Merry Something and Happy I'm Here

crack crunch crunch, the sounds my feet make these days. At first I thought it was one thing but the podiatrist said it was another. The "other" being tendonitis brought on by arthritis. Let me just say a word about arthritis for those not intimately acquainted with this malady. It's one of those things we hear so much about that we think of it as commonplace ergo, no big deal. It is a very big deal when every move you make hurts like hell. Last night after work, my feet felt as though they were on fire and for added fun, the bad disc in my shoulder was howling. Ice paks did not relieve the pain. Finally I broke down and took hydrocodone, as prescribed by the doctor and celebrex. I am not a pill popper and wish there was another way. According to him, I will need surgery soon and can plan on a 6 week recuperation period. There goes my summer in Boston. I don' think I will last through the summer. I certainly won't make it through next year, at least not like this. I am also not a whiner. It is aggravating when people make comments about the expression I might have on my face when I am in excruciating pain. Why is it that we expect everyone to go around smiling? It's also quite annoying when someone asks, "How are you?" and you mention being in pain. They change the subject before you get the words out. If you don't care how someone feels why do you ask?

Enough of that....S called this morning and we made fun of one of the newbies on Food Network. She's a sistuh and Lawd Lawd, who in hell told this woman she could cook. After watching the genius of Barefoot Contessa and then seeing this lady toss raw potatoes in a pan with pork chops she had already cooked, then make a salad with raw green beans and red onion....well S and I both came to the conclusion, someone at FN must have liked her big butt, 'cause she ain't no cook. Anywhooooo I was inspired to go to the kitchen where I browned ham chunks, pancetta and garlic in olive oil. I made puff pastry pockets and put the meat mixture in with egg whites and brie. The whole thing cooked up nicely in the oven and brunch was had with Woodchuck Raspberry Cider. YUM!

I boycotted Christmas last year but this time around decided to put up a tree and a wreath. I have champagne but haven't decided what to cook. I'm not however in the mood for shopping. I may "gift" myself a new cd player and finally get Sirius radio. By summer, I should have Peggy Sue make the drapes for the bedroom. Afterall if I'm going to convalesce, I should do it right. I'll need a new bed also.

I played Santa Claus to a foster child who's in the care of a co-worker. It felt good. I guess the good deed was rewarded. My boss told me to prepare a budget for my publication and it will be paid for next year. The staff and I won't have to beg for advertising. YEA! Merry Christmas to all.