the latest in the life of Hop Along

Two weeks ago to the day, I had a bone spur removed from the tip of my right tibia. Of the half dozen nurses and medical personnel I saw that day, the one that was supposed to put in my IV tried 3 times before she got it in correctly on top of my left hand. I now have a track of needle marks and a long bruise on my left arm to show for it.

Two weeks ago minus one day, I got a fever. I was feeling chills, then hot, then chills, then hot over and over again for most of the morning. My temperature shot up a full degree to 102.8 in one hour while I waited for the surgeon's office to call me back. His office called back and told me I must've gotten the flu. Call my primary care physician for help instead.

Two weeks ago minus two days, I took my first shower after surgery. It felt grrrrreat! My fever broke later that day and I finally got a good night's sleep in a warm bed.

Two weeks ago minus three days, I started walking a bit without the aid of crutches. I limped and hobbled around my house. I looked outside and saw the beautiful sunny weather. I sat near the window wishing I could go outside and play while my butt got sore and achy from having to sit all day long. At night, D drove me to Target to get some sundry items. I got to yell at D to slow down and wait for gimpy me to catch up.

Two weeks ago minus four days, I took my first stroll around my neighborhood in the beautiful Northwest fall weather. Many leaves had fallen, orange, yellow, red.. all brilliant colors. It was sunny with a gentle crisp in the air. Man, I never knew it could take so damn long to walk a single mile!

Two weeks ago minus five days, I continued to ice my ankle, stretch my achy butt muscles, and rested some more.

Two weeks ago minus six days, I drove my car for the first time in a week. I went to the bookstore. I went to the Starbucks down the street. I went to watch my team play basketball and cheered them on as they won in double OT then sudden death. I took a few sips of a glass of reisling by a warm wood stove, ate tater tots, and talked with my friend for a while.

One week ago to the day, I returned to work, only to find out paperwork issues would send me back home later that day. Then I baked some chocolate chip cookies.

Six days ago, I realized that listening to classical music helps me read. I bought a new Mozart CD and played it over and over and over again while I read. And I thought about how much enjoyed playing the piano when I was little. And how much I missed having my cherry colored Yamaha upright.

Five days ago, my doctor told me I can start doing rehab exercises and return to work. But he also told me to slow down and let my ankle heal. But I can do some resistance exercises and even bowl. Maybe some running on a treadmill or EFX in two more weeks and then maybe basketball or volleyball in four more weeks. I was so excited I couldn't wait to tell D when I got home.

Four days ago, I returned to work. It was a very long day and I felt quite stressed out. I left work at 6:15pm, went home, and had some chamomile tea to help me sleep.

Three days ago, it was Friday again. Work was a little better that day. I felt more caught up with work. D was away hunting. I went bowling with my teammates, did very very horrible bowling-wise, but had some great times laughing at myself with my bowling friends. I went home, had some more chamomile tea, and fell asleep.

Two days ago, I woke up at the normal time, made paper plate awards and went to watch a basketball game with A. Then Dad came and joined me for the 2nd game. It is always fun to watch games at MacCourt. The scoreboard shakes when the crowd gets really loud. I went to the store and bought some food for dinner. Chamomile tea was my nighttime friend once again.

One day ago, it was my last day of freedom. Oregon was ranked #2 in the latest BCS. I watched the Arizona State women play basketball and wished I could play like them. At the gym, I tried to bench press, but my left shoulder wouldn't let me. But I got to sweat for a while on the stationary bike, worked out my upper body and abs, did resistance band exercises for my ankle, and felt good about my day. D came home from his trip and I was no longer lonely again.

Things are back to normal... kind of