Biking, Buddy, Big Ole and a Brain Tumor

Spent Friday and Saturday in Alexandria hanging with Matt.  The place we stayed was right on the bike trail.

Friday we unpacked and headed to town on our bikes.

Only problem was starting up. I push down on my right foot and that hurt.  But the rest was great. I was so happy to be biking!! We headed to see Big Ole and to visit a local tavern. We peddled back just in time to miss the rain, well the heavy rain :) 

Saturday we biked again. It still felt good. But after no cardio or weight on it for 5 weeks my leg was tired. My knee throbbed Saturday at times as we discovered Alex. I used my crutches as much as possible, but it still hurt. Matt was good about helping me out as much as possible. He is good like that.

I, however, am bad at not walking on it :(

Sunday and Monday I rested my knee. But it is still in pain. I don't know if its normal or not. They did say I would have some pain. But like everything else they haven't been specific about anything. 

In the mean time Sunday I received an email from my friend Donna. Her eye issues turn out to be caused by a brain tumor. WHAT??? So she is headed into brain surgery on June 10th. Puts my stupid knee in perspective quickly!! Please send Donna some good energy to recover fully from her surgery. Silver lining is there is only 2% chance this is cancerous. Whew. But still a major operation. A bunch of us girls took Donna out for lunch Monday and to discuss and strategize this procedure and recovery. We are all blessed to have each other :)

A Brace and a Bike.

I am able to start walking ... with crutches!!

I was fitted for a brace that will support my leg as I walk. The best news is I can bike this weekend!! Matt and I are headed to Alexandria and we were hopeful I could do this. We can now bike around instead of driving :) 

My ortho is very happy with my progress and anticipates me having a good recovery. 

The light at the end if this tunnel is getting brighter!!

5:8 and a longtime friend

Big shout out to Amy Piggee for picking me up and taking me to 5:8 club for lunch. It was nice to get out of my house and catch up with Amy!! Time always flies when we are together, it is amazing to think we have known each other since 4th grade!! 

She also insisted on mowing my yard when she dropped me off - she is THE BEST!! 

I watched as Governor Dayton signed to law to legalize gay marriage. I am thrilled. This is huge! I can't wait to see some of my favorite couples finally be able to be legally united!

It was 98 degrees today. Crazy! Sat out front with Tracy as Lucien played an the dogs panted. It was awesome!

Eddie, Tracy, Lucien and I went to DQ tonight. We sat out on the patio there and enjoyed the amazing weather and yummy DQ :)

Great day!

Historic Vote for MN!

In the words of Bon Jovi; Whoa whoa, I'm Halfway there! 

Hard day at the office. I was physically texted. Lots of moving around from elevator bank to elevator bank. My hands hurt as I forgot my biking gloves. Ugh! Ride with Eddie and Lucien to and from work, my neighbor baby makes me smile, so awesome! 

Historic day?

Listening live to the marriage debate on the House floor and seeing if pass. I am so proud of how the debate was handled and even more proud that it passed. Next up Monday, the Senate vote. I still find it sad this is up for debate. This is about equal rights, not about religion. If people can get married at a drive thru in Vegas, then this is NOT about religion. It's that simple to me. This isn't bad for kids, telling kids some people are okay to love and others are not, that is bad for kids. Anyways. I'm off my soap box, but so happy that soon my friends in loving committed relationships can legally recognize them!

As for my knee. It was pretty swollen today do I'm laying low this weekend. 

I'm half way there, like a horse the barn now. 

It takes a village.

Past the two week mark. Woohoo!
Four weeks to go.
Hopefully three.

Matt came down Thursday night. No snow! We made dinner, played cribbage, he managed garbage duty and also cleaned up after dinner. I almost had a come from behind victory in cribbage, but alas I lost :(

This weekend the girls invaded my life :) Friday Jena brought dinner and we are watched "Gangster Squad". Jena also surprised me with her super duper yummy bars. Good and bad for me all at once!

Saturday, Tanya picked me up and we drove to Chanhassen to pick up our flower boxes. My yard is a disaster but my window boxes look great :)

Swaser, Donna and Jena joined TD and I for food and the Kentucky Derby. Swaser did all the cooking and brought margaritas too. I don't normally like them, but liked the premixed Barrio margaritas she bought. Donna brought a delicious lemon cake. Delicious! Vicki stopped by to bring me a new hair dryer, as yet another appliance went out in my house. I really hope that is the end of things breaking down!

Today, Becky is in town from Seattle so her, T, Julie, Tristen, Larry and I met up for brunch. Becky picked me up so we got some alone and "solve the worlds problems" time :)

This weekend I am reminded about how amazing my girlfriends are! I am truly blessed with great women to call friends!!

Stitches out! Surgery pics.

Yesterday I got my stitches out. Also received these pics below of my surgery. Turns out I have/had 4th degree arthritis in my right knee and a chunk of cartilage they removed that was embedded in my knee. I am working at getting the all clear to be off my crutches for Memorial Day weekend. My guy said my odds are decent. I'm hoping he is right!

We headed to the West End last night for dinner for Amy's birthday. As we walked out we were "standing" around talking when I looked a couple walking towards us and said "those two look like they could be famous", Amy looked up and shot me a look that said "look closer" so I did. It was Christian and Sam Ponder. So yes, they are famous! Our parents have to be proud that they have two girls that can spot the Vikings QB from a distance :)

Mom left this morning... a big shout out to the best neighbor EVER who drive her to the airport when the taxi was 25 minutes late. Seriously. Thank you Eddie!!

I had a store visit today and meeting with a vendor. It meant touring the Knollwood Target, and for the first half of the tour I was on crutches. Ugh. My boss went and got a newly charged electric cart (they were both dead when we arrived) for the second half. I felt short... and I took out a row of men's underwear which caused my male counterparts to be horrified. I found it hilarious 😃

It was a long day navigating Uptown for the second part of the day but I did it! Even in the snow. And rain. And cold weather. Seriously crappy weather... For goodness sakes, It's May Day!!

Quiet evening with my puppy.
Seems odd now to have mom here.
We miss her :(