Fun!

 Yesterday was busy but fun. After school was over for the day we grabbed the Halloween costume (and Timmy) and headed to Shepherd University. Robby, who is not thrilled with the dining hall offerings this year, was more than willing to join us for a family dinner out before the trick-or-treat event. It was really nice just hanging out and enjoying a slower paced meal together. Life has been so hectic since I started working, I have learned to relish these family moments.

After a delicious dinner (that I didn't have to cook) we took the boys back to campus for the event. Robby both delighted and surprised Timmy by donning his own food themed costume. (I must admit that the sight made me smile as well.) While the boys went to the Halloween party, Scott and I hung out on campus. 

Night routines were rushed because of the late outing, but that is par for the course for Halloween week. After all, it isn't everyday you are invited to your big brother's college campus!

 

 

Shep or Treat

 I have a brand new pair of Nike sneakers and OMG- the difference in my leg pain is overwhelming. Within a minute of donning the new sneakers the pain radiating up through my leg and into my hip started to dissipate. While I'm still sore from overusing muscles, the constant strain and pain is gone. 

Last night I realized that I am at an age where I cannot purchase shoes simply by their appearance. My need for a structured insole and support will not be swayed by fashion. I only have one biological foot remaining and I really do need to take better care of it. I'm thinking I need to explore socks with arch support next.

The socks will have to wait though because tonight's event has been on our calendar for weeks. Robby has invited Timmy to campus to participate in "Shep or Treat" with him. (Last year we didn't know what it was so Robby did not register in time.) Hamlet has hardly been able to contain his excitement. He is ecstatic to spend the evening with his big brother at his college. The fact that they will be trick-or-treating and getting candy makes it even better! 

Pics to follow! 

shoes

 The pain I feel through both of my legs has become increasingly problematic. Initially I just experienced the discomfort at night after a long day of walking. Now I wake up hurting and the pain only intensifies throughout the day. The pain is omnipresent and is becoming exhausting.

I don't believe that the pain is radiating from my prosthetic side. I have no socket discomfort (knock on everything lucky) and the skin is intact. I feel comfortable in my socket and I don't have any indication that the fit is wonky. Instead, I suspect that the pain is originating through my biological foot.

Trying to look at every variable, I have honed in on my shoes. My current shoes are cute and bright pink. Because I was working from home, those were the only two requirements I considered. Now that I am walking nearly 20k steps a day and climbing 10+ flights of stairs with students, my shoe needs have changed.

I wanted to buy a new pair of shoes after work yesterday but a flat tire stymied my plans. Instead I opted to remove an insole from an old shoe to create my own arch support. The pain did not go away but it definitely lessened. 

On tap for today- acquire a pair of working in the community shoes. I think my body will thank me. 

Email

I've often said that life can change so quickly. A phone call or an unsolicited email can push your life path in an entirely unexpected direction. Earlier this week, we had this experience again.

 So in the weirdest and most unpredictable turn of events, it seems that Scott will be leaving his current position to assume one for which he is incredibly qualified. He applied, interviewed and was denied this position two times already. The final denial was the last straw and the impetus for us to start evaluating other alternatives because getting roughed up on a daily basis was not sustainable for our family.

We spent the morning filling out applications online before Scott headed into work. As I was getting dressed I received a text message from him with a screen shot. Apparently the individual who had been selected for the coveted position is unable to accept it, and they wanted to know if Scott was interested.

I had to redo my make up because the news made me cry.

The thought of Scott in this position, interacting and impacting a wider population of students is amazing. He is going to rock this new role, and I couldn't be happier for him. Selfishly, I am also elated because I am counting on this new professional endeavor to lift the Eeyore mentality that has taken over my husband. 

 

Mom Unfiltered

I had intended to attend the No Kings protest on Saturday with my Mom, but a last minute decision changed my destination. My dear friend's dad has entered hospice and I really wanted to visit both my friend and her dad. Instead of going to the protest, I drove to Allentown to spend the day quietly visiting. (I did wear a protest shirt which garnered some attention, so I feel like my views were still communicated.)

After visiting in the hospital I drove to my Mom's house for the night. The visit was too short but enjoyable. I wish I could have stayed longer, but the whole 'job' thing certainly gets in the way. LOL 

Of course, just because I didn't protest does not mean that my mom did not. Undeterred, she grabbed her walker and went into Harrisburg to lend her voice to the collective. My sister sent my a photo of her at the protest. I could tell by the smile on her face that she was having an amazing time. But the words on her sign made me laugh aloud.  She is certainly embracing the 'unfiltered' stage of life.

 

 

One Month

 Today marks one month since I returned to my original career on a full-time basis. While my heart is lighter and I love my job, my body is hurting.  From the waist down, I feel like I've been beaten with bats. I anticipated my residual limb hurting, but I did not expect my bio leg, hips and back to be screaming as well. 

Yesterday was especially painful. I woke up this morning and my body hurts so much I want to cry. I keep thinking that maybe a massage would help, but my last experience was so unsavory I'm scared to go back. (There was a huge miscommunication where the masseuse thought he was securing an extra tip and I now know what it means if asked 'do you want to end with a smile.' ) At this point though, my muscles are so sore I might just give it another go.

I'm glad that I start later in the morning because of my modified schedule. I originally wanted the time to help settle Timmy before school. It turns out I need it so that the ibuprofen has time to work so that my body can start moving again. 

Tomorrow is the NO KINGS protest. Pain or no pain, I will be there.  Between proposed tariffs on medical equipment (prosthetics), the gutting of IDEA (special ed) and ICE, I cannot and will not be silent. I'm so proud that we will be attending as a family.  

  

Reports

Yesterday was another wonky day because Robby came home for fall break! It feels like we just took him back to his dorm (spoiler alert- we did) and now he is home again. As much as I hate to admit it, his school is definitely designed for commuters. While he loves it and is thoroughly enjoying dorm life, everybody packs up and heads home on Friday afternoon. Even the cafeteria closes down shop and only serves a single meal over the weekend.  It's odd because I'm always delighted when he is home but I also feel sad that he isn't having the same carefree weekend college experience that I enjoyed. 

Alas, times are different and so are modern students. 

While Scott was picking up Robby for the beginning of his extended break, I logged into Timmy's parent-teacher conference. I am so incredibly proud of the progress that he has made over the past few years. His teachers were full of praise and describe him as a hard working student who naturally notices and helps others. To celebrate, we went out for Hibachi!