The Longawaited Results...

sort of.

Yesterday, I finally got in to see the specialist of specialists for my ankle. I say finally because it has been almost a year of doctors and pain. Around this time last year, my right ankle started swelling and becoming painful to walk long distances. As time went on, it got painful to even stand on my foot.

The week of Valentines day this year, after not being able to stand the pain anymore, I went to urgent care. If you know me, you know that took a lot pain for me to go. I hate the doctor. About 3 hours and a few x-rays later, I was sent home with a sprain and was told to ice and rest it.

Fast forward a couple of months and still no change in my ankle. The pain wasn't as bad, but the swelling was still there. So back to the doctor I went. This time to my primary care doctor, who referred me to a specialist.

At the specialist's office, more x-rays, an MRI and still no answers. So he sent me on. This time to another specialist, who was the specialist of specialists, or so I was told. Yesterday, I got to see someone with "answers." I use the term answers very loosely.

Here is what I know:

---I am in an aircast for 6-8 weeks to help with some of the swelling. He said most of the swelling is caused by strain or stress on my ankle. By having it in the air cast I am able to rest it.

---After the time in the air cast, the surgery will be scheduled. He saw a small cyst on my ankle and some fluid around the bone that he wants to look at more closely. While they are in my ankle, he will explore to make sure nothing else is going on.

---Driving with this thing on my foot is a pain and awkward. I'm having to drive with my left foot.

---Sleeping is not fun. The cast is really hot. However, it is warm when I'm outside.


So there we go. Now I wait for more answers when I have surgery.

My lovely aircast. It is massive. 

#19. See a Play/Musical

A Night on the Town

This past weekend I crossed something else off my list... see a play/musical. I have become a fan of getting dressed up and going to the theatre. It's something different and fun.

Over a month of planning went into Saturday night. That's how excited we were to go. Well that and Jeff's daughter was in it. Disney's Little Mermaid Jr. was fantastic! I recommend it to anyone, especially those with children. The Little Mermaid was one of my favorite movies growing up. I had the art set, the sleeping bag, and many more items. I can not name why it was my favorite, it just was. I remember the Christmas my parents got me the art set. I was so consumed with it, they had to force me to open the other gifts.

Saturday night started with dinner at Maria's downtown with Jeff. It was great food and great company. Then we met up with Caitlin and Courtney at Springfield Little Theatre for the show. We all became friends by working at The Cup in downtown Springfield and every once in a while we all get together.

After the show, we went to The Cup for some cupcakes and laughs. It was a good night!

 

 

Sunday evening, Jeff and I went to Operazzi at The Creamery Arts Center (Springfield Regional Arts Council). It was a first experience for me, but a lot of fun. The art work was fantastic and the singing was great, especially the children. I recommend for everyone to go at least one time. And the best part, it's free (suggested donation for the food and beverages).

 



#45. Take a Painting Class for Fun

As you can tell, I'm not going in any particular order on my list. But number 45 was a fun one for sure. Thanks to RSVPaint I now have a new art piece for my apartment. I would recommend going there to anyone. The people are so nice and encouraging. Their ability to take a painting, break it down, show you how to do it, and leave you room to be creative made the night great. It was also a great experiece to meet new people.

I took pictures after each step to show the progress. So, here we go...

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#7. Go to Crystal Bridges Art Museum & #171. Go to Eureka Springs/Christ of the Ozarks

A Weekend in Arkansas 

One down, 199 more to go. If you have no clue what I am referencing, go to 200 in 2 Years! I had been to Crystal Bridges before, but wanted to go again because I love museums. Instead of going down for a day, John and I decided to make a weekend out of it. And celebrate my birthday. Random fact, I discovered, I have been telling people wrong for the past few years. I am not from Arkansas. I am from Missouri and spent a few years in Arkansas.

We drove down Saturday morning, arriving in northwest Arkansas around noon. The goal was to find a place Springfield didn't have. So we did. We ended up at The Station Cafe on the square in Bentonville. It was delicious. I would recommend it to anyone. The old license plates on the walls, red and white checkered table clothes, and friendly service made for a great experience. The place was crowded, but we got our food in no time.

After lunch, we decided to go down the street and stop in the Walmart Visitor Center. We looked at the old toys, bought some salt water taffy, and toured the visitors center. It was really interesting, I thought. The visitor's center ends at The Spark Cafe, where we later got dessert (ice cream and apple pie for me). It was decorated like an old time ice cream parlor, complete with oldies playing on the radio.

Then on to one of the main reasons for the trip... The Art Museum!! It was a lot of fun. I will admit, it was smaller than I remember, but it was cool to go through. The contemporary art has to be my favorite, but I do enjoy landscape art from what ever period.

(photo credit: John Opalka)

After the museum and dessert, John and I drove to Catfish John's in Rogers. I worked there through high school, almost ten years ago. My mom currently works there, so we stopped to say hello. After leaving, with a couple of pieces of catfish to-go, we drove to Chase and Tara's house (where we were staying for the weekend.)

Me and the lovely, Tara at 21c Museum Hotel. The five of us stopped there after a delicious pizza dinner at Gusano's.  Later on, we drove around for a while, before stopping at Cold Stone for dessert.

Sunday Morning

The five of us made a quick stop at Kennedy Coffee for drinks and then it was on to brunch at Crepes Paulette, a food truck off the square in Bentonville. It was delicious. The weather was beautiful for setting outside and enjoying a nice warm crepe. I ordered the la "hawaiienne" crepe (ham, mozzarella, pineapple & egg on a sweet crêpe.) DELICIOUS!

After brunch, we walked from the square to Crystal Bridges. Dobbie came along with us! The museum has great trails all around it. And we had to stop for a picture.

Dobbie was tired. So we relaxed on the couch for a couple of hours, watching, Airplane Repo.




Then came the good-bye. But the weekend wasn't over yet. John and I headed for Eureka Springs.

We had to stop and see the 'big Jesus,' aka Christ of the Ozarks

The church on the property had a swing set, so I had to swing. I love to swing.

 And then it was time to hit the road again, music playing, windows down, driving back to Springfield, just in time for an awkward moment with the security guard at John's apartment.

The End.

Houston, We Have Take Off

How did I just now realize I never posted about my Houston trip in May??

 

Cashed in my birthday gift for a manicure and pedicure before the trip

Waiting at the Branson Airport for our flight.

First night in Houston at Beaty's apartment. (Pardon my grossness... I got sick on the flight. :( )

Friday morning, Beaty had to work, so John and I went to the 59 Diner for breakfast. It was delicious.

Next up: Houston Museum of Natural Science. Starry Night Express, planetarium show. Loved it!

Sam Houston Statue

Stroll Garden

The best guacamole.

On our way to the OCEAN!!! My first time!

Village Houston on Sunday (Beaty's church plant)

Lunch @ Star Pizza

Beaty had to work, so John and I played checkers and scrabble in the afternoon. (above)

Then on to dinner at Whataburger & ice cream for dessert (below)

 

Last meal in Houston. Shipley Donuts!

Good byes at the Airport