Happy 1st Anniversary of my breast reduction!
In thinking of a nifty way to celebrate my smaller version of myself, I thought it would be great to go in today and get a scar revision done, and wouldn't it be *just* fabulous that it's the actual anniversary date? I mean, really, I've gone 8 whole weeks without some sort of bandaging attached to me in some way or another, and that is just entirely too long. I think that I must have reached some magical threshold of feeling 'ok' that sends a signal to my brain that I need to cause myself more pain. So, why not call up the plastic surgeon and ask for a few stitches? Yes, WHY not??
So it has been a few hours since my procedure, and my local has worn off. I have bloody bandaging, plus pain and royal discomfort. A bonafide pain junkie trifecta!! If you have ever had serious surgical sutures, you most likely have experienced the 'dog ears' that form on each end as they heal. It is triangular-shaped pucker that looks a bit odd. With my breast reduction surgery, one side looked pretty bad in addition to significant scarring, and the other side was not so noticeable but still bothersome. I could have had the revision done as early as 6 months ago but I opted to wait it out a few more months to see if the one side would resolve itself. They did change a significant amount so I am glad that I waited, but it wasn't enough to make me feel like it wouldn't keep bothering me for years on end. So I made the appointment to just get it done and over with. Now I am back to walking around with my arms pinned down to my sides, not reaching for anything, and driving using only the bottom 1/3 of the steering wheel. That was my life for a solid four months just a short time ago, and the disturbingly familiar pain is no fun at all.
I think I am really, really ready to be done with all of this surgery and recovery business. Really. I have a damn surgical shelf in the medicine cabinet that I just want to clear out. Bandaging, non-stick gauze, paper tape, scar cream, elastic wrap, arm splints (2), knee splints (3), compression wrap, blah, blah, blah...
Anyway, happy anniversary to me. It's still the best thing I ever did for myself.
Showing posts with label Breast Reduction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breast Reduction. Show all posts
Friday, October 10, 2014
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Thursday, July 24, 2014
July
The calendar keeps churning away and July is almost gone!
Nine
Happy Anniversary today to my sweet husband. Nine years of crazy and fun. Emphasis on the crazy. Tonight we go out to celebrate by stuffing ourselves with various food items covered in cheese and chocolate. Just not at the same time. That would be gross.
1. We still can't agree on how to properly fold a towel.
2. He forgets to put tools away.
3. I forget the laundry.
4. He brings me Starbucks.
5. I make his coffee in the morning.
6. He uses too much cleaning spray.
7. I use too much pepper.
8. He makes the regular thoughtful gesture.
9. I dream up a never-ending stream of projects that require tools and his time.
Love ya' Honey!
Girl Scout Day Camp
Last week Rylan attended her week-long Girl Scout Day Camp. Luckily it was nice and cool most of the week - totally out of character for July - but along with that came thundershowers every afternoon, which made me a nervous wreck. With minimal help from me, Rylan got herself packed up every morning and made her own lunch and snack. At camp she fished, canoed, shot some arrows, scaled a climbing wall, sang songs, made some swaps and did a lot of crafts. I have to say something about all the craft-in-a-bag kits and especially the 'plastic cup basket weaving' project. Here is the offending object:
Sigh. A plastic cup? Really? Cue the creak of the rocking chair: "When I went to camp..." we wove actual baskets. With real grass. We spent a couple of hours working on our baskets, not the hurried pace of a new activity every 35 minutes. Camp Amakulo, I miss you. We also finger-wove yarn baskets. I kept mine for several years, but I don't know what happened to it. Rylan started her cup/yarn project at camp, and then had to stuff it into her backpack to take home and finish later. So as soon as she arrived home, she settled herself on the couch, and in quiet content, she spent the next hour 'weaving'. She remarked that it was so much easier to concentrate when there weren't sixty other girls yakking away. I agree.
Christmas in July
Just this past Saturday, Rylan attended her first dance audition. Her dance studio was holding try-outs for different parts in the Nutcracker, as rehearsals start next month. Rylan wore a number pinned to her leotard, and joined a few other girls in her age group (6-8 yr olds) for their audition. She could be placed in any number of parts - a dancing present in the party scene, or a tumbling candy cane or gingerbread. I think her tumbling experience in last years' class will help. She has a part for sure, as her dance class this year will be performing as butterflies in the Waltz of the Flowers scene. Performing in the Nutcracker isn't mandatory, but practicing the dance (different parts dictated by class level) is a part of regular dance class leading up to the performance. Dean and I will dance in the party scene again this year, but it just dawned on me that I will only have about 4 months of rehab from my surgery before it is time. I hope the healing goes well! And that I can fit into my dress. No exercise and emotional eating in the past couple of months has really put me back to almost where I started from!
The Big Squeeze
I had my mammogram and annual a couple of days ago. I have been dreading this mammogram ever since my BR surgery 9 months ago. I am not completely healed yet. My scars are tender, my breasts are tender... just imagining them being squeezed by the scanning machine has made me cringe every single day leading up to this. I'm not going to lie - it hurt. That is still no excuse not to get a mammogram, so if you haven't yet - DO IT. The tech did a total of four scans. The first one was the worst. When they place your breast on the plate, they then fine tune the position of the plate by moving it up and away from you to stretch things just a bit more. Since it is your bare skin sitting on this plate thingy, it sort of sticks there, and is pulled along as the plate moves around, and this is where most of the God-awful pain comes from - it was even that way before surgery, but this time around it pulled right along where my incision line is, and that. hurt. So after that first scan, when I could barely squeak out an "I'm OK" (which I clearly wasn't, but wanted to get the damn thing over with), she took out a large adhesive pad (picture a giant-sized mouse pad) and laid it on top of that plate thingy. What. a. difference. She told me not to tell anyone about it, since the pads cost $5 apiece. WTF!? If there is a way to make a mammogram less painful for women, I will shout it from the roof tops to all who will hear. Ask for the pad! Your skin won't stick and it adds just enough cushion during the squeeze portion of the scan that it makes it bearable. This year there was less squeezing actually than in times past. Less dense breast tissue to work through, I guess. They used to have to flatten each breast out like a dinner plate. Embarrassing AND painful! It was interesting to compare the scan from last year to this year. My breasts are totally different in the inside, and there is visible scar tissue now. This scan will now be my new baseline. I am very, very happy about my BR, and I don't regret it a second. The recovery time is much longer than I ever thought, and it really did do a number on my entire system (pain, numbness, lethargy and so forth) but it was sooo worth it.
ACL Reconstruction
I saw my orthopedic surgeon last week so that he could confirm that I am ready for my surgery next week. I have decided to go the autograft route, where I donate a portion of my own patellar tendon to the cause. I am feeling pretty good at this point. I can go without my brace and walk mostly w/o a limp, I can walk more than a mile at a time now, I can do stairs, squats and ride my bike. I even got down on both knees to dig through a bin last night. This all sounds good, but it is all done with a degree of instability that I can 'feel' in my joint. I always feel like my knee will give way at any moment. Occasionally my knee does pop backward or to the medial side, and Holy Hannah does that hurt. I also 'hear' and 'feel' the sound of the 'pop' as it happened at the time of injury, as my mind replays it for me in an endless loop at inappropriate times - like when I am trying to go to sleep or reading a book. Evil.
This will make for 3 surgeries in 14 months. I was most worked up about the BR surgery of course, because it would change my appearance and it meant major scarring and chances of infection. My shoulder surgery would grant almost instant pain relief - and it did. :) My knee though.. this is the surgery I am dreading. Knee pain stays with you. Every shift of your body, no matter how subtle, hurts. Maybe not so much now, but it was that way for that first month after injury, and I imagine it will be that way again after surgery. I am dreading that pain again, and I am dreading my impending loss of mobility. I can't keep up with the kids, the house, the everything...
IKEA
I dragged my husband to IKEA last weekend. We went with the intent of getting some tables and chairs to use in our schoolroom. I had the hair-brained idea that even though I am just days away from major surgery, this is the perfect time to completely gut a room, repaint, redo the lighting and do some decorating. I blame it on the 'nesting' instinct - similar to what you do right before baby. The painting was done last weekend, and we purchased two tables, 8 table legs, 4 swivel chairs, a new lighting system and some other odds and ends. Everything has been put together and in place, and it works beautifully for us. I just have to wrap up painting an old bookshelf and the art work, and then I will show and tell!
The Alphabet
I am in the finishing stages of a huge art project that I have wanted to create for several years. You will see when it is all done. For now - I present the letter "W".
The roof over our heads
We've picked the shingle color, we've obtained permission from the HOA, we've cashed the insurance check and made the down-payment with the roofing contractor. Now I am just waiting for the call from the contractor with the date when the roofers will arrive and complete the job. The call was supposed to come this week, and it is already Thursday. He's got 'til noon, then I am calling him. Don't mess with an overly-stressed lady who is frantically trying to get her ducks in a row! And we still need to talk to the windows guy, the painter guy....
Nine
Happy Anniversary today to my sweet husband. Nine years of crazy and fun. Emphasis on the crazy. Tonight we go out to celebrate by stuffing ourselves with various food items covered in cheese and chocolate. Just not at the same time. That would be gross.
1. We still can't agree on how to properly fold a towel.
2. He forgets to put tools away.
3. I forget the laundry.
4. He brings me Starbucks.
5. I make his coffee in the morning.
6. He uses too much cleaning spray.
7. I use too much pepper.
8. He makes the regular thoughtful gesture.
9. I dream up a never-ending stream of projects that require tools and his time.
Love ya' Honey!
Girl Scout Day Camp
Last week Rylan attended her week-long Girl Scout Day Camp. Luckily it was nice and cool most of the week - totally out of character for July - but along with that came thundershowers every afternoon, which made me a nervous wreck. With minimal help from me, Rylan got herself packed up every morning and made her own lunch and snack. At camp she fished, canoed, shot some arrows, scaled a climbing wall, sang songs, made some swaps and did a lot of crafts. I have to say something about all the craft-in-a-bag kits and especially the 'plastic cup basket weaving' project. Here is the offending object:
Sigh. A plastic cup? Really? Cue the creak of the rocking chair: "When I went to camp..." we wove actual baskets. With real grass. We spent a couple of hours working on our baskets, not the hurried pace of a new activity every 35 minutes. Camp Amakulo, I miss you. We also finger-wove yarn baskets. I kept mine for several years, but I don't know what happened to it. Rylan started her cup/yarn project at camp, and then had to stuff it into her backpack to take home and finish later. So as soon as she arrived home, she settled herself on the couch, and in quiet content, she spent the next hour 'weaving'. She remarked that it was so much easier to concentrate when there weren't sixty other girls yakking away. I agree.
Christmas in July
Just this past Saturday, Rylan attended her first dance audition. Her dance studio was holding try-outs for different parts in the Nutcracker, as rehearsals start next month. Rylan wore a number pinned to her leotard, and joined a few other girls in her age group (6-8 yr olds) for their audition. She could be placed in any number of parts - a dancing present in the party scene, or a tumbling candy cane or gingerbread. I think her tumbling experience in last years' class will help. She has a part for sure, as her dance class this year will be performing as butterflies in the Waltz of the Flowers scene. Performing in the Nutcracker isn't mandatory, but practicing the dance (different parts dictated by class level) is a part of regular dance class leading up to the performance. Dean and I will dance in the party scene again this year, but it just dawned on me that I will only have about 4 months of rehab from my surgery before it is time. I hope the healing goes well! And that I can fit into my dress. No exercise and emotional eating in the past couple of months has really put me back to almost where I started from!
The Big Squeeze
I had my mammogram and annual a couple of days ago. I have been dreading this mammogram ever since my BR surgery 9 months ago. I am not completely healed yet. My scars are tender, my breasts are tender... just imagining them being squeezed by the scanning machine has made me cringe every single day leading up to this. I'm not going to lie - it hurt. That is still no excuse not to get a mammogram, so if you haven't yet - DO IT. The tech did a total of four scans. The first one was the worst. When they place your breast on the plate, they then fine tune the position of the plate by moving it up and away from you to stretch things just a bit more. Since it is your bare skin sitting on this plate thingy, it sort of sticks there, and is pulled along as the plate moves around, and this is where most of the God-awful pain comes from - it was even that way before surgery, but this time around it pulled right along where my incision line is, and that. hurt. So after that first scan, when I could barely squeak out an "I'm OK" (which I clearly wasn't, but wanted to get the damn thing over with), she took out a large adhesive pad (picture a giant-sized mouse pad) and laid it on top of that plate thingy. What. a. difference. She told me not to tell anyone about it, since the pads cost $5 apiece. WTF!? If there is a way to make a mammogram less painful for women, I will shout it from the roof tops to all who will hear. Ask for the pad! Your skin won't stick and it adds just enough cushion during the squeeze portion of the scan that it makes it bearable. This year there was less squeezing actually than in times past. Less dense breast tissue to work through, I guess. They used to have to flatten each breast out like a dinner plate. Embarrassing AND painful! It was interesting to compare the scan from last year to this year. My breasts are totally different in the inside, and there is visible scar tissue now. This scan will now be my new baseline. I am very, very happy about my BR, and I don't regret it a second. The recovery time is much longer than I ever thought, and it really did do a number on my entire system (pain, numbness, lethargy and so forth) but it was sooo worth it.
ACL Reconstruction
I saw my orthopedic surgeon last week so that he could confirm that I am ready for my surgery next week. I have decided to go the autograft route, where I donate a portion of my own patellar tendon to the cause. I am feeling pretty good at this point. I can go without my brace and walk mostly w/o a limp, I can walk more than a mile at a time now, I can do stairs, squats and ride my bike. I even got down on both knees to dig through a bin last night. This all sounds good, but it is all done with a degree of instability that I can 'feel' in my joint. I always feel like my knee will give way at any moment. Occasionally my knee does pop backward or to the medial side, and Holy Hannah does that hurt. I also 'hear' and 'feel' the sound of the 'pop' as it happened at the time of injury, as my mind replays it for me in an endless loop at inappropriate times - like when I am trying to go to sleep or reading a book. Evil.
This will make for 3 surgeries in 14 months. I was most worked up about the BR surgery of course, because it would change my appearance and it meant major scarring and chances of infection. My shoulder surgery would grant almost instant pain relief - and it did. :) My knee though.. this is the surgery I am dreading. Knee pain stays with you. Every shift of your body, no matter how subtle, hurts. Maybe not so much now, but it was that way for that first month after injury, and I imagine it will be that way again after surgery. I am dreading that pain again, and I am dreading my impending loss of mobility. I can't keep up with the kids, the house, the everything...
IKEA
I dragged my husband to IKEA last weekend. We went with the intent of getting some tables and chairs to use in our schoolroom. I had the hair-brained idea that even though I am just days away from major surgery, this is the perfect time to completely gut a room, repaint, redo the lighting and do some decorating. I blame it on the 'nesting' instinct - similar to what you do right before baby. The painting was done last weekend, and we purchased two tables, 8 table legs, 4 swivel chairs, a new lighting system and some other odds and ends. Everything has been put together and in place, and it works beautifully for us. I just have to wrap up painting an old bookshelf and the art work, and then I will show and tell!
The Alphabet
I am in the finishing stages of a huge art project that I have wanted to create for several years. You will see when it is all done. For now - I present the letter "W".
The roof over our heads
We've picked the shingle color, we've obtained permission from the HOA, we've cashed the insurance check and made the down-payment with the roofing contractor. Now I am just waiting for the call from the contractor with the date when the roofers will arrive and complete the job. The call was supposed to come this week, and it is already Thursday. He's got 'til noon, then I am calling him. Don't mess with an overly-stressed lady who is frantically trying to get her ducks in a row! And we still need to talk to the windows guy, the painter guy....
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Bouncing back...
One of the kids' favorite TV shows is America's Funniest Videos. It was my favorite when I was growing up as well. I've noticed that a certain (disturbing) video seems to get a lot of air time, and never grows old. It's the video of a well-endowed woman trotting on a horse, with her boobs flopping up and down from chin to belly button. The video clip makes me cringe, every time. I am embarrassed for her - how awful that a less-than-flattering image of her becomes a regular video clip for all of America to laugh at on a weekly basis. I hurt physically for her - I've been there, and it is painful. I am disgusted at who we all are as a people, that we still engage in the monstrous behavior of poking fun at the physical attributes of certain people.
I hate the 'bounce'. For YEARS I have refused to do stuff that would cause it - running, jumping, dancing...it would just draw sideways glances from some, to outright rude stares from others. Jumping was the worst. I loved jump rope games at recess as a kid, but as the years passed and the chance came around again for me to jump - as a teacher on recess duty, I always told the girls 'no' - I'll turn the rope, but no jumping for me. I eventually gave in and did it once. My resolve broke down - they were having so much fun and begging me to jump too, so I couldn't resist. One year after having Rylan, there I was, jumping rope. One, two....three jumps and my bra strap snapped. I'm not kidding. I dashed to the classroom and had five minutes to fashion a fix with duct tape before the whistle sounded. Fast forward six years to when my daughter just turned seven. She received a beautiful new jump rope from a friend for her birthday, and really wanted to jump. So we went to a park one afternoon and Dean and I turned the rope for her. I jumped a little, just to give her some pointers, and Dean politely said that my shirt was flying up and things were falling out. So that was the end of that. In the back of my mind that day, I already had the big upcoming BR surgery to focus on...I knew change was coming, and that in a years' time, I would jump the hell out of that rope and not feel a hint of bounce - and no x-rated peep show to boot.
So three weeks ago, when I found my opportunity to jump, I felt absolutely elated. I wore my iron-clad sports bra that had proved itself on many a run post BR surgery, and I was ready. I jumped. I jumped in front of people. I don't know how to express just how huge that is for me, but I am trying. For years I have tried to shield myself from others, but on that day - I was in front of people. I jumped and I jumped and I jumped. Inside, my heart was absolutely singing. I was trampling all sorts of personal demons as I jumped up and down, left and right.
And then I slipped and fell.
I went from the highest high to the lowest low in seconds. My little shovel can't dig deep enough or fast enough into my personal pit of despair.
How fucking unfair!
HOW FUCKING UNFAIR!
Years and years of pain and physical set-backs that made exercise off-limits. Three pregnancies, plantar fasciitis, bursitis in my hips, shoulder surgery, breast reduction... lots and lots of chiropractic visits and physical therapy....and now THIS?? NO! I was poised for the most awesome and active summer ever, and now I have a torn ACL, torn MCL, sprains, bruising and swelling... the laundry list from the MRI is so ridiculous it is laughable. I have many months ahead of me with my knee in a brace, surgery, therapy...blah fucking blah, blah, blah. I hate to bitch but it's the Murphy's Law(ness) of it all. It just plain sucks.
Yeah...I have not been in a good place these past few weeks. I felt it best to detach myself and let the emotional freight train run its course. I'm a mess, inside and out. The only thing to do is get back in the saddle and start over. Again.
So in trying to find something to smile about in all of this, I thought that my downshift into a snail's pace means that I will have time to smell the roses. All of them. Twice over.
So in trying to find something to smile about in all of this, I thought that my downshift into a snail's pace means that I will have time to smell the roses. All of them. Twice over.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Simple Woman's Daybook Entry
Outside my window... It is a bit overcast and cloudy right now, at 8 a.m., but the day is supposed to be warm and sunny.
I am thinking... About skiing with Rylan tomorrow. I need to figure out what we are wearing and I am thinking about the drive. The news channel just showed the traffic on I-70 this morning, and it was horrible. It won't be as bad tomorrow morning, but the drive home will be!
I am thankful... That earlier this week, when we went to McAlister's Deli for dinner, six year old Owen was happy to play along when I pointed to different letters around us and asked him, "What's this?" Owen dislikes playing any sort of answer-call letter games. He dislikes letters, period. :/
From the Learning Rooms... I heard back from Colorado Calvert Online Academy this week - they received our applications and all three older kids are registered for the fall! (happy dance) I feel such an immeasurable sense of relief. We hit the books this week with a renewed sense of purpose, and it felt very good. I looked into duoLingo this week, and brushed up on my rusty Spanish by completing the intro round of lessons. It is not as entry-level as I had hoped - more adult-friendly then kid-friendly, but it is very thorough by requiring an equal amount of reading/writing/speaking in both English and the chosen language of study. I think Jordan will benefit from it. One drawback to Calvert is that it does not offer any type of foreign language, so I think this will be a good stand-in.
In the kitchen...Nothing but an empty cup of coffee...be right back!
I am wearing... The Saturday requisite of pj's and robe. No socks. And my freezing toes could really use a pair. Be right back!
I am creating... Still trying to come up with a solution to coming up with a weekly menu. I hate menu planning. I hate shopping. What might help me is a list of recipes to choose from. So I am making a master list of about 20-30 favorite recipes for each of several different categories: chicken, beef, pork, fish, meatless, pasta, Sides, Salads, and breakfasts. Each list is divided into three columns: the recipe name, where I can find it (book, file, iPad...), and the ingredients it calls for - apart from staple items. That way, when I sit down to menu plan and write the shopping list, I am sitting down with 9 sheets of paper - not piles of cooking magazines, cookbooks or endlessly scrolling through Flipboard or my Facebook wall. Last Sunday I worked on 'Sides', and it took me all day! I now have a nice list of about 35 recipes to start with though! That will probably evolve into my longest list, since it includes subcategories like rice, pasta (ex. orzo), grains (ex. couscous), legumes, and by vegetable. Some of the recipes are on simple end, like 'Steamed carrots". No recipe needed, of course, and all I need on my shopping list is a 1 lb. bag of carrots. I am making sure that I have a good variety of recipe complexity - including lots of slow cooker meals to help this homeschooling mom deal with Arsenic Hour. This is going to take a long time to finish and fine-tune, but I hope that it is done by the end of April. I am soooo tired of frozen fish sticks.
I am going... Well, if all goes well, Rylan and I are heading to Copper Mountain tomorrow. We'll head over to the ski shop later this afternoon and get our skis, boots and poles. Dean and Jordan went skiing in December, and Dean got a free lift ticket from Copper after enduring over an hour of being stranded on a broken ski lift. He has been after me ever since to make use of this ticket. I am not the biggest fan of Spring skiing since the snow can be sloppy, but the base is phenomenal with all the snow that we have had, and it is still cold enough up in the high country that it isn't all slushy like it usually gets in late March/ early April. So we are going! This will be Rylan's third time on skis, but she hasn't been since the season before last, so I don't know how she will do. I am honestly not looking forward to it. I am hurting all over since I just started back up with running this week (horrible timing), in my hips especially. My shoulder is still not 100%, and I am not 100% from the BR surgery either. I am terrified of falling, being in such tender shape right now. I am a pretty decent skier so I don't usually fall, but with Rylan in the mix, she will undoubtedly cross my path and I will have to ditch to avoid her. Hope for the best!
I am wondering...Hmmm.. nothing?
I am reading... In the non-fiction arena, I am reading Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion, edited by Dale McGowan. It has been on my reading list for some time. I didn't realize it was actually a collection of essays and such by a variety of authors, but I am enjoying it for the most part. There are a couple of pieces so far that have made me cringe because of rather bold word choice, but other than that, I find it rather rewarding to read words on a page that echo my exact thoughts - it is comforting to finally hear other people who feel much the same as I do. I don't discuss religion much with others, so at times it can feel like you are the only one who feels a certain way.
In regards to fiction, I am still slogging through Diana Gabaldon's Drums of Autumn. It is almost punishing at this point. I. just. want. to. finish. it. and move onto something 'funner'.
In the garden... Last week I picked my first tiny crop of butter lettuce and baby spinach, and it is just about time for picking again. My 'crop' is planted in a single seed-starting flat, and sits in my large west-facing window. We planted several weeks ago, and they are growing fast! I will wait to transplant them outside for a couple more weeks. We are also maybe just a couple weeks away from picking some fresh green beans. The kids picked some dried-up bean pods that had poked through our fence from the neighbor's garden, so we planted them (indoors) in January to see what would grow. Low and behold, the plants have climbed up a trio of 6 ft. bamboo poles and back again, flowered profusely and now numerous tiny green beans are growing. It has been fun to watch it grow a few inches every day!
I am hoping... I don't hurt myself tomorrow..
I am looking forward to... Some mommy/daughter time!
I am learning... or 'relearning' Spanish verb conjugations. uugh.
I am hearing...Owen singing along with a Backyardigans song on TV, Colin playing with toys upstairs and the washer entering the spin cycle.
Around the house... Today is 'get every-last-bit-of-laundry-done' day. And 'find Colin's lost tennis shoe' day.
I am pondering... Not much, at the moment.
One of my favorite things... Vanilla yogurt, granola, sliced bananas and juicy blueberries.
A few plans for the rest of the week...Ortho appts for Rylan and Jordan. Rylan is just finishing up 18 straight days of cranking her new expander, so now they will measure and determine the date the braces will go on. Maybe Jordan will hear when his braces will finally come off. Which is 9 months overdue, at this point. We also have our homeschool science fair next weekend, so this coming week will be spent working on our projects. Jordan will be presenting his work he is doing on his quadcopter, and Rylan is experimenting with making butter.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
To read more entries and visit a variety of other blogs, go here...
I am thinking... About skiing with Rylan tomorrow. I need to figure out what we are wearing and I am thinking about the drive. The news channel just showed the traffic on I-70 this morning, and it was horrible. It won't be as bad tomorrow morning, but the drive home will be!
I am thankful... That earlier this week, when we went to McAlister's Deli for dinner, six year old Owen was happy to play along when I pointed to different letters around us and asked him, "What's this?" Owen dislikes playing any sort of answer-call letter games. He dislikes letters, period. :/
From the Learning Rooms... I heard back from Colorado Calvert Online Academy this week - they received our applications and all three older kids are registered for the fall! (happy dance) I feel such an immeasurable sense of relief. We hit the books this week with a renewed sense of purpose, and it felt very good. I looked into duoLingo this week, and brushed up on my rusty Spanish by completing the intro round of lessons. It is not as entry-level as I had hoped - more adult-friendly then kid-friendly, but it is very thorough by requiring an equal amount of reading/writing/speaking in both English and the chosen language of study. I think Jordan will benefit from it. One drawback to Calvert is that it does not offer any type of foreign language, so I think this will be a good stand-in.
In the kitchen...Nothing but an empty cup of coffee...be right back!
I am wearing... The Saturday requisite of pj's and robe. No socks. And my freezing toes could really use a pair. Be right back!
I am creating... Still trying to come up with a solution to coming up with a weekly menu. I hate menu planning. I hate shopping. What might help me is a list of recipes to choose from. So I am making a master list of about 20-30 favorite recipes for each of several different categories: chicken, beef, pork, fish, meatless, pasta, Sides, Salads, and breakfasts. Each list is divided into three columns: the recipe name, where I can find it (book, file, iPad...), and the ingredients it calls for - apart from staple items. That way, when I sit down to menu plan and write the shopping list, I am sitting down with 9 sheets of paper - not piles of cooking magazines, cookbooks or endlessly scrolling through Flipboard or my Facebook wall. Last Sunday I worked on 'Sides', and it took me all day! I now have a nice list of about 35 recipes to start with though! That will probably evolve into my longest list, since it includes subcategories like rice, pasta (ex. orzo), grains (ex. couscous), legumes, and by vegetable. Some of the recipes are on simple end, like 'Steamed carrots". No recipe needed, of course, and all I need on my shopping list is a 1 lb. bag of carrots. I am making sure that I have a good variety of recipe complexity - including lots of slow cooker meals to help this homeschooling mom deal with Arsenic Hour. This is going to take a long time to finish and fine-tune, but I hope that it is done by the end of April. I am soooo tired of frozen fish sticks.
I am going... Well, if all goes well, Rylan and I are heading to Copper Mountain tomorrow. We'll head over to the ski shop later this afternoon and get our skis, boots and poles. Dean and Jordan went skiing in December, and Dean got a free lift ticket from Copper after enduring over an hour of being stranded on a broken ski lift. He has been after me ever since to make use of this ticket. I am not the biggest fan of Spring skiing since the snow can be sloppy, but the base is phenomenal with all the snow that we have had, and it is still cold enough up in the high country that it isn't all slushy like it usually gets in late March/ early April. So we are going! This will be Rylan's third time on skis, but she hasn't been since the season before last, so I don't know how she will do. I am honestly not looking forward to it. I am hurting all over since I just started back up with running this week (horrible timing), in my hips especially. My shoulder is still not 100%, and I am not 100% from the BR surgery either. I am terrified of falling, being in such tender shape right now. I am a pretty decent skier so I don't usually fall, but with Rylan in the mix, she will undoubtedly cross my path and I will have to ditch to avoid her. Hope for the best!
I am wondering...Hmmm.. nothing?
I am reading... In the non-fiction arena, I am reading Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion, edited by Dale McGowan. It has been on my reading list for some time. I didn't realize it was actually a collection of essays and such by a variety of authors, but I am enjoying it for the most part. There are a couple of pieces so far that have made me cringe because of rather bold word choice, but other than that, I find it rather rewarding to read words on a page that echo my exact thoughts - it is comforting to finally hear other people who feel much the same as I do. I don't discuss religion much with others, so at times it can feel like you are the only one who feels a certain way.
In regards to fiction, I am still slogging through Diana Gabaldon's Drums of Autumn. It is almost punishing at this point. I. just. want. to. finish. it. and move onto something 'funner'.
In the garden... Last week I picked my first tiny crop of butter lettuce and baby spinach, and it is just about time for picking again. My 'crop' is planted in a single seed-starting flat, and sits in my large west-facing window. We planted several weeks ago, and they are growing fast! I will wait to transplant them outside for a couple more weeks. We are also maybe just a couple weeks away from picking some fresh green beans. The kids picked some dried-up bean pods that had poked through our fence from the neighbor's garden, so we planted them (indoors) in January to see what would grow. Low and behold, the plants have climbed up a trio of 6 ft. bamboo poles and back again, flowered profusely and now numerous tiny green beans are growing. It has been fun to watch it grow a few inches every day!
I am hoping... I don't hurt myself tomorrow..
I am looking forward to... Some mommy/daughter time!
I am learning... or 'relearning' Spanish verb conjugations. uugh.
I am hearing...Owen singing along with a Backyardigans song on TV, Colin playing with toys upstairs and the washer entering the spin cycle.
Around the house... Today is 'get every-last-bit-of-laundry-done' day. And 'find Colin's lost tennis shoe' day.
I am pondering... Not much, at the moment.
One of my favorite things... Vanilla yogurt, granola, sliced bananas and juicy blueberries.
A few plans for the rest of the week...Ortho appts for Rylan and Jordan. Rylan is just finishing up 18 straight days of cranking her new expander, so now they will measure and determine the date the braces will go on. Maybe Jordan will hear when his braces will finally come off. Which is 9 months overdue, at this point. We also have our homeschool science fair next weekend, so this coming week will be spent working on our projects. Jordan will be presenting his work he is doing on his quadcopter, and Rylan is experimenting with making butter.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
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| Denver Zoo, 2-27-14 |
To read more entries and visit a variety of other blogs, go here...
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
2013 In Review
Here is a link to the awesome list of questions that inspired this post.
1. What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?
* Knitting. I've knitted three scarves in the past, but this time around I am knitting a hat. So far I have learned how to purl, knit in the round and cable. The hat isn't completed yet, but I am getting close.
* I danced on stage with my husband in the Nutcracker. We were part of the party scene. I have never danced in a performance before, other than in dance recitals when I was a kid. It was the highlight of my year. :)
*Visited my dad's childhood home. My dad's first few years were spent in Crawford, Nebraska. We had a family weekend over Labor Day where we all gathered at Fort Robinson, NE, which is just a couple miles away from Crawford.
*Saw the peloton of pro bicyclists go by as they raced into our city in the second-to-last stage of the USA Pro Challenge this past August. That was very cool!
* I danced on stage with my husband in the Nutcracker. We were part of the party scene. I have never danced in a performance before, other than in dance recitals when I was a kid. It was the highlight of my year. :)
*Visited my dad's childhood home. My dad's first few years were spent in Crawford, Nebraska. We had a family weekend over Labor Day where we all gathered at Fort Robinson, NE, which is just a couple miles away from Crawford.
*Saw the peloton of pro bicyclists go by as they raced into our city in the second-to-last stage of the USA Pro Challenge this past August. That was very cool!
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I never did officially write anything down, but here is what I was thinking as the new year (2013)rolled in...
* I needed to take care of my shoulder. The pain was increasing and affecting my daily life in every way. I began physical therapy in early March, and progressed through the hoops of nerve study, MRI, surgery in May, and then more physical therapy. By August I was officially pain free.
* I wanted a breast reduction. It was something that I have wanted to do for years. This year I got serious. It was part of the reason why I was having issues with my shoulder, anyway. I'd done years of chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, pain meds... Nothing was going to ease the discomfort of carrying those things around but to surgically reduce their size. I fought the insurance company for three months before I finally got it approved. Surgery was in October, and I have to say this is the single-most BEST thing I have ever done for myself. I am still very emotional about it - I am so incredibly happy with the results and the way I physically feel, now.
* Lose some weight. This went hand-in-hand with the other two. I will continue to have issues with joint and back pain until I get the weight off. I lost 20 pounds between July and October. Despite curtailing my exercise while I recovered from the breast reduction and all the culinary goodies that come with the holidays, I have maintained that loss so far. Very proud of that. :)
For next year...
* lose another 20 lbs
* save up enough $$ to take a family vacation next New Years to see my nephew march in the Rose Parade and go to Disneyland.
* spend more time with my extended family
* grow more than just weeds and basil in my garden
* actually DO those annual 694 hours of instruction time per child that I promise the state I will do.
* read 10 books. I have no problem with reading or even the desire to read. It's more about taking the time to actually do so.
I never did officially write anything down, but here is what I was thinking as the new year (2013)rolled in...
* I needed to take care of my shoulder. The pain was increasing and affecting my daily life in every way. I began physical therapy in early March, and progressed through the hoops of nerve study, MRI, surgery in May, and then more physical therapy. By August I was officially pain free.
* I wanted a breast reduction. It was something that I have wanted to do for years. This year I got serious. It was part of the reason why I was having issues with my shoulder, anyway. I'd done years of chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, pain meds... Nothing was going to ease the discomfort of carrying those things around but to surgically reduce their size. I fought the insurance company for three months before I finally got it approved. Surgery was in October, and I have to say this is the single-most BEST thing I have ever done for myself. I am still very emotional about it - I am so incredibly happy with the results and the way I physically feel, now.
* Lose some weight. This went hand-in-hand with the other two. I will continue to have issues with joint and back pain until I get the weight off. I lost 20 pounds between July and October. Despite curtailing my exercise while I recovered from the breast reduction and all the culinary goodies that come with the holidays, I have maintained that loss so far. Very proud of that. :)
For next year...
* lose another 20 lbs
* save up enough $$ to take a family vacation next New Years to see my nephew march in the Rose Parade and go to Disneyland.
* spend more time with my extended family
* grow more than just weeds and basil in my garden
* actually DO those annual 694 hours of instruction time per child that I promise the state I will do.
* read 10 books. I have no problem with reading or even the desire to read. It's more about taking the time to actually do so.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My niece by marriage gave birth to a baby girl, EmmaRae, on July 31st. I got to see and hold her for the first time during our Thanksgiving visit. Such a sweet, beautiful baby girl. How I miss holding babies and smelling their scent and listening to their sounds. Sad sigh.
My niece by marriage gave birth to a baby girl, EmmaRae, on July 31st. I got to see and hold her for the first time during our Thanksgiving visit. Such a sweet, beautiful baby girl. How I miss holding babies and smelling their scent and listening to their sounds. Sad sigh.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My uncle Buzz passed away in early December, shortly before 2013 began. It has been a long year of 'firsts' where we did things as a family that were marked by his absence. I visited his grave for the first time yesterday, as Rylan and I were driving to Boulder on an errand. It was a spur of the moment decision. We had not been invited to the burial, but my mom had shared with me whereabouts in the small cemetery his grave was located, so with just a few minutes' searching we found it. There were three different Christmas arrangements there, by his headstone. He is missed a great deal.
In February my great-aunt Bernice passed away. She had been suffering for several years with Alzheimer's. She was a grand lady that loved to collect antiques. I remember going to her house, just down the street from my grandma's, to have tea, and then take a tour of her latest finds. She walked everywhere and was busy, busy, busy. She reminded me so much of my grandpa Orin (her older brother). She had a sharp mind and wit.. it was so sad when the signs of Alzheimer's began to take hold.
My uncle Buzz passed away in early December, shortly before 2013 began. It has been a long year of 'firsts' where we did things as a family that were marked by his absence. I visited his grave for the first time yesterday, as Rylan and I were driving to Boulder on an errand. It was a spur of the moment decision. We had not been invited to the burial, but my mom had shared with me whereabouts in the small cemetery his grave was located, so with just a few minutes' searching we found it. There were three different Christmas arrangements there, by his headstone. He is missed a great deal.
In February my great-aunt Bernice passed away. She had been suffering for several years with Alzheimer's. She was a grand lady that loved to collect antiques. I remember going to her house, just down the street from my grandma's, to have tea, and then take a tour of her latest finds. She walked everywhere and was busy, busy, busy. She reminded me so much of my grandpa Orin (her older brother). She had a sharp mind and wit.. it was so sad when the signs of Alzheimer's began to take hold.
5. What countries did you visit?
Maybe I should change this to say 'counties' so that I can actually write something here.
Maybe I should change this to say 'counties' so that I can actually write something here.
6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
A more peaceful household. Some days the chaos of the kids is just overwhelming.
A more peaceful household. Some days the chaos of the kids is just overwhelming.
7. What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 22nd: shoulder surgery
Oct 10th: breast reduction surgery
Dec 31st: running the Resolution Run 5K - a goal of mine since July
May 22nd: shoulder surgery
Oct 10th: breast reduction surgery
Dec 31st: running the Resolution Run 5K - a goal of mine since July
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Losing the weight and regaining control of my health. Wow. Hard to put in to words how big this was.
Losing the weight and regaining control of my health. Wow. Hard to put in to words how big this was.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Getting control of the finances, record-keeping, bill paying... I have a continual pile of receipts that just will. never. end.
Getting control of the finances, record-keeping, bill paying... I have a continual pile of receipts that just will. never. end.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I got the flu in March, which really sucked, but otherwise it was a very fortunate year.
I got the flu in March, which really sucked, but otherwise it was a very fortunate year.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmmm. My Fitbit! That little device was a catalyst for a lot of beneficial changes.
But honorable mention goes to the Keurig. :)
Hmmm. My Fitbit! That little device was a catalyst for a lot of beneficial changes.
But honorable mention goes to the Keurig. :)
12. What was the best thing you received?
A beautiful red mug with white and gold snowflakes from my husband. A total just-because surprise and very touching. :)
A beautiful red mug with white and gold snowflakes from my husband. A total just-because surprise and very touching. :)
13. Where did most of your money go?
Projects around the house. We replaced the old mish-mash of laminate and carpeting on the main floor with some beautiful Pergo flooring, along with new tile around the fireplace and paint for the walls. The rest of it went towards running gear, tools and curriculum.
Projects around the house. We replaced the old mish-mash of laminate and carpeting on the main floor with some beautiful Pergo flooring, along with new tile around the fireplace and paint for the walls. The rest of it went towards running gear, tools and curriculum.
14. What did you get really excited about?
My surgery. It changed everything.
My surgery. It changed everything.
15. What song will always remind you of 2013?
Blurred Lines. I know, I know. Quit yer bitching. I loved that song. It began my walking playlist for months. I think too much has been read into the lyrics. It has a great beat! Nuff' said.
Blurred Lines. I know, I know. Quit yer bitching. I loved that song. It began my walking playlist for months. I think too much has been read into the lyrics. It has a great beat! Nuff' said.
16. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? B) thinner or fatter? C) richer or poorer?
a) happier - much happier! b) thinner - yay! c) I wouldn't say 'richer' per se, but we have improved the quality of some things in our life.
a) happier - much happier! b) thinner - yay! c) I wouldn't say 'richer' per se, but we have improved the quality of some things in our life.
17. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Schoolwork. Travel. Camping. Nature Study.
Schoolwork. Travel. Camping. Nature Study.
18. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Fretting about things I had no control over.
Fretting about things I had no control over.
19 How did you spend Christmas?
We stayed at home this year. We visited Santa a couple days before, shopped for gifts at the last minute... We went to services on Christmas Eve with my dad and brother and nephews, and then they all came over after for a spaghetti dinner. My nephews were sweet in saying that they loved the food and just hanging out with all of us together. After they left we bundled up and headed out to look at Christmas lights. We had a nice Christmas morning opening gifts, ate chocolate waffles for breakfast, and a turkey dinner at my mom's that afternoon. We did puzzles, movies, popcorn, hot cocoa and left overs for the remainder of the day.
We stayed at home this year. We visited Santa a couple days before, shopped for gifts at the last minute... We went to services on Christmas Eve with my dad and brother and nephews, and then they all came over after for a spaghetti dinner. My nephews were sweet in saying that they loved the food and just hanging out with all of us together. After they left we bundled up and headed out to look at Christmas lights. We had a nice Christmas morning opening gifts, ate chocolate waffles for breakfast, and a turkey dinner at my mom's that afternoon. We did puzzles, movies, popcorn, hot cocoa and left overs for the remainder of the day.
20. What was your favorite TV program?
The Middle and The Biggest Loser.
The Middle and The Biggest Loser.
21. What were your favorite books of the year?
Hyperbole and a Half: unfortunate situations, flawed coping mechanisms, mayhem, and other things that happened, by Allie Brosh.
Absolutely hilarious and way too close to home, all at the same time.
Hyperbole and a Half: unfortunate situations, flawed coping mechanisms, mayhem, and other things that happened, by Allie Brosh.
Absolutely hilarious and way too close to home, all at the same time.
23. What were your favorite films of the year?
Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Frozen.
Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Frozen.
24. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 42. We spent the day hiking and then a nice dinner at my mom's.
I turned 42. We spent the day hiking and then a nice dinner at my mom's.
25. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
It has been such an amazing year of transformation, I really can't think of what to say here. Maybe if there was less arguing amongst the kids.
It has been such an amazing year of transformation, I really can't think of what to say here. Maybe if there was less arguing amongst the kids.
26. What political issue stirred you the most?
I am deeply concerned about what Common Core is doing to our nation's teachers and children, and what the Koch Brothers are up to. The implications are scary, and the thought of politicians and businessmen driving our nation's education policy and instruction just completely pisses me off.
I am deeply concerned about what Common Core is doing to our nation's teachers and children, and what the Koch Brothers are up to. The implications are scary, and the thought of politicians and businessmen driving our nation's education policy and instruction just completely pisses me off.
27. What kept you sane?
Exercise.
Exercise.
28. Who did you meet this year?
I met... some new doctors and nurses -all great at what they do!
I met... some new doctors and nurses -all great at what they do!
29. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
Your mental and physical health is the only thing that you have direct control over. Do it. Today.
30. Best song lyric for the year?
"I went from zero, to my own hero"
-"Roar" by Katy Perry
"I went from zero, to my own hero"
-"Roar" by Katy Perry
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Simple Woman's Daybook Entry
Outside my window... Frost on the grass and a clear blue sky. It will be a sunny day.
I am thinking... About our upcoming trip to OKC for Thanksgiving, about the logistics of the very busy weekend that we leave... and it makes my head hurt.
I am thankful... For the fact that maybe, *just* maybe, we might all finally be getting over our colds. I think three weeks is sufficient penance for whatever it is we did to offend the Gods of cleanliness and sterility.
From the Learning Rooms... Last week Rylan and I finished reading Charlotte's Web - our first novel we've completed together. No - Rylan didn't read to me, but we read and discussed as we moved along. She's not quite at the reading level yet where she could tackle something like that, but she just may be ready for something like Magic Treehouse... I got the Charlotte's Web movie at the library last week and told her we could watch it as soon as we finished. We got to the end of the book (Rylan's reaction to the passing of Charlotte was rather blasé - not sure why...) but Rylan was reduced to tears when the stupid library DVD would. not. play. Luckily I could pull it up on Netflix, and so we watched it as a family on Sunday night. I was very impressed with the movie (the one with Dakota Fanning...) - one of the best movie adaptations ever! I stressed to Rylan the importance of reading the story BEFORE you watch the movie, because a lot of the thoughts and feelings that the author is expressing is lost when it is adapted for the screen. It was very satisfying to hear Rylan name each character as they initially appeared in the movie, and recall what their character traits were. "See that rat, Owen? That's Templeton, and he is very selfish...".
I'm working on number recognition with Owen, and the other day I gave him a set of cards, numbered 1-20 to place in order. He worked off of a number grid that was printed on another card and matched pattern and placement to get the job done. He is very, very particular about how he goes about this. I am confident that he recognizes #s 1-5, and #8 because he looks like a snowman. It is a work in progress. Very sloooow progress.
Dean stayed home on Monday so that he could attend a memorial service that afternoon. I had him work on Jordan's physics lesson with him while I did math with Rylan and Owen. I like when I have the opportunity to get Dean in on the lessons. He is more aware of what we do, and Jordan is more aware of teaching differences. There is dad's over-the-top-way-too-technical explanation, and my let's-consult-Google-because-I-have-no-idea explanation. :)
In the kitchen... we have been surviving on minimal cooking at home, and a lot, A LOT, of takeout. As my energy returns I am in better shape to get to the store and do some cooking. Pushing a grocery cart and carrying groceries is still a painful activity for me (because of the BR), so that plays a huge part in it. Last night I made PW's sour cream beef noodle bake, and it was meh... :/ I'd add more sour cream. I also added green beans and used leftover spaghetti sauce instead of tomato sauce. It still needs more 'oomph'.
I am wearing... comfy pjs. As soon as I finish this I'll change into walking gear and get outside.
I am creating... I'm making a mental packing list for OKC, and among the items is my yarn and circular knitting needles. It's been a couple of years since I knitted last, so it is time to learn to how to cast on again and do the basic knitting stitch. I am in need of a hat for running, as well as maybe a neck (cowel?) type thing, and a ear warmer/headband. Then I can pick and choose based on the weather of the day... I have no idea how to make a hat, but there is always Google and YouTube to show the way! This will be a good way to pass the time on our trip.
I am going... We have a girl scout outing this afternoon - a fire station visit to go hand-in-hand with our current badge - First Aid. Rylan has ballet later this afternoon and Jordan has Lego robotics.
I am wondering...How the kids manage to use 20 different cups in one day... sigh.
I am reading... currently I've been reading different articles about the Common Core. I've been holding this issue at arm's length, thinking that it wouldn't have much effect on us since we homeschool. Now I am not so sure, so I have been cramming on the issue. My gut reaction is 'This is bad. Very, very bad.' Many thanks to various friends for posting different editorials/videos about the issue. Any kind of blanket education policy is bad policy!!
In the garden... dead plants that really, really need to be removed. Anyone?
I am hoping... My gosh the destruction in the Philippines is just heartbreaking. I hope that relief comes soon for the people who are desperate for food and water.
I am looking forward to... the weekend. Not much is going on other than Saturday morning when Dean and Jordan complete Scouting for Food, but I am looking forward to the quiet before the crazy-assed stress of the following week - a busy week and packing for OKC.
I am learning... about Common Core, force, how to convert an Ikea table into a sewing table with a dropped machine placement, and this Ikea-inspired family locker unit! I wish we had a mud room - it is actually very high on my must-have list for whenever we make the move to a bigger house. God help our family budget if I ever set foot in the Ikea that is in Denver... one of these days...one of these days.
I am hearing... Ylvis - The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?). This is the kid's new favorite, and it is an absolute joy to sing and go a little crazy!
Around the house... Last weekend Dean finished tearing out the tile around the fireplace, and we went to the tile store to pick out new tile. I am also looking forward to this weekend because I hope we can finish up this stage of the project - especially since part of the wall is exposed to the studs. I am thankful that the weather is mild right now - otherwise this room would get very chilly!
I am pondering... paint colors for the downstairs. The time to choose is now!
One of my favorite things... changing the looks of things. This part of the house is looking so different, yet in a good way! I can't wait to post pictures when we get it all cleaned up.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Just activities and such. I also need to get the tires checked, oil changed and windshield replaced before we leave.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
To read more entries and visit a variety of other blogs, go here...
I am thinking... About our upcoming trip to OKC for Thanksgiving, about the logistics of the very busy weekend that we leave... and it makes my head hurt.
I am thankful... For the fact that maybe, *just* maybe, we might all finally be getting over our colds. I think three weeks is sufficient penance for whatever it is we did to offend the Gods of cleanliness and sterility.
From the Learning Rooms... Last week Rylan and I finished reading Charlotte's Web - our first novel we've completed together. No - Rylan didn't read to me, but we read and discussed as we moved along. She's not quite at the reading level yet where she could tackle something like that, but she just may be ready for something like Magic Treehouse... I got the Charlotte's Web movie at the library last week and told her we could watch it as soon as we finished. We got to the end of the book (Rylan's reaction to the passing of Charlotte was rather blasé - not sure why...) but Rylan was reduced to tears when the stupid library DVD would. not. play. Luckily I could pull it up on Netflix, and so we watched it as a family on Sunday night. I was very impressed with the movie (the one with Dakota Fanning...) - one of the best movie adaptations ever! I stressed to Rylan the importance of reading the story BEFORE you watch the movie, because a lot of the thoughts and feelings that the author is expressing is lost when it is adapted for the screen. It was very satisfying to hear Rylan name each character as they initially appeared in the movie, and recall what their character traits were. "See that rat, Owen? That's Templeton, and he is very selfish...".
I'm working on number recognition with Owen, and the other day I gave him a set of cards, numbered 1-20 to place in order. He worked off of a number grid that was printed on another card and matched pattern and placement to get the job done. He is very, very particular about how he goes about this. I am confident that he recognizes #s 1-5, and #8 because he looks like a snowman. It is a work in progress. Very sloooow progress.
Dean stayed home on Monday so that he could attend a memorial service that afternoon. I had him work on Jordan's physics lesson with him while I did math with Rylan and Owen. I like when I have the opportunity to get Dean in on the lessons. He is more aware of what we do, and Jordan is more aware of teaching differences. There is dad's over-the-top-way-too-technical explanation, and my let's-consult-Google-because-I-have-no-idea explanation. :)
In the kitchen... we have been surviving on minimal cooking at home, and a lot, A LOT, of takeout. As my energy returns I am in better shape to get to the store and do some cooking. Pushing a grocery cart and carrying groceries is still a painful activity for me (because of the BR), so that plays a huge part in it. Last night I made PW's sour cream beef noodle bake, and it was meh... :/ I'd add more sour cream. I also added green beans and used leftover spaghetti sauce instead of tomato sauce. It still needs more 'oomph'.
I am wearing... comfy pjs. As soon as I finish this I'll change into walking gear and get outside.
I am creating... I'm making a mental packing list for OKC, and among the items is my yarn and circular knitting needles. It's been a couple of years since I knitted last, so it is time to learn to how to cast on again and do the basic knitting stitch. I am in need of a hat for running, as well as maybe a neck (cowel?) type thing, and a ear warmer/headband. Then I can pick and choose based on the weather of the day... I have no idea how to make a hat, but there is always Google and YouTube to show the way! This will be a good way to pass the time on our trip.
I am going... We have a girl scout outing this afternoon - a fire station visit to go hand-in-hand with our current badge - First Aid. Rylan has ballet later this afternoon and Jordan has Lego robotics.
I am wondering...How the kids manage to use 20 different cups in one day... sigh.
I am reading... currently I've been reading different articles about the Common Core. I've been holding this issue at arm's length, thinking that it wouldn't have much effect on us since we homeschool. Now I am not so sure, so I have been cramming on the issue. My gut reaction is 'This is bad. Very, very bad.' Many thanks to various friends for posting different editorials/videos about the issue. Any kind of blanket education policy is bad policy!!
In the garden... dead plants that really, really need to be removed. Anyone?
I am hoping... My gosh the destruction in the Philippines is just heartbreaking. I hope that relief comes soon for the people who are desperate for food and water.
I am looking forward to... the weekend. Not much is going on other than Saturday morning when Dean and Jordan complete Scouting for Food, but I am looking forward to the quiet before the crazy-assed stress of the following week - a busy week and packing for OKC.
I am learning... about Common Core, force, how to convert an Ikea table into a sewing table with a dropped machine placement, and this Ikea-inspired family locker unit! I wish we had a mud room - it is actually very high on my must-have list for whenever we make the move to a bigger house. God help our family budget if I ever set foot in the Ikea that is in Denver... one of these days...one of these days.
I am hearing... Ylvis - The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?). This is the kid's new favorite, and it is an absolute joy to sing and go a little crazy!
Around the house... Last weekend Dean finished tearing out the tile around the fireplace, and we went to the tile store to pick out new tile. I am also looking forward to this weekend because I hope we can finish up this stage of the project - especially since part of the wall is exposed to the studs. I am thankful that the weather is mild right now - otherwise this room would get very chilly!
I am pondering... paint colors for the downstairs. The time to choose is now!
One of my favorite things... changing the looks of things. This part of the house is looking so different, yet in a good way! I can't wait to post pictures when we get it all cleaned up.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Just activities and such. I also need to get the tires checked, oil changed and windshield replaced before we leave.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
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Thursday, November 7, 2013
Step into my pharmacy...
Ummm.. The folks at Walgreens probably have my name on a watch list or two. I'm surprised they haven't called me this evening and asked, "What? NO prescription today?"
It started with my BR a month ago. (A month already??). Antibiotic, painkillers and suppositories. TMI. moving on... Refills for Jordan. Refills for Owen. A refill for me. Then we all get sick. Steroids for Owen, eye drops and antibiotics for me. My bathroom counter has become a revolving door of prescription bottles, plastic measuring cups and syringes and so forth. There is no end in sight as near as I can tell.
'Schoolbus Medicine' is what Colin calls the bottle of Children's Cough & Cold Sudafed. He wants it all the time. And why not? It's grape and it tastes delicious! So good in fact that Colin knows where it is kept, and will climb to get it, and will OPEN it. He laughs at the futile attempt of drug makers to design childproof caps - as he opens up the bottle and pours another round...
Owen has been a real trooper of late. He has spent a good amount of this week sitting in boring exam rooms getting breathing treatments and having his pulse ox checked constantly. We narrowly averted pneumonia, and he has to take an oral steroid to bolster his lungs. Nothing like an already overly emotional and sensitive five year old running around in 'roid rage.
We are all sick, sick, sick of being sick. I only have one nice thing to say - it has helped take my mind of the discomfort of the BR, but the fever and chills don't make that fun either. Caring for my incisions has become more of an afterthought. Oh yeah, add scar serum and arnica gel to the list of things that now populate the pharmacy bathroom.
Here is a cool picture I found. This is the kind of thing that you smack yourself on the forehead and say, "Why didn't I think of that!?!?!"
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
The beauty of homeschooling when you are recovering from surgery
I love this meme. I've seen it from time to time on Facebook. The hilarious thing is that the photo in the upper left corner belongs to a homeschool mom I met once... Tish, over at FreeplayLife. I believe that the photo is of Naturalist and Golfer, taken several years ago.
I think that all of the pictures really do the whole societal opinion of the homeschool 'thing' justice. And, as painful as it is to admit, the "What I really do" is soooo true! I am a curriculum junkie!
SEE?
This is our work area as of this morning. A lot of these books, workbooks and so forth, have remained untouched these past three weeks. We've done just a bit, here and there. I went on a curriculum binge just before the surgery, and feel incredibly guilty that those new items sit with just the first couple of pages worked through... :( But. Then again, boredom has a way of getting the kids to explore in here just the same. Puzzles have been worked, tangrams played with, unifix cubes counted, art created (see Rylan's Day of the Dead 'skeleton'?), and words spelled. We haven't done much, but the kids continue to learn just the same. Colin explored new stuff I put on the iPad, and is playing with a geoboard app constantly.
This surgery has knocked me on my ass... I knew it was going to be intense, but you never really know how your body will respond until you live through it. My plastic surgeon is a miracle worker - and his handiwork has made this recovery just a little more difficult than average. With my blessing, he made things high and tight - with the emphasis on tight. There is a lot of stress on my incisions right now because of this, and each episode of swelling is gut-wrenchingly painful. Each day during these past three weeks has felt different... levels of pain, discomfort, energy, ability to move... I'm healing pretty well, but the swelling and massive discomfort continues. I am constantly holding myself in a guarded manner (so yeah, no freedom from back or shoulder pain as of yet...) as I have been fending off assaults from the kids - errant elbows or shoulders, hard hugs that I have no warning are coming... I can't begin to explain how bad it hurts to be nudged in the chest right now. I literally want to puke on the spot when it happens.
I went clothes shopping with my mom a couple nights ago, and got some long-sleeved running shirts and then a couple of normal shirts. Shopping is a lot more enjoyable, now that things fit a little more properly. Yet my spirits are down since I can not fathom I will ever make it past this stage of discomfort and pain. Running seems absolutely impossible at the moment. Walking fast does too. As does jumping, stair climbing, wall push ups, chest presses, reaching above my head, walking the dog, carrying a child... carrying anything... I feel pretty much useless right now.
But my boobs look great!
I can see my feet! I can zip my jacket! I can wrap a towel around me. And it STAYS!
I don't know how these wonders play into the fact that I've been blowing off schoolwork - other than I need to get better about giving myself the mental gift of grace, give myself the time to heal, and come back better and stronger than ever.
Then I can tackle Algebra, phonemes, Mesopotamia, derivatives of density, Fern & Wilbur, letter recognition and Rudyard Kipling like nobody's business. BTW... where are those safety goggles??
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Blessed
I've spent this past week feeling a bit like a spectator in life around here, rather than a participant... It was a good week to be out of commission as not much out of the ordinary was going on, otherwise. My surgery last Thursday came and went. I've had episodes of energy, followed by periods of dazed confusion and grumpiness because of pain and then the intense need to take a nap. I often forget what has happened to my body, and then I get a jolt when I look in the mirror. It's hard to put into words...I'm feeling relief that the surgery is over, but there is still several more weeks of intense discomfort ahead, so the joy in the change of my body is tempered with that bit of reality. It's also knowing that it will take a full six months (maybe even a year!), before the dust settles, so to speak.
As I've been laying about this week, it's been Dean running the show...which has been amusing and annoying at times. I'm thoroughly annoyed at how the kids respond to him by doing what he asks them to do, about 90% of the time. If it were me doing the asking, they ignore me the first 4-5 times. Dean says I am pushover, so that is why they don't take me seriously. Whatever. He got the kitchen cleaned up, worked through the perpetual wash-by-hand pile that is always by the sink, and got the kids to do some of it as well. He also got them loading/ unloading the dishwasher several days in a row. I am blessed with a husband that knows what needs to be done and gets it done. I am also embarrassed that he can get it done and I can't.
But. He also stated more than once this week that he doesn't know how I manage day in and day out with the kids and all that we do. He understands my frustration at how it feels like I can never get anything done. It's not that he didn't before - it just drives home the point when you actually live 'it', several days in a row. He is more than ready toescape get back to work, just as I am ready to get back into the routine again a although it has been so nice to have been able to 'check out' this past week...
I am blessed that the kids were so helpful and relatively well-behaved...poor Colin is having a tough time understanding that I can't rock him right now. :(. They have been very good about lifting and carrying things, helping with laundry, dishes, groceries and so forth.
As I was brushing my teeth a little bit ago, in preparation for bed, I noticed that a newly-revamped part of my anatomy did not jiggle around as I moved my arm back and forth. Such a small thing, but it led to a fervent prayer of Thanksgiving...again, it's hard to put into words. There have been many instances this week where things felt different, moved different (or not at all), and a wide spectrum of emotions wash over me...it's all good - no remorse here - it's just still hard to believe that I'm finally on the other side of the hurdle!
As I've been laying about this week, it's been Dean running the show...which has been amusing and annoying at times. I'm thoroughly annoyed at how the kids respond to him by doing what he asks them to do, about 90% of the time. If it were me doing the asking, they ignore me the first 4-5 times. Dean says I am pushover, so that is why they don't take me seriously. Whatever. He got the kitchen cleaned up, worked through the perpetual wash-by-hand pile that is always by the sink, and got the kids to do some of it as well. He also got them loading/ unloading the dishwasher several days in a row. I am blessed with a husband that knows what needs to be done and gets it done. I am also embarrassed that he can get it done and I can't.
But. He also stated more than once this week that he doesn't know how I manage day in and day out with the kids and all that we do. He understands my frustration at how it feels like I can never get anything done. It's not that he didn't before - it just drives home the point when you actually live 'it', several days in a row. He is more than ready to
I am blessed that the kids were so helpful and relatively well-behaved...poor Colin is having a tough time understanding that I can't rock him right now. :(. They have been very good about lifting and carrying things, helping with laundry, dishes, groceries and so forth.
As I was brushing my teeth a little bit ago, in preparation for bed, I noticed that a newly-revamped part of my anatomy did not jiggle around as I moved my arm back and forth. Such a small thing, but it led to a fervent prayer of Thanksgiving...again, it's hard to put into words. There have been many instances this week where things felt different, moved different (or not at all), and a wide spectrum of emotions wash over me...it's all good - no remorse here - it's just still hard to believe that I'm finally on the other side of the hurdle!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Simple Woman's Daybook Entry
Outside my window... It is a cool crisp morning on what promises to be a sunny day. Our ash tree is absolutely gorgeous right now with red, orange, yellow and green leaves, all at the same time. I love, love, love this time of year.
I am thinking... About my surgery tomorrow morning. This time tomorrow my PS will be taking his marking pen and drawing his surgical road map all over my chest. I've got to remember to remind him that I don't want my nipples looking off in different directions..
I am thankful... For good friends. Thanks for the support, advice, meals and so forth!!!
From the Learning Rooms... I've found that elusive reading piece of the puzzle for Jordan!! On a whim I checked Satori Smiles (see my blog roll) to see if she has updated. It has been almost a year.. And lo' and behold she had! I have had 100% success with the different curriculum that she has recommended. It was how I learned about All About Spelling, Growing with Grammar and a host of others. This time it was a reading series that she had ordered for Satori from Mosdos Press. I was instantly smitten. I have such a weakness for curriculum. This is absolutely what I was looking for. It is rich with a variety of genres, vocabulary, comprehension... Happy Sigh. I ordered 'Jade' for Jordan, as that seems like a good fit for where he is at right now. Check out the table of contents - what a reading list!!! I also took the bait and looked at Sadlier, aaaand came away with five more workbooks for Owen and Rylan. I am such a sucker...
In the kitchen... I am prepping a couple of meals with what we have here, but a shopping trip needs to be made before tomorrow. I honestly don't know if I can fit it in, but I don't want to leave Dean in a lurch either.
I am wearing... Standard blogging attire (robe and pjs). The rumor that homeschoolers hang all day in their pjs is so not true. We usually get dressed by noon. ;)
I am creating... Not much at the moment...
I am going... on a Brownie/Daisy field trip just after lunch. We are riding the city bus today and then playing relay games in a park so that the Brownies can wrap up their Fair Play badge work. Rylan has ballet later this afternoon, and Jordan meets with his Lego Robotics team. Somewhere in there I need to get some groceries and a couple last-minute things to prepare for tomorrow.
I am wondering... Oh jeez... I just want to keep my mind from going into overdrive thinking about tomorrow and all the days beyond. The time is finally here and I am just trying to keep from freaking out about all that could go wrong.
I am reading... I have my bedside table all loaded up with good reading material for the next several days. Upon the recommendation by a friend, I have One Thousand White Women: The Journal of May Dodd, by Jim Fergus, and about three others that are halfway done... I am looking forward to the chance to rest and read!
In the garden... Turnips that need to be picked. I just purchased some sweet basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme to have some herbs indoors for the winter. I also dug up a small patch of chives to bring indoors as well. They are all at home on the kitchen table. So far Colin has been sort of brutal with the chives, but I think they will make it. There is a ton more outside...
I am hoping... That all goes well tomorrow and beyond. I am pretty nervous, but doing my best to think only positive thoughts.
I am looking forward to... recovery. I just want this over with.
I am learning... hmm. I've been reading about how to train for a 5K. There is a lot of information out there! Who knew it was such a science!?
I am hearing... Some silly show on Disney Junior... :(
Around the house... Finishing the laundry today and getting new pjs washed. I need button-up clothes for the next several days. I only have ONE actual shirt that buttons, but it is not ideal for surgery recovery. I have avoided anything with buttons like the plague for years... Then it dawned on me that I have a couple of pjs - loose and baggy flannel ones that will be perfect. I went to Kohl's last night to get one more pair. I'll wear pajamas home from surgery tomorrow. I also need to do some other cleaning and get the kids to help out too.
I am pondering... the quiet peacefulness of a sleeping dog. Abby (husky) is curled up tight, her nose buried in her fluffy tail. I feel a great sense of calm when I watch her.
One of my favorite things... the Veggie Chili at McAlister's. Yum. E. And their new Peach Sweet Tea??? mmmmm.
A few plans for the rest of the week... surgery tomorrow. Dean now takes over as chauffer for the next several days. I'm afraid it will break him. (lol). Our schedule just keeps marching on...and on...and on...
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
 |
| Last month, after lunch out in downtown, we stopped by this plaza and the kids played in the fountains. Jordan was trying to see how many times he could whip his hand back and forth through the water stream before it stopped. Now if he would only concentrate on his schoolwork with this same amount of intensity... |
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