Sauron Says...

Yesterday I found a website that goes into more depth about the eye surgery I had, and it had several posts from people who have had the surgery done and how their recovery has gone. I have to say I feel blessed that mine has gone quite well so far. I only missed six days of work and only went 12 days without driving (no long hauls, just short stuff). Some people have been out four weeks for both of these, have had lots of pain, bruising, irritation with their buckle, double vision, etc. Not me. Nopey.

I'll still be sporting my oh-so-lovely glasses for several weeks before I can wear contacts again. I don't love the look or feel of "six eyes" when I'm wearing sunglasses on top of my glasses. But it's better than being blinded by sunlight. And I haven't really minded not wearing makeup. My eye is still red, though more white is showing now, and it has a pink bump that's hard to see around. Ok, it's impossible. Do not approach me on my right side or we might collide. ha ha. But I feel good and will continue to try to be patient in getting better vision back in that eye. We meet with the surgeon again in two days and will ask a few questions and hopefully get more good news.

I did do some vacuuming on Saturday and I went running with Jim. We were both slow but we did fine. No falling or tripping. And I can use my awesome electric toothbrush again. (I missed it.) :)

On another (random) note, yesterday my second grader told me that she was just going to go to college long enough to get married. "When I find a boy I like, we'll get married, and then I'll stop going to college." I have no idea where this came from. But I told her I thought she should plan to stay in college and finish, since that's a good goal. And people who finish college usually earn more money than people who don't. We'll see how this works out in 12-14 years....

Winkin', Blinkin' and Bored

Shhh... Don't tell the doctor, but I've snuck onto the computer just for a minute. Been grounded for a week now with eye surgery. Somehow I tore my retina up pretty well. Just lucky (or unlucky) I guess. But my surgeon fixed me up, and I've been resting it quite well (no reading, computers, running, 4-wheeling, electric toothbrush, lawn mowing, cooking, vacuuming, etc. etc.). And no work. Not the kind of vacation most people would sign up for (and if I'm paying for it, I'd like some scenic photos to show for it!).

I had a vitrectomy and scleral buckle. Jim and Shelly said there's a youtube video out there that shows the procedure, but it's pretty icky.

4 days after surgery. No shiner. Looks normal if I keep my eye shut.

But I am happy that I feel pretty good and am on the mend.

6 days after surgery I can open my eye more. It's very red...

I'm grateful for:

a good eye

many great friends and neighbors who are so kind and generous to me!!!

the beauties of this earth

medical technology that prevents blindness in this case

a kind surgeon and anesthesiologist and nurses who tried to quell my fears

other senses

good music and uplifting talks on CD

a priesthood blessing

the option of sleeping on more than one side

clean washcloths

the ability and permission to walk!

phone calls

Nurse Jim and Nurse Shelly for all of their help and pampering

We should have started a list of nicknames before the whole thing happened. My metal eye protector (post surgery and worn at night for the first week) was like something from the Terminator or a Star Trek Borg. I know... cool.

Here's winking at you.

A Few Pictures

A few pictures from our activities of late: Eagle Scout night, squirting the dog (he LOVES water!), winter sunset, Campbells visit the Harrises, and Jimenezes in Moab. Good times!

March "Madness"

March was one busy month. Seems like after the holidays, life should slow down, but it hasn't.

(Warning: Bragging alerts)

In March, the city rec. volleyball team I played on took second place in our tournament. It was a fun season and a fun tourney. We lost our first match, then won three consecutive matches to play the undefeated first-place team. We forced them into a third game, and they beat us. But it was so fun to play together with friends and do well and rally. It was 3.5 hours of volleyball!

The Young Women's basketball team from our ward continued its winning ways by going 3-0 in the Regional Tournament in March. Woo-hoo! These are some great gals. I really enjoyed working with them this season and watching them play well together, have fun, help each other and, yes, win.

Also this month, Jim and I ran the 5-mile race in Moab again. This is my 10th or 11th time. I ran a new best time by 12 seconds. I was excited about that but not about the COLD weather down there. We were very cold at the starting area, waiting for 75 minutes or more before the gun. And when I first began running, I was sure I had lumps in my socks under the balls of my feet. Nope, they were just numb. My feet thawed out and were able to carry me to a decent time. I cheered for Jim as he finished and after we cleaned up, we found Hil & Nesto in their half marathon and ran a bit with them. They are awesome! I had hopes of running a half marathon later this summer, but I haven't committed to anything yet. It's a big leap from 5 miles to 13.1.

Jim and I attended our neighborhood caucus meeting along with many neighbors, and we both came home with new responsibilities. We don't want to be bored, do we??

Later that week, Kenny received his Eagle Scout Award with all the glory that goes with it. Well, not really glory. But he got a little attention from his family and church friends and some "condolences" (his word) from state dignitaries, govt. leaders, etc. It was nice to see him honor his grandparents and his dad for their love and support.

Loved seeing Liz and family on her birthday and observing more energy in her. Yeay!

I'll spare you our April Fools stories. No, we weren't pranksters this year, just a few victims of bad luck or germs. Take your pick.

Happy Easter... He is risen! He really is. Ain't it great??