Veruca and I both had our hair cut after 3 months. She had so much damage that it’s now shorter than she likes and she “hates it.” I think it looks great but of course I’m just mom and no expert on what looks good – yes, it is shorter, but… it will grow back. … Continue reading Q-Day 133: Where I’ve Been, Unabbreviated Edition
#exhausted
Sin City – The Climax
Day 4 We drove down the Strip to see the long-awaited Venetian. This is the one casino I wanted to see most. And it was stunning. Italy-inspired facades …the ceilings were painted like sky and clouds (which is exactly what Caesar’s and Paris did too) and the “sidewalks” were glistening like wet stones. I was … Continue reading Sin City – The Climax
Todd and Tara Take Sin City
This year’s National Bowling Tournament season is in Vegas. I was so excited. Not excited to freeze my ass off at a bowling tournament as a spectator, but because I’ve never been to Nevada and I love adventures. And apparently when you get old there is a crapload of mishaps to make you question your … Continue reading Todd and Tara Take Sin City
The Long Way to Erie, Part 2
We left Niagara Falls – an oddly quiet and yet noisy town, and drove through the fog toward Buffalo. We took 190 to North Street through a quiet area of historical buildings and more churches in a 3 block radius than I’ve ever seen in my life. North Street took us to the corner of … Continue reading The Long Way to Erie, Part 2
Valentine’s Day and 100 Days to Go
I read an article about all the things you should and shouldn’t do when you’re over 40. Exercise every day, but not too much. Don’t eat the junk food that sustained you in your 20s. Your body doesn’t like it. Don’t drink too much. Apparently your body doesn’t like that either. Make sure you get … Continue reading Valentine’s Day and 100 Days to Go
Joy Among the Chaos
I remember sitting in Chemistry class, at my desk by the windows overlooking the courtyard, and I could see the reflection of the trees on the surface of my ring. And then a squirrel would catch my attention, and Mr. Garman would snap me out of my reverie to ask me what was so fascinating … Continue reading Joy Among the Chaos
I’m Okay, But I’m Not
At 12 weeks post-op, I was back to normal. I was feeling great. There’s been a lot going on in our lives lately. A lot. I’m now officially working more hours and I’m grateful. Work is where I can be normal, and not think about my personal life. I’m making more money and I’m grateful … Continue reading I’m Okay, But I’m Not
Where I’ve Been: Recovery & Coffee-Mate-Gate
First, a technical update: Six weeks post-op two-level cervical arthroplasty. The post-op x-ray shows a textbook-perfect cervical spine with two shiny new titanium discs “well-placed.” The pain is mostly gone, except when I wake up in the morning or I do too much (still). I can’t remember the last time I felt pain radiating down … Continue reading Where I’ve Been: Recovery & Coffee-Mate-Gate
As Life Goes On Around Me
As I continue to heal and not complain about it – (I joked with Todd over the weekend that he should be glad I’m not Opac, who would complain about every ache and pain like he was dying and then announce that his funeral was imminent) – life goes on around me. Not quite two … Continue reading As Life Goes On Around Me
After
Today is day 9. There’s a boa constrictor wrapped around my neck, and the muscles are tight around my cervical spine. Do I feel better than last Saturday? I’m going to say yes. Todd said I’d forget the pain at some point, and I do think he’s right. Last Saturday I was 24 hours into … Continue reading After
The Tara Chronicles 