Christmas 2008

Hello again,

Christmas 2008 (this year) went much better than Christmas 2007. I was in better shape this year and didn't have to wear that nasty brace! Also this year I was able to go into a couple stores for a few minutes during the Christmas season and hear Christmas music filling the stores and walking through the brisk winter air which is really what reminds me that Christmas is coming. Being able to experience this is something I missed out on last year. I love the Christmas season and how all the stores and houses get decorated so beautifully this time of year. Last Christmas I was not in a store once during the entire time that the Christmas music was being played which says alot about how much I could not get out of the house! I found it very depressing, as well as not having any money to get anyone anything and I was unable to sit up long enough to even make anything. My thinking did turn around when my mom explained that I didn't need to get anything and I realized that was not the point of Christmas. This year I had a tiny bit of money that I could spend a few dollars on each person and took advantage of online shopping as well since I still was not really up to going into stores too much yet. As I mentioned, I did get to go into a couple stores after being to Physio the one time and that was fun even though it was only for a few moments. For some reason the excursion really made my day! Weird I know, but when you are stuck at home so much-anything you do that you are out of the house is really quite fun. We started going to Wendys every once in awhile after Physio appointments which was and still is a definite highlight for me-in the last couple years I have not had the ability to have many burgers and I love Wendys burgers. My family found it amusing that getting fast food was something so exciting! The joke "you don't get out much" really fit. lol Anyways this year I was able to play a bigger role in preparing for Christmas. I was able to help decorate the tree and do a bit of Christmas baking which I missed out on last year. For Christmas day I was able to take part in more activities than last year and helped make a puzzle which we do every Christmas. I still had to continue to take breaks and rest my back but not as often as in Christmas 07. I was also able to stay up during the entire supper meal with out needing to lay down part way through to rest my back! No more cold food to come back to! lol We always open presents at night and I did have to lay down a couple moments between supper and opening gifts- but not long. I did need to still take a nap in the afternoon as well because by about half way through the day I am exausted. Overall I really enjoyed this Christmas and had a good time. Next year should be better because I won't have to rest my back hopefully at all and can spend the entire day with my family! But it was nice and a great reminder that things are improving! It just takes a time I guess.