Changing Today

Over the past three days I put a lot of miles on the car, but I failed to reach New Orleans.  Yesterday I packed up Timmy and headed back home. I remain disappointed that I never reached my destination, but I guess I'll have to cross New Orleans off my bucket list another time. Looking on the bright side, all of the reservations were cancelled and the flight was completely reimbursed. I was able to spend the night in a hotel, by myself, and received a $100 airline credit for the inconvenience. From that perspective, I kind of made out in the experience!

True to tradition, our Valentine's Day was low-key. Scott surprised me with flowers and a cake, and Robby made me a beautiful card. Because I had been driving dinner was comprised of leftovers. Nothing fancy, but it was nice to be home and to relax. None of us love Valentine's Day so I suspect I am safe saying that we are collectively relieved that the holiday is over.

Today I have an appointment to evaluate my ankle and another to check my ear. I've been having trouble with both so I'm hoping to find relief. I'm so tired of always hurting! I'm only 43, but waking up in the morning has become an evil game of pain roulette as I wait to discover what part of my body is going to hurt.  

In my heart I know the culprit of many of much of my pain. I've gained a lot of weight, and it is difficult to manage with a prosthesis. My limb hurts more than normal because it is being squeezed and contorted into a socket designed for an individual considerably lighter. My biological leg is bearing the brunt of the extra effort required to move. I need to make a change, and the change starts today.  

Valentine's Robots

Happy Valentine's Day. 
 I was frustrated and disappointed that I wasn't able to attend the Board Meeting, but the plane issue was out of my control. With my trip to New Orleans grounded, I decided to make the most out of Plan B. After express mailing materials to the conference, I drove away from the airport and headed towards my Mom's.

I wasn't able to make it to New Orleans, but I was able to visit with my Mom and the Cousin Crew for a night. Timmy was over the moon with my arrival, which was a complete surprise. (The fact that I walked into the house carrying a box of donuts helped to enhance his delight.) My Niece and Nephews were just as excited to see me, although I could tell that they were a little bummed that Robby was not with me. 

During dinner my youngest nephew casually asked his Nana if she had any boxes of Valentines around the house. Not in the habit of keeping Valentines stowed away for emergencies, I could tell that he was disappointed.  I decided to go into "Super Aunt" mode and I packed him into the car to start our quest for Valentines.

As soon as we drove away from the house I informed him that we were not going to offering the traditional Valentine's to his classmates this year.  He is in the 5th grade, and this is his last Valentine's Day School Party. As far as I was concerned, this was a year to go big and to make an impression.  His little face began to light with excitement as we hatched our Valentine's Day plan. 

We came back from the store an hour later with bags full of candy and supplies. All of the kids (minus Timmy) helped with assembly, and by the end of the night we had created an army of Valentine's Day Party Robots. I can't wait to hear about how they were received by his classmates!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Grounded in Maryland

My meticulously planned, quick and efficient trip to New Orleans for the OPAF Board meeting did not go as smoothly as anticipated. In fact, it didn't end up happening at all. I spent the majority of the afternoon in the BWI terminal, happily reading and waiting for the upcoming adventure. After a brief delay we were welcomed on board. I was on my way to NOLA!

It turns out that being buckled into my seat on the tarmac is as close to Louisiana as I was going to get last night. We sat while electricians whirled about on board, intently walking up and down the aisles murmuring into their walkie talkies.

After an hour delay on the plane, the maintenance crew left the plane and we were cleared for take off.  Our plane moved about 15 feet away from the jet way. My excitement to finally be leaving Baltimore was overshadowed by the distinct odor of smoke.  Within minutes we were back at the airport and (frantically) deplaning. 

Our flight was eventually cancelled. Because the next flight wasn't due to take off until after my meeting started, I opted for a refund and called the trip a wash. I headed to the airport for the night to rest and to retrieve the car. I'm bummed out but certainly relieved the smoke manifested during the taxi process instead of in flight!

Heading to NOLA

The weekend was laid back and relaxed, which is a good thing because the next few days are sure to be busy. In January I joined the OPAF Board of Directors, and tomorrow is my first official Board meeting. I'll be flying to New Orleans to attend the meeting, but unfortunately I won't have free time in my schedule to experience Mardi Gras. I am probably one of a few people who fly to New Orleans on Fat Tuesday for the sole purpose of a meeting instead of revelry. I am not sure if that makes me dedicated or boring.

Despite fearing that I am leaning more towards the boring than the exciting, I am delighted to serve on the OPAF Board of Directors. OPAF provides adaptive sport and recreation opportunities to individuals with a myriad of physical disabilities across the country. Through their "First Clinics," hundreds of people are able to try new activities in a safe, supportive and fun environment. I am proud to be affiliated with this stellar nonprofit, and I look forward to serving in my Board capacity in the coming year.  

Today I am packing up Timmy and meeting my Mom in Maryland, where we will exchange hugs and cars. She will take my car (with Timmy) to her house while I head to the airport. I fly to Louisiana tonight, participate in the meetings all day tomorrow before flying back home on a late night flight. The next 48 hours will be both busy and exhausting, so I'm glad that I was able to allow my ankle and leg to rest over the weekend. 

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.