This Boot Cast Is Made For Walking . . .

So, I know this is a pretty enormous (and kind of blurry) picture of what my walking boot cast looks like, except mine is mostly grey with black straps and a black base. I actually wish mine looked like the one in the picture . . . I'd rather have all black. But then again, beggars can't be choosers . . . oh yeah, right. I did not beg, nor did I choose to have a broken foot for the majority of the summer. My first possible day to have my cast off permanently is August 18. That only leaves 9 days for me to be cast-free before the boys (and hopefully me) return to school. Yikes!!!

All in all, things with the cast are going well. I keep reminding myself that things could be worse. A lot worse. For instance, I could have broken my right foot instead of my left foot; that would have resulted in me not being able to drive. And honestly, that would have driven me crazy. As well, I do not require crutches. Imagine trying to go up and down a flight of 17 stairs to the bathroom and to the bedrooms up teen times a day with crutches. Not to mention the inability to push my own shopping cart, clean my house, cook and bake properly, etc. etc. Another benefit to my cast is that I can actually clean my foot on a daily basis. I can bath or shower without having to worry about getting my cast wet, because I can take it off completely for those moments, and only those moments. I have to sleep with it on, which can be a bit uncomfortable at times, but I'm following doctors' orders . . . at least in that department. The rule about resting and not using my foot too much hasn't been adhered to very well. I am honestly trying to rest my foot in the evening, but even that is a stretch for me. I've got too much to do and not enough time to do it in.

We got our computer back one week ago, but yet it has taken me until today to finally post something. Between visiting family and friends, picking berries, weeding and watering the garden and flowerbeds, thoroughly cleaning and purging in the boys' rooms, general housework, laundry and meal preparation, as well as preparing our entries for the local agricultural fair that is being held this weekend, I haven't had much computer time. Hopefully once the fair is over with, life will slow down a bit. Oh right. Wayne's on holidays starting tomorrow (for 2 weeks!!!) . . . and we've got plans to do some little activities with the boys, as finances will allow. I'm still waiting to find out if I qualify for employment insurance, and until such time, we're kind of strapped. And rising fuel costs, grocery costs, energy costs, etc. aren't helping the situation. At all.

I found earlier this week that my job does not exist. However, another 2 positions have been created, so I'll be applying for them. One is for 4.5 hours a day and the other is for 5.4 hours a day. It's been a frustrating road regarding my employment, and what it basically boils down to is union politics. So now I have to wait until August 27, 2008 at the earliest to find out if I'll even be considered for one of the two E.A. positions available at our school.

I find myself spending a lot of time waiting this summer . . . maybe God is trying to teach me patience? Just a thought.

I am alive . . . although not necessarily well

Hello, all. I've got seven minutes (7!!!) to send you all a message via my blog. I'm at a library computer which is timed, so I don't have much time to "chat".

However, I will let you know why I haven't been around. Our computer was infected with a very nasty virus the last weekend in June. We just "ordered" a new CPU and are waiting for technicians to build us a computer that will be better than we've ever had before. So, I've been without a computer for a few weeks now and it is very annoying.

Some of you were asking for prayer requests. Here they are (as well as some praise items) in the short amount of time I have left at this computer station. No major details right now, but I'll write more at a future date.

1. I fractured my foot on July 6th. I tripped over a baby gate (puppy gate), which I've crossed over a thousand times, but just this once I didn't lift my foot high enough. I'm sort of out of commission for most of the summer.

2. Wayne's dad is very sick and just wants to go home to heaven. He's been wishing for this since his wife passed away almost four years ago. We hope and pray he can have his wish.

3. My puppies all sold within days of advertising. This was a huge answer to prayer.

4. We celebrated my dad's 80th birthday with my entire family the last weekend in June. All but two members (Thomas as well as my niece's husband) out of 30 were present. A great time was had by all.

5. I still have not heard the status regarding my job at the school. This is very frustrating to say the least. Plus, I may not be eligible for employment insurance due to the fact that I quit my job previous to my school job and despite the fact that I made my claims as to why I quit that job, the government may not consider it valid enough. We rely on my providing some sort of income, so summer is a bit tight money-wise, which is disappointing, because there's so much Wayne and I would love to do with our boys and also with some house renovations.

6. Things with Thomas are in a completely downward spiral. I haven't updated my other blog, but I will once we get our own computer back. Please just pray for him and us as we work our way through some difficult stuff.

I think that's about it. I'm trying to relax about everything that needs to be done and my inability to do it, because of my fractured foot. I can tell when I've over-done it, due to the fact that my foot and calf hurt like crazy if I've worked too hard. This is difficult for me . . . I like to be productive.

Thank you all for your care and concern. I hope to be back in the world of regular blogging soon. Very soon, I hope.