I'm a happy, happy girl.

Where to begin, where to begin.... It's been forever since I've written. I keep meaning to and then completely lose track of time. It doesn't help that I have the worst attention span. Let's see....

Walking has been going great!!!! Every step that I take just makes me more and more stronger. It's such an amazing feeling. And my ankles finally stopped swelling all the time. That was probably the worst part about walking again in the beginning. The swelling always hurt and made my ankles 5 times bigger. My legs are bending perfectly and straightening as much as I can possibly make them. Going up and down the stairs is easily ten times easier than it was. Though, I have to hold on with both hands to walk really good down them. Practice makes perfect. I'll get the hang of it again, eventually.

I've been going to the gym a lot to get my muscles in my legs back. At this point, they might even be stronger than they've ever been. My doctor wants me to have as much muscle as possible going into my next two surgeries. That way my recovery time won't be as bad.

My next doctor's appointment is on the 10th of August, and I can't wait for it to get here. That's when the planning of my final surgeries and the recovery will begin. Who would've ever thought that I'd be excited to get surgery? Seems like such a silly thing to be anxious/excited for. Luckily, my next two surgeries are only to repair my ACL's. Should be a piece of cake compared to the surgeries I've already had. I don't have either one of my ACL's at this point and I'm hoping that in my recovery time, nothing has torn or needs to be fixed again. My fingers are crossed!

I was in debate on how I wanted to do my surgeries. I could either have one and be in a wheelchair again, which would get them both out of the way but I'd lose entirely too much muscle and my recovery time would be longer. Or I could get them done one at a time and just be on crutches. My doctor is leaning more towards doing them one at a time. That way all the muscle that I've been working really hard to get back, won't completely vanish like it did the last time I couldn't walk.

I can't believe it's already been a little over 7 months since my accident. So many things have changed. My life is completely different now. Everything happens for a reason and I'm a very firm believer in that. I'm a better person now that I've gone through all of this. Well, still going through all of this. A lot has happened in these past 7 months but I wouldn't change a thing. As ridiculous as that sounds, I wouldn't.

I love everyone that has been here helping me through this long process. Family, old friends, new friends, doctors, nurses, my physical therapist, and a few others a long the way. And I've had a million different inspirations throughout all of this. There's no way I could have done all of this alone. And I love each and every one of you for being amazing.

I'll write more soon. I have a million things running through my brain right now and if I don't stop writing now, this one entry could possibly turn into a novel. I'll figure all my thoughts out and jot them down for future blog entries.

Last note, I've seriously never been happier in my entire life.

Xoxo.

This time is mine.

To start this off, I'm really sorry for slackin' on the blog. There's been a lot going on lately and it doesn't help that my computer doesn't work either. I'll get back in my bloggin' groove!

I think I last left off with my great news from my doctor. Since then, I've been in the process of moving back to my mama's house. Which has been a little hectic because I have a ton of stuff, most of which, doesn't fit in her house. I'm doing the best I can for the space I have. I definitely need to go through all my clothes and get rid of some. It's a little ridiculous how many clothes I have. They will all now be sent to Goodwill for other people to enjoy.

Walking has been going GREAT. And it's getting really, really easy now! I should get my new ACL brace for my right leg sometime tomorrow and tomorrow is also my last physical therapy appointment! Until my next two surgeries anyways. I just signed up for a gym so that I can continue to make my legs stronger and stronger. Plus, it won't hurt to work out. I think I'll be okay getting back into shape.

I'm really sad that I won't be going to physical therapy for the next three months. I've become really close to everyone that works there. I think tomorrow will be an emotional day. Luckily, it's only a short while that I won't be with them. Then I'll need them to make me better all over again.

This summer I have every intention of being a social butterfly, not that that's any different than how my life was before. I just plan on not ever wasting time, ever again. Life is precious. It took a long time for me to realize that but I'm really glad that I did. Bring on the fun!

August 10th is my next doctors appointment and that's when I'll find out when the first of my next two surgeries will be. I'm kinda excited for it. After the next two surgeries, I should be all done with them! The last one will definitely be the greatest one! My complete and 100% recovery won't be until July of 2012. Seems like it's forever away but I think the time will just fly by. I can't wait until all of this is a distant memory.

Good news, my 21st birthday is in 6 days! You'd think I'd be excited about being able to legally drink but I've been "21" for so long that it just seems like another birthday. I am, however, very excited to get presents and money! Seems sad but since I won't be able to work or find a job, getting money will be amazing!

The trip that my friend and I are going on is in 8 days! Can't believe it's so close now. I can't wait to get away for a mini vacay. It's much needed. Plus, I've already booked an hour long massage. Which I need more than anything. It's probably the thing that I'm most excited about! Being bed ridden for 4 and a half months really made my back messed up. Finally it'll feel good again.

I think I've covered a lot of what's been going on. I'll make sure to post more often. I shall not forget! Even if I have to make a little reminder in my phone calendar.

Xoxo.

Wicked twisted road.

Alright so this post is a little overdue but when I tried to write it before, Blogger was down. And then my computer stopped working so I haven't really had a chance to write.

Wednesday morning, I went to see my doctor. He released me to drive and work! Ahhhhh. I was so excited when he told me. Unfortunately, my good news came with some bad news. Instead of only having one more surgery, I'm going to need two. He originally only wanted to reconstruct my left ACL, which will continue as planned, but now he wants to reconstruct my right ACL as well. Apparently, all the walking that I've been doing has loosened up too much of my scar tissue and now my leg is too loose. I'm a little sad that I now have to get two more but there's not much I can do about it. In the mean time, I'm getting a new brace in about a week to help me walk better.

Anywho, after my visit with my doctor, I could not wait to drive! I was so excited. So I picked up my friend and I drove to New Braunfels to get my hair done. I'm blonde again, yes!! I will never dye my hair black, ever again. It's been such a long process to get it back blonde. Even though it's not exactly as blonde as it used to be, it's good enough for now. After my hair, I ran a few more errands and took my release papers to work so that I can finally be off of FMLA and start working again. I'm excited! I really miss making money. Even though I won't be making a ton, it's better than nothing.

Wednesday night, I went to County Line to hang out with some friends and watch some good live music. Whiskey Myers and Fast Betty played. If you've never heard of them, I suggest you check them out. They both have a great music and an even better live show! I got to hang out with a lot of really good friends, new and old, and I'm glad that I got to hang out with my other half too. I missed her and I'm glad that we can finally be back in action! Can't wait for all of our adventures that we have planned!

Thursday, I had a physical therapy appointment but I had to cancel it because the weather was horrible and my legs were aching really, really bad. Not to mention the fact that it had also made my ankle swell like crazy. Needless to say, I'm not a huge fan of weather change anymore. I guess I'll just have to get used to it.

Yesterday, Friday, I went to my rescheduled physical therapy appointment and kinda relaxed most of the day. Last night, I went to see Robert Earl Keen with my friend Lauren. It was a ton of fun! I had to sit down during most of it though because my legs just couldn't handle standing that long. I think I did a pretty good job walking around Floores though, considering it's not flat ground.

And finally we've come to today. Today was a TON of fun. My mama and I took my little brother to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. He's never been so it was a fun experience to watch him react to all of the animals. If you've never been, I highly suggest checking it out! It's always a ton of fun. The zebra's were my favorite thing to see.

I took this while we were there. Look at how adorable the baby zebra is! This is my favorite picture of the day. So I thought I'd share it with whomever may be reading this post!

I think that I've pretty much covered everything that's happened this week. Tomorrow, we're going to the Snake Farm so I'll be sure to post a blog with a ton of pictures from there soon!

Xoxo.

I walk the line.

I think I'm really starting to get the hang of walking again! I haven't been using the walker for a couple days now and I'm just getting better and better. Though, I stayed at my mama's house and walking up and down the stairs a lot really hurt my ankles. It'll take some getting used to but I think I'm doing pretty damn good, if I do say so myself!

I went out on Saturday night to see some good friends that I haven't seen in a quite a while. I had my mom drop me off and the door guy at the venue laughed at me. I felt like I was 12 years old again and my mom was dropping me off at the movies or something. It was fun to be out without a wheelchair or walker.

Mother's Day was fun! I felt a little bad because I couldn't actually get my mama a present. I just kept telling her that I loved her over and over again. I'm not sure if she'll ever really know how much I truly appreciate everything she does for me. I've put her through a lot and I'm glad that she's never given up on me and has always done whatever she possibly could. Sure, sometimes she's my best friend and other times we can't even be in the same room together because our personalities clash too much, but I think that's just our dynamic. At the end of the day, I can truly say that I love my mama and wouldn't have it any other way. She's amazing!

I called my doctor today, well I guess yesterday now, to find out when I'd be able to drive again and when I'd be able to finally go back to work. Unfortunately, he wasn't in the office and I'll have to wait until the morning. I'm anxious to find out what he says but I don't have high expectations. I don't think I'll get the okay for both of those things until my next actual doctors appointment which isn't until the 24th.

I miss driving. It was my way of "escaping". I loved to drive around New Braunfels, or anywhere really, just to clear my head and take my mind off of things. I don't really have the freedom to just pick up and go like I used to. Hopefully that'll all change soon. Though, I'm not too sure how I'm going to handle driving when the time comes. I mean, I've driven around my dad's neighborhood but I haven't driven on an actual road or highway. I might be the most caustious driver ever now. Who knows.

I haven't worked in a little over 5 months. I didn't really mind not working at first, I worked way too much, but now I'm starting to wish I could. It always gave me something to do. Plus, not working for 5 months has made me completely broke. And I hate asking my parents for money because they've been helping me out so much with all of my medical bills. I hope I can start working soon! Then I'll be a little closer to being back to myself.

Xoxo.

A champion is someone who gets up when she can't.

I am extremely happy to report that I no longer need to use my walker! Unless I'm in a crowded area and I'll only need it then just incase someone runs into me. I'm really excited though. It was only 3 weeks ago that I started walking again and I'm really starting to get the hang of it!

I'm not sure if I've already posted this but I'll share it again anyways.... I can go up and down stairs now! I look a little funny doing it but I don't care. I'm just happy that I'm able to do it now!

I started to tan on Tuesday, which I got doctor approved. He said that arthoscopically there is no reason why I can't tan in a tanning bed but he doesn't approve because of skin related reasons. Which I expected. I was a little scared to tan though because I didn't want to burn my scars and have them start looking disgusting. I found this awesome stuff to put over them though! No more vampire Mandy!

And possibly the coolest news.... I drove today! Only through my dad's neighborhood and then a little down the street to pick up my brother from school. I was a little nervous to drive because I haven't in 5 months. It's like riding a bike! I was a little shakey at first because I kept thinking I was going to run off the road. I think I did really good though. I just need to keep practicing. Practice makes perfect!

Tomorrow will be the 5 month anniversary of my accident. I can't believe it's already been 5 months! It feels like time has flown right on by. I can't get over it. 5 months. Almost half a year. I'll be making up for it this summer though and I can't wait!

My 21st birthday is on May 31st. Only 26 days to go! Not that turning 21 will be any different from any other day. But I'm excited that I will never have to be a "minor" ever again! I can go to a bar and not get a huge X on my hand with a sharpie.

Candace and I are also going to Fest Out West which is in 28 days! It's going to be a ton of  fun.

Those are just a few things I'm really looking forward to. I'm making a lot of plans for the rest of the year. I won't waste any time!

Xoxo.