The lagest and greatest - (and giving the Book of Face a run for it's money)

It has been exactly nine days since my last blog, and as someone who loves writing, photography, sports, and all things creative - this, for all practical purposes, is blasphemy. However, I'm still alive, still kicking, and in spite of a brief return to the hospital, the clot hasn't finished me off.

EVERYONE GO AND KNOCK ON WOOD.

Now that my folks are gone, Nathaniel is out flying, and the House Monsters are doing their thing, I feel like I can finally begin to put the pieces together and catch up with life.

And yes, I could probably write a really really really long blog post about my experiences this past week (and change!) - but I'll save you (and ME!) the trouble and instead give a "status update" play-by-play a la Book of Face. Yes, there will be some pictures. Enjoy!

Status Update: NO, I don't know why I've been so sick this year - but I can promise that I DID NOT steal a lava rock.

Status Update: Along with my race season, I have lost my ability to filter all thoughts and inappropriate comments. But...I also say nice things that I wouldn't normally say - like, "OH MY GOSH I LOVE YOUR DRESS!". The lady at Target was a little surprised...

Status Update: Even though I'm smiling, my non-alcoholic beer still tastes like non-alcoholic beer. And for the life of me, I just can't call it Near Beer.
Status Update: In an effort to capture a face shot of herself and my Dad, my Mom took a GREAT picture. Mouths NOT included...(neither are smiles - but this picture was just too good to pass)
Status Update: This seal has more flexibility than me. But I still won't go swimming in the ocean. Just because of, well, you know.
Status Update: I got dropped by my Dad on a Power Walk. Seriously - this was the LAST image I had before he was way ahead of me up the beach.
Status Update: However, with Nathaniel my Dad took a more leisurely pace...perhaps it was the daily Svacina of Gentlemen Jack that prompted this promenade? As I cannot drink alcohol until my INR numbers stabilize, I do not know...But I AM so very grateful that my hubby and father get along. Um, that would be very difficult if they didn't....
Status Update: The mission at San Juan Cappistrano is BEAUTIFUL, and visiting it was awesome. You know what? Sometimes it feels like I need all the help I can get -
Status Update: My parents will do funny things when prompted!
Status Update: No, we, the Gunfighter Gals are NOT sponsored by Red Cup Frozen Yogurt. We just love the stuff! *But would accept sponsorship at any time*
Status Update: Sure, I was scared shitless the first time I got back in the pool post DVT/PE. BUT. But. but. Swimming with friends makes all the difference in the world.
Status Update: DO NOT tell the lifeguard just before entering the water that you just survived a major DVT/PE. Because he will spend the next ____________ amount of time watching you like a hawk. Seriously - I could NOT pee in the pool, just because I was sure he would spot something funny. (And YES, I DO have doctor's permission for physical activity AS LONG AS I FEEL OKAY).

Status Update: I will hug my doctor when I see her for the first time after getting out of the hospital. And then I will hug her again when she says that I can ride my bike on the trainer.

Status Update: Not that my parents want grand kids or anything...But they do. And no, we didn't steal a kid off the street. Instead, Meredith and Soren met us for lunch - WONDERFUL! Soren was the entertainment. Not that Nathaniel and I feel any pressure. And seriously, kids are the LAST thing on our minds (especially now that I'm on blood thinners and dealing with fat foot). But still.... I'm getting that tic tock vibe from The Parents. (especially when they look lovingly at anything that moves and is under 20 pounds. minus the house monsters, of course).

Status Update: The IKEA Fairy made a visit to our house, after Shitty Kitty pee peed all over cloths that were left on the floor. I flipped out, Nathaniel remained oddly calm, Mom helped with the clean-up, and Dad willingly agreed to help dispose of old furniture. The grin is BEFORE we spent $700 on new clothes storage system.
Status Update: Indeed, it is possible to cram nearly $700 worth of IKEA furniture into a 2003 Toyota Camry. Possible, but not pretty. But still - possible.
Status Update: I'm too impatient to organize everything to build furniture. My way...
Status Update: My helicopter-flying husband on the other hand, was extremely methodical. And then he built an 8 drawer dresser in under 2.5 hours. Humph. I told him the wardrobe was mine...

Status Update: My helicopter flying husband also burnt out the clutch on our 1995 Carolla - how he manages to fly something with pedals, yet kill our stick shift, is beyond me. However, after driving a friend's jeep - I AM SOLD on a wrangler. Definitely not practical, not kid-friendly, not exactly bike transporting friendly, and not gas mileage friendly...but a hell of a lot of fun. We are contemplating....
Status Update: My super secret superpower identity as a Gunfighter Gal is revealed. I guess Non-Alcoholic beer DOES affect me. And no - I'm not about to flash the camera.
Status Update: Yes, I live in Southern California, where people feel the need to strap their giant poodles into the back of their mini cooper convertibles.
Status Update: The May Grey/June Gloom has returned....yet coffee stops with loved ones, is the BEST THING EVER!
So...that's it for now. My folks left early this morning, and Nathaniel is flying somewhere around Joshua Tree and 29-er Palms today. My goals include a light spin on the trainer, violin practice, and of course - finishing the wardrobe. Yes, my Other Half has offered to help - but the competitor in me (which just won't go away, in spite of the clots), wants to see if I can get this done.

(Also - I'm still working on emails and thank you notes....a constant work in progress that I'm so grateful to do....If I haven't yet thanked YOU - please know that you, my friends, have made all the difference while going through this life changing event.)

Sure - We may have the oddest functioning wardrobe EVER. But...it will still be a wardrobe that I built. Nothing is perfect, right? So in the interim, perhaps I'll skip the ride, skip the violin work, and head straight to construction while passing GO and collecting $200. Yeah, I like the sound of that.

Status Update: Wardrobe construction - here we go!And I even have a helper....