Missing the Heels

Nick & I went to Oklahoma City yesterday and met my Dad for an appointment with Fred & Ginger. It used to be that we would go for a few days, but now it is just a day trip. Everything went well; just needed to make an adjustment. Nick and Dad got a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the new prosthetic technology.

Picture this: a limb that you never have to take off. It is in the research development stage, but apparently some really smart people are working on this concept. It seems as if they could do surgery to implant a rod that would act as the bone (or stabilizer) and go from there.

Where the skin would come from is for the researchers to figure out, but that would be fantastic. Do you know how many times Fred & Ginger have been taking a break and I think about something I need but can't get to it? Patience is most definitely a virtue. Individual finger movement (on prosthetics) is also being developed. The amazing part is that the movement is controlled by thought. Look out Dallas drivers! :)

The creative innovation that is required for all of these technological leaps is so inspiring. Yesterday while Fred & Ginger were dancing with others and getting their spa treatment, Nick & Dad were together taking the tour while Sky & I stayed in the patient room. These patient rooms, by the way, are filled with munchies, good reading materials, a television and a view of a lake. It is designed to be relaxing and comfortable for those long appointments.

So, Sky & I are hanging out with the great view and I realize I’m not close enough to the magazines. I began to plot how I could get to it. Although daily tasks have become much easier by trial and error, there is always a moment of thinking things through. Nick and I literally have to talk through our days at times to make sure I can get things done. Note to therapists: this is a great way to learn communication skills (or lack thereof). :)

Back to the magazine: Sky was enjoying a nap so I didn’t want to bother him, but I really was curious about the news of the week. I finally scooted on the couch to the table and guess what? I reached out and the magazine pretty much slid right into my lap. :)

I had a long time in the room to kick back, which I did, but I also thought about how things used to be prior to Fred & Ginger coming into my life. I could have stood up to get the magazine, I could run outside around the lake, I could feel the warmth of socks and the touch of a great foot massage or the feminine side of my 4-inch heels (still miss those shoes) .

But, as I started down that path, Sky started to wake up and he gave me the biggest kiss on the cheek, Dad & Nick came back in the room and I thought, this is exactly why Fred & Ginger danced into my world.

I’m approaching my 2nd year (next month) with Fred & Ginger and I feel like I have developed a sense of life that only this experience could have taught me.

Love,
Jen

Go-Go Gadget

Even when I had hands I wasn't that graceful with a knife. However, as with many things I have learned to compensate for, I have yet to master the art of using the knife. I'm thinking this is good for everyone around me. :)

I was with a few friends last week and we were looking through a Williams-Sonoma catalog and the solution was right in front of me. Check out this great gadget! I can dice, slice, core & wedge just about anything. It also comes with a variety of different blades. I'll be super-independent and safe on the cutting now!

All I do is use my arms to press. How hard is that? My next gadget is the VeggieChop. Look out Rachael Ray!

Between chopping and slicing I discovered a great voice and great coffee. Have I mentioned that I have a coffee problem? Anyway, we went to listen to the great tunes of Karen Naomi at Dunn Bros Coffee. What a great story she has.

Check her site out and find out where you can catch her next. Her beautiful mom is suffering from Meningococcal septicemia and has a touching story. We are thinking of you.

I've also gotten an invite to an art show that I'm really looking forward to. This is a mother-son exhibit and she is an interior designer with tons of talent. Why is this exciting? Besides the fact that we love this kind of stuff, this relates to a previous post.

Remember a guy who came to the house to talk to Nick & I? Well, this is why. He knows her and wanted us to meet. She is an amputee as well. Can I just say how inspiring it will be to finally meet her and also to see how she has translated it into art ? Very neat. I'll keep you posted! No pun intended. :)

What else do I have for you? I'm going to get Fred & Ginger looked at next week. It's been a while but I'm learning so much about taking care of them. I have saved $ on pedicures, that's for sure.

Also, for the past few months, I have been talking with some family members of a 20-year-old girl who just lost her legs and hands last week. We talked several times prior to her surgery but how can you ever "really" prepare? Keep her in your prayers as she starts her journey.

Love, Jen

Time

Today is Tuesday and I’m already looking forward to the weekend, again.

I have been a long-time proponent of a 4-day work week or working ½ days on Fridays. :)

I actually worked for a company where Friday’s were just like that and it was beautiful. And the productivity, you ask?

It was was awesome. It was as if we were liberated by having that incentive. I was thinking about this yesterday as well, as I had a luncheon for the P.L.A.Y. Foundation.

The meeting was a success, but as we were leaving I noticed we were thanking those we met with for their “time” and I started thinking about how much we are controlled by the numbers 1-12.

Time is truly a precious commodity in which we should value more and use more wisely. I think everyone might agree with that. It always seems as if time is fleeting, with little or no extra to spare for yourself or for your closest friends & family.

I know I sometimes feel this way, but I've been able to use that same incentive for the 4-hour workday and it seems to work! :)

An observation: with so many baby-boomers preparing to retire, people being laid off, parents at home more, less travel and so on, it creates an enormous opportunity to do something with an unexpected thing: time!

Just like working a bit less on a Friday, we can enjoy the time we are given by doing something positive and productive.

I received a fantastic e-mail from a friend which goes so well with this blog post. If you want to do something good with your time follow these rules:

1. Spend more time with the little ones under the age of 6 and the wise ones above 60.
2. You've got to have a dream.
3. We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.
4. Laugh and find humor every day.
5. Growing older is mandatory, growing up is optional. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in chance.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. Spend your time this week with situations that can really result in a smile.

And, anyone who can help with that 4-day work week, I'm available to chat. :)

Love,
Jen

Happy Birthday & a Little Reflection

What a fun weekend we had! My dad had a Birthday as well as my uncle, who by the way, have the  same name.  Makes it really easy to communicate :)  

Excuse this photo, we started cutting a slice when the camera went off (no, I didn't take the photo) but the cake was so good!!  We even had individual cheesecakes by the wonderful chef, Matteo (my brother).  Nick, great cook too, took care of a few tummies as well.

Not only did we eat and eat well, we played HOOPLA (Cranium game).  Wow, that was interesting. Its hilarious how many ways there are to describe something. We had appropriate moments and not-so-appropriate moments.  Try this at the next party, great ice breaker!!

So, on a different note..... I'm reflecting on the news this past week of the 20 year old brazilian model who lost her battle from an infection which lead to septicemia. Including this story, I have heard from 2 others who are currently involved or associated with the same scenario.

The more I talk to people and discover the emotions, struggles, etc. of working through this, I find how much I have been blessed with, but not in the way you might think.  Yes, I survived, yes I lost a few things, but I have been given a wild web of connections that has created a book of stories and support for so many.     

Its reflections.  When I was in the situation, I couldn't "see" the same way as when I read of others and talk to others. I have felt, at times, that I am experiencing it all over but in a way that makes me really look outside myself. I focused so hard on getting my life back to normalcy that taking time out to REALLY understand where my life was headed is very humbling.

I thank everyone for the wonderful support and comments, but, without these stories and commonalities, I may not feel as I do today. Looking forward to the future!!!!

Have a great day!!

Now Is the Time

What a day for us all! Regardless of your political views, today seemed to have a quality that should be with us everyday.

Belief in something beyond us, inspiration from world leaders, to cherish your family and friends and the things you do have, togetherness for common ideals and purpose.

These are the things we need to recognize and covet. Today is a new day. Start over and renew your vows, renew an old friendship or let go of your anger.

Set your goals a bit higher, finish that bachelor's or master's degree, or just get back to your roots. Whatever it is, "now is the time".

What are you waiting for, really? Ask that question and really work through your anxieties, apprehensions and obstacles that are keeping you from going the extra mile.

Be the change that you wish to see, as Gandhi said.

Love,
Jen

P.S. Annabelle, I still have you in my prayers. How are things? E-mail me at griffinja123@gmail.com if you want.