Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Silver Lining
So about three weeks ago I cut off all my hair, and two weeks later it was driving me nuts (still too long), so I went and got it cut again. Well...it's now a little shorter than I really wanted (I look a LOT more like my younger brother than I ever realized!), but here's one bit of silver lining: my default bed head is now a mohawk! It makes me laugh every morning. :-)
Monday, June 2, 2014
Background
So about seven or eight weeks ago Robb injured his back. This has happened before, and usually within a week or two he's good to go. This time, not so much. After about a month of seeing the chiropractor three times a week the good doctor (he really IS pretty awesome) suggested to Robb that he felt there was a high probability of disk trouble and that Robb should see his regular doctor and request some images of his spine.
One MRI later (about four weeks ago) we found out that Robb has some serious stuff going on in his lower back. (It's likely the original injury happened about ten years ago in a major mountain biking accident and that Robb has simply aggravated it and re-aggravated it to reach his current state.) Turns out Robb has three bulging disks, central canal stenosis (compression on his spinal cord), another problem with a nerve root, arthritis, and general degenerative disk problems. In his doctor's words "This is life changing. There are things you should never do again. (i.e. Run.) You will need to take care of yourself very carefully for the rest of your life if you want to enjoy a 'normal' quality of life." The spinal specialist told Robb to cancel his artist in residency trip to Craters of the Moon and instructed him not to do anything - other than his PT exercises and walking - for at least one month. Needless to say, Robb was rather depressed for a few days right after his diagnosis.
What this has meant for me is that Robb cannot (or at least should not) do anything that requires bending. This includes:
I've been struggling along, trying to keep things together and, to be honest, not doing the most fabulous job. While talking with my therapist a few days ago she asked if I have anyone local to lean on for help. I told her that a few people at church had offered to help but that I have a really hard time actually letting others do these basic things (cleaning, laundry, child care) for me. Her response: "Ask for help!" So...on Sunday I sat down and wrote out a list of things people could do that would be helpful (drop off or pick up Ren from the babysitter's, watch him in the evening so I can clean, help clean and/or help with laundry.) Today I had several lovely offers: drop off and pick up, watch Ren in the afternoon, and even an offer to do a couple loads of laundry.
Now, I didn't actually take up any of these people on their offers of help - mostly because I spent the first half of the day being violently ill and the second half of the day in the doctor's office - however, it was really awesome to be offered so much assistance. Our amazing babysitter ended up keeping Ren until 6:30 (we usually pick him up at 2:00; we were at the doctor's for a looong time), and then Ren's former nanny called to let us know she was in town and wanted to take Ren for a play date. She and her husband kept him until 9:00, so I was able to just rest in bed.
All in all, people have been pretty extraordinary. Hopefully I can actually take them up on their various offers of service in the next few days and I'll have even more awesome experiences to share. We shall certainly see!
One MRI later (about four weeks ago) we found out that Robb has some serious stuff going on in his lower back. (It's likely the original injury happened about ten years ago in a major mountain biking accident and that Robb has simply aggravated it and re-aggravated it to reach his current state.) Turns out Robb has three bulging disks, central canal stenosis (compression on his spinal cord), another problem with a nerve root, arthritis, and general degenerative disk problems. In his doctor's words "This is life changing. There are things you should never do again. (i.e. Run.) You will need to take care of yourself very carefully for the rest of your life if you want to enjoy a 'normal' quality of life." The spinal specialist told Robb to cancel his artist in residency trip to Craters of the Moon and instructed him not to do anything - other than his PT exercises and walking - for at least one month. Needless to say, Robb was rather depressed for a few days right after his diagnosis.
What this has meant for me is that Robb cannot (or at least should not) do anything that requires bending. This includes:
- picking up Ren
- dressing Ren
- changing diapers
- cooking
- cleaning
- getting Ren into or out of the car
- driving
I've been struggling along, trying to keep things together and, to be honest, not doing the most fabulous job. While talking with my therapist a few days ago she asked if I have anyone local to lean on for help. I told her that a few people at church had offered to help but that I have a really hard time actually letting others do these basic things (cleaning, laundry, child care) for me. Her response: "Ask for help!" So...on Sunday I sat down and wrote out a list of things people could do that would be helpful (drop off or pick up Ren from the babysitter's, watch him in the evening so I can clean, help clean and/or help with laundry.) Today I had several lovely offers: drop off and pick up, watch Ren in the afternoon, and even an offer to do a couple loads of laundry.
Now, I didn't actually take up any of these people on their offers of help - mostly because I spent the first half of the day being violently ill and the second half of the day in the doctor's office - however, it was really awesome to be offered so much assistance. Our amazing babysitter ended up keeping Ren until 6:30 (we usually pick him up at 2:00; we were at the doctor's for a looong time), and then Ren's former nanny called to let us know she was in town and wanted to take Ren for a play date. She and her husband kept him until 9:00, so I was able to just rest in bed.
All in all, people have been pretty extraordinary. Hopefully I can actually take them up on their various offers of service in the next few days and I'll have even more awesome experiences to share. We shall certainly see!
Monday, May 19, 2014
A Big Little Thing
April was a hard month - can you tell? Actually, the last 6+ weeks have been pretty killer: crazy stress at work up until April 1, Robb massively injured his back and still has limited mobility (he can now walk and drive but still can't pick up Ren, bend over to change diapers or clothes, etc.), legal stress, illness in the family, etc.
Things have been okay for a little while now but I got out of the habit of posting, so here's my rededication post of an extraordinary event from today: Today I got to see my baby's heart beating in an ultrasound. Life is absolutely extraordinary in every way.
Things have been okay for a little while now but I got out of the habit of posting, so here's my rededication post of an extraordinary event from today: Today I got to see my baby's heart beating in an ultrasound. Life is absolutely extraordinary in every way.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Treats
Three words: Lee's Avocado Smoothie. Oh yeeeeeaaah.
Lots of stress the last two days as I prepared for a potentially VERY difficult meeting today. I put at least five hours into a report (typically they take one hour each), and analyzed that thing to death. I decided my post-meeting reward would be one of my favorite treats: an avocado smoothie (though I did get mine sans boba today). I get these maybe twice a year, and they are SO good. Most definitely an extraordinary part of my day. :-D
Lots of stress the last two days as I prepared for a potentially VERY difficult meeting today. I put at least five hours into a report (typically they take one hour each), and analyzed that thing to death. I decided my post-meeting reward would be one of my favorite treats: an avocado smoothie (though I did get mine sans boba today). I get these maybe twice a year, and they are SO good. Most definitely an extraordinary part of my day. :-D
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Feedback
Today there were a few extraordinary moments.
1. Colored paper in the copier made for a bright surprise. It was even yellow - how's that for cheery?
2. Unexpected conversation with the always-lovely Shawn Kirchner. It's impossible to talk with him and not feel better. He was even struggling through a composing challenge and was STILL upbeat and positive. I need to take some lessons.
(Speaking of Shawn, in case you didn't know, he's an über talented choral composer and is currently the composer in residence for the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Go here and listen to the preview for track 15. Better yet, buy it at iTunes!) :-)
3. Feedback from my husband on some work-related stuff. I needed someone to be a thought partner and he did a stellar job.
It's late, and I'm tired and sick and ready for bed - but it's been a good day. I hope your day had some extraordinary moments and if you didn't catch any today, I hope you do so tomorrow!
1. Colored paper in the copier made for a bright surprise. It was even yellow - how's that for cheery?
2. Unexpected conversation with the always-lovely Shawn Kirchner. It's impossible to talk with him and not feel better. He was even struggling through a composing challenge and was STILL upbeat and positive. I need to take some lessons.
(Speaking of Shawn, in case you didn't know, he's an über talented choral composer and is currently the composer in residence for the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Go here and listen to the preview for track 15. Better yet, buy it at iTunes!) :-)
3. Feedback from my husband on some work-related stuff. I needed someone to be a thought partner and he did a stellar job.
It's late, and I'm tired and sick and ready for bed - but it's been a good day. I hope your day had some extraordinary moments and if you didn't catch any today, I hope you do so tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
A Good Day
Today was good: work is going well, I'm on top of things (amazing!), I got to hang out with friends at needlecraft group...all in all, a sweet deal.
Quote of the day (from this tearjerker of a video):
"I was just grateful I could be an instrument in her orchestra."
Isn't that beautiful? I want to be an instrument in others' orchestras! I'm grateful for this woman's eloquence because it made me think differently of the many ways we can influence other people. Sometimes it's big, sometimes it's small, sometimes we are just a part of a harmonious, multi-person work of art.
Quote of the day (from this tearjerker of a video):
"I was just grateful I could be an instrument in her orchestra."
Isn't that beautiful? I want to be an instrument in others' orchestras! I'm grateful for this woman's eloquence because it made me think differently of the many ways we can influence other people. Sometimes it's big, sometimes it's small, sometimes we are just a part of a harmonious, multi-person work of art.
Monday, March 17, 2014
It's Not Easy Being Green
But a ton of people are giving it their best shot today! ;-)
Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone. I hope you all had a great day. Some highlights from my day:
- a fourth grade student in an intervention class (typically for students who are two to three years behind grade level in reading and writing) knowing and being able to correctly use the word "smelting" even when his teacher didn't know the word. Way to go, dude!
- having cough drops to share with another sick teacher. Anything I can do to ease the load, you can count on me.
- naps! Because (in case it wasn't clear above), I'm sick, so sleeping is GREAT.
And now I'm off to bed, for more sleep!
Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone. I hope you all had a great day. Some highlights from my day:
- a fourth grade student in an intervention class (typically for students who are two to three years behind grade level in reading and writing) knowing and being able to correctly use the word "smelting" even when his teacher didn't know the word. Way to go, dude!
- having cough drops to share with another sick teacher. Anything I can do to ease the load, you can count on me.
- naps! Because (in case it wasn't clear above), I'm sick, so sleeping is GREAT.
And now I'm off to bed, for more sleep!
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