I was out sampling wines for the school’s wine tasting event until 2am last night and didn’t get to bed until 3. I set my alarm clock for 6am and was sewing by 6:30. Unfortunately, the fabric was only 17″ long, not 17.5″ so I didn’t have enough to finish, but I got as much done as I could.

The nice ladies at the shop counted it anyway, though!

That second one, though, that definite THUNK? That’s Amy’s and Ashley’s jaws dropping as a result of this:

I worked on this this afternoon and got it sewn up tonight, before midnight, even! Now the trick will be to not lose it before the first Saturday in September.

We went to breakfast and quilting this morning and they each got their quilter tool caddy and claim to love them.

In the meantime, it’s the night before (technically morning of, but we’ll ignore that for now) First Saturday, so it must be time to post my block!

Here she is.

That’s not all I’ve been doing tonight. Here’s a sneak peek, with the full reveal to come later tomorrow. See, I’m planning on posting again already!

And how dumb am I for saying they had to be in by the 4th when the meeting isn’t even until the 11th?!?

*YAWN*

Well, that’s what I get for opening my big mouth, er, even if I was quiet. This morning it’s hot and stuffy in the house and I’m afraid to see what it’s like outside.

I still can’t walk normally without pain, I can’t climb stairs, I can’t run and chase my kids on the playground or down the street (for fun or for safety). My knee hurts every day, some days are better than others, but it will never again be “normal.” I have spent countless hours in physical therapy, at home and in an office, thousands of dollars on medical care, hundreds of hours in doctor’s offices and hospitals (and that’s just for the knee!), and nearly ten weeks in bed on IV antibiotics.

I missed a summer of swimming lessons, my daughter learning to crawl, and months of “normal” days with friends and family.

Why? Because someone couldn’t say “oops.” Because someone couldn’t say “Maybe you’re right.” “Maybe you need some help.” Or admit (even to himself) that he was wrong. I will never forget, and I may never forgive.

I have learned, however, to find some comfort in all of this. I have learned the depth and breadth of friendships I have and the support I and my family have. I have learned that people are willing to sacrifice a lot to help. People I’ve never met to come and help take care of my kids. People to wash my hair when I couldn’t get out of bed. People to give up vacations and travel bonuses to help out. People to travel long distances to take care of my basic needs as well as my family’s. I have learned that I am strong and resilient and can come back from an awful horrible set back stronger, more powerful, more aware and more alive. I am incredibly thankful and grateful to the therapists, nurses, doctors, friends, family and strangers who have given up so much and helped me overcome and slog through this horrendous year.

So on this anniversary of an event that snowballed to take so much from me and my family, screw you Dr Jackass. You do NOT have the power anymore. I will not keep quiet and take your anti-psychotic medication “to help [me] sleep.” I will not sit by and let you continue to hurt me because it fits in with your golf schedule or movie watching.

I would go back and change the outcome in a heartbeat, but until the DeLorean arrives in my driveway, I will take the lessons I’ve been taught to heart and enjoy every precious day.

This weekend everyone’s going to be chugging water. I’m not spending a 3rd Sunday in a row in the ER for dehydration.