A Fixed kinda night

Being back home has allowed me to spend time with my wonderful co-workers again, even though I am not yet working. On one very hot (and humid) Winnipeg night, the 5 of us got together to hang out and enjoy each other's company once again in Mark's backyard. I am extremely lucky to work alongside these awesome people. There is no place like Fixed!

 

 

Mark!

Jill and Jessica - this was actually my first time meeting Jessica, as I had hired her back in January via email. She's a perfect fit for our clinic.

 No party is complete without games.

We are indeed a special bunch!

I wouldn't trade this crew for the world!

T- 4 days

The countdown is on. In 4 short days, I will be having long awaited surgery on my wrist. I'm not looking forward to the surgery part, but I am looking forward to the possibility of being pain-free in my wrist so that I can get back to work and doing what I love. The surgery is scheduled for noon on Thursday, July 28th. It was originally supposed to be at 8am, but I got pushed back a few hours (not a big deal, but I am praying that I don't get pushed back more).

I am on day 4 of no meds for my headaches. Due to the fact that my medication causes my blood to thin, I am not allowed to take anything for a week prior to my surgery. So, I am attempting to lay low and praying like crazy that my head pain does not become out of control. So far I am doing ok. After a run in yesterday afternoon at a wedding with a ceramic lamp shade, I am in more pain today, but I am still functional and surviving. 

The plan after surgery is that I will take 4 weeks, as long as everything goes well, to recover and then I will be back at work for September 1st and hopefully playing volleyball again by October. 

I would appreciate prayers for the next few days as I continue to be medication free and then of course for the surgery on Thursday. 

Enjoyment

With temperatures averaging low to mid thirties this week, this is where Bailey and I found ourselves this afternoon. 

Balancing the enjoyment of the heat and the comforts of air conditioning.

Re-Entry and Life

I've now been back home for almost 3 weeks and I must say, being home is nothing like I expected - not better, not worse, just different. On TREK debrief, leadership told us that we would experience some feelings of hibernation and I thought, yeah, I can see myself doing that, but I have surprised myself with my hibernating attitude. I suppose I have just needed the time and space to myself. I have been attempting to keep my schedule fairly empty - only 1 or 2 major things per day, otherwise I find myself feeling a little anxious. So, I continue to take things slow and that has been good.


I learned a lot being in Portugal, particularly in the area of obedience. Since being home, this lesson of being obedient to who God has called me to be and where he has called me to be continues to be one that I am learning. This year away has transformed my life and my way of thinking in some pretty profound ways and I want to continue to live out those changes here at home. I'm currently in the process of figuring out a new life for myself in some respects, which can be both very exciting and yet daunting. As I encounter challenges in my re-entry process, I am clinging to one of my favorite verses in Hebrews 4:16:

"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Regardless of my desire to pull the hibernation card, I have enjoyed being back home. I have been enjoying coffee dates and catching up with friends and family. Starbucks and I have once again become re-acquainted and it has been a beautiful thing! Dominika and I have re-joined the gym again, which has been surprisingly awesome. I forgot how good working out feels. My butt is literally being kicked back into gear and I like it. On the home front, I have made myself busy this last week painting my bedroom, refinishing old furniture and unpacking boxes. There are a few finishing touches that I need to do in my room, but it's been both relaxing and exhilarating transforming this room of mine. I'm already looking for my next projects. Stay tuned for pictures :) 

Wedding Bells

The wedding bells were a ringing yesterday as we celebrated Derek and Courtney's wedding. The morning started off rainy and wet, but by the time we had to leave for the church in the early afternoon, the clouds had cleared and the sun was brightly shining. It ended up being a beautiful day - a tad humid, but nonetheless, beautiful.


The celebrations started Friday afternoon as Dominika, mom and I spent the afternoon at the spa getting our nails done. Total bliss! Tiber River is awesome. Following that we had the rehearsal at the church and then dinner at the awesome Buccacinos.

The wedding party practicing their dance for the reception

There was really no need for Dominika and I to be at the church rehearsal - we were only along for the ride. So, we parked ourselves at the back of the church with a bag of cherry blasters and fuzzy peaches and watched the rehearsal unfold and gave our humble opinion on certain things. Good times.

Wedding day started early with hair appointments and getting dressed. Seeing as the groom and his men took over my parent's house, I vacated and joined Dominika at her place to finish getting ready. A much better choice! By 12:15pm, we were at the church and anxiously awaiting for the ceremony to begin. 

A very relaxed groom

The groom and his sisters.

The ceremony was short and sweet, but also incredibly beautiful. Courtney was simply stunning. As she made her way down the aisle, I believe she took Derek's breath away as he quickly became a little teary eyed. Yup, she was beautiful.

Introducing for the first time...Derek and Courtney Friesen

Lesley, Dominika and myself

Family pictures at King's Park. The weather really could not have been more cooperative.

Father and son

The Grandmas

Siblings

Me and the newest "sistah from anotha mistah"

Me and my sistah!

After a McDonalds snack, some relaxing at home and a little dress mishap (Dominika's, not mine), we headed off to the Hilton to finish off the celebrating. The place was beautifully decorated and the food was delicious. The dancing was pretty great too!

My cousin Dillon and his girlfriend Lesley

Dominika and our cousin Lucas

First dance.

Love.

A wedding party special: the Boot Scootin Boogie line dance

 I crawled into bed in the early morning after a very long but wonderful day. Congratulations Derek and Courtney! I love you both a lot!