Leftover Vicodin for Sale! ...Not...

Just lying in bed feeling sleepy and lethargic. I took the day off from school, and am really glad my teachers are understanding (not thinking it's a hoax since just the other day I was perfectly ok!). Today was interesting and quite fun to be honest. My alarm went off at 6:10am, snoozed for 15 min, and got ready - easy peasy since it was comfy clothes with no bra and I was not allowed breakfast or even water to drink. Mum picked me up from my new apartment, and we were off to the Forrest Surgery Center near Valley Fair Mall. We were 30 min early - I was anticipating this moment all of yesterday since I've never experienced anything like this and have always been curious. It was nothing to be worried about really, so why not be positive? I started to journal how I was feeling and what was about to take place, when, after minor paperwork and proof of insurance and ID, I got called into the back. I had to undress and put on a hair net and garment and lie down on a gurney. A lovely heated blanket was placed on me and I was given socks, questions, and an IV in the right vein running down my arm giving a cold sensation. I was there for an hour, staring at everything rythmical - the drip-drip of the IV and the tick-tocking of the gazing clock. I eavesdropped on some chit-chatter from the nurses at a receptionist desk, and daydreamed how I would be in History class (discussing WWII currently) on a typical Wednesday. Distantly I could hear Kelly Clarkson and whatever else was playing under the gossip taking place (anorexic ballerinas who were here a few weeks ago). Another heated blanket was provided, and the anesthesiologist came by to double-check if I take any medications or was allergic to anything (nope, I'm pretty much a healthy bee). I had to initial my left boob and explain back to the nurse what will take place - "excisional biopsy on the left breast" was the technical term. Moments later two nurses approached.

"Ok Brenda, we're going to be wheeling your gurney to the surgical room now. It's colder in there so if you need another blanket let us know. How are you feeling?"

"Amazing!"

"Great, keep that smile on your face."

I was thinking how I wouldn't be able to, given that I would be put under shortly. The transporting was fun and comfortable, and as the new room approached, I was excited. It was brightly lit, very clean, and upbeat music was playing. The guy was right about the room being colder, but it wasn't an uncomfortable cold. Doctors were getting ready and joking - it seemed really fun to be a part of that atmosphere (kinda like you see in movies/shows). I was shifted onto a heated bed, and once the nurse checked my blood pressure, and maneuvered my body, I saw a head pop over mine, "Brenda I just gave you something that will make you feel very relaxed" "Yay!" In an instant, I felt a strong buzz, like I had a one too many glasses of wine. I always thought if I had this opportunity, I would be stubborn and try to fight wanting to sleep, but I decided to shut my eyes to get comfortable, and daydream. I blink open my eyes and shut them, and then continued opening and closing. Realizing I've been in the dark with thoughts turning for some time, I wondered when the surgery would take place. I have pure oxygen running through my lungs now, and I'm back in the room I lingered prior, but on the other side. I could feel my chest wrapped tighter, and I realized I was already finished with surgery! "Oh no, go back to sleep, go back to sleep" were my thoughts. I really liked being unaware of time and literally everything. I still felt a bit tipsy and my mum was brought in. I started to shake and my teeth were chattering, but this wasn't because I needed another blanket. These chills were inspired by trauma - like after doing something totally nerve-racking. Asides from that, I told her I had a fun time in there and loved all of it, and she just laughed and was glad I was weirdo to have enjoyed it.

Everything happened so quickly - I went to the doctor just 2 days ago about a lump on the left side, and here I am on a Wednesday night recovering from surgery! I have some Vicodin for my healing pains, and can begin showering and participating in light activities tomorrow. As crazy as I am about working out, I need to take it easy and rest. Well, my first surgery ever went well, and definitely was a very positive experience getting taken care of and all drugged up, hehe. As a result, I have major bruising, orange skin, and a bigger boob (from the swelling of course!). I couldn't eat at all before the surgery beginning midnight the prior, so as a hungry gal, I ate a delicious buffet meal with mum at Fresh Choice. They have really yummy pizza! Zucchini and yellow squash topped my favorite one. Their tapioca pudding also tasted better than usual. Alright, enough advertising. Have a goodnight!

P.S. The moon looks really pretty right now. Awesome to stare at before bed :)

Move Your Feet This Week!

It's National Dance Week (April 23-May 2) - take this opportunity to drop in a free class sponsored by a dance studio near you and explore something new and fun. To spice up my fitness routine, I tried pole dancing! And yep, pole dancing is definitely a workout (I know my triceps are gonna be sore and my abs a bit firmer!). I wished I brought my camera but I'm sure I won't forget what I learned. It was quite addicting actually, and I was uber-ecstatic afterwards and called mum and told her all about it (yes, i have a fantabulous relationship with her to do so, haha). So, even though its Dance Week this week, still doesn't give you an excuse to go out and try another week if you can't get out there before May 2nd.

P.S. The fitness pole dancing class is for females only :)

Progresso and Campbell Unite!

Wow, seriously? It's been a tad over a month since I've last written on here! Sorry for the lousy upkeep, but I've been uber-busy with two jobs, school, exercising, and last but definitely not least, MOVING!! I can officially say I'm moving out of San Jose, though I'm still in the neighboring town of 40,000 people called Campbell. The title is just my ironic way of stating that I'm "progressing" forward, and what better way than to use rival soup company's names?

I've been independent mostly for about 2 1/2 years, so it'll be interesting having to adjust to 2 new roommates (which shouldn't be a big deal, as I generally get along with everyone I meet and as long as I do my part and communicate, all is well, right?). The best part about my adjustment? I'm moving from a 200 sq. ft (yes, not a typo!) to a spacious master bedroom with a walk-in closet! The swimming pool/hot tub, awesome fitness center with a movie rental box, big laundry room, and no creepy neighbors will be an outstanding bonus too. I feel this will be a positive experience for me, and I'm much closer to where I need to be in terms of transportation: cycling is still my favorite way to get around town.