Lazy days

I am really enjoying my very, very lazy Christmas vacation. I really haven't been doing much of anything, well, I go to PT for my knee then take a nap, have something to eat... that's really about it. I'm determined to actually go do something tomorrow.

The Knee: My knee is healing well. For those who haven't already heard, I wanted to run in the Ragnar Relay race in Feb but thought I should have my knee checked out first. I originally injured my knee wakeboarding and had surgery a few years ago but shortly after that surgery my knee started catching then locking. It wasn't constant so I didn't worry about it. As it turns out a piece of cartilage had broken off the back of my patella (kneecap) and was floating inside my knee. Like an oyster, my body calcified it and by the time it was removed it was about 2 cm long or about the size of your pinkie knuckle. There was also cartilage damage and a "pothole" in my patella from where the piece came off. So the surgeon removed the loose piece and cleaned up the cartilage. The good news is if I don't aggravate it I won't need surgery again. The bad news is, everything but walking, biking and swimming will aggravate it. Eventually I will probably need another surgery to repair the patella but now is not the time. The Ragnar Relay is out of the question - as far as running it goes. My team will still get to run and I will be a driver and, hopefully, a pacer. We're allowed to pace night runners on a bike so my goal is to do that. Sorry for the very long story.

The move: I loved my former apartment but sadly it was far to far away from the hospital I work at (30 min in the AM and I have to be there by 6:30am - and anywhere from 30-90 min in the afternoon). I found a great little complex that's only 8 minutes from work and 5 minutes from school. It's gated and in the only neighborhood in Tucson that even remotely reminds me of home. I was a bit worried about the size (it's small) but I parted with some of my possessions and Dad helped create more storage and I think it will be lovely. I will be rooming with a friend from CA. She's coming out to attend grad school at U of A. I got to spend a few days in the new place before coming home and I think it will be wonderful. I'll post pictures when I get back.

School: I won't brag, but I'm a really good nursing student. I know none of you are surprised (because that's what everyone keeps saying) but frankly, I am. I fully expected to be a B student and I'm not. School can be very challenging at times and sometimes I think I might scream at my instructors but then I work with my patients and I love it. I know the Lord has blessed me tremendously with this goal and I am very grateful. Although sometimes I wonder if the Lord is just trying to protect his poor, defenseless children against beginners like me. Regardless, I love it.

So. Cal Trip: My one roadtrip of the semester was to Anaheim to visit with Bree and Karen, my two roommates from BYU days. We've stayed in touch over the years and they are still my best friends. We celebrated Bree's son's 1st birthday on Saturday with a big family/friend party and then had some time in the evening to catch up. Sunday Bree had some family obligations so Karen and I sneaked away to Disneyland for a day. It was fun but sadly I didn't feel well in the morning and Karen didn't feel well in the evening. Karen actually vomited (sorry) for the first time in something like 20 years. Sad but kind of impressive. Glad I could be there for such a momentous occasion. Crazy enough, I ran into my cousin Spencer while standing in line for Pirates of the Caribbean! He was there with his classmates on choir tour and his mom (my Aunt Debbie) was chaperoning. Sometimes prayers we don't utter are answered in the strangest ways. It was wonderful to visit with Debbie and, as always, she gave much needed support and advice. I often wonder why I get to be so blessed.

Oh yeah and I decided to plan a trip to England when I graduate and (if they have one) go on a LDS single adult cruise. Always have to be planning something... Can't wait!

I only have pictures from Disneyland - I really thought I had more... Enjoy!

I know it's been a really long time since my last post so here's a quick up-date. In the time since my last post I have been to So. Cal. for Bree's son's 1st birthday and a quick Disneyland trip, a Thanksgiving trip home, finished clinicals, had knee surgery, moved across town, finished finals and came home for Christmas! Been a bit busy. I have some pictures and some commentary but right now I'm enjoying being in my sweats at noon and watching Project Runway so I'll do it later!