Hobbling Around

After much consideration (and hours of hobbling around), I decided to call the orthopedic doctor about my ankle. I was hoping to be seen before the weekend, but that was wishful thinking. Because it isn't broken and I'm not in excruciating pain, my appointment was scheduled for next Thursday. Apparently waiting a week is par for the course for non-emergency ankle visits. 

I briefly considered telling the receptionist that I was in more pain than I really am, but I quickly realized that my attempt to jump the appointment line might harm other patients whose needs are more dire. I've been hobbling around on an achy and ugly ankle for a few days, at this point another week won't make a difference.   In the meantime I will keep it wrapped in a compression bandage and stay off it as much as possible.  

This weekend is supposed to be rainy and miserable, which will hopefully work in my favor. Timmy has been having a blast riding his balance bike through the house, an activity which requires no walking on my part. I'm sure my ankle will heal much quicker if I can convince Timmy to let me rest on the couch while he plays. If that doesn't work, I think it might be time to revisit the Polar Express (for the 200th+ time).

Ankle issue

I'm not sure how I did it, but somehow I managed to hurt my ankle. It is extraordinarily frustrating to discover a grossly swollen ankle for no apparent reason. In my non-medically trained opinion it appears to be a sprain. Of course, I haven't been to the doctor and I've never been to medical school, so my guess is as good as Googles.   

I noticed some mild discomfort when I was at Sky Zone with Timmy on Tuesday, but it wasn't intense enough for me to stop playing. I wouldn't even classify the sensation as pain, instead the outside of my ankle just felt sore as if it had been kicked, which I admit is weird since no such thing occurred.  

Walking became more tender throughout the day, but it wasn't until I hopped into the tub at night that I realized the extent of my non-injury. My ankle had a huge goose egg protrusion, and the entirety of my foot was starting to turn a lovely shade of violet.  The warm water of my bath only served to increase both the swelling and the pain, rendering it difficult for me to get out of the tub. After struggling for several minutes I finally swallowed my pride and called Scott to help hoist me out.  

Yesterday morning my ankle felt better but walking was tender. By the time I tucked Timmy into his train bed I was ready to pop off my leg and elevate my foot. I hate to admit this, but I think I need to get an actual medical opinion. I only have one biological ankle, and I need to take care of it.  

Renewed!

After what has felt like an eternity, yesterday I felt like I was returning to normal. Nobody had a fever, school started on time and my schedule was void of any doctor appointments. I felt liberated being untethered by illness and obligations. I decided to celebrate our return to society by taking Timmy to Toddler Time at SkyZone.  

My little Hamlet was overjoyed to return to one of his favorite places. He chanted in the car as we drove there and began to giggle when we walked through the familiar doors. As soon as we put on the grip socks, he took off to jump and play. We haven't been to Toddler Time for several months, but he certainly didn't miss a beat.

Jumping while wearing a prosthesis takes a little planning. Before leaving I thoroughly lotioned my limb in preparation for some heavy impact, a safeguard that I learned the hard way. Without the added moisture, the natural pistoning within my socket when I jump quickly leads to skin irritation and eventual breakdown. A few hours on the trampoline can quickly lead to weeks of struggling with skin sores if I am not careful. While I'm not great at planning ahead, I am getting better.  

While I love to jump with him, it is hard for this one legged, middle aged, slightly plump lady to keep up with a bouncing three year old! Although I was sweaty and tired, I am actually proud of my ability to hold my own on the trampolines. As an added bonus, I reached the goal on my fitness tracker before Toddler Time was over.

After Scott got home from work, I left for a much needed haircut. As I was driving to the salon it occurred to me that I haven't been alone in over one month. No wonder I have been feeling frazzled! The pampering from the salon, coupled with a sassy new hairstyle, left me feeling rejuvenated and transformed. I feel ready to conquer the world again, which is a good thing because schools are closed (again) today due to ice.

Superbowl WIN

While I would not classify myself as a football fan, I do understand the game and have been known to enjoy watching when I am invested in cheering for a team. Normally I watch the Superbowl for the commercials, but this year was different. This year I was actually rooting for a team, and not just any team. I was rooting for my home team.

Watching my home team friends rooting for their team through social media definitely made the game more fun for me. It didn't take long for me to realize how much an Eagles win would mean to my friends and my family. Before long I found myself in the unusual situation of actually caring about the outcome.

I grew up in Eagles country and I am familiar with the associated heartbreak. Most of my friends through school were die hard Eagles fans, primarily because their parents were fans themselves. While I fully admit that I am not a dedicated Eagles fan, I do know that those who are devoted to the team have experienced more than their share of sport induced depression. This Superbowl win was not only earned and well-deserved, but it was also long overdue.

Generations of Eagles fans have waited and hoped for a Superbowl win and this past Sunday, their dreams were finally realized. I'm happy that my home team won, but I'm more overjoyed for my childhood friends. This win came at a time when most of my friends were able to enjoy it with their parents and with their children. Three generations of fans were able to experience a "first" together. If you ask me, that's pretty cool!

New Computer

We had a laid back, time to rest and recovery weekend. The weather was dreary and cold, allowing me to stay inside without feeling guilty.  Saturday was the first day that our entire family has been fever free since the New Year, so we didn't want to risk our newfound health by venturing outside. Timmy alternated between riding his balance bike and his train through the house while Robby chilled out playing video games with friends online.  

I spent the majority of my weekend setting up my new computer. I wasn't delighted having to buy a new computer, but the estimates for replacing the broken screen all started at $500. It seemed silly to spend that kind of money to repair a machine when I could purchase a new, albeit slightly less posh, model for far less. After evaluating my computing needs and keeping my budget in the forefront of my mind, I settled on an appropriate little HP laptop. It isn't as nice as my other laptop, but for right now it suits my needs.  

With the kids recovered from the flu and my computing abilities restored, my mood has begun to shift. I felt myself spiraling into a depression, primarily due to the stresses and worries about the kids being so sick. It will be nice to rediscover my normal this week and to pull myself out of the sad abyss. I need to interact with people again and reenter the world beyond my little house.  Hopefully our newly acquired good health will continue so Timmy and I can start enjoying some of our favorite play activities again.