Christmas Laughs

I found this video last year and it made me smile. It might not be for everyone but I am sharing it because it made me chuckle. Enjoy!

Cat Snow Angels

Most of you who know me know that I walk my cats. For those of you who don't, yes, I walk my cats on a leash and they love it. They beg for it at the door just like a dog would (only they sound like a cat who is crying out in pain) And they even beg for it at a certain time of day. So knowing that they beg for it you can probably imagine that the change in seasons doesn't stop them one bit from wanting it. Therefore, unless it is below 20 degrees I take them out for a little while.

Recently we had our first snow of the season. You could seen the intrigue in their faces watching it come down. I bundled up and snapped on their harnesses and headed out. Though they don't last long being out in the snow, their brief period of time is pure enjoyment. Once they are out in it they jump and run and pounce. That is the best part, they crouch down as if the snow is their prey and then with each pounce makes more snow jump around and they just keep going after it. The track they leave behind is what my husband and I call Cat Snow Angels. I wish that I could video the whole thing but its hard to do with a cat on each hand pouncing in different directions.

So next time you are out in the snow just think like my cats do and see that snow as nothing but pure entertainment!

The Busy Holiday Season

In just a few hours it will be December. Can't quite believe it, but I have to say I think I am glad this year is coming to a close. I am of course thankful for the way things have turned out, but boy I am looking ahead hoping next year will be medical problem free!

Thanksgiving was very relaxing at my house. Husband had to work and with me just getting back to work it didn't make sense to make the six hour drive to So IL. So we decided to cook our own little turkey dinner and invite friends over. They brought the desert (and spirits :-) and we did the rest. My husband took care of the turkey and did a mighty fine job. Believe it or not I cooked the side dishes and they turned out pretty good! Maybe there is a cook in me yet.....We had good times well into the night and I thought it was a really great substitute for my regular family gathering.

On Black Friday I typically vow not to even attempt to go near a shopping center. This is mostly because I worked that day for almost 8 years and I vividly remember the craziness and how much I wanted out of there. But this year I decided I would just go a bit later and also head AWAY from Chicago where there are less people. This turned out to be a very good idea. I had a pleasant few hours shopping and got a large portion of my Christmas shopping completed.

Now it is on to finishing those Christmas cards, wrapping the presents and seeing how many presents I can fit in a suitcase to take home at Christmas because I am taking the train. I think there is a good chance I will be shipping some ahead of time :-)

I still have many fun activities to look forward to before the big holiday including a visit from my sister this coming weekend. It should be great fun as we are heading to downtown Chicago for some Holiday sightseeing and activities. I am just so happy I feel well enough to do it all. Ironically, the only issue I am having is sitting at work. I have to get up quite a bit more than I expected. Luckily it all works out for me, considering what I do for a living. I just figured out what accommodations I need for myself just like I do for the individuals I help at work. It's good to be Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor :-)

Never Say Never

I have been thinking about the Never Say Never saying often lately and have determined these are words to live by. I know that we tend to say never frequently as teenagers because everything you think or feel is soooo emphatic...... you feel like you will NEVER wear that outfit, you will NEVER be like your parents, you will NEVER go out with (insert appropriate boys name here). I am sure I said many of these myself. As I aged I hope that I became more aware of my "nevers" but even in my 20's I was planning everything you can imagine because I just knew it would NEVER turn out any other way. Two very prominent nevers have cropped up in my mind recently mostly because I used to feel very strongly about them. For many years I said I would NEVER live in Chicago......huh......well that didn't work it now did it! Then I also said I would NEVER have back surgery......again, not quite how it turned out. So I think what I have most learned, as I am reflecting on all my nevers, is that from now on the saying should be: Never say Never.....no I mean it really, Never-ever say Never! :-)

Boo!!!!!

Halloween

Most who know me are aware that Halloween is my favorite holiday. I just have such fond childhood memories of it I can't let go. I can't enjoy it this year quite the way I would like to with parties and dressing up, but I thought in honor of my favorite holiday it would be fitting to post a favorite cartoon. This Mickey Mouse cartoon was made in 1929 and even 80 years later I bet any kid who watches it will have a laugh. So grab some Halloween candy and prepare to be spooked - Disney style ;-)

Recovery

It has been some time since I last posted. Mostly because I didn't have much to write about. For those not in constant contact with me I had a turn for the worse with my back and ultimately needed back surgery. I just had it this past week and thankfully it seems to be going well. I have no more pain down my leg which is great. I am however quite fatigued. Seems like I can stay upright about 30 min before I feel like I really need to lay down. I guess that is to be expected. The funny thing is that when I am laying down I feel so good like I should just be able to get up and do laundry, make a meal, do the dishes etc all my normal stuff. But then then reality rears its ugly once I get up. I also believe that I need to pay close attention to how I feel when I am up because even before the surgery I felt quite good laying down but all the pain and irritation would return upon sitting standing and walking. Now it seems that when I sit I still have some kind of irritation but not like before. I know it is silly to think that after only 4 days I can expect anything better so I am actually quite happy with how it is going. I have to be sure I remember not to bend over or twist or anything else that might exercerbate it. I think the hardest part will be remembering that for 4 weeks! The good thing is my best friend and her mom got me a grabber which has proven to be invauluable for those things you forget you just might need to pick up.

I have to say one amazing thing about this unfortunate circumstance I have found myself in is the unbelievable amount of help I have received. My mother stopped everything to come stay with me for weeks while my husband was gone. My best friend and her mother drove 6 hours and took time off from work to help take care of me, my neighbors have offered help, my good friend took care of my cats for a week, my friends and family have sent cards, and prayers and well wishes over and over again and now my husband has returned and he has tried to do everything he can to make things accessible for me, cook for me, do laundry etc. It really makes you remember to cherish all the people you have in your life. Wouldn't it be nice if we didn't need unforunate circumstances to help us remember that?