Yeah. Whoa baby, is right. The past couple of days have been up and down, up and down. Yuck. Last night especially I found sleep literally impossible. It was so very frustrating to the point that I was determined to find a comfortable position. At 3 o’clock in the morning I managed to roll onto my stomach by myself in an effort to get some rest. But alas I was more tangled among the pillows and blankets than anything else. Honestly, I wish someone could have been there to witness this because I probably looked like a fish flopping around on the bed. By 4:30 I gave up and my relentless efforts tuckered me out so much that I finally fell asleep. By the time I woke up at 8:30 I was not a happy camper. For 10 minutes I lay in bed and stared at my wheelchair ultimately convincing myself that staying in bed just a little longer was a better idea. About an hour later I read an email sent from an amazing friend that got me thinking and changed my mindset about this upcoming day I had to tackle…

“If we allow ourselves to be thrown off balance by every piece of disturbing news that comes our way, we may be relying too much on our emotions. On the other hand, our thoughts may also be unreliable at times like these, as they chatter on endlessly about what might happen next. If our feelings and thoughts activate one another in a hectic way, then we become caught up in the confusion that surrounds us. However, if we can locate the stillness at the center of our hearts, we can find composure in almost any situation.”

So I lay there thinking to myself, closed my eyes and found that stillness. My intention was set. Today was going to be better than yesterday. Done and done. And it did start off good! Meaghan called and we chatted for a long time. Even got some good laughs in 🙂 Can’t wait to go home and be able to see some of my friends.

Physical therapy was much, much better today. One of the most important things I have learned thus far: DO NOT lengthen before going to PT. Bad idea. So from here on out I make all adjustments after coming back from therapy. It makes more sense that way, my muscles are all stretched out so the turns aren’t as painful.

One of the nice things about staying here at Homewood is that they do provide a free shuttle to and from therapy and the hotel in addition to pool therapy. This makes it a little easier on dad not having to cart the wheelchair all over the place. Both of my drivers, Piedro and Maria, are very nice. Today I was attempting to talk to Maria but she talks so fast I can barely understand what she says. I think all I got was, “Ja ja ja burrito ya ya ya taco. Okie dokie?!” And so I replied, “okie dokie!” Perfect, we understand each other, well sort of 🙂

Meals have been another challenge here. Not many of the options served at the hotel are vegetarian friendly so I have to make do with improvising. Tonight was my lucky night though because in addition to the chicken and dumplings they had mixed veggies. Two sides of that was dinner for me.

Therapy again tomorrow and then a break for the weekend. Maybe I will hop in the hotel pool if I get brave enough. Oooh la la.

Love love.