Ice

Friday night into Saturday morning we received a mild version of the massive snowstorm that blanketed the East Coast. The two inches of snow covered a thick layer of ice, keeping us housebound all weekend. I am not going to complain though because I really didn't want to go anywhere. 

The cold temperatures thwarted any melting that may have occurred. Our road is essentially an ice rink. On Saturday night our neighbor lost control of his car and slid off of the road. He ended up careening into the woods. Instead he was lucky and his car stopped just in time, although he certainly has front end damage and was in need of a tow. 

Since we were stuck inside, I took advantage of the opportunity to work and to tidy the house. In addition to knocking out some work projects, I also cleaned my living room and kitchen, packed up some toys for donation. I am starting this new week feeling accomplished!

I'm hoping that the ice begins to melt early this morning because I have an appointment to receive my new leg. I've been waiting a long time for today. Hopefully it won't be delayed because of ice!

Friday!

Thankfully, I am feeling much better today. After some ibuprofen and another cup of coffee my headache started to wane. By mid afternoon I was feeling like my normal self. I actually ended up being quite productive throughout the day. Based upon how I was feeling in the morning, I was surprised to accomplish so much by evening.

Today is another busy day. Robby has his enrichment classes, which means that I will spend a few hours driving him to and from school. It doesn't make for the most exciting day, but seeing him so happy is definitely worth it.  My favorite part of the day is our drive home from school when he chatters nonstop about the battles that ensued and the victories (and sometimes defeats) of his troops. I don't always understand what he is talking about, but his enthusiasm shines through even when I'm confused.

This evening little Friend has a vet appointment. He is going to get more vaccines and some blood drawn in preparation for his neutering. I hate seeing our little pup scared and hurt from the needles, but I know it is necessary. Just like humans, vaccines are important!

Last weekend I didn't spend time working around the house. I definitely felt the impact throughout the week as I navigated around increasing clutter. I think I'm going to call a family meeting on Saturday and enlist the help of everybody. It occurred to me that I should not be the only person responsible for cleaning this house. 

Wish me luck! I may have a mutiny on my hands.

Headache

I woke up this morning with a wicked headache. Unfortunately I have a slew of meetings planned, so I won't be able to rest until it fades. Fingers crossed the ibuprofen works quickly, or I am in for hours of misery. 

I apologize for the short entry today. My head hurts so much that it is difficult for my eyes to focus.

Chafing

 Well, I didn't receive my new leg yesterday. Instead my socket was wrapped in plaster and reinforced so that I could continue to use it until my new one is fabricated. I have an appointment on Monday, so fingers crossed I only have a few more days to wait. At this point, I've given up the illusion of hope. I've been waiting so long that the disappointment is reminiscent of the movie Groundhog Day!

My mended socket is stronger but it is also heavier. The plaster wrapped all the way up to the top added more weight than I anticipated. It feels like I'm walking with a weight strapped around my ankle. Not only is it heavier, but because the tape is all the way to the brim, my skin is starting to chafe. I am going to have to come up with a fix soon or my skin will be rubbed raw behind my knee. 

I know that I will be happy when I am walking in my definitive leg, but in the meantime I am frustrated and tired of the process.

Broken

On Sunday I wrapped my socket with a new layer of Gorilla tape. The crack has grown significantly, splintering into two paths down my socket. The tape is ugly but definitely necessary. If I hadn't heavily reinforced my socket with the tape, I have no doubt that the shell would have completely shattered. Having a socket break in mid step never has a favorable outcome.

I am going to the prosthetist today, so hopefully I will leave with a new (and stronger) replacement check socket. I'm amazed by the amount of shrinking that is occurring within my limb. I am not sure why I am losing so much volume because I've been wearing a prosthetic for nearly 20 years. 

In many ways I feel like a new amputee, struggling with socks and socket fit. I had forgotten how frustrating this stage in the prosthetic fitting process can feel. I will be relieved when my limb is again stable and I am walking (comfortably) in a brand new leg.

Until then, I will keep the socks in my pocket and keep putting miles on my car as I drive back and forth to the prosthetist. 

Netflix

This past weekend I accomplished..um... absolutely nothing around the house. I did tackle some work projects, which has lightened my load for the coming week. I had planned on doing a thorough cleaning and scrub down in the house, but instead I ended up binging Netflix and playing with Friend. I hate starting the week with cluttered counters, but I do feel accomplished because I finished the 4th season of Ozark.  

Today starts a new work week and a new semester for the boys. After a lot of last minute scrambling, both kiddos managed to complete all of their first semester work before the deadline. Being sick for almost 2 weeks ate away at the buffer they had both created in their schedule. I wish that they could relax between semesters, but Covid took away that opportunity. 

The sun is shining and I am feeling like I am operating out of a better mental state. This is going to be a great week!

Worn out

Today is one of those days where I could happily stay under the covers and hibernate from the world. I'm not sick, I'm just exhausted. The past few weeks have worn me down and tired me to my core. I know that so many are feeling similar strains, so my sharing is more of an acknowledgement than a complaint. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed and worn out, you are not alone. It is so natural to take care of everybody and everything else. Unfortunately, I feel like I have left nothing to take care of myself. That has to change, and I'm going to start today.

I'm going to carve out at least an hour everyday to relax and to do something that I enjoy. Not something that has to be done, and not something that is required. I want to sit on the couch and watch a movie without constantly hitting pause to answer questions, to find lost items or to prepare snacks for other people. Wish me luck.