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.

Daffodil water

 Last night I learned that daffodil water can induce vomiting. How do I know this? Because I accidentally drank about 2 inches of daffodil water as I was loading the dishwasher. I realize that "accidentally drank" sounds like an impossibility. I assure you it is not impossible, but it is rather irresponsible. 

Before bed, fatigued from the day and in a chore haze, I was loading up the dishwasher for what felt like the gazillionth time that day. I picked up a glass that held about 2 inches of water. I thought it was the water I had been drinking earlier in the evening, so I gulped it down before putting the glass into the dishwasher. It wasn't until after I swallowed and tasted the floral aftertaste that I realized it was actually the water from the make-shift daffodil vase. 

About 20 minutes later everybody was tucked into bed and ready for the night. My stomach began to turn, but I assumed it was more of a mental reaction to the floral burps I was experiencing. I opted to lie still and wait it out. 45 seconds later I realized that I miscalculated the situation. I sprung up, shouted for a bowl and frantically tried to don my liner and leg. 

I was too late. I ended up projectile vomiting a combination of daffodil water and red velvet cake all over myself, my bedroom wall and Scott. It was beyond disgusting! I rushed to the bathroom where I endured 15 minutes of retching and sweating agony. As quickly as it came upon me it was over- with the exception of the red stains on our walls and carpet. 

Our bedroom now looks like a crime scene.  Learn from me. Don't drink the daffodil water.

Healed

I meant to post yesterday but my day quickly went off the rails. I was busy from the moment I woke up until I took my leg off at night. I was busy but also highly productive. It's always nice to be able to knock so much off of a to-do list, even if it means falling into bed exhausted at the end of the day.

Today should be a little quieter, which is good because the weather is going to be gorgeous. I am hoping that it is warm enough for Timmy to do school outside. He loves sitting in the sunshine, zooming with his classmates and friends. (I recognize that his school experience is not traditional, but he is absolutely thriving so I am not going to change anything.) 

The blisters on my leg have finally healed completely and I am no longer dealing with band-aids and Neosporin. It feels like I have been dealing with the same blister since Christmas. It is nice to look at my limb and see healthy and unblemished skin. Hopefully I'll be able to keep it healthy going into the summer months.

Have a great day!

Happy Birthday Scott

 Happy Birthday to my amazing husband Scott!  He drives me crazy at times but I can't imagine anybody else beside me day in and day out. Although this is not a milestone birthday we are going to try to make it as special as possible. Tacos and red velvet cake have been requested by the birthday boy and I am happy to oblige.  By comparison, his requests this year are simple to fulfill. 

 

Happy Birthday Scott!!