Life can be cold, but even the worst forecasts aren't a guarantee of what the weather will be. We're halfway through the month of February and nothing seems as expected. Emerson's job at Birdseye seems to be going well and they're even trying to get him a few more hours each week. They really like him there (I knew they would) and he's really making a difference in the lives of the boys he is working with. My job is both a disappointment and a wonderful challenge. I'm learning to do some website design and getting to do great new design projects and fundraising projects. I am also witnessing wonderful miracles on a daily basis with the kids at Heritage. The disappointment comes from being overburdened and stressed on a regular basis and knowing that there is nowhere for me to go there.
We purchased a used truck with what the insurance gave us for our old truck (surprising) plus some loans we hope to resolve soon. Without a second vehicle, there was no way for both of us to work. Emerson's day job may be part time, but it is in a very remote area (Fairview, Utah). I had been getting rides with a coworker for about a month, but she doesn't work Fridays, has many more vacation days than I do, and now that we have rehearsals to supervise, I was only able to ride with her maybe one day a week. The bus wasn't an option either because of how far I'd have to walk from the bus stop to work. The truck is in pretty good shape for its age and the guy gave us a better deal on the price because his dad grandpa taught him to be extra nice to Native Americans.
Physical therapy has gone well and I see why it's important. The exercises are helping. The tough part has been fitting it into my busy schedule. The swelling in my foot has gone down some and I finally can wear a men's wide athletic shoe. I keep finding myself walking wrong so they are retraining my gait to undo the things I have done to avoid pain. Most days I do fine walking around. The night I work rehearsals really wears me out - too much standing and walking without rest. I also remember what Dad went through when he injured his hands. He would sit there every night working his fingers back and forth, trying to get more movement out of them, tears running down his face and the occasional cry of pain. Even though I respected his efforts then, I really admire them now. He got back most of the movement in fingers the doctors told him he would never be able to use again. The scar tissue in my foot is quite bulky and causing problems with the movement of one of my toes, but I am determined to be my father's daughter with this.
Dexter is about to star in his final high school play. They are doing "The Fantasticks" and he plays El Gallo. Performances begin Thursday, Feb. 25. They have 10 performances total (Feb 25-27, March 1-2, 5-6, 8) and 2 of them are 2 pm matinees on the Saturdays. I highly recommend coming to see him in this show. It has a small cast and the audience is seated on the stage with the actors, so everyone has an excellent view. If you have not seen Dexter perform yet, you must not miss this. He sings some great songs and it's the kind of role that's a perfect fit for him. He is also progressing towards graduation with the completion of 2 English packets and work on 3 more. Only 3 packets left after that and he'll be caught up to where he should be. Dexter had some creative things to say about life and even about family members in his blog. I put his blog link up so you can check it out.
Friday, Feb. 26 7 pm
