un-stress

I think I've never been less stressed over a concert as I was last night. We were singing familiar Christmas carols. Most everyone was there to hear the kids anyway. I sincerely hope for more challenging music in the spring. Our new director is a little hard to read. I think he is still trying to figure out our capabilities. But he's an excellent conductor.

Thursday my surgeon released me completely. I don't have to wear that blasted brace any more, and if necessary I can do moderate lifting. He said I could even do golf ( which I don't anyway) or swimming, but to work into them gradually.

I worked all day yesterday and tolerated it very well. Didn't even need any Tylenol. Only occasional slight twinges, but it's just muscular. My bones and the metal in my back are all fused well. It was actually good to get back to work. I do what I do very well and enjoy the company of my co-workers for the most part, and enjoy taking care of people. I am amazed at how much I can do with no pain. When I was going about my routine duties I realized that I had been in much worse pain than I realized for the year before my surgery. I can now bend over to clean the recliners or pick up linens without pain. What a blessing to have such a good outcome.

We're going to see "The Family Stone" today, to see if their family is anything like our Family Stone. I doubt it. But everyone is going to be asking us if we've seen it ( I suppose) so we want to know what it's about.

pleasant surprise

Just when I was wondering where that extra Christmas money was coming from, I found out that Wineskins will PAY me for my article! How cool is that?

I'll visit with my supervisor tomorrow regarding my return to work Friday. I feel so out of the loop. I think they've probably had 6 or so staff meetings since I've been gone. Not to mention the Christmas party. A nice chat with her to catch up will be nice. I'll probably have to get new passwords for the computer. Everything expires if not used in 6 weeks or so.

My voice lesson tomorrow will be in the recital hall. That is always fun, and makes me more and more comfortable with the prospect of singing in there. My recital date is 9/10/06.

I'm kinda tired of Christmas music. Or at least the songs that the chorus is singing this year. Hope it is more interesting next year. I love the very old sacred music, classical, baroque, etc. Love to sing in Latin.

Have been baking Christmas cookies today. Sugar cookies cut out with sprinkles. If they turn out singed on the edges or bent I have to do something with them besides give them away. Not pretty enough for gifts, except to my tummy.

I think I've begun to gain back the weight I lost. Time to go for a long walk.

Here I am again

I guess i need to keep on trying to journal in this blog, even if it is rarely read by anyone but me.
I only have a week of freedom left. I must return to work next Friday. It has been both a long and a short 3 months of healing. I am feeling so much better. I can hardly believe I put up with that pain for so long. Didn't know how much I hurt until I didn't anymore.

I have not yet written my book, but have given it a beginning.

I have not completed all my Christmas preparations, which I thought I'd do before Thanksgiving.

I have not read the whole collection of books I meant to. I have not read my Bible every day.

I have not written all those notes to all those people who mean so much to me. I have not gone out to lunch with each of my girlfriends.

I have not become a better person and solved all my emotional problems.

HOWEVER:
I have rested and healed. My back is healing well.
I have been able to walk 3 or so miles most every day for the last couple of months. I have spent that time walking in either prayer or deep contemplation.
I've lost about 5 pounds.

We had a garage sale, so the closets are cleaner.

I've been available to sing at several funerals. I've been able to attend several recitals and musical programs at ACU.

I have spent an hour or more almost daily in practicing my music and have begun preparations for a recital. I have participated in 2 no-stress concerts with the Classical Chorus because I had all the time I needed to prepare well.

I DID write several notes to special people. I DID get to have lunch with a couple of friends. I did read a lot of books and read my Bible more than usual.

I have spent 3 months in close company with my husband, as he works generally from home. We have had only rare unpleasant moments.

All told, this has been a wonderful 3 months. I have NEVER had 3 months off work or school since Summer vacations in college. I want to retire so badly. Unfortunately, I have to help pay the bills.

I wonder if I'll really start blogging again regularly. Time will tell.