A Big Week And A Two-Feather Day

My 6-month checkup at the surgeon's office and some other stuff

I collect feathers.  I don't remember exactly when it started, but several years ago, I began picking up feathers whenever I see them.  Today when I went out to retrieve the trash can from the curb, I actually found 2 feathers!  Not huge ones, but still, I took finding 2 as a very good sign.  I like to imagine that the feathers I find are from the wings of an angel God sent to watch over me.

This past Sunday night I went to my college for their Christmas oratorio presentation, which, this year, was portions of Handel's "Messiah".  I told my music fraternity students that I have performed in many more of these than I have had the chance to watch and listen to since I've been an adult.  As musicians, this is what we do.  We make music.  Sometimes, though, it is good for us, and even necessary, that we sit back and let others make the music, allowing it to minister to us.  I felt as though God were saying to me, "Let Me feed your soul as you listen this time."  It was exactly what I needed to start my Christmas season and my soul was indeed nourished.

Thursday is my official 6-month "surgi-versary", and today I had my 6-month checkup at the surgeon's office.  I met with both the dietician and the exercise physiologist to go over my food log and exercise since my last checkup.  My blood pressure was good, 110/68.  I'll take that.  My BMI is down over 16 points.  And according to my scale at home, I am down 93 pounds, which is still ahead of schedule.  I'll take that, too.

I was a little nervous about this appointment because it was my first big nutrient check since surgery.  I went in  last week for the dozen or so (OK, I am exaggerating, a little) vials of blood to be drawn to check everything from vitamins and protein to iron and thyroid levels.  My phosphorus is a little low but no action is required at this point.  That will be checked again in 6 months.  Protein and vitamins are all within range, so that is a big relief.  I am, however, anemic.  (Thank you, Cramp Fairy, for bringing back my periods and stealing my iron!)  So I am adding an iron supplement to my routine.  The dietician also recommended a probiotic to help with intestinal issues, so I'll be adding those as well.  Overall, considering how many nutrients I could be lacking and all the health complications that could result, I am actually thrilled that iron is my only problem.

I have also officially been cleared to advance to phase 4 diet, which means I can add some starches, as tolerated and within reason.  I can also gradually begin to increase my portion sizes, which means that over time I can start getting more protein from food and less from supplements, which will be a good thing.  I am so used to doing 3-ounce math, I'll have to start looking up nutrition information for different amounts of foods.  No problem.

The Hubs's birthday is tomorrow, and to celebrate a little early, we got dressed up and went to a fancy steakhouse for dinner last night.  He looked so handsome in his dress slacks, shirt and tie, and I had the chance to wear the black velvet dress I have mentioned in a couple of previous posts.  I had him take a quick picture of me just so I could see how I looked in the dress (because the image in the mirror is neither lasting nor accurate).  It looked nice on me, showing my recently-discovered waist and legs that have become surprisingly small.  Dinner was delicious and I have a couple of meals' worth of leftovers to enjoy.  The atmosphere was both intimate and festive, with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations everywhere in the restaurant and a gloriously festooned tree next to the hostess station.  The service was impeccable.  And the company was perfect.  I'd rather be with The Hubs than anyone else in the world.  Not only do I love him, I genuinely like him.  He is the funniest person I know and after 30-plus years of togetherness, 26 of those married, he can still make me laugh so hard I cry or pee my pants.  Or both.  Humor like that can carry people over a multitude of problems, as it has for us.  Laughter is indeed a good medicine.  Plus, it's great for your abs!

Tonight was the music fraternity's Christmas party at the home of our Chapter Advisor.  Every year she makes supper for this bunch of hungry college students and welcomes the whole chapter into her home.  She decorates all over the house at Christmas, with a tree in every room and candles everywhere.  It was a joy to be surrounded by these precious student musicians and share an evening of fellowship and, again, lots of laughter.  At the end of the evening, she spoke of how blessed we all are and how especially at Christmas we should be mindful of those who do not have the opportunities we enjoy.  And she suggested that we take a moment each day and think of someone who means something special to us, considering the attributes that make that person unique and giving thanks for their presence in our lives.  As I left her house tonight, I thanked her for the evening and especially for her words, and I told her that when I consider those special people who have contributed so much to my life, she is one of the people for whom I am so grateful.

God has blessed me so greatly, with the people He has placed in my path, the experiences of my life that have made priceless memories for me to treasure, and even the trials that have hurt me for a season but taught me valuable lessons.  With the week and its activities fresh in my mind, I am especially grateful for my most immediate family, The Hubs, and my larger musical family of college students and teachers, past and present.  And I am grateful for the doctors and other specialists who are helping me to get healthier and stronger.  I am indeed blessed beyond measure.