The Healing Power of a Haircut

It's not Biblical, I know, but I have to believe that there is some sort of healing power in getting a hair cut. I guess if you are going to look at the story of Sampson, or if you are of the persuasion that women should never get their hair cut, then you'll completely disagree with me. I'm o.k. with that, you have a right to your opinion. I obviously don't share it.

Yesterday, I had my first big outing since my surgery and, as you might guess, it was to the hair salon. I can not describe to you how much better I felt after getting my hair done. I went in feeling grungy (bed head is never a good look) and emerged feeling almost energized. Granted, I needed a long nap when I got home, but it was so worth it!

I've considered making a list of "things that will help you recover" for other women who need surgery, using the things that have helped me the most. Of course everyone is different and my list won't be the "perfect" solution for all post-surgical women, but I think most women would benefit from a trip to the hair salon 9 - 10 days after surgery. I know I did.

Have You Seen This?

Being as I'm still recovering from surgery, I've watched an inordinate amount of television lately. I'm even considering getting a Wheel Watchers Card from Wheel of Fortune as that seems to be our "after dinner" viewing choice. All you have to do is have your number ready and you can win big prizes. Of course, that means you have to watch the show but, since I'm not doing much anyway, what have I got to lose?

There is, however, a commercial on television right now that totally baffles me. It seems they are doing a study at the University of Minnesota. (If you are reading this out of state, you probably haven't seen the commercial.) The study is supposedly to help them learn about aggressive behavior in girls. According to the woman in the commercial, what they do is give ONE ice cream cone to THREE little girls, watch their behavior, and come up with a way to eliminate aggressiveness. I've got a way for them to eliminate aggressive behavior. Why not give EACH little girl an ice cream cone? I mean seriously, what do they expect to figure out from this? That little girls don't want to share their ice cream cones? Do they WANT them to share their ice cream cones in the middle of cold and flu season?

A couple of other huge questions come to mind. What kind of parent allows their children to be involved in such a stupid study? Why are our tax dollars paying for such a stupid study? Why are our tax dollars paying for ADVERTISING such a stupid study? And who is going to pay for the therapy those little girls are going to need when they get done fighting over the ice cream cone? Please, if you've seen the commercial and you can see ANY benefit to this study, let me know. Maybe it's the medications I'm taking that are causing me difficulty in wrapping my brain around this concept.

Bonding with My Bed

On Wednesday evening, I was still at the hospital making the decision whether or not to come home. I didn't feel great but wasn't sure I wanted to spend another night in the hospital either. The hospital did have its advantages. There was the excellent staff who answered my many "calls." And, the food, believe it or not, was great. Too bad I wasn't more hungry. Fairview Red Wing Hospital has, by far, the best food I've ever had in a hospital. And, the great thing is that you can call up "room service" and order whatever you'd like off of a menu that's in your room. This is, of course, after the doctor allows you a regular diet. Everyone, right down to the food delivery person, was kind and considerate. It was a great hospital experience, if there is such a thing.

The deciding factor on Wednesday night was my bed. Hospital beds are great for a couple of things. For instance, there are railings to hold onto as you shift from one side to the other. Post surgery, that's a great feature. And, you can tilt up the head to whatever comfort level you'd like. I've got a few friends who have that on their beds at home, but we don't. Then there are the disadvantages. Like the fact that the mattresses are about two inches thick and covered in plastic. It also appears that the beds are designed to go through the doors, making them the perfect width for a seven year old. I'm sure I would have appreciated that feature had I needed to be rushed back into surgery. Fortunately, that was not the case.

So, in the end, I ultimately came home for my bed. I am a bit sick of it at the moment, but it sure beats the hospital bed when it comes to comfort. Now, where is that nurse to fix my covers and put lotion on my back?

In general, recovery is going much slower than I'd anticipated, but at least I seem to be moving in the right direction. I am most grateful for the faithfulness of God through all of this. There were many little things that I prayed for, and even though I never want to consider God as my personal Santa Claus, I can say that he has answered every single one of my prayers. Right before my surgery I was at a funeral where they sang, He's Always Been Faithful to Me. I can just offer to that a hearty, AMEN!

Gettting Ready

I haven't blogged much lately. There has been a lot going on, most of which has been some medical issues and really those who want to know about my medical issues have heard from me personally. As a result of said medical issues, I am having surgery tomorrow morning. In addition to the general discomfort of any surgical procedure the doctor is trying to further torture me by having me show up at the hospital, 30 minutes away from my house, at 6:45 a.m. I'm not a morning person! The only redeeming thing about this is that I won't have to be hungry for very long (no eating after midnight), and I'll be sleeping again shortly after I get there.

It's a routine surgery . . . for the doctor. Personally, I've never had it done before. I'm not overly concerned, other than the general apprehension that accompanies any surgery. Things like "I wonder how painful this will really be? Will the food at the hospital be decent? Will the pain meds work? How long will the recovery really take?" Important things like that.

So, today I spent getting ready. Finishing up laundry, paying some bills, getting stuff mailed that should have gone out last week, getting groceries, etc. One of the "fun" things I did to get ready was go to the video store (why do you suppose they haven't changed the name from Valu Plus Videos to Valu Plus DVDs?) and pick out movies that I'd like to watch during my recovery. I have quite the list prepared and I'm very excited about having the time to watch them. Hopefully, I'll be able to stay awake for two hour time slots so I can finish a movie in one setting.

I haven't had too many surgeries, but enough to know that I always have BIG plans. I'm going to read a bunch of books, watch a bunch of movies, do a little scrapbooking, etc. etc. In my mind I'm always going to get more done than actually happens, but at least it's good to have a plan.

So, I think I'm ready. The books are stacked, the list is ready, and my suitcase is almost packed. If you read this on Tuesday morning, please feel free to say a prayer for me. Well, for that matter, always feel free to say a prayer for me. God has been, and continues to be, my refuge and my strength.

New Year, New Calendar

I have read many New Year's blogs regarding the great thing about a New Year. Words like "blank pages," "resolutions," and "a fresh start" are just some of the ways people in the blogosphere have chosen to describe the New Year. I'm a little late in my "New Year's post." Quite honestly, I've been tired. It's been on my mind, but I just haven't gotten to the computer for any length of time since Christmas.

I decided that after Christmas I was going to take some time off. I know that some of you are thinking, "time off from what? It's not like she has a full time job." This is true, unless of course, you count my husband. He can be a full time job, but I digress. I was just taking time off from the routines that make up most of my days. My calendar has been blessedly empty for the last two weeks and I used that time to read a novel, clean up from Christmas, and just enjoy my son's visit home from college.

I share all of this, not to apologize for my lack of posts, but to explain it. I do want to share with you my favorite thing about moving into a new year. It's the calendar pages. There are still so many blank spots on my pages and I love it. It looks so crisp and ready for the adventures that await me in 2008. It just has NEW written all over it.

I can't wait to find out what 2008 will bring. I'm expecting HUGE things this year. I hope you are too.