December 2007 Updates

I wanted to write and give an update on some things going on in my life.

Medical Updates

I will be going to my first physical therapy appointment or physio as they call it here, here on Monday. It will only be a consultation to see what we are going to try. I think this time around there will greater emphasis on hands off therapy as I have made it very clear that I don’t intend to be poked and prodded anymore. My therapist, Margot, seems to be agreeable to that idea. I am also pleasantly surprised at the very in-depth and insightful questionnaire they have had me fill out. It goes the normal stuff, but also asks about the psychological effects and how the pain affects daily activities. It makes me hopeful that they may be able to help.

I also will be having my first psychologist appointment on Friday next week. I will be trying to get some tips to help me cope with the pain and maybe some relaxation tips. In addition, although I am not entirely excited about meeting with him, it might be a relief to talk to somebody about how bad my ankle sucks without having to feel guilty that I am hurting them by telling them how I feel. One added bonus is that I will be seeing Brent, the base psychologist, and I can see him as often as I want for free! You gotta love saving money!

I am hoping that this approach of having several people attack my disorder from different angles will bring me some good results. Now in Australia I will have a general practitioner coordinating my care and helping me with prescriptions, a pain management specialist, a physical therapist specializing in pain, and a psychologist. Lord, please help all of these people to be able to help me and relief the terrible pain I am feeling!

Birthday Update

On Tuesday, December 18^th, 2007 at 3:18am I will turn 27 year old. Yippy! Please pray that I will become one of God’s helpers this year and no longer need so much help from others, but that if I do need help, I will not be afraid to ask or be ashamed of needing it.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas…wait…no it’s not!!

Well, as the title says, my house is definitely not looking very Christmassy. We still have not received our shipment with all of our things that were sent here by boat from the states. All of our things are in Adelaide right now, where they have been since November 11^th for customs to inspect. We had a call asking about scuba gear, and another asking about what medications were in the shipment. These slight problems caused some delays, but for goodness sakes! Until we get our shipment, I have no Christmas tree or little M&M Star Wars ornaments to put out for Travis. I had also ordered Christmas stockings, stocking holders, and an advent calendar from Target, but we haven’t received that delivery yet either.

My darling husband, seeing my sadness over all this, went out and got a little Christmas town that lights up and some Christmas lights to put up. We also were lucky enough to get a few Christmas cards. I burst out crying when I got them. I was feeling so thankful for friends and family…and also missing them like crazy! I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will be able to get more in the spirit in the next week. If anyone has some ideas to help get us in the spirit…please pass them along.

Photos and Fonts

I got the greatest CD from Creative Memories right before I had to deactivate as a consultant. It has 3 fonts you can download as well as 35 scenery pictures you can use for scrapbooks. Finally, it had a coupon for the base price of creating a digital scrapbook. I am currently using the font called Katie. I also wanted to include a few pictures of what Christmas time should look like outside. Enjoy!!

A Few Random Things

About a month ago we had about two weeks when it rained almost every day on and off. I thought it wasn't supposed to rain in the desert!! These pictures are proof of the rain taken from our covered front porch.



I think pretty much everyone knows that my wonderful husband, Travis, has had a flat top haircut for most of his life. It is the end of an era!! I took these pictures after I gave Travis an at home haircut. I did attempt a flat top, but it was pretty disastrous looking!! I should have taken pictures of that. Anyways...this is what it ended up looking like. I don't think I did too bad considering I have only attempted at home hair cutting once before in my life. That was my dad's hair and it turned out REALLY bad.


And finally...our buddy the gecko. Our little friend shows up every evening on our covered porch. It's almost like we have a pet! This is the best picture I have been able to grab of him.


I have been checking out every one's blogs and have really enjoyed all of the Christmas entries. Hopefully we will receive our Christmas decorations before Christmas. Our things have been held up in customs for a couple weeks, so we will have to keep our fingers crossed.