Ramblings of a 20 something year old

Not to get too deep here... but are you living the life you thought you would be when you were 10 years old? What about when you were 15? I know I'm not. When I was 10 I was either going to be a Marine Biologist or a professional soccer player. Then at 15, I was planning on going to law school. Obviously, I'm not doing any of those things. When do things change? When do we decide to stop following a dream? Are we suppose to try a bunch of things before really deciding what we should be doing (ex: "Eat, Pray, Love")? Are you suppose to be working just for a paycheck, or are you suppose to be doing what you love regardless of the pay? I've been struggling with this concept for the last few years (basically since I graduated college) and I still haven't came up with a concrete answer. If you know me, you know I pick up a new dream every year. For example, a few years ago I was going to move to Nashville with no job and figure it out when I got there, then I thought I'd attempt law school again (didn't get in, but probably a blessing!), and now I'm hoping to get into physical therapy school (I actually really enjoy it!). I want to be successful, but at this point, I feel as if I'm almost running out of time. I know success doesn't come over night but you do have to start somewhere, right? So... where to start? What a question. If you figure out the answers, please let me know.

Not your average Joe

The annoying walking cast boot is OFF! Yes, you read that correctly, it is OFF! It has been on since Mother's day, and let me tell you, that was the longest summer of my life! I have completely forgotten what it is like to walk in a normal shoe again!

Before that, on the last Friday in August we took a trip up to Wisconsin for my cousin Joe's induction into his high school's Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, Chi-high lost the game, but the ceremony afterwards was beautiful. The school's trophy case and wrestling room is covered in Joe and Craig memorabilia. Needless to say, they were definitely known around campus!   



Friday night lights





Beautiful Hall of Fame plaque



It's still hard to believe that it has been over a year since Joe passed. I still remember the phone call, the shock, the silent drive to Wisconsin, the questions, the tears, the memories, the numbness. It was completely unexpected. But I can honestly say I don't know anyone else who has touched more lives or has made an impact on people like he has. Our family didn't plan a traditional funeral for Joe; that wasn't him and nothing close to what he would have wanted. We had a "Celebration of life" which was exactly what it was. Before he passed, he was helping my uncle build a "shed" for their boat and outdoor equipment. I think it should be classified as a mini-barn because that's what it looks like. Anyway, the service was held inside and what was so touching was that the shed was consistently full. People were filtering in and out on a constant basis, and I would say well over 300 people came in that day. I thought it was so amazing the amount of people that came for Joe, and everyone had a different story to tell. Everyone laughed, cried, shared memories, and laughed some more. It was just visual representation of a small percentage of peoples lives he had touched throughout the years, and such a humbling experience.



The Fab 5

Grieving is an interesting thing; there are some days that hurt more than others and some moments where you actually forget the person you love is gone. I know everyone grieves differently and in different ways, but when does it stop hurting? Does it ever? Should you feel it forever? What makes the process easier? What are your thoughts?

Hola Nola!

Don't worry folks, I didn't disappear! You'd think I would have by my lack of blogging, but unfortunately not much has changed. I am still (yes, still) in the goofy looking boot. Not only is my foot broken in multiple places, there's a torn tendon now. The Dr had told me earlier that the tendon was fine... but guess what, they were wrong! My summer has been extremely boring because of this dang thing.

Well, with one exception.

Best friend and I decided to take a random weekend trip to New Orleans, which ended up being one of the coolest places I've been to! Here's a photo summary of our trip:

Our hotel (Hyatt Regency) was AMAZING! It was probably the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in! We were starving by the time we got there so we randomly got some pizza, which ended up being the BEST pizza in the entire world. The hotel was right across from the Superdome so after walking around a bit, we decided to see if we could find cheap tickets for the first preseason home game. Luck was on our side, and we found a pair (all the way up top!) but we wanted the experience anyway. They ended up being pretty good seats, and not near as high up as Arrowhead (or didn't feel like it anyway). After a few "Who Dat" chants, we decided to head to Bourbon Street. Let me say, I think there should be disclaimers under the "Bourbon St" sign! Those drinks, those cold, slushy, tropical looking drinks, are the STRONGEST drink ever! No, really, the kind we got was called, "The strongest drink in the world". And don't doubt it. Don't think you can out-drink Bourbon Street, because we tried. And, we failed. Next morning, we checked out Cafe Du Monde, Jackson Square, and the Riverwalk. I forgot to mention we only had about 4 hours total of sunlight our entire trip, otherwise it was raining. We both said we had to try food that they are famous for, so we had gumbo and jambalaya. Now it could have been the place, but we weren't that impressed! The next morning, we were already on the flight back home. It was a quick trip, but I'd go back in a heartbeat. And definitely more prepared for Bourbon Street ;-)

 

I know I've said it before, but I WILL be blogging more! Hopefully my life will be more interesting once this boot comes off...

Crutches & diets

2 more weeks on crutches. Seriously, so bummed!

Random question, has anyone tried the "Eating clean" diet? Is it very difficult to stick to? I have such a huge sweet tooth and that's what I worry about most with being able to stick to a diet. I really would like to eat healthier and get back in shape (once my foot heals). Any suggestions of other diets to try?

And the verdict is...

Well I finally found out what is wrong with my foot! When my doctor called, she was so optimistic by starting out with, "Good news, there are no torn tendons", then quickly followed with, "but there are multiple fractures in your first metatarsal." Um, hold on. What? I did the X-Ray almost 2 weeks ago, and I was assured that nothing was broken (I guess why they call what doctors do "practice" right?)! Apparently my multiple fractures only showed up in an MRI, but oddly enough, I'm okay with the diagnosis. I was really freaking out that I would have to have surgery to repair a torn tendon, but luckily that's not the case now. Although I do have to wear the really attractive boot and crutches for the next 4-6 weeks (its the new accessory of summer, you didn't know?) and have no weight on it whatsoever. So my question to you is, what are some exercises I can do to somewhat get in shape while I have to use for my left leg? Any input helps!

Is it socially acceptable if I Bedazzle the boot?

Boring...

Nothing new to report! I'm still in a walking cast. I'm still on crutches. And I'm super over it to be honest. I hate being helpless, not being able to open a door by myself, not being able to carry anything without help, like I said, I'm really over it! Since I have some extra free time, I've done a lot on Pinterest lately (follow me here!), which makes me feel like I have some crafting ability. Not really sure if any of my crafting ideas will turn out... but it's worth a try ;-)

What are you doing this weekend?

Hop-along

Yep, I'm on crutches... again. Oh, and a walking boot too! The picture below is what my next 2 weeks (minimum) will look like!

Let me back up a bit...

A few weeks ago, I noticed my left foot was starting to hurt. Unfortunately I've had a few stress fractures before so I assumed that's what it was. Wrapped an ace bandage on it and continued with my life. I noticed it wasn't getting any better, in fact it was getting worse! I'm not exactly sure how I hurt it, although when I tell people I was cage fighting, some people actually believe me! Anyway, I went to the doctor, they took x-rays, and nothing is broken. They put me in the really attractive walking cast, but I'm suppose to completely stay off of it until I go back to the doctor on the 14th. I have a MRI scheduled, and they're looking for a torn tendon or ligament. Depending on if one is torn, and depending on how badly, it could mean surgery. Ew, I'm really hoping I don't have to go down that road. Crutches and a boot are enough to deal with.

So, be expecting more blogs while my leg is propped up!