Post-Op Rambling

I had outpatient surgery yesterday. I won't go into details as my innards feel that some info doesn't need to go on the blog, but I'm happy to give probably more details than anyone wants to know if you write or call.

What I like about surgery...

1. Being able to leave the house in pajamas. I wore my favorite red plaid bottoms that I bought at Goodwill before winter hit. They have a stranger's name written in permanent marker on the size tag. Which is awesome. Justin would point out that plenty of people go out shopping in pajama bottoms, but after living in French cities, there's no way I could ever do it. I have to Get Dressed to go out. It's only been in the last couple months that I started going out in a sweatshirt sometimes. This cultural readaptation thing is a long haul.

2. The free socks with tread on the bottom. Scott would argue that they weren't exactly free. They cost us about $900. But, they felt free.

3. The last thing I like about surgery is that I have access to it. We have good insurance through Scott's work. I don't take this for granted.

My pulse rate...

In the recovery room, I noticed that the number for my pulse kept flashing as it hovered around 50. The nurse asked if I was a runner. And of course, I said yes. This made me happy. I've just been running since October and basically haven't at all in the last month, but my heart is strong and happy.

My pack...

I had to schedule the surgery for a day when Scott was in Indianapolis for divisional meetings, so my mom and step dad came over to help. They were with me in the hospital and each gave me a kiss before I was wheeled off to surgery.

Back at home, my mom and I talked and talked--about family, race, World War II, books, poverty...She's an amazing woman, and I'm grateful that we can sit around and chat and become better and better friends after all of our years overseas.

Jack made a McDonald's run to obtain an M&M McFlurry. That and crackers were the only food that I managed to keep down yesterday. I may McFlurry again today.

Anna made dinner last night with my Mom as her assistant--spaghetti a la carbonara. Basically, a lot of bacon and half and half. Our kind of French food. I think she peeled and cut up carrot sticks as their side. Tonight will be homemade chicken nuggets.

Justin put his speed and agility skills to great use when I had a very sudden attack of nausea. Won't go into details here, but he saved the day.

Scott has turned off lights, prepared drinks, found misplaced medication, taken care of getting Anna out the door (no small task in the morning--the child is not a morning person), and been on call.

And of course, Pepper has been my kind, faithful companion. I guess pack animals know when a member is wounded and do their best to take care of one another. She gave me a very thorough sniff over when I got home, then didn't leave my side for a few hours, even when Anna came in the door. They usually have a very exciting greet time that involves much hugging, licking, and jumping. Pepper sacrificed it to sit by me. I was touched.

She also accompanied me to and from the bathroom, matching my shuffle and looking up to check that I was ok. I figure she was making sure that I didn't go off into a dark corner of the house to die.

The cat cuddled with me through the night--which she does anyway, but she doesn't have much else to offer.

So, rambling is done for now. I'm ready for a lazy day on the couch. Plan to watch the Price is Right this morning. It's good to have goals and plans.

Waiting

Sunday was a cold, cloudy day. I was alone for a few hours and thought about walking the dog, but I was so irritated with the weather that I holed up on my bed and watched Law and Order episodes.

This is from November 11. Back in the olden days when snow was fun and new.

Yesterday, the weather was capricious.

It snowed fat, fluffy flakes, the kind that are so exciting in December, but not so much at the end of March. Later it cleared up, then kicked in again with a heavy dose of wind--sideways snow this time. The snow stopped, and we had a little sun. Then more clouds blew in and the day ended grey, cold, and windy.

Coming home from work, I stopped at the store and bought our dinner from the freezer section. I felt guilty as I did this--I usually make real food. But I was tired, and the wind was blowing.

I drove past kids playing on top of the seven-foot grey snow drifts at the edge of a school parking lot. I napped through my group 2.5 mile run. We had breaded fish and fries for dinner.

I'm waiting these days. For real Spring, for sure. But also on other things, big things. I've applied for a MFA program in writing, and I'll find out if I got in soon (and start my college fund--thinking garage sale). I've had some health issues (nothing dangerous), and will find out if surgery is recommended. My job is up in the air. We're waiting to see what happens funding-wise for my program.

The funny thing is that I'm not feeling much angst about any of these issues (though I am somewhat compulsively checking e-mail to see if I have MFA news).  I don't mind the waiting. The only thing that's truly bugging me is this delay in Spring.

It may be here. The highs for the next week are all above freezing, so I'm cautiously optimistic. The radio announcer keeps cheerfully proclaiming today a "Beautiful sunny day--with a high of 36." I may even walk the dog.