My week in a nutcracker

It's been a busy week since my "release" from rehab. The only day we sat still was the day after Christmas (what they call here second Christmas day). And that's only because I promised myself that I would rest. We've shopped too much, worked in my apartment not quite enough, cooked three meals a day, and lots of things have been written on and crossed off of list after list. So despite feeling worn out, a lot has been accomplished and I can feel good about the progress we've made in jump starting my new life post-Blixembosch.

With my days full of other things, I haven't had the energy (or time alone) to keep up with my blog though I've thought about it every day. Hopefully, the number of photos at the end will help make up for lack of words in the last week.

Home for the holidays, kind of
I didn't have the same Christmastime activities as usual but nonetheless it has been memorable and filled with the it's own type of traditions. Don't be fooled, I missed spending this time doing the usual with my family and friends at home but I spent as much time as possible ignoring this fact (though an old Christmas song on the radio could start a pity party real quick). But Nico worked hard to make this Christmas homey and my parents and Gram sent so many tasty goodies - homemade cookies, candy, crunchy pecans and Chex mix - it almost tasted like home.

Christmas eve, we had a feast with Nico's parents as hosts. They prepared what is simply known here as "gourmet" - basically small pieces of marinated meat and fish with sides of fresh peppers and onions, noodles and rice that each person sautes on a heated hibachi.

Christmas day Nico hosted his parents for a meal which included my favorite main dish, chicken and dumplings. I also worked with Nico to get the downstairs presentable (you know, bachelors). By the time guest were to arrive at six, I was plum wore out and wasn't sure I'd muster up the energy even to eat.

Evenings were spent watching the Harry Potter series on TV. One promising thing about being here for Christmas are the movies on TV and a few of the traditional ones that are played back home.

The only thing I missed was a remembrance of the "reason for the season". Although, the bells ringing out from churches throughout Christmas day was just beautiful.

When will that apartment be ready?
Yesterday and today, we carried on working to get my apartment unpacked and painted. The paint work on the livingroom was officially completed as we tore down the masking tape and pulled up the tarp from the floor. Some of you have offered to send your husbands over to help paint. Oh, how I wish you weren't so far away - we've got four rooms left to paint.

We did make progress on what I've currently labeled the den (though I hope to find a more inspiring and feminine-sounding name). I've decided to keep some rooms - including this one - completely white so we don't have to do a lot of painting when I move out. But, as of this moment, I still plan to have as cheerfully colorful a nest as possible.

When do I think I'll actually move in? Dunno but as soon as possible. It may take a couple more weeks as I start up my outpatient therapy and Nico works again this week. The best news is that the couch arrives Friday! I am beyond excited. I promise when the whole place is done, we'll take photos with Nico's new wide angle lens.

Physical progress, aye?
I've tried to keep an eye on any improvements, notice any changes in my walking, strength or other. Somewhere during the week, I noticed that I had gotten better at lifting my knee up while standing - this shows improved strength in my hip. Perhaps this comes from walking stairs daily. This is something I couldn't do a week ago and is a great help in climbing stairs.

Coming down the stairs is still really slow and a tiny bit scary. I hold onto the railing with my right hand and use my cane on the left. And go really slowly. I'm also lifting and carrying things around a lot more easily. Every time I had to lift a box and carry it, I was amazed that I could do it.

Sadly, what I notice most is more pain first thing in the morning and after sitting down for long periods of time in the evening. It's possible that some days I still do too much and have to lay or sit down. This is especially true when going to the apartment to work or preparing Nico's home for a party. And, though I was walking partway to the dog park to walk the hounds, I've stopped while it's freezing outdoors.

I finally bought my own cane on Monday as I've been using one from Blixembosch. Well, it's a cane. What can I say. I also got a wheelchair there at no cost (until I can get the one we ordered from the city). What a beast! I looked at a lot of other things at the ThuisZorg included "thermal" socks (my foot is really cold most of the time), shower chairs and rollators. But the cane was the only thing I took a shine to.

Thanks for keeping in touch
For those of you who've told me that you're still checking the blog daily or every week, I'm so glad you're still with me. You keep me motivated to keep blogging and to do all the things I should be doing when I'm not. All the Christmas cards you sent were lovely. I still intend to send cards sometime after I get some down time and my apartment is set up.

Just in case I forget to say it later, Happy New Year and Happy Birthday to anyone I might miss between now and when I find my 2009 calendar!


L2R: Cutting up Rice Krispy treats to give away during my last week at Blixembosch. They loved 'em. Me unpacking ornaments and dressing the tree. A church in the center of town alight for the season. The painting. Finished. Apparently Mom already has it in a frame and hanging on the wall at home. Swans in the park courtesy of Nico.


L2R: Hazel trying to open the pack around his gift bone. Casper acting the part of footrest. Did you know that easel means donkey in English? Easel is actually the Dutch word for... easel which means donkey. Anyway, Nico bought me a donkey/easel, the same as I used at Blixembosch. I can't wait to put it to use. Nico displaying the shirt he got from Randy and Kathy. We'll see how long he can keep it white.


L2R: Happy cereal girl! Just a nice photo Nico took after I'd walked down stairs. Simple Recipes cookbook from Randy and Kathy. The party's over at Nico's house but his mom still seems ready for more jolly goodness.