Jogging is Dangerous?

This past Saturday I was out jogging and caught my shoe in a sidewalk crack. I thought I had managed to keep my balance but ended up going down so I tried to aim myself towards the grass rather than the sidewalk. I ended up scraping up one knee (scrape + giant bruise), scraping the palm of my left hand, and even scraped my chin a bit. None of that is very serious but my right hand was holding my phone (always have my music going when I run) and I landed hard on that hand which was curled around the phone.

I picked myself up and trudged the rest of the way home (I was pretty much almost there, dang it!) and as I did I noticed that my fourth finger on the right hand was feeling like it had been jammed. And then I looked at it -- the tip of the finger (by the last knuckle) was just drooping, nearly dangling and I couldn't move it back up unless I used my other hand.

I iced it and waited but ended up calling an orthopedic doc on Monday because I need my hand! They had me in yesterday and the diagnosis is mallet finger, which is common among baseball players. The prognosis is OK -- but I have to wear a splint for 6-8 weeks, 24/7, sleeping, waking, showering, doing hair -- whatever. The finger has to remain straight or the 6-8 weeks starts over. Really? (big sigh here!)

There are no broken bones but the tendon has been completely pulled away from the bone and needs lots of time to heal. The dr. said that he wants to see me in 2 weeks and that there is a real possibility that there will be a need to put a pin in to help hold the finger in place. So -- maybe surgery.

I think it will all be OK, but I need my fingers -- so I would be grateful for your prayers.

**not my finger but it looks a lot like that

Catching Up

Really? My last past was 2 months ago? This is a graphic example of how quickly the time is going these days. There always seems to be something going on to keep me busy, for sure.

I was asked to give a talk in Stake Conference and that was pretty overwhelming. I'm glad it's done but I was also glad to have the chance to do it and address probably my favorite topic: "Teaching the gospel of Christ to children". Nothing better than that and I know (as always) that I learned much more as I studied, prayed and prepared than anyone who listened. Pure pleasure to address that topic, even if I was scared to death as well. That's what I call a mixed blessing!

I also had the chance to accompany my talented friend Macy as she did her presentation at a "Time out for Women" -- this time in Idaho Falls, Idaho. It was a quick trip for me but always fun to do my best to help her do her best and wonderful to hear the messages I heard. I also love seeing the women in the audience soaking up the spirit and the lessons and messages that are presented so well.

Spring Break came and went (way too fast, as always) and we are now back in the routine of school. You might think that wouldn't have much to do with me anymore, but it does. I get to help with readers in a first grade classroom once a week, and I also drive Maya and Mason to school in the mornings (there is no better way to start your day - super fun to be with them first thing), and I have a few piano students that coincide with the school routine as well.

Life is wonderful. The bluebonnets are in full bloom (see the pic in the post above - it really does look like that here right now!), the weather is mild, I have been running outside now for probably a month, and I'm planning to do a 5K in early May. As my Natalie pointed out, I might even 'win' something (what??? I'm slow!) -- because I'm old. Made me smile. So there is something good about being old.

Who knew?