Warm Up

 I walked outside this morning to walk Friend was immediately struck by the temperature. It felt like Spring! While I don't mind the snow and cuddling up in front of a fire, the warm air felt fantastic. I know it is too early to declare a change to the season, but I certainly intend to enjoy this respite from the cold.

I'm hoping that I can log off for a few hours this afternoon to play outside. I think that both Timmy and Friend would love to go to the park to play and explore. I have a feeling that Friend will become a kid magnet if given the opportunity. 

Last night I slept well, so I am feeling more energized and ready to tackle the day. It always amazes me how a poor night sleep trickles down to impact the rest of the day. Yesterday I was tired and worn out because of the phantom pain, but this morning I feel ready to tackle the world. I'm so happy the weather is cooperating!

Weigh Less, Hurt More

 Bleh.  I was hopeful that my phantom pain issues were behind me. Since receiving my new socket and foot I had been comfortable during the day and restful at night. Unfortunately, during the past two weeks I have done a lot of walking and shed a significant amount of weight. Now my "super comfy" new leg is too big and is already in need of modifications. All of the knocking around within my socket angered my limb. Last night, the stinging and shocking pain decided to make another appearance. 

It took me several hours to find a position that paused the electric shocks shooting through my non-existent foot. I finally fell asleep, but it was not restful or long. Needless to say, today I'm dragging. I am becoming so frustrated with all of these prosthetic issues! 

For most people, losing weight is something to be celebrated. When an amputee loses weight, they are punished with ill-fitting devices and increased pain. I feel like I just can't win!

Sunny

My Valentine's Day went as well as I expected. Scott brought home a balloon (which Timmy quickly commandeered) and I made a nice dinner for everybody. Timmy received a geode kit and Robby was thrilled with his new pocket watch. (I gave Scott his gift, a Bengals blanket, on Sunday before the Super Bowl.) Our day was relatively quiet and uneventful, which was just fine with me. 

This weekend the hearts will come down and the shamrocks will be hung, but today I am just going to concentrate on work. I feel like we are finally returning to a comfortable groove between school and work. Christmas vacation, quickly followed by a Covid infestation, caused our routine to implode. With everybody back on track I am finally reigning in the chaos. 

The sun is shining today and, although it is cold, it always makes me happier when it is bright outside. This afternoon I hope that I can unplug for a few hours and go for a long walk with Friend. He has become my little walking buddy and I have come to rely upon that time to decompress from the stress of the house. 

Valentine's Day

 Happy Valentine's Day.

The holiday is not a big deal in our house (after all, it is filled with boys), but I have always enjoyed it. I realize it is definitely more of a female-oriented celebration, but I enjoy the pink hearts and fluffy teddy bears that fill the aisles after the Christmas clearances are over. My boys have a different perspective on Valentine's Day, but they humor me.

Timmy had his first Valentine's Day card exchange on Friday. As he was gleefully going through his overflowing box I could almost see his views on the holiday changing. It turns out all he needed to become a full-fledged Valentine's Day convert was a box of candy and small toys!

While I enjoy celebrating the holiday, I know that Scott does not. I have learned in our two decades together that he resents cupid and everything that February 14th entails. I hold no romantic illusions about the reality of my day. If I want to celebrate Valentine's Day, I need to make the magic happen. 

Since the Bengals lost last night in the Super Bowl, I know that Scott's mood will be glum. He has been a die-hard Bengals fan his entire life, and was beyond excited to finally see his team in the big game. Although the score was close and they played well, the ultimate loss is all that he will focus on in the coming days. Just as he doesn't understand my enjoyment of Valentine's Day, I can't relate to the results of a sporting event impacting a mood for days.