Presents, Presents, and More Presents

I don't know why I haven't taken the time to post pictures of some more of mine and Scamp's birthday presents. We both ended up with some nice stuff and want to say thank you to our family and friends. Scamp was so excited when her Daddy put this little number together -- her very own house. Even Scratchy came over for a visit, but of course, not while Scamp was home! It came with it's own Scamp-sized oven! And she got lots of kitchen stuff thanks to her Nana.

I, on the other hand, wanted something a little more grown up. Hey, who am I kidding? I'm just a big kid at heart when it comes to toys. I asked for and received a beautiful turquoise cruiser bicycle with padded seat. Remember the days of the banana seat? My tush prefers to ride in comfort now.

I wanted a bicycle so hopefully I can get back into exercising on a regular basis. I used to love to go for walks. That's my ideal exercise, but about 4 years ago I developed a condition called plantar fasciitis, where the ligament on the bottom of you foot becomes inflamed and causes lots of pain -- pretty constant in my case. This prevents me from going on long walks or doing any type exercise that requires me to stand for long periods. But, I can ride with a lot less discomfort. Most people (95% as posted on several websites) are able to heal within 6 months to a year with good stretching habits alone. I am in the 5% group that doesn't heal and who may need invasive-type procedures to promote healing.

I've done all kinds of stretches, taken anti-inflammatory medications, had a cortisone shot in my heal, and went to physical therapy without much relief. My only two options left are shockwave therapy or surgery. Most insurances do not cover the shockwave therapy, and the quoted price from my doctor is $1500 per foot. I have it in both feet, and treatment isn't always effective the first time around. Insurance covers surgery, but recovery takes 6 to 12 months, time I don't have to spare watching a 2 year old.

Anyway, all of that to get to the good part -- a present I received from my mother: open-toed shoes that hold my big honkin' specially made blue inserts. Thank goodness I've never had a shoe fetish, but not being able to wear cute little open-toed shoes with all my other girlfriends is not always fun. But, my mom found a place that sells shoes that hold inserts. I got two pair: an open-toed sandal for church and a stylish knee-length boot. So, you won't always have to see me wearing my old gray tennis shoes. I use black Peds No Show Socks to cover my insert, so it's completely hidden.


It's a small blessing to have some nice shoe options now. And I have the perfect outfit for my boots. God blesses in big (having a wonderful mom who thinks of things like that) and small ways (having stylish shoes).