A New Year

Well, the trip to Germany was wonderful. I wish I had kept my blog updated, as the trip went in one big blur, but alas.... bad internet connection while there.
I got to see alot of neat stuff, including downtown Bamberg and Legoland. ^_^
More importantly, I got to spend time with my brother, his wife and the new baby.

Now that I'm home, I am getting back into my normal work routine. I took a break from school, so now I am filling up all that spare time (what the heck DID I do without school to fill it up?)
with my newfound love-- Aikido!
I started 2/10 and have taken three classes so far. (I'm extremely green) I know almost nothing, and just try to muddle my way through, but it's still fun. I practice at Aikido of Dallas.

http://www.aikido.org/dallas

Right now I'm learning basics... rolling, ukemi (basically falling or "blending with the mat") ettiquette, and basic movement and techniques.
I was considering Aikido for months, and I finally went to watch a couple of classes at AoD and AoFW. I finally settled of AoD, but was happy to learn that I can train at AoFW too. (once I feel comfortable enough to leave the confines of the beginner's class O_o)
So far everyone is very nice and respectful. There is a peaceful air in the dojo, and an environment of mutual respect. I hope to be able to stick with it, as I am feeling much better even after a week and a half. Maybe it will even help me kick the smoking.

When I told a friend about my newfound love of Aikido, she said.. "lemme get this straight, you want to put on pajamas and PAY someone to throw you on the ground.....?"

YEAH!!

I discovered I LOVE ukemi. Go figure. :)

Other than that, I am back to the grind at work. Got a 93% on my last audit. My recent review was pretty good, and I got a nice raise to go along with it.

Now the bad news. And it's pretty bad....
Wednesday I was going to blockbuster to return some movies. I didn't realize Secret had followed me to the truck. I ran over him... :( To be more exact, I think he just got his foot caught under the tire. We caught him (after my bawling session and hyperventilation fit)....Mom and Jason took him to the emergency clinic. He fractured his left rear tibia. It was a spiral fracture (really bad) He's going to require surgery to repair it. They will most likely have to use metal plates to rebuild it. I've been a total wreck since Wednesday. I missed work on Thursday, and I went in late Friday. We took him to our regular vet yesterday. He looked at the X-rays... definitely surgery. He said he would refer us to a specialist (he didn't have the proper equipment), but he was concerned that Secret would not eat or drink.
Left Him there for tests as the Dr. was concerned about possible problems like kidney failure induced by shock and trauma. Also tested for feline leukemia, HIV..etc... Secret is 11 years old.
They also put him on a calorie supplement and IV fluids to rehydrate and hopefully stimulate his appetite...he refused to eat. We brought him home this morning. He *FINALLY* ate when Mom put him on the dryer (his normal dining area) and ate quite a bit. I got the happy call today while at work.

Now he will eat a little, and I just gave him water. We are going to keep it up...give him meds...etc.. and call the vet Monday to get the referal for the surgery. That's going to be around $2000. O_o but Secret is worth it. I will have to take money out of my 401K...eek....

Anyway, tomorrow is my birthday, and my gift is hopefully keeping my cat in one piece. I'm feeling rather calm right now, but truthfully, I was devastated. I've been bursting into tears about 5 times a day since Wednesday.

Okay, no more depressing news. Hopefully this weekend will be uneventful.

Liz