One week post-op

I can't believe my surgery was already one week ago! I've been stuck in the house all week and I think I'm over the worst. Lots of bruising, pain and waiting for stitches to dissolve. I ended up bringing some supplies up to bed so I could try to journal a little. Yesterday I took Max (my Havanese love) for a walk around the block. It took me a long time, but I did it and know I am recovering and on the road to being better than before. I realize now I underestimated the pain and difficulty I was going to experience. I am to start PT this week, but was told I am not allowed to drive for the next 5-6 weeks. I will remain prisoner but at least the pain isn't excruciating anymore. Just tired and I keep stuffing my face to occupy myself. I mean really, how much daytime TV can one person watch?

While I was stuck in bed, I did some online shopping and bought supplies for stamp carving. Remember I said I was watching how to videos? Well, I carved 2 stamps the other day and am pretty happy with how they came out. I want to go to the dollar store to find kids' erasers to carve and anything else I might find. I can't believe we don't have any of those erasers in the house!? Traci Bunkers' book PRINT & STAMP LAB came the other day and I read the entire thing at once. Hope to find the motivation and ability to get into the groove again soon. Just SO tired & unmotivated. I need to snap out of it!!!!!

I carved the spiral and circular stamps!

Finally finished this page while I was stuck in bed. Lots of doodling! Different for me b/c I made this journal small - - - about 5 x 5 - - as a demo for a class I taught. I like it!

Oh, the pain!!!!

Last week was our spring vacation. I took my kids to NYC to visit my sister and her family. You see, my sister is my best friend and we talk every single day. Sometimes we talk more than once a day. About what? About life, stuff, nothing and everything.

I miss my sister terribly. She gets me more than any other person on this planet. She truly accepts me unconditionally and I know she is always there for me, no matter what. It had been
2 years since our last trip out east. Last year, my sister and her son came here. We had a blast like always, but I truly love NY!

Of course we had to go to Dylan's, Central Park, FAO Schwartz, Toys R Us in Times Square, Big Daddy's, the castle in CP, Grand Central Station and so much more.

Getting away to see her was important for us, our kids and it helped divert my attention. Remember how I herniated a disc? Well, I ended up needing surgery and it was set for April 1.
I am three days post - op and I can tell you the disc pain is gone! Amazing!!! However, the pain from the wound is real. No matter what I do, I feel it. I also feel awful from the medication. I have a few pages from my journals to post, but they aren't new. I'm not allowed to drive or lift or bend or twist or..... you get the idea. As I'm typing this, I feel lightheaded and nauseous and know it is time to go lay down again. When I've recovered more, I will definitely have more to post. I'm craving time to create. I've been watching videos on how to carve your own stamps and think I want to give it a try! Something else, I know. It's endless, isn't it??

Looking forward to finally being able to shower tomorrow.