Drive

Ya know, this staying at home thing is not all it's cracked up to be, even with my expanded mobility. Although that's only because there is nobody to play with (especially now that Chris has gone back to Florida) - you're all at work!

The exciting part of my week has got to be the fact that I am now driving again! I ventured out for the first time yesterday, running errands around town (bank, post office, grocery store, gas station) and then today I took the big step of driving into NYC for my doctor's appointment. I didn't realize how much I missed my remote starter, my heated seats, my 1010WINS, my Sirius radio...and looking at all the gas prices while driving around! I thought I would feel nervous but instead felt perfectly comfortable and enjoyed the freedom of getting out of the house on my own. I've always enjoyed driving - how else does one commute 3 hours a day between Kings Park and the Bronx for 15 years? The only thing missing was my morning stop at Bagel Boss - that's still a couple of months away from being reality though.

My appointment today was with the plastic surgeon Dr. Levine. The man adores me, he can't believe how far I have progressed in such a short period of time. He took care of a few odds and ends (Alert: upcoming graphic descriptions may not be suitable for sensitive stomachs) -removing some stitches inside my mouth; cauterizing the tracheal wound that was oozing a bit (normal); same for some skin that had separated on the leg scar; removing the Doppler wire (he just pulled on that sucker - it looks a little like fishing wire - and out it came). We talked a bit about how much longer it would take for the last of the swelling (mostly under my chin) to go down and what to expect with respect to my ankle and leg (basically...still no yoga for awhile!). His surgical coordinator, Heidi, took a bunch of pictures (to go alongside those before and after Restylane photos in the waiting room I suppose!). I warned them that I better not see these on the Internet and Dr. Levine joked that he was going to post them on YouTube and FibulaSurgery.com (haha don't bother to check, I already did and it doesn't exist!). I don't see him again for about 6 weeks.

I must say, you have all done well stepping up to the plate with food/sauce suggestions - I've gotten lots of good ideas for making my minimal choices more exciting and tastier. And kudos to Chris for bringing me home Panera Bread's French Onion soup and for taking me out to Applebee's for their Tomato-Basil soup. It was fun to get out and enjoy a meal, however limited it was.

Warren and the kids are doing well, back into the routine of working, going to school, athletics, and social activities. I've been able (a couple times this week) to cook dinner for them and have a quasi-family meal (never the same without Emily there of course). In fact, we had a hilarious dinner Monday night with Chris, playing "Name the state capitals," a game that Taryn is particularly good at since we used to play it when she was very young, driving home from her sitter's house when I'd pick her up after work. It made for quite a few laughs and plenty of good memories.

You have all been so generous with your prayers that I'm hoping you can share some with 2 people recovering from surgery: my mother-in-law Carole, who just had eye surgery; and my friend Dan the Man's mom, who just had colon surgery. I am hoping they have quick, problem-free recoveries!

Blessings and Love to All.