Places to Go

I like to share articles and interesting things I discover in the newspaper or in just about anything I am reading or hearing about. Today I came upon a couple of fun internet sites. One was linked to the other. Aren't links great? Even though I can't think of any immediate ways to use these practical ideas ( I probably need to expand my view of what I personally can use at this time in my life!) I am fascinated by the work of others especially when it relates to teaching kids. For fun presentation and game ideas for teaching try: LittleLDSIdeas.blogspot.com/ and Mormonshare.com/. The links are on my sidebar as well. These people are creative in ways that don't necessarily come natural to me but I love to explore and see what others are doing. If a person teaches anywhere, and who doesn't, I think these ideas could be useful! There is also great clip-art! in Mormonshare. Enjoy!

Vivaldi and Carmen, etc.

We had a good rehearsal today. Our two strongest cellists were not there so we had to work pretty hard and I couldn't hide as much as I usually do when I am feeling tentative about notes. We worked hard on three pieces, or maybe it was four. Now I remember that we played a simplified piece called Mozart Mix which is excerpts from his work. I like it because I can play all of the notes!!! Obviously, I have a lot more practicing to do. I am so glad that I can still play the cello and that even though it is slow, I am making progress that even I can see and hear.

Follow the Son

About this time of year I begin to get more serious about preparing myself for listening and watching LDS general conference. I love that it happens near the time Easter is being celebrated. I have been getting up at 7AM to take a class on BYU TV. Currently, we are studying the New Testament. I love marking my scriptures and even writing notes along the sides of the pages. It is exciting to hear new ideas and have cross-references. We are now in Acts. I am amazed at the strength of the apostles and their steadfastness in their testimony. I hope that I can, in my own small way, follow their example as well as the example of Christ.

I love sunflowers because they remind me to keep turning toward "the light of the world."

Thanksgiving 2009

When I said it was a fallow time for writing I must have really meant it! To get caught up a little, PT has gone extremely well considering the complication during surgery. My scar is fading, range of motion is coming back, no pain when I raise my arm. All in all, I am glad I had shoulder surgery. We had Thanksgiving dinner at Heather and Jake's. The food was delicious! The little one was in her curious, observing mode being carried around mostly by Daddy. I worked on a 500 piece puzzle with Alyssa, Tracy and Kim. We got a good start! There was karaoke at the end of the evening. After Art and I got home, we watched the Jazz game. Actually, he watched it and I fell asleep before it was over and didn't wake up until 11: 40 PM or so. I didn't even put pj's on before crashing into bed, but I slept well. Thanks for the Thanksgiving memories everybody. I'm grateful for each of you.

Recovering

Here it is almost a month since I last posted. I got good news from the doc on Monday. I can begin PT in earnest now. Did I mention before that a bone in my arm fractured with the surgery? I have a metal plate to take care of the problem, but had to wait until now to make sure everything was mending well. My scar is longer than expected but Art has been massaging it and says he thinks it will pretty much fade away. It's been a longer haul than I thought to have had. My friend Mary Ann had pretty much the same thing happen with her hip replacement. It is so rare--strange to have two of us, different doctors, different hospitals, a week apart with our surgery have the same complication! The other day I had a mental image of how shocking it must be for a doctor to be in process with a surgery and have that happen. Glad he is very experienced and could solve it while I was still under anesthetic. Speaking of which, I was so out of it that I temporarily forgot what the doctor and Art told me the evening after my surgery. I woke the next morning thinking that it was over, I didn't have much pain and at least I hadn't had happen what happened to Mary Ann. Duh! A few seconds later, I said to myself, 'Wait a minute! It did happen to me, too!' Also, I got testy with Art because he kept asking me if I wanted more jello or pudding. I told him I couldn't make any decisions. Crazy what anesthetic does to you! Anyway, Art and I have worked hard (and carefully) with range of motion and now I can add 4 more exercises. The PT folks are professional and kind. I get to decide when enough is enough so pain is not too bad. After we get good range then I will work on the muscles. Another opportunity to practice the process of becoming more patient. Not what I'd planned, but there it is.

The Process Continues...

Thanks to my blogging friends I got several good laughs reading your posts! I'm doing fine with recovery but the last couple of days have slipped into a bluesy time. I think it has to do with having to wait a couple extra weeks before beginning PT. And why do folks need to tell you horror stories when you already know it isn't easy? Guess I might better ask myself why am I letting my focus stay on the worst outcomes? I've done PT before. Have met good people. I am doing well with hand and forearm exercises. BTW: I love my google tip for setting up a recliner station the first two weeks. Even sleeping there. It felt very comfortable and safe. It helped that we bought a new Lazy-boy which fit me perfectly. Maybe it will be a good thing to try google again on tips for getting through the PT!!! Love the suggestion from Marilee to take photos with me as a reminder of why I am doing it. Today it is sunny. Maybe a short excursion or something?

Again?

Tomorrow I go into St. Mark's hospital again, this time for left shoulder surgery. I feel pretty calm about it. Last Thursday I was holding my granddaughter--the littlest one. She was sleeping against my shoulder. When I looked down at her, I didn't want to leave because I knew that the next time I held her a sling (and probably some soreness at the very least) would come between us. I believe we have a bond even now. I have been blessed to have time with her very early on, thanks to her parents requests. Lots of things are giving me motivation to work hard at the recovery process, not the least of which is a beautiful little girl. Can't wait to put both my arms around her again.