Moment of 'Weekness'

My mom has a saying, "Some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield." Those of you who know me undoubtedly realize that my luck tends to run toward the bug part of that equation, meaning that luck doesn't typically favor me. It builds character, though, right?

The good news is that (and I hope I'm not jinxing myself here), this week seems to have been exceptionally kind; there hasn't been any one phenomenal moment, but just a series of things that are pretty great in my book. It's almost like the universe finally reviewed the game footage of my October and decided to try and make up for it. I accept your apology, universe, and revel in the little bits of awesome you sent my way this week.

First, and maybe most importantly, after waiting for a nervous week for some lab results, I found out that our 14-year old dog does not have oral cancer. He had some excess gum tissue removed and tested, and happily, it turns out he just has gingival hyperplasia. The vet said it's more common in bigger dogs like boxers, but my little bichon has it, too, and it's harmless. Basically, my dog has the heart of a lion and the smile of a boxer. What a relief.

This next bit of news may not seem earth-shattering to you, but as someone who is seemingly doomed to mediocre birthday celebrations, it would seem the tide is turning. Clint suggested we browse travel guides and come up with a not-too-far-flung place to spend a long weekend in April to celebrate the anniversary of my birth. After considering several options, we chose (drum roll, please): New Orleans! Hurricanes and beignets and gumbo, here we come. I've already started planning my visit to the Mardis Gras World Museum, y'all.

Next, after three planned-but-cancelled-at-the-last-minute attempts, my mom came for a visit and imparted her interior design skills on my house. We worked the poor woman (who was recovering from that terrible cough/cold/feel like death syndrome that has been going around) into the ground picking out fabrics and finishes, and she accomplished more in 24 hours that we have been able to do in six months. We found two paintings, two rugs, a pair of lamps, some succulents to spruce up my kitchen counter, and even a new shower curtain for my bathroom. There are some bar stools and dining chairs that will arrive in about three weeks, and then we will be well on our way to being a real, furnished home.

I cruised toward the end of the week with yet another checkup at the orthopedist. As everyone is painfully aware, I broke my ankle October 1 and it has been extremely slow to heal. I am ecstatic to report that I am now a graduate of Ortho Carolina's Foot and Ankle Institute! This patient has been given her walking papers and can, ever-so-carefully resume normal activities again. Well, after I finish a week of strong antibiotics and Epsom salt soaks for the raging infection in my toe. Apparently, trauma can cause these type of things of flare up, so of course as my ankle has healed, my big toe has gotten red, swollen, and angry. But still, my fibula is almost completely mended (still a little more healing to do, amazingly) and I am ready to be footloose and able-bodied again. I was told to use caution and common sense, and these are not nouns normally associated with me, but I will do my very best. Thank you all again for the love and prayers. Let's hope that the only foot talk that ever happens on this blog again involves new shoes.

Finally, I came in from my doctor's appointment to find a large package had been delivered. Getting any sort of mail is a thrill of mine, and the bigger the better, so this was a treat indeed. My friend Rebecca sent me some of her plates she used to celebrate Inauguration Day, and an entire case of my favorite sugar free Peeps! These babies are a rarity and so hard to find, I usually hoard them and then ration like someone stranded on a desert island. Now I have 24 delicious packs to enjoy to my little heart's content. It's almost enough to make me want to jump for joy, except I'm still overly protective of my ankle.

You'll have to excuse me for bragging, but my week was better than I could have hoped for, and I wanted to document these happenings while the tide was going my way. I hope I haven't jinxed myself by broadcasting it all...just chalk it up to what I consider a moment of 'weekness.' Today I'm the windshield!