Happy Monday, everyone! Let’s just dive right in, shall we? My weekend was… well, let’s call it an adventure in mobility and digital frustration.
Friday morning started bright and early with a work errand for Dave. Then, it was off to my doctor’s main office. Now, this particular location holds a special place in my heart… mostly because it’s a monument to architectural choices that defy all logic.
My last visit to this office was way back when my shoulder first decided to stage a rebellion. Since then, I’d been happily utilizing the satellite office closer to home. But the main office? Oh, the main office is an experience.
Six months ago, the elevator near their second-floor office was out of commission. Guess what? Six months later, it’s still enjoying its extended vacation. This means a delightful trek through a cavernous, echoing space, followed by a winding journey through…wait for it…an actual locker room, just to reach the *other* elevator. And since I can’t adequately describe how ridiculous it it, here are actual photos of the route to the elevator, which Dave was pushing me through in a wheelchair.
Finally inside the elevator, we were greeted by a sign that warned us not to push more than one floor button or the elevator would not move. Comforting, right? I mean, who needs added pressure when you’re already feeling like you’re starring in your own personal escape room?
We made it to the second floor (phew!), and Dave practically bolted out the moment the doors creaked open. Then, another marathon walk back across the building, past a deserted check-in desk that looked like it was expecting visitors any minute, and down a series of hallways. We finally arrived at our destination a full 30 minutes early. Because, you know, cardio.
The good news? They whisked me away for fresh X-rays of my ankles (still rocking the stylish boots). I also requested some updated views of my left shoulder, and my doctor happened by and approved the additional scans. Score!
The wait time clocked in at around an hour, but once I finally got face-to-face with my doctor, he delivered the verdict. My ankles are still healing (emphasis on the “-ing”). Progress, albeit slow, but progress! I’ve been promoted to walking around the house without the walker, as long as I’m wearing the boots and feeling comfortable. And, I’m officially signed up for physical therapy two to three times a week. Bring on the resistance bands!
Now, for the shoulder news… less sunshine and rainbows. Apparently, it’s destined for some surgical attention down the road. But, in the meantime, a cortisone shot would keep things relatively peaceful. It was administered quickly, I scheduled a follow-up appointment for four weeks later, and I was on my way. Small victories, people, small victories!
Friday night, I had a fantastic visit with my friend Samantha. No puppy-sitting duties required this time, although she did spontaneously take Albus for a walk (he’s a charmer, that one). She also gave me some invaluable advice about this very blog, and how to bring a more authentic version of myself to the story.
Saturday was dedicated to incorporating those ideas, and by Sunday, I was ready to launch SunflowerUmbrellaLady.com! Or so I thought. The day was plagued by technical issues with the site design. It wasn’t until 8pm that I finally published a largely broken website.
But hey, it was live! I immediately reached out to some of my closest friends to get some eyeballs on the screen. Will it be successful? For me, success at this point would be well-received posts that might help someone in a similar situation feel less alone. Time will tell.
And Dave, ever the perfect husband, surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers to mark the occasion. They’re currently brightening up my living room and reminding me that even on days filled with broken elevators and glitchy websites, there’s always something to smile about.
So, that’s the latest from The Sunflower Umbrella Lady. Wish me luck as I continue to navigate the world of healing ankles, cranky shoulders, and slightly dysfunctional websites! Stay tuned for more adventures (and hopefully fewer technical difficulties) next time!