Look Into My Thighs

Before

After

Check me out, man!  6 weeks post-op appointment with my surgeon today.  The cup has three screws total holding it into my pelvis.  Hadi was pleased with the even lengths of my legs and progress in walking/muscle strength.  I am ok-ed to return to work, with these restrictions:  No lifting over 20 lbs, no squatting, breaks every 2 hours (during an 8 hour shift).  I also have a cool new card that I can show airport security so that they don't think my new hip is a concealed weapon.  I can bathe and swim now, but when I asked about roller-blading, he said absolutely not for another two months.  Too much risk in falling.  Darn.

I feel amazing, I really do.  One of the things I was looking forward to most before surgery was just walking without pain.  I'm there already.  My "baby walk" is gone.  No limp, no fatigue.  I think my feet hurt just because I'm walking more than I'm used to.  Continual stretching and strengthening remain important with more activity.  Nevertheless, putting chronic pain behind me is as uplifting and energizing as I imagined it could be.

xoxo,
Rachel

Will Work For Food

*sigh*  Feeling a little defeated today.

Yesterday marked 4 weeks since my hip replacement.  Scott and I went another mile walk, which felt even easier than the first (this seems to be a trend).  I'm getting pretty good at maintaining a "normal" gait.  After these walks I usually experience the most muscle soreness in my bum, which is a really odd place to stretch, especially in my situation.  Certain, pardon the term, "booty tooching" poses are still difficult/awkward.  I've discovered I can now sleep on my surgical side for small amounts of time, which is great.  I miss my side sleeping.  The best news is I am almost completely off ibuprofen.  After taking it multiple times daily for the past year, this is a huge milestone.  I can handle sore muscles from walking.  I am no longer in pain.

Great!  Yay!  This is all good, right?  Well I am completely stressed about finding a job.  I have visited nearly every respectable bakery from Olympia to Tacoma.  No bites.  Panic is setting in. 

"Is something wrong with my resume?  Does my cover letter sound stupid?  Should I have talked to that counter girl more?"

I know my credentials are great, my personality and ethic is there, I shouldn't doubt myself.  The truth is, no one is hiring. At least no one other than Safeway (no offense, Safeway).  Craig's List is downright depressing.  Plenty of ads for bikini baristas and nurses.  No luck for an imp who's a afraid of needles.

I'm looking for a Plan B, kids.  I HAVE to start working by the end of the month.  For my sanity's sake.  Got any bright ideas?  I'd love to hear them :)

xoxo,
Rachel