Well--I did it.

I had a double knee replacement done on March 19th. One week in the hospital, 2 weeks of rehab. Now home health and then outpatient therapy. I can walk a fair distance without a cane or walker. Doing my daily exercises. Have good range of motion--but still occasional pain from time to time. But walking is now a pleasure--even with the muscular pain--different than before. Working on gaining stamina and strength----I planned on returning to work about May 21st---we'll see how far along I am by then. Still have some additional weeks to work with from FMLA. Managing the stairs OK--we live on a second floor townhouse.

I have been on the other side of the hospital bed---this experience--mostly positive---a few bobbles along the way---will make me a more caring, compassionate, observant nurse.

Getting better every day.

Blessings.
 

I have finally decided to have the knee replacement surgery that I've been needing for at least the last 2 years. My company switching from 8-hour shifts to 12-hour shifts really spurred this action. I am in pain most of the time...and it severly limits activities I once enjoyed. This has not been an easy decision...considering the cost, time off from work, etc. etc. But there seems to be no good atternative. Fortunately, right now, I have health insurance. And I'm cashing in my 401K to have money available. Surgery is sceduled for March 19th and 21st---having one knee relpacement one day and 2 days later the next. Lots of therapy after that....Prayers and healing thoughts are most welcome.
 

Basking in the sun
like a cat in the window
cilly Naples day


Ah..ha...a haiku....haven't written in months.
This will do.
Working hours have been shifted to 3 twelve hour shifts. I hate them. My painful knees are not tolerating the long days. However, I have 4 days off. I work Mon./Tues and Thurs. I am off the other days and so is my phone as I will not answer calls nor come in for overtime. I despise corporate healthcare, where the financial bottom line supercedes the giving of excellent care, let alone consideration for the welfare of employees. Ah, but I've ranted about that before...and is there is no immediate respite in sight...so it is for now. But perhaps not forever.

Blessings to you all for the New Year!
 

GaianTarot's Six of Air--just pulled--this beautiful, cool, sunny, morning here in Naples. I turned 60 last week, and this old hippie is still going---perhaps not as strongly as before, but going.

The six of air represents people in community, drumming, praying, singing....and yes marching. Another rally today for the Occupy movement here in Naples.

The group National Nurses United echoes my beliefs.

AN ECONOMY FOR THE 99%

Healthcare for All
Jobs with Dignity
Quality Public Education
A Healthy Environment

Have a spectacular week-end!
 

Two weeks ago OccupyNaples...yes the one affiliated with Occupy Wall St. had its own demonstration and march. Because my knees are bad I can't march too far but participated as best I could. Even here in Naples, home of the rich and the conservative, the movement is growing.

Even though the media continues to insist that the movement isn't clear or cohesive....it is certain...Americans are tired that corporations and politicians and money and greed have corrupted and co'opted our democracy.

The people of the Occupy movement do not agree on everything. But things are very wrong in our nation and need to change.

I am interested to watch how this all plays out and to do my part however small.
 

Pulled the child of fire from the Gaian Tarot today. And this was after making the decision to join Weight Watcher's online. The child of fire is all about newness, excitement, time to try something new. Weight Watcher's has always worked for me before when I have stayed with the program. They have improved it even further--so I'm learning the new program. BANANAS ARE 0 POINTS! I was inspired to restart by picking up a diet book at the library--the carb-lovers diet. I could never do Atkins, would kill for a piece of toast. The carb-lovers program is similar to Weight Watchers. Whole-grains, veggies, fruits, lean meat-----you know the good stuff--and an occ. treat. Will keep you posted. Hard for me to exercise because of bad knees...but will hopefully resume my sitting Oxycise program! Wish me luck! Perhaps the child of fire will help stoke up my 60-year old metabolism.






 

I have an erotic tarot deck that I rarely use. But over the past week I discovered, ferreted out info that the reason my direct superior was fired/resigned was probably due to sexual impropriety on the job. And I drew The Hermit card from this deck that pictures a lone man/beast----a vicious wolf's head, a torn shirt, trousers, sitting alone at the top of a cliff looking down on a village. It seems eerily recognizant of the past week's events. And it makes me wonder about these primal urges that render smart, talented men....my boss, Eric Wiener, Bill Clinton....too many to mention....slaves to their own passions. Ah, well....le loupe garou roams....






 

Yesterday, I pulled the Gaian Tarot Strength card--and this morning realized I will need it. The Director of the facility where I work resigned-----so again we are without leadership. I truly enjoyed working with this man. He was smart, compassionate, tough, and knew how to deal with residents, families, and staff. A rare combination. I have no way of knowing exactly what happened...but as I distrust corporate machinations...I suspect it had something to do with him pissing them off. I suspect all will be shortly revealed.

He was also ambitious and talented and I know he has a bright future ahead. The best thing I ever did was resign from my previous job with the vow to NEVER accept a management position, again. I was asked about interest in the position, at least out of courtesy.......but I am not interested. I don't think I have the necessary toughness for the job. And I really don't deal well with corporate crap and politics. Ah well.....another bump on life's path to be navigated.
 

and the literalness of the Gaian Tarot shows up again----while watching Oprah live on Facebook----I pull the Strength card. If Oprah isn't an epitome of feminine strength I don't know what is. And get this....the Tarot Card pictures a woman who could be a young Oprah---clad in yellow robes---and there is Oprah on Facebook dressed in a yellow sweater. So the word for today is definitely:STRENGTH!
 

i open my whole heart to my dream

ID: 1808344   (Rated: E) 10 Years After  to commemorate 9/11 by ridinghhood--new knees