Caching Again!

Since I broke my leg on November 11, 2007, I have not had the ability to do much. I had surgery on November 15th and had to be non-weight bearing for 12 weeks...3 months. I walked using a walker most of the time. Every once in a while, I used crutches. I had to be very careful on the crutches because the littlest misstep would have caused a complete relapse. I was off work for a month and a half, going back for a few days for get my students ready for their semester exam. Even then, I was in a wheelchair. I was unable to drive during the 3 months because the leg I injured was my right one.

Finally, I was able to put weight on the leg. But being able to put weight on the leg didn't mean I could walk. I lost all muscle in my leg and had to learn to walk again. I have finally started caching again and have even cached in the woods. I am trying to cache more by myself...the way I did in the beginning. No paper, no gadgets (except for the GPS), no hints and no PAFs. I love it. I feel like I did in the beginning and am thrilled.

I'm caching again, GOWT is back to being a positive site, I enjoy working on the newsletter, and all is right with the caching world. My new goal is to attack and survive some higher terrain caches in the near future.

A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world. ~Paul Dudley White

Naples, FL-2008

Well, it was Spring Break...time for my yearly trip to Naples. This trip was especially enjoyable this year. After sitting around letting my leg heal, I was ready to hit the beach. It turns out, I healed just in time, and it is a good thing. Two of my sisters and their kids were in Naples and Marco Island during the time I was there. That means I was able to spend time at the beach and pool with the kids. Luckily, the leg held up to the punishment it took on the sand, in the surf, and everywhere else.

After arriving in Naples, we went almost immediately to the pool. The sun felt good...really good! During the next few days, I hunted some caches (which I have to say is refreshing in Naples...no LPCs), spent time by the pool and hit the beach. After that, my family arrived. I met them in Marco and we built sand castles, played in the water, and just enjoyed each other's company. The following day, we hit the shops. We all hung out everyday until it was time for me to go back to Memphis. It was hard to leave, but I have great memories to hold me for a few weeks...until I go home for Will and Alexis' First Communion!

No vacation goes unpunished. ~Karl Hakkarainen

State Bound

I left school two hours early on Friday (we all did due to the threat of snow) and headed to my PT appointment that I was able to bump up to 1:00 from my original 3:30 time slot. After completing my pretty tough session, I left the building to finally see a mix of precipitation. It was at that point I decided to head to Murphreesboro to watch our girls play in the state basketball tourney.

I drove through quite a mess and saw several accidents before making it to the building. I limped as quickly, and safely, as possible to the entrance, bought my ticket and headed in. It was a great game! We won that game, so now I had a decision to make. I was going to drive back after the game. The weather, my leg (that was very tired and swollen), and the other teachers that were their convinced me to stay. I was a able to easily get a hotel room in town since the other teams that had been knocked out all left town. I actually stayed two nights and drove back to Memphis on Sunday. Our girls finished second. They lost in overtime by 4. It was a great season and quite a trip. I love just taking off without days and weeks of planning!

Be strong in body, clean in mind, lofty in ideals.
-- James Naismith

Looks Good!

I went to my doctor today. Everything is still in place. I just have to keep working with PT and on my own to strengthen my leg. I have been getting down a lot lately, however, most of my friends have been extremely supportive and encouraging...my family is still a great source of strength, as well. Thanks to everyone who has kept me in their prayers.

Progress?

Well, last week, I was able to take a few steps without crutches. I got really excited thinking I was about to start walking. The next day, it was back to my crutches. It has been pretty much two crutches, sometimes one crutch. Still no walking. Then, out of the blue, I was at the mall with a friend of mine and I attempted, once again, to walk. I managed to walk about the distance of 4 or 5 stores. I get really excited when this happens, however, I'm waiting again for the back-slide. Hopefully, it won't come. Hopefully, I will continue to improve.

Reba/Kelly

I went to see the Reba/Kelly concert in Jonesboro on Friday night. It was good. This was my first experience really getting out into a crowd. It worked out OK, but there were some scary moments. Needless to say, my leg was pretty useless the next day. I actually had plans to attend a geocaching event but was unable to make it due to my leg. Well, maybe I'll be able to make the next event.

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~Berthold Auerbach

12 weeks...Whoo Hoo!

I have finally reached the 12 week mark! I got great news from my doctor when I went on Thursday. He told me that I can now drive...Ha! He also told me to start trying to put all of my weight on the leg. THAT was exactly what I was hoping to hear!!! I am so happy. I celebrated with some friends this past weekend and had a great time!