hurt me!! Ah, well-- all in the name of Beauty.
Good News!!
Talk about great news!!! Its been a long time but I am personally really glad to hear that Elizabeth Smart is back home with her family. I know that the people that had her probably did horrible things to her but, at least she's going to be safely at home with her family from now on!! While I'm eager to know that she's okay, I hope that the press doesn't get in her face too much-- she's going to need significant time to heal over the next months and years.
Watching Over Me
Back in May when I had my other knee surgery, Sally wasn't sure of what was going on but she was worried about me-- you can tell with dogs: their brow furrows just like on humans. Yesterday, Sally was following me around, making sure I did this and that and whatever safely. When I figuratively pitched the crutches across the room, she shot me a look that said: "I'm going to tell Daddy!!!!" She's so funny!!
We've told you before about how much Sally hates baths and/or getting wet. She's terrified to go into the bathroom whenever we're in there, lest she be pulled into the shower stall. Last night, when I went to take a shower, Brian sat in the chair in our bedroom, reading a book. Sally was laying in the bedroom, near the bathroom door when I went into the shower. After I finished my shower, I wrapped my shampooed hair in a towel and opened the shower door to find Sally on the rug!! I couldn't believe that she came into the bathroom to make sure that I was okay!! How cute is that?!?!? She was worried about me!!! What a cutie!! Yeah, I think we're gonna keep her.
Who else would worry about me like that? No, not Brian-- he just takes REALLY wonderful care of me. Stepping and fetching for me all day Monday and Tuesday, and not one word of complaint. I really got lucky with him, didn't I? Yes, I know and hopefully, don't take it for granted. I certainly try not to take him for granted and not just appreciate him when I'm hurt. He's a wonderful guy all year round-- I really am lucky!!
Thanks again, honey!!
Anyway, that's it for me for tonight-- another big day tomorrow so you take care and have a good night!
Wednesday, March 12, 2003Turning Point
In the past few hours, there's been a turning point in my healing from this surgery: I am not using crutches; I am in very little, if any, pain; and I am walking up and down the stairs without discomfort, including bending my knee.
Admittedly, earlier today, I was tired and in a bit of pain; I knocked off work at 2:15pm and took a Vicodin. I do, however, believe that'll be the last Vicodin I take (28 of 35 left!)-- if I take it too much, I stop being able to sleep and I don't like the sound of that at all.
My knee is stiffbut it is bending and every now and then, it'll feel like it slides through itself and I've over-stepped my range. I can live with that-- the good news is that there is a distinct lack of pain!
Whew!! Again, thanks for the cards and letters and emails-- words of encouragement are always appreciated and helpful!!
I've got some website work to do for my sister's site-- did I mention that she called me from Brazil the other night? It was a nice surprise to talk with her!!
Have a great evening!
Tuesday, March 11, 2003On the Mend
The doctor called this morning-- at 8:23am to see how I was doing. I thought that was pretty amazing; the last doctor didn't call me the day after the surgery although his secretary may have called (I don't remember that clearly either).
I've only had four pain pills 36 hours-- it doesn't hurt as much as the last surgery did because there was no lateral retinacular release. I also think that's a good sign-- my back hurts more than my knee does-- I hate lying down so much!!!
I'm going to "go back to work" tomorrow. I'll work from home since I'm not allowed to have a shower yet. By Thursday morning, I'll be fit for visibility in the human world, probably but, if not, certainly by Friday.
Thanks for all of the cards and emails and well wishes-- greatly appreciated.
More as my brain un-melts-- have a nice evening!
Monday, March 10, 2003Giant Fuzzy Bunnies
Yep, that's about all I remember-- I don't remember much in the line of what happened before going under. The surgery room wasn't very pretty, I do remember that but the staff at the hospital were nice. The anesthesiologist was three years old and weighed about three pounds soaking wet-- but she was really sweet.
I remember being a whole lot groggier after my last surgery and even nauseated on the drive home but not this time. Either these things get easier or this hospital was better than the last. I like the latter theory since we're living here now.
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