Marking time?

As he departed office in 1989, President Reagan mused, "My friends, we
did it. We weren't just marking time. We made a difference."

Ever feel like you're "just marking time"? I do. Just about everyday
of my life. Oh, everyone says that raising my kids is the most
important thing I could ever do, but it sure doesn't feel like it.
Loads of laundry, mounds of dirty dishes, countless diaper changes,
and toilet scrubbing do not add up to making a difference. Or do they?
It's a strange place to be. I wouldn't have ever chosen to do anything
else besides be home with my kids, which is what I strongly believe
every mom capable should be doing. But at the same time, it's mind-
numbing. Shouldn't I be out DOING something? Making the world a better
place requires leaving your house, right? Building homes for the
homeless, feeding the poor, clothing the naked. Helping those that
can't help themselves? But essentially, isn't that what I'm already
doing?? My heart says yes, but my mind needs more to feel a sense of
worth. I suppose I'm doing what I can where I'm at. I volunteer in my
community, coaching two soccer teams worth of boys, sitting on the
soccer board to see that everything runs like it should. I support my
church so they can send out those that can do more. But I also tend to
question the motive of those that pack their scheduled so tight, they
have no down time with their family or for themselves. That always
seems to me that they are avoiding something. Maybe the feeling of
inconsequence?

So, after all this is said, I don't know where I stand. Am I making a
difference or just marking time. I'm still not sure. But at least I'm
looking, right?

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Day 27

Walked to school to get the kids for the first time since my surgery. Felt pretty good. I'm slowly trying to work up to playing soccer again and I need to start small. Several walks to school and then I'll try the treadmill. Luckily, all this weather is causing games to be canceled and is buying me more recovery time.

SNOW!

Last Thursday, Feb.11, 2010, we had the biggest snowfall in history on a calendar day here in Dallas. Over 8 inches and the airport recorded 12.5" in a 24 hour period! It was nuts! It started snowing around 3 or 4am on Thursday morning and didn't stop til about 3am on Friday morning. As much as I hate cold weather, I have to admit it was beautiful!

Day 25

I'm standing up completely straight!! Yipee!

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Day 23

My recovery is slow, but progressing. Just when I think I'm not really
getting better anymore, I look back to the week before. A week ago
this past Wednesday, I tried to make dinner for the first time since
my surgery. It was very difficult. I had to sit down every 5 minutes
or so, because my back hurt pretty bad and I would just get too tired
to stand any longer. Then this Wednesday, I was able to make dinner
with no problems. Today (Friday), I was able to do several loads of
laundry, dishes, mop and pick up around the house. So, I guess that's
quite a bit of progress, even if I'm still not standing completely
upright yet. I actually might have overdone it a little today. My
right side is aching and my neck is hurting, probably from the
terrible posture. Shoulders slumped over and my neck sticking out. I
probably look a bit like a turtle. Or a 90 year old lady. But at least
my stomach looks 20!!!

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Day 13

Back to the doctor again today. He said everything looks really great
and he was very pleased with the outcome! Yea!! He cleared me to
drive. And sleep in any position I want! That's the best part yet. I
went from sleeping sitting up for a week ( I dare anyone to try it.
It's not fun.), to sleeping on my back with a pillow under my knees,
which actually hurt my old, worn-out knees.
So, all looks good and now I wait for swelling to go down and bruising
to go away. And I'll keep working on standing up straighter. This may
take a while.
Sweet dreams!

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