It's Been Awhile

Well this morning I woke up and felt as though my body had officially resigned itself.  With no energy left to even remove the sweatshirt I slept in last night because I was so cold, I felt the heat permeating under my duvae and finally pushed and pulled till it was off and the clean cool air felt amazing against my skin. I pulled the duvae back over me and laid there thinking about ... everything.  I have this ability, or should I say problem with overthinking about a million things at the same time.  Somehow through all the thoughts, my mind must get tired and decides to put me to sleep because I always wake up later and wonder when or where I was in my thought process before I fell asleep.

Today was no different.

I came into the living room, tidied up the house and sat down in front of the burning fireplace DVD Dane and I bought for $5 at Walmart.  It's my favourite purchase lately. It's relaxing and helps me wind down.

This is the first post I have written since September and too many things have kept me from sitting down and recording it all.  Dane had mono at the beginning of October and was unable to swallow anything- including his own saliva.  After 3 days in the hospital, he was released and started to get better, but was off work for about 3 weeks.  Don't ask me how I didn't catch it.  I guess I may have already had it.
Just when things started to get back to normal for us, I was getting ready for work on October 29th and bent the wrong way just to find myself in the most excruciating pain of my life.  My right shoulder and right side of my back had shooting pain and numbness and even moving an inch felt like I was breaking.  After chiropractors, hospital visits, narcotics, an MRI and many wonderful friends and family who helped take care of me, I have been regularly seeing a physical therapist and will be following up for another visit with a bone and muscle specialist in Idaho Falls.

The diagnosis:  A bulging disc at the base of my neck and the shoulder part is still to be determined. My right arm and hand have been really sore and in a lot of pain.

I have been unable to do much.  I have spent the last month laying in bed and on the couch trying to do schoolwork for home.  Thankfully, my teachers have all been generously accommodating and I seem to be getting back on track.

I am tired and I am hoping for more resolution, but thankful for the new experience and understanding it has brought.  I am now able to move around fairly normal with the exception of sitting too long and lifting anything remotely heavier than a milk jug.  My independent spirit has definitely been whining inside of me for more and I wish I could do more.

Today I was reading my scriptures and came across Alma 9 that seemed to be full of reminders of remembering the Lord.  In particular I loved verse 17 that says, "for the Lord will be merciful unto all who call on his name."

As I sat here at looked around my little apartment, I realized how very blessed I am. We have nice things, a cute and very sparse Christmas tree, a beautiful nativity my mom gave me, we have food in our cupboards, we have warm clothes to wear and a heater that is loud enough to remind us when it comes on each time. Most of all, I have opportunities galore ahead of Dane and I and it's exciting.

Our very first Christmas tree - we got it ourselves in the mountains!

Our own makeshift fireplace (without heat) but definitely one of my favourite things

It is so easy to get caught up in the little day to day stress that sometimes seems to overwhelm and outdo us.  But, I realize as I put the Lord first in my life, he makes everything work out just right.  It's perfect. What more could I ask for.