Surprise

 My apologies for not posting on Thursday or Friday. In a turn that is completely out of my norm, I went away with a friend and decided (at the last minute) to leave my computer at home. I cannot remember the last time I completely escaped and disconnected!

My dear friend is turning 50 next month and will also be celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary. Several months ago her husband contacted me and asked for my assistance to transport her to a surprise party on Friday night. Without hesitation I agreed and my mind immediately began spinning with the possibilities. 

Because the end goal was to transport her to a surprise party, I opted to keep with the theme. After making sure that she was free to travel away for the night before, I decided to extend the surprises by not telling her where we were going or what we were doing. I simply emailed her a list of items to pack and told her when I would arrive at her house.

Planning this adventure was a little more complicated because of the hard stop at the end (the party) and the weather. Unfortunately, this past weekend the remnants of the hurricane blew through the area, forcing me to abandon all outdoor activities. After much planning, cancellations and regrouping, I finally settled on a getaway to Philadelphia. 

We had a great time! I am proud to report that I delivered her to the party (and surprise vow renewal) on time and completely unaware. 

Dorm in a Box

 More progress was made towards college preparations. Since Robby is not terribly interested in shopping for dorm supplies, I took matters into my own hands. I found a 'dorm in a box' kit online and, after I had Robby choose his colors and work through the other options, I abandoned all visions of strolling through Target with my son and hit purchase now online. Since Rob did not want to go shopping, it seemed like the best option. 

With the dorm supplies en route, there is no denying that we are coming to the final countdown. I can't believe that he leaves for college in 10 days! My heart hurts when I think about it, but it simultaneously leaps with excitement. I know that he is going to have a wonderful time, but I am going to miss him dearly.

Getting Ready

 With the calendar turning last week, all attention has shifted towards Robby. Much like me, he is afraid of change. He leaves for college in about two weeks and to describe him as scared would do a disservice. Per his request, we have kept collegiate talk to a minimum until August. Now that the month has arrived, there he can no longer avoid the topic. 

He is petrified, excited, and anxious all jumbled together. I look into his eyes and I can feel his fear.  I remember being nearly paralyzed with fear as I readied for college. Despite being scared, I also knew that it was the right move to make. I understand his terror, but I also have the perspective of knowing that he is going to be okay.

Yesterday Robby discovered his roommate assignment deep in an email system he didn't know existed. I suspect that his assigned roommate is in a similar situation and perhaps does not know that Residence Life is already communicating through campus email. (In that vein they will be completely compatible!) We are encouraging Robby to text his new roommate, but he is apprehensive to make the first move. I'm uncertain about how much to push him, but it would be nice to know if we need to bring a refrigerator and microwave.

Listerine

 A few evenings ago I was in the tub, listening to an audio book and trying to escape into the bubbles. Despite my warning that I was taking a bath and the request to be left alone, the knocking on the door began about five minutes after I submerged. It turns out that Timmy wanted a toothbrush. 

I asked him to wait until I was done in the tub, but his knocking became more persistent. 

"No Momom. Please. Let Daddy just grab the blue toothbrush on the shelf. I need it real quick,"

My interest was piqued. Why did he so desperately need a toothbrush, and why the blue one specifically? I was curious, but certainly not enough to stop my bath. I popped some bubbles and settled back for a few minutes of relaxation. And then, as if I was shocked into reality, I realized that the 'blue' toothbrush he was describing was mine.

"Timmy," I called from my quickly cooling bubble oasis. "The blue toothbrush is mine. What are you doing with my toothbrush?"

He started to become panicked as he explained that he wasn't using my blue toothbrush but the 'other one.' Looking from my perch in the tub, I could clearly see that there was only one blue toothbrush. With my bath retreat ruined over the prospect of what was brewing, I wiped away the bubbles and got dressed.

As soon as opened the door Timmy was ready to explain. He immediately grabbed the toothbrush, my toothbrush, and asked me to follow him to his bedroom. Without missing a beat he put the blue toothbrush, my toothbrush, into the cat's mouth. 

He read that a cat is reminded of their mother if you gently massage their gums with a toothbrush. He has been doing it nightly to bond with them. Timmy has been brushing the cat's teeth with my toothbrush for weeks.  

There isn't enough Listerine to make my mouth feel fresh today.

New leg, New Liner

 I'm still not feeling fantastic, but life continues (especially when you are a mom). Yesterday, in addition to everything else we have going on, I added "get a new leg" to the mix. While I hate the entire process, I know that it is well overdue and I will be happy when I am again walking with ease and comfort. With us starting to turn out heads towards packing for college and to prepare for a move, comfort in mobility has become paramount.

I am always delighted after I have a new leg, but the process is frustrating. I really REALLY don't like people messing with my limb, and it is inevitably manipulated during the process. Last night my phantom pain was off the charts because of the pushing on my limb. With each electric zap I reminded myself that it was going to be worth it in the end. 

The immediate benefit of starting a new leg is getting brand new liners. New liner day is wonderful! The coolness of a brand new liner rolling up my limb, especially in the summer, is fantastic and really can't be beat. I love new liner day.

Dizzy

 Between feeling icky from a summer cold and being slammed at work, yesterday was a struggle. I woke early with the expectation of logging off in the afternoon to rest. Unfortunately  my schedule didn't cooperate and I was bound to my computer until early evening. Had I been feeling well, the project would have been a lot of fun. Between the keyboard and my runny nose, I was struggling. 

I woke up this morning with a strong sense of vertigo. I'm hoping that it is just a case of cold medicine trying to work out of my body but I'm worried that is just me grasping to an optimistic straw. I have a feeling I'm in for a very dizzy day.

Dizzy and a prosthetic do not co-mingle well, so I will be as still as possible. The last thing I need is a fall!

Our NYC Trip (and anniversary)

Scott and I had an amazing time during our NYC getaway. The heatwave that has been oppressive lifted for the day we were in the city. With temperatures lower, we were able to spend the entire day Friday walking and exploring without becoming heat sick. In total we walked more than 9 miles before we even made it to the concert on Thursday night. 

The Billy Joel concert was amazing. While it was advertised as the final of his residency at Madison Square Garden, Billy did drop hints that he plans to return to the venue. Even if it wasn't his final show at the Garden, it was memorable because it was the last of his residency series. The arena was packed, the energy was high and the show was amazing. 

On Friday morning we woke early, hopped onto the train and returned to pick up Timmy at my Mom's house. We drove back to Virginia in the early afternoon with the hopes of missing weekend rush hour traffic. The time away was wonderful albeit short.

Our getaway was last week, but today is our proper anniversary. It is hard to believe that I have now been married for 20 years! It feels like a lifetime ago. I suppose, in many ways, it was. 20 years is a long time! Happy Anniversary Scott!