@LauraVall that's awesome that you love what you do and you're able to work with the 4H as well!
@Mojo333 I totally expect the drain. Thanks for the encouragement!
@MammaT What a great plan you have to get yourself ready to go back to work! Almost since day 3 I've been getting up and getting ready for the day with everyone else. it's just those mid-morning naps I'm going to miss.
My dad lives has lived with us since my mom passed away four years ago. I tried working fulltime for the first two years and dad went really downhill both physically and mentally (he is a VERY private person and does not socialize--mom was his only link to the rest of the world).Two years ago I gave up my job to stay home with him and he slowly but surely he started doing better (time also helps with the healing). I got to the point where I was losing my mind being home all the time and felt a great disconnect. In order to find the balance to save my sanity I applied to work for the school board since I knew the hours would be better for both my dad and my kids (and I would get the summers off to spend with them). I didn't know would end up loving it as much as I do.
@Layla since my hip surgery the one thing I have learned is that my family can take on much more than I was letting them. Learning to let go is a big step for me (you're absolutely right about me liking to be organized aka neurotic
) The kids are older, 12 and 14 so I don't have to worry about getting them ready for school anymore or baths. And they can help with some of the meal prep and clean-up (like they are doing now). I've already given up on the house being clean all the time
. I've also contacted a meal prep place in our area and ordered some pre-assembled healthy meals that we just need to cook up. This will give me a head start on my first couple of weeks back.
I've started getting back into the kitchen a little bit now that I don't need the cane all of the time in there. I find I get tired quickly, but it's getting easier every day. Just need to get to more of the cleaning--ugg that part is hard when you tire out so quickly--I need more of
@Mireille's energy!
United States
The fertilizer is GREAT for your plants. 
Your daughter might grow out of it, but not all of us do.
I understand some become interested in boys .... 
and I'm hoping some of the leg muscles stop hurting by then and this side pain is gone.
The yoga pants were fine the whole time (even when I had what looked to me like a huge gap after they took the bandage off and the staples out). I couldn't handle wearing dresses--especially not with the forest of hair I had on my legs before that first shave post-op. 
for returning to normalcy.
