What happens when your retina detatches...

Unfortunately I got to witness first hand. Troy's detached mid April and has since gone through surgery, a week with his head down-only raising his head for drops, and now working with 1 good eye. They drained the fluid during surgery and in its place nitrous oxide to help his eye heal-thus the head down so the air would be against the back of the eye (retina). A week ago he was allowed to have his head up and he went back to work the next day since he was over a week behind. Still no driving other than 1 block to the grocery store, which he has admitted was difficulty and not very safe; but can when he is more comfortable as legally you can drive with 1 eye. The most difficult thing at this point is he has to limit his activities-Dr's orders, and believe me-we asked. No boat for our 90 degree weekends, no volleyball, no basketball, no bike rides, and no golf for our perfect spring weather-all of which he was doing the week before. I can't imagine but he has been a good sport. Here's for hoping for sight soon and that air to decrease enough for our group trip to Mexico.

Getting Closer

I had to read my blog to see what I had mentioned now 1/2 a year ago; noticed at that point I had mentioned a house. A long process then and continued for the last 6 months but finally an offer was accepted and I have a closing date at the end of May. The entire first floor has a chair rail and pale green color underneath it-all which will need to be painted. And the purple/blue in the master will have to go too. A lot of work painting but it is newer than many I have looked at and should be ready to move in when I close. I am excited about the blank slate of a backyard with a hottub connected to the pool; maybe a good project for Troy. A big one crossed off my list, next a car with windows that roll down.

A Years Update

Apparently I have a little work to make up for my absence, however I don't have all the exiting news as I did last year. I have really been enjoying working with the kids at both jobs. Don't always enjoy the paperwork side quite as much but it comes with the territory. I get the opportunity to work with really fun/interesting patients in the hospital neuro rehab setting where they make such great improvements. It is so much fun to see such quick and significant changes. The home health side of things has been great because I am able to follow these kids and become a part of their lives. I am fortunate to see how awesome and amazing these kids are.

Work keeps me pretty busy with a lot of my extra time finishing up paperwork or catching up on sleep. I have taken a few vacations including the annual skiing trip to Tahoe, another hiking trip to Havasupi and a birthday trip to LA to see Dirty Dancing as a musical. Troy and I also did the see each other's home as I went to NE for his sisters wedding and we went to a concert for frontier days in WY. Not a very exciting list for a year, but with grander hopes for next year.

Recently I have been looking for a house, a commitment to AZ for a bit at least. Unfortunately it has been a long process but am keeping up the efforts. Troy and I moved into town more where the drive to work is bearable, now about a year ago, and have continued to tolerate each other. :) As of this summer a friend has moved in and has been a nice break for Troy as she entertains me at night while Troy gets to bed early to get to work at 4, and I have loved the company and the availability of stylish clothes.

Like I mentioned to start, nothing exciting but at least an update.

a job-finally

Actually 2 jobs. After a couple interviews, several pros/cons lists, and many phone calls I have finally decided. I have always loved working in pediatrics but following my last rotation in outpatient spinal cord rehab I was a bit torn. All my past experiences in neuro rehab have been great and I feel they are intriguing and challenging, both of which are good qualities to start a career. It was recommended that I work in acute neuro rehab (associated with hospitals-the step after discharge from inpatient) and there are 2 in the valley that specialize in spinal cord injury. I got the best of both worlds as there was an opening for an acute neuro pediatric position. With this decision I gave up a hefty sign-on bonus, higher salaries, weekends, and holidays. However, it is a part-time position so I also get the chance to work in home-health pediatrics with a great company and mentorship. Here's for hoping everything works out.

Summer Fun

One of the most beautiful places I have ever been! A group of us hiked havasupi (in the grand canyon) in July. It's a 10 mile hike in and out, but worth every step and blister. The group, consisting of my brother, boyfriend, and great friends had a great time camping, hiking, and playing in the falls and rivers along the canyon tributary.








The adventurous hike to Mooney falls. (Havasu falls pictured above)

The boys bought a boat!

yes, we jumped!


Between clincals and finishing research I have found some time to have some fun. Haven't been great at keeping my camera close, but thanks to friends I have a couple pics to show some fun in the AZ heat.

Big Events!

Some big news to start out this blog...my 3 year run in PT school is now finished and you can call me doctor. Still have a big national licensing exam coming, which I am studying 8 hours a day for, but nonetheless finished with a big part of it. Graduation date was Aug. 2, which unfortunatelly coinsided with Troy's big birthday. He was a good sport about sharing his day with friends along with my family who all came to celebrate with me. Celebration pictures to follow.