My Knee

Something dawned on me today. Actually, it has been a progression since the last time I went through ACL surgery recovery. I am 12 days outside of my ACL revision. In the Spring of 2008, I went through my primary reconstruction. It has been an absolute battle and hearing the unfortunate news about my second tear was no easy feat.

Like I said, my thoughts on the struggles of my rehabilitation process have changed during the time that I got the news about my second tear and until I recently went under the knife. Two things made me come to a new realization. The first is that I've came to the understanding that I am fortunate to be in the situation I am in. Yes, I have to go down a tough, agonizing road to recovery, for the second time. However, I will be back to 100% in the near future. I will be back to full activity. This is because I have health insurance and the resources necessary to aid my complete recovery. There are people who are in a state of permanent disability, through no fault of their own.

The second thing that made me look at my situation differently is a few words in a book I am currently reading: Uncommon by Tony Dungy. He poses the question, "What do you want your tomorrow to look like?" Dungy is implying that we are, in essence, in complete control of the things we want to accomplish. In light of the fact that I am fortunate enough to be able bodied and healthy, I cannot take my opportunities for granted. I cannot take my ability to be active for granted. I am taking pride in how I handle my recovery. I will not sulk or negatively ponder about my temporary immobility.

I am going to work hard to get back to the things that bring me the most happiness: staying healthy and being active. However, a more important task on my plate is how I bring that same opportunity who can't do it on their own. That is what I am meant to do. I am searching for this opportunity and it is only a matter of time until I find it.

Top Notch Smoothie Recipe

I am so proud of my creativity in the kitchen, I thought I would share one of my fruit smoothie/protein shake recipes. I call it:

Raspberry Plus Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 5 to 7 ice cubes
• About 1 cup of skim milk
• One scoop of whey protein powder (vanilla flavor)
• One spoonful of fat free vanilla yogurt
  
• Handful of raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 handful of blueberries
• 1/2 handful of blackberries

Step 1: put all ingredients in blender.
Step 2: pulse press the "ice crush" button until ice is broken up.
Step 3: use "blend" button to liquefy concoction
Step 4: add milk as needed to make more liquid
Step 5: enjoy!

Little, Big Things

Last night, I met a group of my close friends at Psycho Suzies in Northeast Minneapolis for dinner. We got together to give Kristin a good "send-off" before she leaves for veterinary school in Missouri. I believe this was the third time I've been to the trendy, talked about establishment. The previous two times, I left feeling satisfied, thinking that the food, service, and environment all lived up to the standards that I had read about. However, yesterday left me with a different impression; maybe it was because I was on crutches and in a knee immobilizing brace... Anyways, overall wasn't too impressed with the complete production.


On the plus side, the girls ordered margaritas which proved to be strong, hence the amplified volume and the frequent cross-table shrieks. So, at least they were getting their monies worth. I ordered the chicken salad sandwich that also proved to satisfy my hunger. The accompanying tater tots were absolutely fantastic, golden, fried and crispy. However, not the only place in town I can get the same quality grub, if not better. Actually, I know I can get better.

The service was sub par and at the prices Suzi boasts, one should expect a higher standard. The waitress was less than friendly and failed to smile, even once. Maybe she was having a bad day. Then again, each waitress looked that way: semi-depressed and irritated. Maybe we didn't fit the bill, i.e. we all don't have visible tattoos and don't wear a bandanna in our back, jean pocket with our enormous keychain attached to the hip belt loop.

What rubbed me the wrong way were the little things. Like I mentioned, the waitress lacked enthusiasm and seemed to dislike us. I am a proponent for the idea that little things go a long way. So when I went to the bathroom and opened the door to a man, peeing, awkwardly staring me in the eyes, I thought to myself: point(s) lost. New rule for myself: if you can't clearly tell if a bathroom is for one person or multiple, the establishment has some work to do. Not to mention the complete absence of paper towels. Yes, I do wash my hands regularly and no, I do not enjoy drying them with toilet paper.

Nonetheless, I did not let the deficiencies ruin my experience. I had a great time with my crew and enjoyed my food. I am not a picky eater or a hard-to-please customer. You have to give "props" to the management of Psycho Suzies. They are thriving on great reviews by people possibly oblivious to the intricacies of a complete restaurant and masked by the overflowing trendiness of the "motor lounge." I'm not going to say, "never go here," or "I had a horrible experience." So go check it out for yourself. To be honest, I'll probably, no definitely, go back. I just thought some honest perceptions are needed.

Remembering the Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope was one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. So, I thought I would do it justice by posting some pictures from one of South Africa's most beautiful spectacles of nature.

There is a rip tide just feet from where the water meets the beach that can sweep you out into the ocean, without a chance of return.


This has to be the most serene beach on the planet.