Well, now I have to confess my dirty little secret. Ever since my surgery, I have only showered once a week because I was afraid that my ostomy pouch would come off from getting wet, and I would have an awful leak. So, last night, I went on the Ostomy Support Group forum at Inspire.com and asked how people manage to shower with their pouch on. I love that support group, because whenever I post, I get so many responses, so fast! I got ten responses in about three hours, all with very helpful information on how to get this done.
Today was my “Practice Living A Normal Life” day–I decided that I would get up and follow my pre-surgery routine. I’m glad I did, because where it used to only take me about twenty minutes to shower, wash my hair and dry it, and get dressed, it took me about forty-five minutes this time. That is very good information to know for when I go back to work on August 15th.
After getting all cleaned up and dressed up, I went outside, and got myself into my truck all by myself, and drove over to pick up Gaelyn from GeogypsyTraveler. We had made a date to go out to the Grand Canyon Lodge for breakfast. I was about to cry because it was my first social activity since coming home (except for walking over to a potluck a couple of weeks ago). I can not tell you how important this date was to me!
And yes, when bloggers go out to eat, they take pictures of their food. I had a great breakfast of gluten free pancakes, fried eggs, crispy bacon, and cottage cheese. I am soooo glad that the Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers gluten free choices on their menu.
And yes, I took pics of my friend and breakfast companion, too. She is one of my best friends in the world. We had a lovely visit, with good food. What more could a girl ask?
After breakfast we went window shopping at the Gift Shop. I loved this T-shirt, it was 100% cotton and was soooo soft! Thinking about getting one when I start working again.
I loved this ceramic platter and pitcher too! I can just imaging that pitcher full of good ol Georgia sweet tea, and a platter full of fried catfish and hushpuppies! I think they would look fabulous sitting on my dining table as a centerpiece, too, with a bouquet of flowers in the pitcher. But, alas, I left them both in the store.
I really loved this metal work “rug”! But yikes! $950 for it. If I had been working all season, I would be buying it for my house. Yes, it is still available in the store because I left it there.
And really, if I had that much money to toss out on one of these beautiful pieces of art, I wouldn’t be able to choose. This one is so beautiful, too!
After perusing the gift shop for about half an hour, we left without either of us making a purchase. But, it was fun to get out of the house and live a normal life for a couple of hours.
Jaimie Hall Bruzenak says
July 27, 2012 at 5:01 pmCongratulations on your landmark day! The Grand Canyon Lodge’s menu has changed- for the better. That looks yummy. And I love that first rug. Glad to see you getting out and about!
Gaelyn says
July 27, 2012 at 5:30 pmI had a great time. The best part was seeing you out with a smile. 🙂 Let’s do it again.
Fab Grandma says
July 27, 2012 at 7:31 pmNext week? I would love to!
Sandy says
July 27, 2012 at 5:39 pmyou both look great! i love gaelyn’s hair and you are becoming a skinny mini…
Fab Grandma says
July 27, 2012 at 7:32 pmI am still losing weight–but trying to still eat right.
Monique (@MamaRvThereYet) says
July 27, 2012 at 5:42 pmCongrats!
Susan says
July 27, 2012 at 6:33 pmIt is so refreshing to see you smiling again and looking HAPPY! This is all wonderful news and you must be over the moon happy!
Keep up the great job.
Fab Grandma says
July 27, 2012 at 7:32 pmGetting out into the world without worrying about an ostomy leak, is great.
Sally in WA says
July 27, 2012 at 7:21 pmI am so happy that you enjoyed your breakfast with Gaelyn and being able to get out and back to normal for a few hours. It shows in your face. Those rugs were beautiful. I can see why you would want to buy them. I would too!
Fab Grandma says
July 27, 2012 at 7:33 pmI was about to cry I was so happy to be out in public, like a normal person. And boy do I ever “want” one of those metal rugs!
Judy Bell says
July 27, 2012 at 8:28 pmRock on, woman!! 🙂
Cheryl says
July 27, 2012 at 8:54 pmWowsers Woman – you are looking great!! So glad you have such a good friend all the way out there to share things like today with!!
Elizabeth says
July 28, 2012 at 12:14 amYou are so brave, continuing to work and all!! I do wish you the very best and hope it will go easier with time. Is there no hope for another operation later to set things right?? One of our friend’s moms had to have the same type surgery but after about 8 or 9 months they were able to reconnect her somehow. You are looking very good, especially considering how ill you were and all!! Surgery alone really takes a toll on a person!!
Sallie (FullTime-Life) says
July 28, 2012 at 12:19 amGosh — I saw about this day on Gaelyn’s website — I don’t know how I lost track of your blog — sometimes my blog list rearranges itsself … I couldn’t figure out how to get to your earlier posts, so I don’t know how long you’ve been sick, or exactly what was wrong, but it sounds pretty serious. And I’m glad to see you are recovering. Virtual hugs coming your way….
Linda says
July 28, 2012 at 12:20 amYou look beautiful my Seester. I’m glad you had a great day 🙂 <3
Karen says
July 28, 2012 at 12:37 amThank you, my Seester! I love you too!
Julia says
July 28, 2012 at 12:52 amYou are looking great! It’s so nice to see your smiling face up there again.
trisha says
July 28, 2012 at 10:05 amI am so glad to see you up and about. I was worried about you!! Its great to have friends like that and your breakfast looks tasty. VERY tasty
trisha
Carolyn L. says
July 28, 2012 at 3:16 pmSo happy to hear that you’re beginning to get out and about! Your breakfast looked fabulous. I hope your morning routine will get easier and faster in time.
Jo says
July 29, 2012 at 7:44 amHallo Karen, found your link on Gaelyn’s post today. So good to see you again. I didn’t realise you had been ill and undergone surgery. You look good now, so hope you’re feeling great. Blessings and hugs Jo