Butterfly Effect

I've always thought the Butterfly Effect to be an interesting theory. 'A butterfly flaps its wings in Costa Rica, and there's a massive wind storm in the UK'...or something like that.

The effects of my Sinus Surgery are no different. I was hoping for a miraculous recovery, perhaps a few days of discomfort and/or pain. But life doesn't always work out the way we intend for it to. That doesn't mean the changes are bad, or that the current path is any worse than the previous route. Just...different, and unintended.

Let me show you...

GREAT change: My Mom is coming into town! I'm sooo happy that she'll be here to help me out, spend time with me, and just take care of me. I've been super lucky with Meredith, Dave and Soren... and of course, with Nathaniel. But Moms are just special - and I can't wait to give her a BIG HUG.

NOT-SO-GREAT change: Nathaniel is leaving for two weeks of training. There was a possibility that he would have to go - and now its certain. I'm just happy that he can get in some great flying.

GREAT change: The anti-nausea medication my doctor prescribed. It works! HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF! That's all I can say... With the level of pain and sinus drainage, I've spent the past few days feeling like I'm about to toss my cookies. Which is really bad - especially since I haven't had any cookies to begin with.

FOR-THE-BETTER change: I'm no longer racing in March 7th's Desert International Triathlon. I was really excited about my first Olympic-distance race in nearly three years...but with the missed training and general crummy-feeling, I figured adding an early-season race to my schedule was just, well...stupid. Besides - there's NO rush. I've got a long time before my 'A' races - so the extra rest will do me good.

CAN'T-BELIEVE-IT change: I haven't had sushi in over a week. That's something I never though would happen. But...it has.

SOMETHING-TO-LOOK-FORWARD-TO change: Sushi with Mom. Sushi with Nathaniel. Sushi with everyone!

COMFY change: New bedsheets. I love new bedsheets on the bed. Clean, fresh, and they feel great.

NO-SENSATION-LACK-OF change: I'm still pretty numb in my right cheek and part of my right lip. Thankfully I can move everything - it just still feels like that area was numbed (like when you visit the dentist). I had a great explanation from another doctor today about that... it involved facial fractures...and then I nearly passed out. No - I don't have a facial fracture, but to put it mildly - the surgery was invasive. (And now I need to take some more anti-nausea medication...yuck!)

HAPPY change: Watching Olympic athletes who have overcome difficulty and setback achieve their Olympic dreams. I LOVE it - it makes me happy to know that people CAN and DO overcome obstacles and major challenges. Bravo!

FUTURE change: I keep looking at my training and racing schedule...excited about my upcoming sessions. I can't wait to get back at it. But all in good time...all in good time. Like...when I can walk for a block and not get a nose bleed. Yep, all in good time. In the immediate future, I can see myself hanging out with Mom, watching a movie and sipping on GingerAle.

Thanks for the continued support - it means a lot.