SharonBissett.com

T’s Dr. appointment went fine yesterday.  He’s healing well…they checked the surgery site and stitches.  Next week, they may start taking out the stitches.  He was in some pain during the unwrap but managed well.  We can start changing the dressing daily and he can take a full shower.  Still skittish about that but he’ll be fine.  Not as much pain overall and that is decreasing daily.

I’m scheduling an MRI for my shoulder to see what’s going on and determine what kind of surgery I might need.  It’s an option, but not one I’m going to rush into…my insurance is so-so (at least I have insurance, right?) and it’s going to cost a fair amount out-of-pocket.  Another consideration.  As for martial arts - that’s on hold until I can talk to the owner.  One thought is to just move forward with teaching the fitness portion…a way to keep/stay in shape without the (bigger) potential for injury.  The other is to not do Aikido, so my mixed martial arts program only includes Karate and Kickboxing.  We’ll see how things go.

A is still doing great with homeschooling.  We got all our paperwork in and taken care of so he’s official.  The last thing is to go over to his school and clean out his locker, turn in his books, etc.  We’re looking into various options for a physical fitness program.  Soccer, football, basketball, etc.   

In Other News This week:  MONDAY:  my copper twist bracelet came out beautiful.  I still like the one T made for his GF better…hers will be back next Monday, and A’s we’re going to play with a bit more - I’ll take photos of all and upload next week.  This week in class we played and made some new links and clasps this week (all practise for upcoming projects).  Next week, we make another bracelet.  After that, I think it’s earrings, then our final project - a necklace.  Can’t wait!   TUESDAY:  Fall is here…as much as it can be in Florida.  The temps have dropped into the mid/low 80’s in the daytime and into the mid/high 70’s at night.  It’ll get cooler from here on out…but yes, that’s how we know it’s fall in Florida!  Crazy, huh?  Happy Birthday to my brother R…hope it was a good one, old man!!  Yes, I know…one year, one month and two days.  WEDNESDAY: Obama is speaking today at the ball field where the Toronto Blue Jays play during spring training.  About 1.5 blocks from my house.  Kind of strange that he picked our town and that tiny stadium…but fits the “regular Joe” kind of image he wants to project.  “U” went to see him…we’ll see what her report is when she gets back.  

Thanks for the comments!  Pictures coming…I know all this text is tedious!

Sh@ron

Besides Thomas’ incident, I pulled something in my back Wednesday and then dislocated my shoulder (again) last night in martial arts class.   I can’t wait for this phase to pass!  Not sure what to do…besides avoid doing Aikido.  I don’t know if that will fly or not…it’s a 3-discipline martial arts class…karate, kickboxing and Aikido.  I’d hate to give it up.  I also hate the idea of surgery on my shoulder…mostly the recovery and physical therapy afterwards.  But then again, I also hated the pain of it being dislocated…D was able to put it back in but all I could think of was the hours of pain I was going to face in the ER if he couldn’t get it in.  And the $200 co-pay.  I just felt like I couldn’t deal with the pain this time…just 6 weeks after  the last dislocation.   I have to do something… I want to learn to sail this winter.  And I’m sorry, but I can’t just not be out there, doing things.  I’ll probably have to when I’m really old - but for now, I’m not ready to slow down!

So that’s my sad story.  Hope to be back with better news!  Thomas has his follow-up on Tuesday so throw out some good vibes for us there.  He spent the night over at his dad’s last night - he’s happy to be back here with a full fridge, internet, cable TV, a soft bed with plenty of pillows.  Sounds pretty good to me too!  LOL…

Hope y’all are well!!

Sh@ron

Vicodin didn’t touch it.

Darvocet was worse/less effective.

Finally at 1am we went back to the ER.  3 double doses of Dilaudid in 5 hours, an anti-nausea med, some Benadryl and a peek at the surgery sight - he finally got some relief and was able to sleep.  They sent us home about 6am with Percocet which seems to help more than the other two.  Especially with some sleep on top of it.  Taking it easy today.  His GF and her Mom came by to see him, which really made him happy.   Follow up scheduled for the 23rd.   I think we’ll survive.   Though a nap may be in order!

Sh@ron

Before you go anywhere near the blade, shut the damn thing OFF! 

A momentary lapse of focus, being on autopilot, call it what you will but we spent the Sat/Sun in the ER/Hospital w/ T who had the tips of 2 fingers on his left hand (he’s right handed, fortunately) shredded.  He had surgery early Sunday morning to repair them - there’s still some loss but they actually had more to work with than they initially thought.  We’ll see how things look in 10 days, but are thankful it wasn’t worse.  He’s in quite a bit of pain, but we got ahold of the Dr to get a different pain medication, so hopefully once he gets that in him, he’ll be able to rest and start to heal.  The hardest part is for him to have to keep that hand constantly elevated above his heart.   Remind your teenagers/significant other/family members when working with machinery (wood working, lawn care, etc.)…be careful!  Sure, it might be a hassle or take a bit longer to follow the safety recommendations BUT would you rather live the rest of your life missing a body part?!!

Exhausted.  Adrenaline is waning.  No graphic photos taken or needed - the image is forever burned in my brain.  All I could think of (besides my son) was the soldiers returning home from war who have much worse injuries.  My heart goes out to them and their parents - I’m sure I only experienced a tiny fraction of their pain and loss.

Hug your kids, no matter their age.  Tell them you love them.  Teach/preach to them about safety. 

Sh@ron

I think we need to make this a standing “date” - every or every other weekend… I took the boys to a matinee (The Mummy 3) then to Subway to grab a bite to eat. A wasn’t feeling so good after drinking a whole Sobe with a Fast Break and part of a Milky Way bar during the movie…(stopped at Rally for cheaper-that-the-movies snacks). So, next time we’ll watch the choices and how much gets eaten. And of course, now I’m wishing I had taken some photos. After the movie we stopped in at the ceramics store that T’s GF works at and said Hi. The store was really busy, so we didn’t stay long. I didn’t even know there was a store like that in our area. I’ll definitely be going back to play. I have an idea for a piece I want to make. Looking at a different apartment complex for when our lease is up here at the end of March. A little more $ but better neighborhood, more centrally located, it’s on a lake and pet friendly. A’s not too happy about it…but he’ll have time to consider the benefits, etc.

A good afternoon…love my guys!

Sh@ron

Yup - just enough to make you feel cruddy and whipped.  Stayed home from work part of yesterday and today.  Unfortunately, just doing the little things wears me out…after a couple hours of being up and I’m ready for a nap!  Going to attempt a run to the post office and grocery store (for some fluids).   We’ll see how long that takes and how much recovery time I’ll need…

Feeling re-inspired to create…but alas I’ll have to get this craft studio in some kind of order so I can find things.  I picked up one of those electric label makers at Staples the other day - on sale.   Maybe I can get A to help by letting him make the labels for the drawers.  We’ll call that our language arts/spelling lesson!   Working on carving out a small area for my jewelry making too.  So excited to get to make something Monday.  After last weeks class, I rushed home to find/charge up my cordless drill and check my copper wire stash.   I’m good for now, but we’ll see after Monday!

Time to venture out.  Then I think it’ll be nap time, followed by whatever movie is on TBS tonight.  Hmmm, maybe I’ll pick up some ice cream sherbet at the store.  I have some new magazines to read as well.  Exciting (sick) night in!

Sh@ron

Good day overall…just winding down from it all.  Should really have done some work on the web site, but honestly I just didn’t have the energy to bring the laptop up and turn it on!  Kick-a$$ work out in martial arts tonight…I could barely push the grocery cart at the store after class.  Lots of non-stop upper body work.  Shoulder feels good though.  I’ll start back at the web site in the morning - I will figure it out, it isn’t rocket science - just a lot of interruptions throughout my day to break my concentration.  At least I have the weekend too.  Hope to go live next weekend.

A had an awesome day today - lots of A’s and feeling confident and smart.   He’s saying that it’s not only fun, but also that he really “gets it”…things that went unexplained, were complex or “over his head”.  Good stuff.   Unfortunately though, he’s hearing some negative things from someone who should be supportive and encouraging.  We hope that will change but we’re not holding our breath.   I know it’s not intended this way, but it is strengthening his resolve to “prove himself” and the methods.  I’ll also add that A’s attitude is totally changed, he hasn’t had any gastro-stress related issues or headaches either.   Yay!  Got the forms signed, so it’s full speed ahead.

Happy Birthday to my best girlie - Jenny.   Check your mail in the next week or so…goodies coming your way!  Miss ya…

I think I had more to say when I started this post, but now…I’m out of words.  Need to start earlier I guess.   Seems my head has gotten really stuffy, nose is running, eyes watering.  I’m hoping it’s just more of my allergies issue but a couple guys at work have been sick, so I fear the worst. Ugh.

{believe} it’s just allergies, it’s just allergies….

Sh@ron

and I know y’all are thrilled!  LOL… Life is still busier than ever but I don’t think I’d know what to do with myself if things were ever “normal”.  Whatever that is.  Maybe in another life, where I get to do it all over again and make different choices!  Hmmm…

Let’s see what’s new… wishing I were closer to being finished with the company’s website.  It’s nearly driving me crazy and I’m seriously wondering why I thought it would be a good idea to take all those courses for that web design certificate.  Still waiting for that light bulb moment.  Doing some architectural photography for them too.  Gee, I think I’m going to need new (& larger) business cards! I’ve advanced to the next rank in mixed martial arts.  After the shoulder dislocation incident, they formally asked me to join the black belt club (they’d hinted at it before).  Once I get paid from the website, I’m going to do it.   A moved into the front bedroom and I’m working on setting up his old room for the studio.  It’s also serving as a mini-office since I put the desktop computer in.  Which works out in a lot of ways - I’m not so isolated from the living room, and it’s more comfortable than the laptop at the kitchen table.  A started homeschooling today…with his dad’s buy-in & reluctant approval.  I’ve got him working a grade behind in Language Arts to review and make sure he’s solid before moving him up.  His test scores were a bit weak in this area.  He’s at grade level otherwise…higher actually in Math (more at 10th grade level)…and he’s got something to prove - so he’ll be fine.   Now to kick his brother’s behind into high gear!  I myself am taking this semester off - can you blame me?!  Dog’s fine.  Cat’s are fine.  Fish is still alive.  We’re not doing too bad!
Started a wire jewelry class tonight at the Fine Arts Center - we mostly went over tools and materials.  But we did twist some wire (using power tools!) to practice and use in next week’s class.   Here’s a link to the instructor’s website where you can see some of her work and get an idea of what we’ll be making:  Hodgepodgerie Next week, we’ll be making a bracelet similar to this one, but in copper.  I’ll take photos and share.  Very excited to play this week…I have a lot of the materials and tools already, so I may just go to town!  And make a little corner in the craftroom (i.e. Studio B) for my wire, beads and jewelry making.  (Hey Jenny - maybe you could take a photo of yours and/or Nikki’s stethoscope enhancers for me?)

Well, peeps…that’s a long enough post without photos, so I’ll call it a night and try to get back here again tomorrow night.  This place needs an overhaul!

Believe…everything happens for a reason!

Sh@ron