NYC!

Good morning from New York City!

I have never been particularly apt at keeping secrets, but somehow I managed to keep the details of this trip under wraps until it was public knowledge.  Several weeks ago I was notified that I had been selected to receive the Henry Viscardi Achievement Award.  This international award recognizes individuals with disabilities who are making an impact in the community.  

Last night was made even more special because another honoree is my dear friend Dave.  Dave is my podcast and advocacy partner in crime.  Scott and I thoroughly enjoyed sharing the evening with Dave and his wife Cara.  

Tom Price and the Future of Prosthetic Care and Policy

President-Elect Trump has made some important nominations administrative positions in the past few days. In terms of prosthetic care, the most relevant positions are Tom Price for Secretary of Health and Human Services and Seema Verma for the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  These appointments have provided more clues as we try to predict the future of prosthetic care and policy in the new administration.

Yesterday Dave and I recorded another podcast where we dissected health care legislation previously proposed by Price. While we do not expect all of his proposals to be enacted, this legislation is a valuable indicator for his governing priorities as he assumes this important post in the Cabinet.

The podcast can be accessed on this blog, or downloaded through this link.  Enjoy!



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Going For Gold

Last night was a big night in our house.  After months of practicing, Robby went for his Tae Kwon Do gold belt. To say that he was petrified would be an understatement. Despite hours of preparation, he was terrified when his time came for the exam.

Even though I had full confidence in his success, I have to admit that I was nervous watching him on the mat. He looked so scared and timid. I wanted to run out and hug him, but I knew that he needed to go solo.

After a shaky start, he calmed down and nailed the exam. We now have a proud gold belt in our household. Robby was beaming all night, proudly calling everybody he thought might care on our drive home.  I don't think that his Tae Kwon Do classes have improved his self-defense skills, but I must say that it has done wonders for his confidence.

Itchies

I have been fortunate when it comes to tolerating various materials against my limb. I don't react to much and have not had to deal with chronic rashes like many of my friends. Unfortunately I'm worried that my streak of good fortunate might be coming to an end. 

Yesterday my leg became increasingly itchy throughout the day. It began in the morning with an occasional itch. By the time I left to pick up Robby I felt like I was scratching at my thigh like a junk yard dog attacking fleas. It wasn't my entire leg (thank goodness because I might have scratched myself bloody if it were) but rather just the rim where my liner ends and grasps onto my thigh. 

When I took the time to remove my leg and liner I discovered a thin line of red bumps circling my thigh. Many of the bumps were blistered and others were scabbing over because I scratched them open. I don't know why, after more than a decade of being an amputee, I have developed a reaction to my liner. I'm hoping that this is an isolated anomaly and isn't heralding a new skin sensitivity.

I guess this is just another reminder of the fragility of my mobility. One component malfunction, or a skin breakdown, can sideline me. Thankfully the outbreak seems to be contained to a relatively thin line. I was generous with the hydrocortizone cream last night and I'm hoping that I won't have any more issues. Fingers crossed that the itchies stay away today!

Christmas Tree Farm

Well, our week of Thanksgiving family fun has drawn to a close. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with my Mom, and I know that Robby loved playing with all of his cousins. Unfortunately all good things must end, and Saturday we packed up and headed home. I always feel a little blue when Thanksgiving week ends, but I know that I'll be back in our routine and in the festive mood in a day or two.

Yesterday, in an attempt to infuse our home with holiday spirit, we headed out in search of our Christmas tree.  Before we left I proclaimed that we were going to select and cut down the perfect tree, and that we weren't going to stop looking until we found one high enough to touch our 12 foot ceiling in the living room. My priorities quickly shifted from height to fullness when I learned that the Christmas tree farm priced the trees at $10 a foot, meaning that my original target would have cost at least $120. We collectively embraced the notion that a short and wide tree would be just as festive as one which is grand and tall.

We we scoured the farm for our newly defined perfect tree, short and fat. We finally stumbled upon our selection after walking and comparing evergreen trees for almost an hour. Scott was quick to point out that the tree Robby and I finally chose was the first one he pointed out, directly next to the path where we started our quest. Always a good sport, his frustrations with my indecision waned quickly as he and Robby set out to cut down our stocky, plus sized tree. 

After setting up the tree and stringing the lights, it is hard to tell who is enthralled more: Timmy or the cats. Both spent an excessive amount of time lying underneath the boughs, staring at the colorful lights. Both batted at the branches and seemed amused by reflection of the lights in the window. Both cats already tried to climb the tree, and I suspect that Timmy's climbing ambition was cut short by his bedtime.

It has become quite clear that we are going to need to gate off our tree again this year.  Between the cats and our toddler, our stocky evergreen doesn't stand a chance. At this point I'm wishing that we hadn't chosen one quite so wide because I'm not sure we have enough gates to create a complete barrier. If we don't, our husky little tree won't stand a chance of witnessing Santa's arrival. 

**Speaking of Santa, if you are shopping on Amazon this holiday season, please consider using the link on the side of this blog.  Your shopping experience will be the same, but this blog will earn a small commission for each sale. All monies are used to further advocacy and outreach efforts.