An evening out.

My new favorite pastime is sitting outside on my deck in the evening.

Wrapped in a blanket when the sun starts to descend. The chill is welcomed after the heat of a summers day.

The breeze teasing the pages of my book as I am lost in the story. It's euphoric and peaceful.

As the light slowly fades and the dim shimmer of the candles fail to light the pages of my book, I simply sit and listen to teenagers enjoying their summer evenings of freedom.

It's so easy to forget to slow down, take time to yourself, and enjoy the simple pleasures that life offers.

An evenings out, has taken on a whole new meaning for me, and I couldn't be happier. 

One week

There is only one week to go until my surgery. In fact, this time next week I will already be recovering! 

No nerves yet, just excitement. I'm eager to feel better and look better. 

I can't wait to be able to use my core strength, well actually to have some core strength to use.

I'm looking forward to not having back pain, or an uncomfortable hanging weight I'm lugging around all day. The discomfort and irritation around my scars will be gone, and tenderness and swelling also gone. Not to mention, my stomach will look amazing! 

I know there is going to be a lot of pain and discomfort from the surgery, but it is more than worth it! 

I'm ready! This week will not go fast enough!

I had my preop appointment a few days ago and had the dreaded before pictures.

It was like the dreaded 360 mirror on What not to wear. Only a 100 times worse because it was just me in my underwear being photographed. I will not be posting those pictures lol

But the day of my surgery I will post before pics. 

I think my only concern now, is how will I keep my puppy from laying on my stomach, it's his favorite place to nap. 

15 days to go!

Fifteen days to go until my surgery!! I am beyond excited!

I know I should be a little nervous, but I'm not. I can't wait to feel normal again. To be able to just get dressed in the morning without all the stress clothes give me now! To not have pain and discomfort from my scars and the lack of core strength. No sore back from lifting, no discomfort from running. I can't wait! 

I've been doing what I like to call, pre surgery nesting. I shaved my dogs, a task I don't want to worry about while recovering. I went shopping for all gifts I will need during recovery time, just in case I'm not up to going to the mall after.

I have also bought things to make my recovery better. Such as comfy clothing, cheap bedding, just in case. A blanket to wrap up it when sitting on the deck at night. All things that seem like they maybe important, but may not be. I still have things on my list, like Popsicles I may want while I can't eat much, and favorite foods for when I can eat. 

It's just not coming fast enough lol 

Tomorrow is my pre op appointment, and I will be doing before pictures. So hopefully I will be brave enough to post them! 

The ER

I have been to the ER twice in the last week, my poor friend has been I'll.

Like any friend would do when they get a call saying their BFF is off to the ER, I packed my "all night wait in an ER bag" and headed there to meet her.

Now I will point out that we live at opposite ends if the city, and heading to the north for someone who lives in the south is like going to another city. The culture shock can be alarming. And as most from the south end would tell you, going to some parts of the north is going to the hood.

The hospital is smack dab in the middle of said hood! 

On my second visit, I locked my car securely in the paid parking area, hoping I would see it one piece when I left. And headed to the doors. Now after the first visit I thought maybe I am snobby, or sheltered, or a princess? But my second visit confirmed that is not the case. Or at least not 100% of the case at least.

While heading to the doors, alone at night. I see a couple having sex in the bushes, who actual asked if I had any change, however not stopping to do so. 

A man asked me if I had any chickens for sale. A woman asked if I would watch her baby while she got high. Yet had no baby. (I alerted security) Two kids were a sleep on a bench, with pillows and blankets. (Security alerted again) and finally a man peeing in the bush by the doors. All this before I even made it into the doors! 

I could write a novel about all the different characters in the waiting room. And some probably will make it into a book here and there.

Now I don't mean to sound snobby and judgmental, but I have never seen anything like this at the south hospitals. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I have just never seen it.

I would like to think that I am accepting of all humans and treat them all the same. I do try my best to. But sometimes humans make it hard!

Especially when drinking alcohol in the ER waiting room, or running out to "smoke a fatty" because you have been waiting so long you're mellow was harshed.

And to the guy who insisted on telling everyone you didn't pay the hooker because she gave you a rash. And the family who brought their kids in because you smoked pot and they now look a funny colour to you. And the man who drove his car over his own foot (not sure how one does that), you are not helping me to not be not so snobby...

Thankfully my car was in one piece when I returned. And the kids on the bench were no longer there. Nor where the couple in the bushes.

And I made it back to the south safe and sound.

I guess I am just a princess lol