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AWLSorry to be gone for so long! As they say...life got in the way. I am doing good....ankle okay though it stills swells (because I don't stay off of it) and job finally full-time!
I am on my copyright soapbox again. I didn't know that if you are not signed in and go to a page there's an offer from Snapfish to download or order prints of the pictures. I just don't like the way SpacesLive treats everything as if it is theirs.
Am I the only one who has copyright issues? Off Crutches!!
The graphic seems perfect for tonight. I am no longer on crutches...and only when I walk do I have to wear the boot!!! That means I get to sleep without it. I will wear it to work...because I walk so much there. I go to physical therapy 3 times a week...but I don't mind that at all. I can even drive. My car's battery was down because it had not been driven for 6 1/2 weeks. Now it's charged and I drove it awhile tonight. I am happy!! And very thankful. Big Week AheadNext week is a big one for me. I find out what the next step (no pun intended) in my ankle saga is. AND I find out if I am hired full-time or not.
First, the ankle...I got to the doctor Monday. I've been thinking about the ankle four years ago. I went from crutches and boot with no weight on the foot to boot with weight on the foot and still crutches with me. I could ocassionally not use them but I was supposed to have them at work with me. So..I may not be off crutches and I may still have the boot...BUT for sure I will be able to put weight on my foot. This one has been so much easier that maybe I can skip some of those steps. Last time I had a NO CRUTCHES party with my students. I don't think I'm up to planning one this time. Students have been so helpful that they really deserve something. And so has my mother and sister...and my co-workers. 6 weeks has gone by quickly. The pain hasn't been bad at all..almost none...since the first week. The main thing is I'm physically worn out. That one good leg sure does get tired. All's well that ends well and this is going to.
Second, the job...That one is out of my hands. I was interviewed today. I had been told it would be informal, but it was not. It was a "normal" interview with all the questions about my strengths and weaknesses, problems and how I solve them, typical lesson plan (broken down to minutes). I think I answered the questions okay...but I was unbelievable nervous. That surprised me because I knew everyone on the committee. I know you've seen someone making a speech or presentation and being so shy...and nervous...that you suffered with them and just wanted it to be over so they would feel better. That was me today. I believe if I had been interviewed for another job by people who do not know me I would not have had a chance at the job. As it was, several of the committee came to my rescue and shared good things they knew about my teaching. All I can say is - bless their hearts. I am almost sure I will be hired full-time, but I will feel better when the contract is signed. I will know for sure the first of next week.
2 down - 2 to goFour weeks down and two to go. The ankle is still healing well. I am physically tired from the crutches. After some of my strength came back I decided they are easier than the scooter. In my mind when I go back to the doctor I get to burn the crutches if I want to. I won't because someone else might need them. That's what "we'll put the foot down" means to me. I have vague recollections of going through a "weaning" process last time. I put the foot down...but wore a brace and kept crutches with me just in case. We will see. This time I accept the brace (just cloth and verlco) but I see myself throwing away the cruthces (figuratively).
Breaking news!!I can hardly believe this! I went to the doctor today expecting the splint to be taken off and the big black boot put on. That happened. I also expected to NOT be able to take that boot off for ANYTHING for another 2 weeks at least. The good news is I can take the boot off when I am home and not on crutches or the scooter...in other words, not trying to walk. I can even put the bottom of my foot on the floor when I am seated...just no pressure. With a shower chair, I can shower and let the water run over my foot. THAT was marvelous tonight. So was rubbing nice mint/eucaylptus creme on my feet and legs....not over the incision of course.
To me...this is a miracle. I kept invisoning warm ocean water washing over my ankle...and golden light surrounding it. Didn't hurt.
Obviously the xrays looked really good...bone looking good...and screws where they should be. I go back in 4 weeks...and that's when I start putting some weight on it.
Okay, I'm back to the foot flexes...straight up and down. In two weeks, I get to start drawing the alphabet in the air with my ankle.
I bet I can spell...GLORY GLORY HALLELUJAH!!!
In the MeantimeI am Still on crutches or scooting around on the knee scooter. I went back to school Monday. Students are great, just like I knew they would be. One of my coworkers drives to school. Students are waiting to take the scooter out of the car and walk with me to my room. I am amazed that I can get to every student's desk AND write on the board...on the scooter. I go back to the Dr. Monday to see how I am doing...if the bone is mending as it should.
In the meantime, I've focused on the book..which has changed titles again. The new one is So Like Jessie. I did a good job of researching present day Greece, but I also need to know all about Greece in the 1920-1940 period. I realized I had Greece of a long, long time ago in mind. So...I've been researching again. In the researching I have picked up more tidbits to make the story more "real."
If anyone is an authority on Greece, particularly, Athens,Santorini and Rhodes in the 20's-40's, let me know! You don't even have to be an authority! I have tons of bookmarks, but if you find a site, let me know.
Some things worse than broken bonesHere's my progress report and plan. Other than the aching, itching and burning under my splint (and dreading the big black boot), I am doing better than I thought I would. I am extremely bored and even frustrated. There's nothing so far that I can't do for myself - everything just takes twice as much energy. I am going back to school tomorrow. I had not planned to go until Tuesday. The students are in standardized testing tomorrow so I can slip back in and "case the joint" for desks, tables, etc. that need to be moved and find out which is best for the layout...crutches or scooter or both. Going in at 8 or 9 on Tuesday and seeing the students' work for last week and meeting them at 10 would be overwhelming. Plus...I need to see how long showering and doing my hair and really getting dressed (make-up and all) will take. I have been spreading those things over the day...except make-up...there's been none of that.
Broken AnkleI don't remember how long I've been blogging. I don't think I was when I broke my right ankle 4 years ago. Anyway, I broke my left ankle Wednesday and had surgery Friday. Last time was very complicated with 5 screws and a plate/ this time only 3 screws and no plate. However, I can not touch my foot to the floor for at least another 5 weeks. I have a splint now, but on the 23rd I get a boot which will be BIG and HEAVY. I will have to wear that to sleep, to bathe, all the time for several weeks. Then I will get to take it off occasionaly when I am seated...but still sleep in it and have it on when I am up and moving around. Since I have been going to the Y and am much stronger and in better shape and because this one is simple (for a broken ankle), I handle crutches much easier. All the yoga has helped, too. Plus, I am using a knee scooter which I did not have last time. There's nothing I can not do for myself...just the accumulation of all the little things tires me . I stayed at Mother's from Friday until Tuesday afternoon. I hope to go back to school Tuesday...using the scooter. If I had not broken the right one 4 years ago, this would probably seem a lot worse to me.
Oh...you are probably wondering how I did it. Well, Brindle, my dog, was not involved this time. I was going down my front steps (only 2 of them) and somehow stumbled. I had nothing in my hands. I saw my ankles turning, and I am sure I shifted weight to the left one instinctively because I am so protective of the right one.
Another thing...last time Dr. Goodman said later he might have to remove the plate (and screws?) because some people just can't tolerate them. Mine doesn't bother me. That ankle doesn't hurt (usually) and I have full range of motion.
It's challenging to see how many creative ways I can come up with to save energy. Mother gave me a "carpenter's" apron, which helps a lot. I can't carry plates of food or any liquid unless they have a top on them. So the food goes in plastic sealed containers and the liquid in nonspill cups. With the scooter I can carry them with one hand without spilling them. The family arranged my house so things are most convenient so I don't have to make so many trips.
That's my story and I am sticking to it until it changes...which will be soon!
Here we go again...Well, I'm back in school. No students yet. Just paperwork and getting ready. So far the session is starting well - with the exception of the stress. : ) Once again there are full-time positions open, and I'm in the running. I will be glad when the hiring is done and the unknown is once again known. This should be sorted out this month...or next. I obviously want to be added full-time again. Having benefits would mean a lot to me. I love my job, but at this point I accept that anything could or could not happen...expectedly or unexpectedly. Now if that last sentence isn't gobblygook...then I've never written or read gobblygook. I believe in positive thinking, but I will admit the anxiety creeps in at times.
So far other than that stress and all the tension between all the adjunct teachers over who is or isn't going to be added full-time, good things are happening. The new bosses are great. The classroom part goes so much better when the bosses know what they or doing...and/or care what's going on in the classroom.
As you know..you will be hearing more and seeing the pictures! Wiggling My ToesIf you've been reading my blog, you may remember my last flight to NY which resulted in 2 rather "silly" resolutions. One, I won't wear predominately black . Two, I will wear sandles.
Background on both _ my entire (almost) wardrobe at the time was black. For instance, for that trip, I packed at least 3 pairs of black pants and several black tops. Black is sombre, sophiticated (maybe), and understated. Beautiful colors are carefree, fun, and vibirant. They lift the spirit.
The sandles...well, I have always thought my toes were ugly so I would never wear sandles except around the house or maybe to the grocery store. I bought some today...painted my toes red...and here they are...pretty or not!! I know...I didn't even paint them well. And yes, that's an I've-worked-retail bunion on my left big toe. But that's not the point. The point is they are wiggling. Ah, the little celebrations of life.
Rhetorical Questions?Have you ever done anything and then wondered why you did it? Ever forgotten the meaning of "leave well enough alone"?
Maybe we forget in those "should have left it alone" situations because as humans we long for perfection. Therefore, we want to go back to what was "almost there". We aren't operating from logic here - just longing. Longing not even for what ever existed but for what we thought could have existed. A line in one of my songs is "I don't see how it can be - I miss what I don't want anymore."
Before the internet, perhaps we would make a call because of those "close calls." Now we send an email. When we actually called we could push in the number and hang up even to the point of hearing the other party's voice. Email doesn't work that way. Once you hit send, it's gone. No taking back those words, simple words that open a closed door. In those cases, we consider a follow-up email simply stating "Oh, nevermind." But, how stupid is that?
As you may have guessed by now, in this case "we" is "me." So, after we open that door just a little crack with something as harmless as "how are you?" we wait - half wishing for an answer, half hoping for no answer. An answer might be like taking that first drink...avoid at all costs. On the other hand, an answer might actually be another chance to aim at perfection. I understand the necessity of two hands for our body -- but two for our minds? I don't know.
It's early, and obviously I'm still in my dream state and not my logical state. Life forever changes. You can not step in the same river twice. (I'd give credit for that last statement, but I've forgotten who wrote it.) But on the other hand, who knows what the new river would be?
More roses and a check inJust a quick check-in. I finally had time to do a little blog hopping! Good to read and see!
I am on break until the 27th. Doesn't seem I've gotten much done, but I did enjoy a great visit with my daughter and her partner.
I am still "into" yoga and loving it.
The roses are still blooming. Life is good.
My 3 SonsIf you've been reading my blog long, you have heard about my 3 Japanese sons. I went to dinner with them tonight.
This picture made about 5 years ago is very precious to me because they had it made especially for me at an Internation Dinner. I was sick and wasn't there. They were very excited about giving it to me.
Hiroki, Me, Yan, Akihiro
I taught them the first year I taught ESL. They were young when they got here, stayed in ESL a little longer than their classmates, and needed a lot of encouragement and help, which I gave them. I went to their soccer games; I met them in the computer lab on Sundays; I made them individual web pages, which I updated to fit their latest diagnostic tests.
They have told me they may have given up if not for me. I was determined they were going to pass the TOEFL and go on to academic classes, which, of course, they did. I will admit I played favorites. No students have ever gotten as much attention from me. I even took them and picked them up at the airport, an hour for here. When I went to their soccer games I yelled if anyone on the other team touched them. I was a grandstand mother. My excuse for playing favorites is they needed it! They have never forgotten all the individual attention they got. To them I am Mom..their American Mom.
They invited me to dinner tonight. We went to Sidelines, a sports bar, and had wings and fries. When we go to dinner, Akihiro drives, and they have to pick the place. I tell them I drove and made the decisions long enough. I particularly liked it that Akihiro chose a place he goes to often. I am not a huge wings or fries fan...but those were wonderful!
A few other students call me Mom and many, many call me Grandmom, but these were the first. They will always be my 3 Japanese sons. They even have a "brother" bond. They are all friends, but I think they only time they all 3 get together is with me.
I am very proud of them. I love them and they love me.
PS: I think the best sketch I've ever done is this one...of Hiroki.
I need to sketch the other two. Wish I remembered the name of the roseThe new pics are of my favorite rose. I wish I remember the name, but I don't. I do remember it is a David Austin Old English Rose. I "deadheaded" - I guess before they were really dead - and that's why there's a bowl of floating roses..with short stems. I am thankful for my roses. They have made a rough week or so much easier. I haven't posted lyrics here in a long time because I don't like the fact that everyone is encouraged to take. I've accepted it with my photographs. Anyway...clearly stating that these lyrics are MINE and I own the copyright...here are new lyrics...
Between
Somewhere between your dreams and mine
Between meant to be and might have been What we said and what we meant We were right, right there together Now we're mountains and oceans Somewhere between your dreams and mine ( Lryically Yours - Stephanie C. Brown - May 3, 2008 copyright: Stephanie C. Brown)
Blue Moon Festival -
Once upon a Blue Moon Festival Mandolins and guitars Troubadours under the stars Singing well known songs Living songs as yet unwritten With melodies and chords Straight from winds and rivers Words lost in the music Meaning found
Once upon a Blue Moon Festival Mandolins and guitars Troubadours under the stars (Lyrically Yours Stephanie C. Brown May 5, 2008 copyright: Stephanie C. Brown)
Scanned RosesI like to scan roses, too. I hope you enjoy them. More roses and a free spiritOne of my Nashville friends passed away. I hadn't see him in years but we kept up with each and talked on the phone...not often or regularly. If one of us moved or changed numbers the other one always managed to get the number if one of us didn't give it to the other one. He was a pivotal person in my life...by that I mean I don't think I'd be who I am now if I had not met him. He helped me see the world in a different light...a freer light. He never had commercial success but is much respected by other musicians and songwriters...especially Red Dirt ones or ones from Oklahoma or Texas. He was the freest spirit I've ever met. Funny how much you can miss someone you didn't see or talk to much....but you can.
Beautiful RosesMy bushes have more roses than ever this year. Maybe because it was cold...no bugs! The pictures are from the 2 that are blooming. There are 3 more that are not. All of my roses are the old fashioned type roses...mostly climbers. My yard may not be cut...my hedges may not be trimmed...but my roses are beautiful!!
I have just 7 more days to teach and then 2 days of testing and I will be out of school for a little over 2 weeks!
I've been ebaying. My daughter gave me a gift certificate and I'm trying to spend it. I think I will be able to get three Hindu movies (yes...all Shahrukh Khan ones) and then Wings of Desire and FarAway, both Wim Wenders films. Talking about YouTube - Chaiyya Chaiyya (Dil Se)
We interrupt the usual programming to bring you 3 videos by the King "Who Has No Empire...but whose realm is the world" SHAHRUKH KHAN or more simply - King Khan! Thanks to my Indain students I am discovering Bollywood! Scroll for the regular blog if you don't want to watch the videos..but they are great. The best way to view these is to actually go to YouTube. Just click on the title above the video and it will take you to the "real" one. This first one was filmed on a moving train! It is too fast for the embedded version. Even on YouTube the effect is supposed to be fast motion. If you want to skip the videos...scroll on down to LIFE GOES ON! However, you might enjoy just reading the lyrics of the songs. I loved the music and videos before I found the translations. Now....WOW! YouTube - Chaiyya Chaiyya (Dil Se)
CHAIYYA CHAIYYA
Quote
Talking about YouTube - Dil Se Re
Life Goes OnWe often use the expression - life goes on. Often we use it in a bad situation...sort of resigned...there's nothing we can do. I am not sure I've ever heard anyone say it with joy in his or her voice. Life goes on! After my flight into NY the first of this month, I no longer take that for granted. Leaving all the details out, I (and other passengers with window shades up) thought the plane was too near a tall building. I know the distance is greater than it looks. Actually I did not look. I just listened to the ones beside and behind me. This was AFTER the pilot told us we were in a unique situation (just what you want to hear a pilot say) ... there was a laser field about a mile and 3/4 radius but we shouldn't have to fly through it depending on the number of planes taxing in...but IF we did, not to look out. I thought that meant he would tell us if we were...so I left my window shade up....so did the people in front of me. We were over the wing. The people by me and in front of me and a guy behind on the other side (diagonal) began saying, "That building..we're going to hit that building." I know the distance is less than it looks, but I don't know how close we were because I could not look. After the building remarks the plane started rocking back and forth (sideways) for what seemed like a long time. People screamed. The kid in front of me said the plane was going down. The lady beside me grabbed her husband's hand and then mine. We landed safely...but hard. Then the pilot said we would be towed all the way in...but not to worry if the emergency lights came on. He also said, "Welcome to NY. We had a good flight except for those last (however many) feet." A pause..."We didn't fly through the laser field." I got off the plane saying I would never fly again...but I did. I had to fly back home....but I will admit without me even realizing I was crying, tears rolled down my cheeks. There is one sort of funny part. Of course, I was writing in my journal when all of this happened. I stopped before the building and the turbulance. The next morning when I read what I wrote, I laughed.. "Laser field? laser field? laser field? 1 3/4 mile What the hell? laser field? Damn, I never thought to research laser fields" I promised myself I would never take life for granted again....and two rather funny resolutions. I won't wear black, and I'll let my toes show! The background on that is for convenience sake I had gotten into the habit of always wearing black pants to school, not because I liked the look but because it was convenient and cheaper. The toe part...I thought my toes were ugly so I won't let them show except at home or in very informal situations. I guess no black represents no mourning, and the open shoes represent freedom. I think those two cover it all. |
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