Saint Patrick's Day

 Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

For some reason I am going to be managing a full house all day. So much for getting everybody back to routine! Robby's enrichment school is on Spring break this week and Scott has decided to take today off. I am dreading logging Timmy into class this morning because he is going to resent being the only one (sans me) who has to work today.  

Since he is retiring next year, Scott has decided to take off on the teacher professional development days. Instead of sitting on his thumbs in meetings all day he is going to be home relaxing. Since he no longer needs Professional development, I can't say I blame his decision. I remember those teacher meetings and I would have happily scheduled off had it been an option. 

Today will surely be chaotic. Wish me luck!

Walking Away

Yesterday the weather was gorgeous! It was a little breezy and cool but the bright sun more than made up for the chill. After a few days of twinging discomfort my leg finally felt strong and comfortable in my socket. Friend and I ended up walking more than 16k steps during our many walks.

Walking Friend has become my solace. While Timmy loves to come along, I have to admit that I have a special affinity for the walks where I am alone. Sometimes I find myself sneaking out for a walk simply because I need the space to think by myself. Many days walking Friend only time of the day that I don't have somebody next to me. 

My walks are especially enjoyable when my leg fits perfectly. Socket fit issues have become more common and increasingly frustrating. I've lost weight over the winter and, while I love that my jeans no longer fit, my socket is now too big. I am back to adjusting with socks and pads which is a game I've never enjoyed playing. I have become spoiled by great fitting legs and I am now frustrated anytime I have to don socks.

Soon I'm going to have to start the process for a new leg. In the meantime, I am going to thoroughly appreciate every time my leg fits great.

Better

Despite my fatigue and much to my delight my leg felt stronger and less pain as the day progressed.  By the time I was getting lunches ready I was no longer feeling the after effects of the phantom pain. Thank goodness for a quick episode this time!  

With the phantom pain under control my day went relatively smoothly yesterday. After a rather frustrating and chaotic weekend, I think everybody was happy to return to the comfort of our routines. Even Timmy seemed content to log into his classes and to put the weekend antics behind him. It was so nice to have a calm house again.  

Today the sun is bright and happy. I'm hoping that this will help to continue to lighten everybody's mood.

Misery

 This past weekend has not been our best. The weather was miserable which seemed to match the mood in our home. Everybody seemed to be on edge and grumpy. I'd attribute it to the time change, but the issues seemed to start as soon as school closed on Friday. From snarky bickering to full meltdowns, navigating parenting issues over the past few days has been rough.

Last night I ended up sending everybody to bed a little earlier than normal with the hopes that they would wake up with a happier perspective. Knowing that I surely contributed to the grumpiness opted to follow my own advice. I'd love to say I slept soundly and I am ready to rock a new week, but that would be dishonest.  

As soon as I took off my leg I began to feel the all-too familiar twinges of phantom pain. I had no doubt that the snow/rain that had been falling all day was the culprit, but knowing the cause did nothing to minimize the pain. I wrapped my leg tightly, pulled my knee tight to my chest and tried to breath through the twinges until they finally subsided. Perhaps apt to our weekend, my night was as pleasant as my weekend. 

Hopefully today will be better. Phantom pain is as miserable as snarky teens and frustrated 8 year olds.