Hop-along

I have had some knee problems the past 5 years. After playing softball my whole life, then going to college and my activity level dropping, the pains caught up to me. Come to find out, the bone that is right under my knee cap is actually attached slightly off (it is supposed to be aligned with your 2nd toe, mine is aligned with the floor). So, dear Dr. Thomas here in Franklin, TN decided that the only way to fix the problem (problem being constant pain and discomfort for 3 years) was to go in and move that bone. So, Friday morning I go in to have that done. When I came out Dr. Thomas informed me that he didn't have to move the bone, which was great! I was afraid that since he hadn't done what he originally said I would be back in the same place in 3 years. BUT, there was so much scar tissue under my knee cap that is was pushing it way over. When he cleaned out the scar tissue and trimmed the tendons on the outside of my knee, my knee cap slid right back into place. The Doc said my knee cap was beautiful and perfect and would be great from then on. So, now I'm going on day 2 of PT. I have to walk with a straight brace, I'm bruised, swollen and sore, but doing great!! 

Chicago...chicago...the talk of the town...

My friend Anna Parker and I decided last year, after a trip to NY, NY, that we would take a trip in the states every year until we could afford to have a grand trip to Europe or Hawaii or somewhere wonderful. This year we went to Chicago. Neither one of us had ever been so it was a good choice. We decided to drive because we needed a good road trip. We drove up to South Bend, Indiana to tour the Notre Dame campus. It was beautiful!! Good decision to do that. We had to drive through Gary, Indiana...Gary, Indiana...Gary, Indiana..(Music Man anyone?) and arrived in Chicago about 8pm, checked in our lovely Travelodge (which is a great step up from the hostel we stayed at in NY!) and walked around. Chicago is absolutely beautiful at night! While there, we went to the History museum and the museum of Science and Industry, a double decker bus tour, hung out at the 'bean,' went to Navy Pier, went to Second City (which was hilarious!), went to a Cubs game (Go Cubies!) ate a piece of pizza the size of my head (for only $5!) and walked about 10 miles a day. We had an incredible time and I hope it makes it back in the rotation sometime soon. If you haven't been, I highly suggest taking a long weekend trip!