I just didn't think it was going to happen this soon. I've reached another plateau and seem to be at a standstill in moving forward. Six months, I struggled withonly one leg trying to get by, waiting for the arrival of my new appendage I was finally able to take my prosthetic home shortly after September began. Within days, I was at the point where I could walk again unassisted. The progress continued and I tackled everything in front of me trying to get back to normal. I went to two therapy sessions and decided it was a waste of time, since I had already taught myself all the physical therapist wanted to show me how to do. In just a couple of weeks, I had all of my mobility back and was able to pretty much everything I wanted to. Then, it all leveled off and I had no more to accomplish. I had done all I had set out to do. Now, I feel like I've reached the end of the line...it's done...all over with. I'm not finding the challenges that kept me going and I'm afraid I'm going to start sliding back into the old rut I was once in before I lost my leg...a place I don't want to go back to. It may sound strange, but despite the rought times I've been dealing with this year, I kind of enjoyed it all. It gave me something to do...goals to shoot for...accomplishments to achieve. Here I am today with nothing more to look forward to and I'm not liking this one bit.
I'm not a participant anymore. I'm back to being an observer once again. I still go out at least once a day to walk around the neighborhood; up and down 'The Strip'. Despite the weather turning much cooler, I'm always out standing on my balcony watching the world go by because I now can. That's the problem, though. I feel like the world is passing me by at this point, even though I'm moving forward at the same time. I'm guessing it was because I was concentrating so hard on getting back on my feet again that I forgot the situation I was in. Trying to survive made it slip my mind that I have other obstacles in my way in trying to lead a real life. I sit trying to think of things to do, places to go, people to see...and I come up with no results. I can't drive at this point and have no way to get around, especially if my destination isn't on the city bus line. I'm unable to work yet and have no idea what I'd be able to do in the shape I'm in. I'm not broke, but I don't have the funds to live it up and have the fun I'm looking for. Being laid up and pre-occupied most of this year, I really haven't been out making friends. I've been too caught up trying to get on with my own life. I have met a new friend, a Gather gal who lives in one of the 'burbs here, but she's a very busy lady with her own goings on...work, her children, travel, her hobbies. At least I've still got my best friend, Scott. He's been the only one in the real world I've had all through my battle.
Scott's got quite a full plate himself, with so much going on in his own life.
With all he's up against, we still manage to touch base pretty much on a daily basis. We talk all the time and even get together here and there when his schedule allows. I'm usually free at any time of the day or night. Monday, we were chatting and telling one another all we had to do that day, but we were able to take a break early in the afternoon to get together. We went for a short stroll, did a little shopping together and stopped for coffee at one of the sidewalk cafes; probably one of the last times we'll get to sit outside and visit with winter on the way. We always enjoy each other's company with lots of laughter shared. He talked about the decorating he did for Halloween, an upcoming party he and his guy are going to, a bar party he'd like to go to and a party he wants to host, depending on what his work schedule is like, which he won't know until the middle of next week. I talked about being able to walk. I can't make any plans for next weekend until I know what he'll be doing. The time came when he had to head home and we parted ways once again. Without him even being out of sight yet, I began looking forward to the next time we'd be able to hang out together.
It was good, in a way, that Scott and I went shopping together.
I'll have more to do later this week, since some of the things I was going to pick up were going in a surprise trick or treat pumpkin for him. 
I didn't want him to see, so I'll go out to the stores when he's not around to pick them up. 
It will also give me time to revise my shopping lists, as I notice prices keep going up. With rising prices, I'm cutting back on what I buy and go without. Penny by penny, dime by dime; they continue to creep upward...and in such a short time, too. Just two weeks ago, I could get some English muffins at a dozen for $1.99. This week, those 'nooks and crannys' are priced at $2.50 for six. The ground beef I used to get on sale for $1.99 a pound is now a special of the week at $2.69...and that's only if you purchase a family pack of six pounds or more. I'm not really prepared to pay $17 for a package of chewed up animal carcass. If I want a burger that bad, I guess it's Mc Donald's Dollar Menu now...as soon as they finish rebuilding their only restaurant anywhere in this area. Those burgers for a buck must be making them money hand over fist, as they raised thestructure they had to replace it with a bigger restaurant.
I know times are tough all over, as I see what others are saying on their posts here. People are cutting back on groceries, trying to find ways to conserve energy around the house, looking for ideas to make some extra holiday cash. While prices of almost everything keep spiraling higher, retailers are running scared, too. Every day items seem to continue to get more expensive, but the sales being held keep trying to entice customers in the stores to buy more, especially for Christmas. I see Halloween and autumn-related items going for one quarter to one third off, but I've noticed lots of Christmas gift ideas already marked at half price. The prices are being lowered as soon as the items are put out on the shelves. I'm wonder how far the prices will fall the nearer the holiday grows. Maybe, if we wait long enough, they'll pay us to take their merchandise home.
One bright spot I had in the past week was the postman knocking at my door. Cookies!!!
One of my Gather gals came through for me in sending some love. I'd just like to ask her to tell her cousin, Jack, to knock it off with the cold temperatures and frost on our pumpkins. We'll be more than happy to wait for winter. Of course, I had to dig right in and taste one as soon as I open the package. I saved the rest, but they didn't last too long. 
In rummaging through the box, I also discovered she sent me a 'penny for my thoughts'. A single penny lay among the newspaper used to cushion the cookies on their travels. A note was included that the tin the cookies came in was a 'magical' one.
If it found its way back, it would fill itself once again and return to me. That's better than a bottomless cup of coffee!
Now, here I sit once again wondering what to do beside walking, shopping and having coffee. (I ate all the cookies, so I don't even have them to help me pass the time.) I can't even get ready for Halloween not knowing what the plans will be...or not be. Many of you told me I should wear my Mickey Mouse ears and go out to have some fun. I think I'll have to wear one of the tee shirts, too, rather than go without, like in the picture. It's going to be rather nipply and I don't want to go around poking people's eyes out. I was thinking I could put my leg on a roller skate and pull it along behind me.
That idea came to me as I sat looking at it as it stood alone one evening. I could draw a little face on the rubber sleeve and make it my 'creation'. I had to shake my head looking at the sight I saw. At $25,000, it was probably the most expensive hat rack in the world. Some of the dorky things I do!
I wish I had more progress to tell you all about, but it's just not there. This just goes to show you, with determination and hard work, goals can be achieved; dreams can be met; obstacles do fall...anything is possible. I can't believe I've done it. Reflecting on things, it all seems so far in the past now. I have the future to look forward to. I just wish I knew where it was leading me and what it held in store. Now, that I'm up and at it again, the next chapter is beginning...and I have no idea how it's going to go. That's even more scary than all I've already been through. This is going to prove interesting...very interesting.
I'm not a participant anymore. I'm back to being an observer once again. I still go out at least once a day to walk around the neighborhood; up and down 'The Strip'. Despite the weather turning much cooler, I'm always out standing on my balcony watching the world go by because I now can. That's the problem, though. I feel like the world is passing me by at this point, even though I'm moving forward at the same time. I'm guessing it was because I was concentrating so hard on getting back on my feet again that I forgot the situation I was in. Trying to survive made it slip my mind that I have other obstacles in my way in trying to lead a real life. I sit trying to think of things to do, places to go, people to see...and I come up with no results. I can't drive at this point and have no way to get around, especially if my destination isn't on the city bus line. I'm unable to work yet and have no idea what I'd be able to do in the shape I'm in. I'm not broke, but I don't have the funds to live it up and have the fun I'm looking for. Being laid up and pre-occupied most of this year, I really haven't been out making friends. I've been too caught up trying to get on with my own life. I have met a new friend, a Gather gal who lives in one of the 'burbs here, but she's a very busy lady with her own goings on...work, her children, travel, her hobbies. At least I've still got my best friend, Scott. He's been the only one in the real world I've had all through my battle.
Scott's got quite a full plate himself, with so much going on in his own life.
With all he's up against, we still manage to touch base pretty much on a daily basis. We talk all the time and even get together here and there when his schedule allows. I'm usually free at any time of the day or night. Monday, we were chatting and telling one another all we had to do that day, but we were able to take a break early in the afternoon to get together. We went for a short stroll, did a little shopping together and stopped for coffee at one of the sidewalk cafes; probably one of the last times we'll get to sit outside and visit with winter on the way. We always enjoy each other's company with lots of laughter shared. He talked about the decorating he did for Halloween, an upcoming party he and his guy are going to, a bar party he'd like to go to and a party he wants to host, depending on what his work schedule is like, which he won't know until the middle of next week. I talked about being able to walk. I can't make any plans for next weekend until I know what he'll be doing. The time came when he had to head home and we parted ways once again. Without him even being out of sight yet, I began looking forward to the next time we'd be able to hang out together. It was good, in a way, that Scott and I went shopping together.
I'll have more to do later this week, since some of the things I was going to pick up were going in a surprise trick or treat pumpkin for him. I didn't want him to see, so I'll go out to the stores when he's not around to pick them up. It will also give me time to revise my shopping lists, as I notice prices keep going up. With rising prices, I'm cutting back on what I buy and go without. Penny by penny, dime by dime; they continue to creep upward...and in such a short time, too. Just two weeks ago, I could get some English muffins at a dozen for $1.99. This week, those 'nooks and crannys' are priced at $2.50 for six. The ground beef I used to get on sale for $1.99 a pound is now a special of the week at $2.69...and that's only if you purchase a family pack of six pounds or more. I'm not really prepared to pay $17 for a package of chewed up animal carcass. If I want a burger that bad, I guess it's Mc Donald's Dollar Menu now...as soon as they finish rebuilding their only restaurant anywhere in this area. Those burgers for a buck must be making them money hand over fist, as they raised thestructure they had to replace it with a bigger restaurant. I know times are tough all over, as I see what others are saying on their posts here. People are cutting back on groceries, trying to find ways to conserve energy around the house, looking for ideas to make some extra holiday cash. While prices of almost everything keep spiraling higher, retailers are running scared, too. Every day items seem to continue to get more expensive, but the sales being held keep trying to entice customers in the stores to buy more, especially for Christmas. I see Halloween and autumn-related items going for one quarter to one third off, but I've noticed lots of Christmas gift ideas already marked at half price. The prices are being lowered as soon as the items are put out on the shelves. I'm wonder how far the prices will fall the nearer the holiday grows. Maybe, if we wait long enough, they'll pay us to take their merchandise home.
One bright spot I had in the past week was the postman knocking at my door. Cookies!!!
One of my Gather gals came through for me in sending some love. I'd just like to ask her to tell her cousin, Jack, to knock it off with the cold temperatures and frost on our pumpkins. We'll be more than happy to wait for winter. Of course, I had to dig right in and taste one as soon as I open the package. I saved the rest, but they didn't last too long. In rummaging through the box, I also discovered she sent me a 'penny for my thoughts'. A single penny lay among the newspaper used to cushion the cookies on their travels. A note was included that the tin the cookies came in was a 'magical' one. If it found its way back, it would fill itself once again and return to me. That's better than a bottomless cup of coffee! Now, here I sit once again wondering what to do beside walking, shopping and having coffee. (I ate all the cookies, so I don't even have them to help me pass the time.) I can't even get ready for Halloween not knowing what the plans will be...or not be. Many of you told me I should wear my Mickey Mouse ears and go out to have some fun. I think I'll have to wear one of the tee shirts, too, rather than go without, like in the picture. It's going to be rather nipply and I don't want to go around poking people's eyes out. I was thinking I could put my leg on a roller skate and pull it along behind me.
That idea came to me as I sat looking at it as it stood alone one evening. I could draw a little face on the rubber sleeve and make it my 'creation'. I had to shake my head looking at the sight I saw. At $25,000, it was probably the most expensive hat rack in the world. Some of the dorky things I do! I wish I had more progress to tell you all about, but it's just not there. This just goes to show you, with determination and hard work, goals can be achieved; dreams can be met; obstacles do fall...anything is possible. I can't believe I've done it. Reflecting on things, it all seems so far in the past now. I have the future to look forward to. I just wish I knew where it was leading me and what it held in store. Now, that I'm up and at it again, the next chapter is beginning...and I have no idea how it's going to go. That's even more scary than all I've already been through. This is going to prove interesting...very interesting.
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Comments: 49
I'm glad you accomplished your goals. Keep going. I know you will cuz you're a trooper.
I see some peeps~were those for Scott?
Anyhoo....keep us posted and I wish you lotsa love!
XOXOX
LOFL! The visual on that one is priceless.
In my area, there aren't any jobs for the able bodied, much less someone like me that is on restrictions.
anyways Im so sorry you are feeling in such a rut latley,maybe you could take some classes locally? like photography classes or hell try yoga class,maybe a singles type event? or get involved in the community somehow like,helping to raise money or something for a foundation,there is nothing you cant do at this point I believe you just need to open your mind back up a little ( : not saying its closed,just not open all the way!!hell maybe even Bingo one night aweek will get you out of the house???? Im sure there is got to be something hun,and although I can imagine having to go alone,you may find it rewarding in meeting new people young and old..
Hang in there Rob your stong,you will figure it out
I shoulda known.
What'da think?
Hang in there, life has a way of creating more challenges and new directions.
Take care.
Continue to inspire others...find people that are suffering either in ways that are similar or different to what you went through....You have a gift...get off your tail and use it....either in the virtual world or real world....There are so many out there who need someone to inspire them.....
Okay..enough about that....Have a great night !1
Consider twenty years ago, you would not have had the internet to communicate with anybody. At least you have an inexpensive form of communication. Also, I am sure it can be a long slow process, but every day is new with different challenges to explore and again, you have your friends on the internet to keep you engaged.
One suggestion. The American Red Cross is always looking for volunteers to go to their disasters around the country. There are many jobs you could do for them without the need to walk everywhere, AND you would get to see different parts of the country FOR FREE. I have gone on several of those disasters around the United States and have never regretted the time served.
Other than that. Just remember whenever you get bored, you have a boundless supply of friends here at Gather! Oh yes, l really liked the photos.
I know you don't want to consider yourself disabled but you are and there are services to help you.
Rob, you are also a great writer. How about trying to write for a living. Check out things on line and see if you can get paid for your writings. I think that you would be great at that.
Here is a goal for you. How about trying to get to Long Island and you can help me bake my Christmas cookies? And you can eat all you want while we are baking them.
I was also thinking that writing a book might be a good long-term project.
Other people here have some great suggestions, but volunteering is very satisfying and you can learn something that you could earn money doing.
Sending a big, supportive bear hug your way!