Filed under: life... | Tags: design, feet, haglund's deformity, physical therapy, summer
Yep, that’s what my PT told me… may I take offense? There is not a single weak thing about my hips… I think they’re great! Weak hips, seriously…
That, in addition to weak calves and heel cords… plus that nasty lump of bone on my heels… plus bad shoes… plus standing for hours on end in the wood shop, got me to where I am today. Basically, the Haglund’s deformity caused tendonitis in both Achilles, which weakened my heels and calves, and as a result, weakened my hips. How do they come up with these things?? I mean, it makes perfect sense… I guess it is their job after all. I’ll just stick to choosing fonts, color schemes, and closely inspecting my design projects for perfect alignment. I wonder if people ever wonder how I come up with the designs that I make… I know I do 
Life is still quiet, I think I am getting used to it though. I’ve got a nice little garden going, and a full summer reading list that I hope will keep my brain entertained, so that school isn’t too much of a shock or strain come September. That, and I’m anxiously counting the days to a blessed reunion with my Handsome Man!
[RACHEL]
Filed under: Music, life... | Tags: david bowie, feet, haglund's deformity, innovation, major tom, mri, space oddity, summer, technology
This machine saved my summer…
The whole experience reminded me of David Bowie’s song “Space Oddity.” Here I am, sitting in a tin can…. and there’s nothing I can do. It’s dark, cold, and there are all sorts of weird noises broken by an occasional “how’s it going” or “don’t move” from a speaker in the ceiling- the techs on the other side of the wall. Ground control, if you will. Ok, so I was bored, and the experience was odd enough that I couldn’t just lie there and think about nothing.
But, this baby is the reason why I’m not having surgery… and also the reason why I’m not freaking out about being diseased. Bottom line: inflammation treatable by physical therapy. I like the way that sounds. In between thinking about Major Tom and David Bowie and my Handsome Man, I did also think a little about whoever invented that incredible machine and how they did it… an innovation seminar introduced me to new ways of brainstorming through questioning and associative thinking… and I am convinced that there is no way an MRI machine could exist without either, along with some freakin smart people. I love physics. I love magnetic flux. I don’t really understand them at the level that those brilliant inventors do, but I still love that crazy stuff. I love technology… and that’s why I want to be a teacher. So that some kid will invent the next amazing life saving thing, inspired by an awesome way of fearless brainstorming that their high school tech teacher taught them back in the day.
I also love that I’ve got my summer back. Maybe I’ll be able to have a job… still not sure at this point, but this stands as truth- my summer fun quotient just shot up by a hundred or so. I can make that much anticipated trip eastward earlier than expected. I like that. I can go to the beach. I don’t have to be hopped up on pain killers. I don’t have to have sponge baths (ew). Life is rad.
Oh yeah, and I was also reminded of the time when I had that amazing Bowie-esque (1980s) haircut… how I miss it!
And, for your viewing pleasure, I present:
Don’t worry, it wasn’t this Bowie haircut.
[RACHEL]
says it all.
Well. Quiet is right. Probably a little too quiet! It is really strange to not have school or work or companionship…
On the bright side, I’ve become a backyard ornithologist, and am pro at identifying all the birds that land on the fence, and I’m loving skype and cell phones… they’re keeping me smiling and in contact with my Handsome Man! And, despite my quiet present, the future is looking awesome.
Today I went on what probably will be my last run for a long while… so I could get my ankles all fatty for my MRI. It was a pathetic one. The running shoes are going to the closet and they will be staying. But, all is not lost! I am determined to become a swim junkie!!! So far, it’s been a success. There is always a solution! Bring on the buff arms and gorgeous tan!
MRIs are boring and loud. Thank goodness for ear plugs and imagination!
Oh yeah, and I guess I didn’t have surgery on the 7th.
[RACHEL]
So, one of my friends created a blog as sort of a commentary on life– Get outside the Bubble.
[It] is a blog created and maintained in an effort to help us recognize those around us. How often do we get stuck in our own little bubble? We forget that there are billions of people living their own lives, dealing with their own struggles, witnessing their own miracles.
Pretty cool… the blog asks writers to respond to five questions:
- What miracles have you seen in your life? Why are they miracles to you?
- What worries you day to day / what are you most worried about right now?
- What are you passionate about? Why?
- What is your vision for yourself and the future?
- If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
Here’s what I had to say:
1 – Miracles happen every day. After a semester where it seemed that everything that could possibly go wrong really did, I found myself unhappy. I was living too fast to enjoy life. The first miracle was that I realized that I was in a place I didn’t want to be. We are here to find and have joy, and I was definitely missing out. I was too much into school, and it gave me a very limited view of life. It was then that I set out with the goal of slowing down and changing. The second miracle was learning how to see and celebrate small victories and simple things. I realized that it was impossible to be perfect all at once. We don’t have all this time on earth for nothing. We wouldn’t need to stay here until we’re old and gray if we could be perfect all at once. It’s a matter of learning how to improve, and treasuring our successes, no matter how small. It’s also a matter of taking time to actually see the many things that Heavenly Father has blessed us with. These little moments are miracles in themselves.
Why are these miracles to me? Four months after my decision to slow down, I am a different person. I am happy. I have learned to live in a way that does not overlook the many blessings in front of me. These are miracles because of the joy they have brought into my life. They have brought me closer to my Savior.
2 - In all honesty, I just got done worrying about a whole bunch. I’m free and I love it. It’s all about perspective.
3 - I am passionate about creative expression. Everyone is creative, no matter how strongly they might deny it. Creativity doesn’t just mean art. It’s a mental process. Creativity is problem solving. Problems aren’t always bad things, for example: What’s for dinner? How do I get from point A to point B? How do I solve this equation? Creativity is inventing. Creativity is imagining the unheard of, and doing it. As a future educator, I want every student in my classroom to find their personal flavor of creativity, and get them excited about expressing it. Creativity keeps this world moving forward. That is why it’s my passion.
4 - For myself, I see a home that is full of life, light, love, and creativity, and a happy family along with it. I see a classroom that is a safe, innovative, and exciting place to learn and grow.
5 - I would want everyone to take it easy and go outside. There is too much good being passed up by people living life at a million miles per hour.
And that’s that.
[RACHEL]
