Oh, what a difference a year makes. 12 months ago, I was laid up on the couch in a cast. Today, I have 365 days worth of recovery stories. This is my end-of-year recap.
Tag: life
Waking Your Inner Child Through Adult Gymnastics
I've seen so many people awaken their inner child in my adult gymnastics classes. If you need to make a case for starting gymnastics, this is it.
What I Learned From Genetic Testing
Genetic testing for cancer markers feels like a big deal. It's like walking a tightrope of wanting and not wanting to know what the future might hold. This is my experience.
“Penguins don’t have wings”
Looking back at an old blog I had when my kids were young, I found this gem of a post. It almost makes me yearn for the days when my kids were small, discovering, and exploring the world through their smaller eyes. It recalls one of those lovely moments that are so easy to forget.… Continue reading “Penguins don’t have wings”
Giving Voice to The Geriatric Gymnast
Time to write another book! When I started writing about gymnastics in this blog in 2020, there was a “someday I’ll write a book” vibe. I’d write about all of the feelings I was processing, the ups and inevitable downs I had experienced. If anything, it was a way to track and remember my journey. But… Continue reading Giving Voice to The Geriatric Gymnast
Growing older with you
Looking back on 37 years of loving you, we’ve navigated some really hard times together. These are some musings and impressions that come to mind when I think of you. I present: a GenX love letter. The early days We've actually known each other since 1984ish. You were the big brother in our high school friend… Continue reading Growing older with you
Returning to writing
I can't believe it's been over six weeks since I've posted anything here. No, I haven't lost the love for writing. Quite the opposite. I've actually been working on another book project. As I closed out my 29th teaching year, I had to decide how to spend my time during summer break. We didn't have… Continue reading Returning to writing
Parenting 101: Recalling “The Talks”
Back in 2013, I started a blog called The Second Half. I was in my early 40s and my kids were 11 and 7. One of the entries shared a couple of those important "serious conversations" with my pre-pubescent kid. I'm thankful that I had the presence of mind to record those moments. This is… Continue reading Parenting 101: Recalling “The Talks”
Essential Wisdom for Becoming an Adult
The end of the school year is here. One kid graduated with a Masters degree. The other finished her sophomore year of college. This is one of those moments where I simultaneously look back and ahead. Here, I offer my kids six things I want them to remember as they move forward. To my favorite… Continue reading Essential Wisdom for Becoming an Adult
Week 16 Achilles recovery: PT is coming to an end
In the past month, my biweekly physical therapy was reduced to once a week. At first, it was my March work schedule that limited my time. In April, it seems I've reached plateau. PT sessions have become, shall we say, too easy. Now what? April 9, 2025 Last week, I found out what was going… Continue reading Week 16 Achilles recovery: PT is coming to an end
Week 15 Achilles Recovery: Addressing Ankle Impingement
In my recovery week 9 post, I had spoken to the surgeon about my progress and the limitation at the front of my ankle that I had been enduring for the better part of a year. This is the follow-up story to that problem. April 8, 2025 Long before my Achilles ruptured, I had been… Continue reading Week 15 Achilles Recovery: Addressing Ankle Impingement
The mental toll of Achilles injury
It's been over 3 months since my Achilles tendon rupture. This is a reflection on the quest to balance fear and progress through long-term injury recovery. March 26, 2025 Not too long ago, all of my posts were about the progress I was making at the gym. I’ve celebrated the baby steps and the big… Continue reading The mental toll of Achilles injury
Coping with Bronchitis During Achilles Rehab: Essential Strategies
I've now passed the 12-week mark since my Achilles was repaired. It's been three whole months! Time flies, even when you're limping along. Though progress has been great so far, rehab has stalled this past week. Recovery has taken on a whole new meaning. On Thursday a week ago, I went to work as usual… Continue reading Coping with Bronchitis During Achilles Rehab: Essential Strategies
Achilles Tendon Recovery: 10 Weeks Post-Surgery Progress
It's been ten weeks since the surgeon put my Achilles tendon back together again. This article shares exercises I'm working on, strategies for pain and fear management, and my comeback progress.
Achilles Tendon Recovery: 9 Week Post-Surgery Follow-up
As I heal from this surgery, my ankle and foot are slowly waking up. There are lots of expected ouchies that I'm dealing with. And, the one issue that I believe to be at the root of the rupture is now in full focus. February 20, 2025 I had my nine-week follow up visit to… Continue reading Achilles Tendon Recovery: 9 Week Post-Surgery Follow-up
Achilles Tendon Surgery: Four Weeks Post-Op Progress
Four weeks and one day after my Achilles tendon repair surgery, I returned to the doctor for my second follow up. Spoiler: it went really well. January 18, 2025 Earlier this week, I posted Achilles Tendon Rupture: What Can I Do? It looked at the progress I've been making and how I've been inserting myself… Continue reading Achilles Tendon Surgery: Four Weeks Post-Op Progress
Achilles Tendon Recovery: From Cast to Boot
This is the ongoing saga of my recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon in December. Two weeks post-op, this is how I'm doing. January 2, 2025 It's my first post in 2025 and already the year is starting off...interestingly. Two and a half weeks ago, I completely ruptured my right Achilles tendon at gymnastics. I… Continue reading Achilles Tendon Recovery: From Cast to Boot
My Husband, My Hero
This post is to show my gratitude for my hero husband, who never fails to be there for our family. December 27, 2024 It's day nine post-surgery to repair my ruptured Achilles tendon. It's been a tough week and a half since the surgery. Thankfully, now that the Christmas/Hanukkah holiday blitz has passed, the pressure… Continue reading My Husband, My Hero
Navigating Post-Surgery: Tips for First Day Recovery
Getting through the first night and day after surgery is one of the toughest parts of the early healing process. Here's how I managed the early obstacles. On Tuesday, I wrote Sometimes, You Break Yourself…Again, which told the story of rupturing my Achilles tendon at the gym. On Wednesday, I wrote Pre-op Hell and Surgery Heaven,… Continue reading Navigating Post-Surgery: Tips for First Day Recovery
Pre-op Hell and Surgery Heaven
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 On Sunday, I completely ruptured by right Achilles tendon. (Read Sometimes, You Break Yourself...Again for that story.) Today, my surgeon repaired it. This is my reflection of the ordeal. I saw the orthopedist on Monday afternoon. He listened to my story, watched the video of the event, and said "yup, that's… Continue reading Pre-op Hell and Surgery Heaven
Stacey's Headspace 