ACL - anterior cruciate ligament

The anterior cruciate ligament (or ACL) is one of the four major ligements of the knee.
It connects from a posterio-lateral part of the femur to an anterio-medial part of the tibia. These attachments allow it to resist forces pushing the tibia forward relative to the femur.

More specifically, it is attached to the depression in front of the intercondyloid eminence of the tibia, being blended with the anterior extremity of the lateral meniscus.

It passes up, backward, and laterally, and is fixed into the medial and back part of the lateral condyle of the femur...

and mine is torn!! Crap!!

So yes I had an MRI before leaving town for Lake Hartwell. The following week the diagnosis was confirmed that I did tear my ACL while trying to run 10+ miles in the dark woods, aka DarkSide back in June.

My doctor is torn (no pun intended) between surgery and rehab/physical therapy. On one hand, I do play tennis which in pretty much impossible with a torn ACL, plus I'm pretty active and I could be back to near 100% of where I was before the injury with surgery. The other side of the coin is that my knee is pretty stable, I can walk, run, bike...do most of my normal activity. The only times I am having problems (i.e. walking down stairs, tennis) is when I'm asking my body to the most difficult activities for the knee.

I've spent two weeks going over all the pros and cons, while at the same time trying to deal with the emotional issues surrounding this feeling of helplessness. Right now we are taking a conservative approach of rehab/PT. If/when I have surgery it will have to be next year. I want to get through some races/runs I have planned and the holidays before I'm out of commission for months.

I'll keep you all updated on my progress.

FYI Google spell check does not recognize ACL as a word.

The Game was Called Because of Rain

Nope not baseball or even kickball, it was our weekly trivia that was canceled due to a broken pipe in the hotel above the bar. You can read the beginning of the story over at Stacy's site.

I'll pick things up after Stacy left.

After we evacuated the building we all stood outside pondering what to do next. Everyone seemed to stay calm with the exception of Charlie G's cook, who was running around, trying to make sure everyone knew it wasn't his fault. At least that is what I think he was saying...stating he had a speech impediment would be and understatement. Amy showed up and left right away, I called Karyn to let her know what was happening and got her voicemail, I didn't have Frank's number so he was on his own.

Our waitress stepped outside to have a smoke and I asked what else was close so we (Barb, Larry, Allen and myself) could grab some dinner and a beer. I felt a little guilty but everyone was hungry. We left Charlie G's and the rushing water to go to Front Page News. We were able to get a nice table outside, next to the fountain (eek the sound of rushing water again) and ordered our first round of drinks. Remarkably, Frank found us and joined us at his usual spot at the head of the table. We ordered dinner, the boys talked about the rivers of Poland, the War of 1812 and the guy that invented the sewing machine and had a couple of beers. We also toasted to AFD's newest paramedic (congrats again Allen).

Larry and I walked back to our cars, parked at Charlie G's when he offered to treat me to a liquid nitrogen margarita at Element. It was fun to watch it being made and it reminded me of tequila sorbet (oh if only there was such a creature). It was now well past 10 and decided to call it an evening. While walking past Charlie G's again we noticed they where open and serving!! If it had been a little earlier we might have stopped in just to see how much they accomplish in just a few hours. We will check it out next week when Donkey Punch returns once again in hopes of spending our booty!!

It is time to start cooking!

Fall is here, the weather is cooler and I can once again turn the oven back on without suffering heat stroke.

Perfect timing also, I received my October issues of Bon Appetit and it is full of yummy, fall inspired, comfort food. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, hearty beef dishes, apples, both sweet and savory seem to dominate the issue.

Here's what I'm thinking of cooking very soon:

Fried Cornmeal Shrimp with Butternut Squash Risotto
Brown Sugar and Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Maple-Espresso Glaze
Mahi-Mahi with Fresh Cilantro Chutney
Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup
Cabernet-Braised Short Ribs with Gorgonzola Polenta

Now I just need to find someone to cook for, anyone up for dinner at my place soon? (I'm not kidding!) I just need to make a trip to the farmer's market.

D & M Drama - Lake Hartwell Edition

I'm not going to go into details on this...but hopefully Lake Hartwell was the Farewell Tour for Drama 2007. Miscommunication and stupid ideas have always provided a back drop for this relationship...so at least there were no surprises the way it ended.

In spite of a couple of hours of that...I had a great time. There was plenty of beer, food, sun, fun and great company. I even got mugged!!



Lessons learned this weekend!

1) 3 people can fit in my tent
2) girls of German/Irish decent should be more careful when wearing a two-piece swimsuit for the first time since they were 6!! (my tummy is still burnt).
3) never leave camp (I already knew that one)
4) don't eat a lot of melon before downing an oil can of Fosters Beer

It is offical

As of today I am no longer overweight as far as my BMI goes.

132 and counting.

Seriously, Donkey Punch

I read that Sweetwater has a new beer that they are going to call Donkey Punch. I know what a Donkey Punch is from my days working in HIV/AIDS prevention. One night I took a visiting CBO Director from Boston out for dinner. He was stuck at a hotel in Tucker and I just felt bad for him, it was not official business. We went to Agave (I haven't been there in ages) and they we headed to Mary's for a drink. Little did I know it was trivia night, specifically Sexual Trivia, and one question was 'What is a Donkey Punch?', I didn't know but soon found out...and people think I have a little kink in my background.

Speaking of Trivia, last night I headed back to Charlie G's for weekly trivia. It was a new crowd last night but quite interesting. Barb and Dean where there and to my surprise boy #1 and boy#3 showed up! I got to sit between the two of them, trying hard to suppress the giggles bubbling up inside me. It was a little exciting. When the bill came they both offered to pick up my tab, boy #3 won. Boy#1 later invited me out for a drink. I doubt anything will happen with either but it sure was faltering and I'm going to enjoy it while I can.

Most importantly we won first place and $50 in bar cash.

I'll be back next week.

Lake Hartwell

The Black Sheep Lake Hartwell Campout is fast approaching. I'm tentative about going, relations with D are still strained. I can deal with him, it is just the thought of him with someone else that is hard. I got an email from him today that he will be coming to the campout alone? Strange.

I am going to work very hard to enjoy this weekend. Boner will be there and he is such a calming and supportive force for me. He doesn't particularly care for D, more specifically how D has treated me. He's one of the people that knows I can do better. There will also be several girlfriends and at least one boy to pay me some attention.

I need to get cracking and get ready for this trip.

What time is it?

So after a long run and an even longer brunch I finally made it home sometime around 5:30 last night. I made a phone call at 6:04 pm and that was it. I awoke, looked at the clock it said 7:00. Damn, I'm running late for work, oh wait not going to the office today, I have to take Toby to the vet...good I can lay here just a bit longer. That is when it dawned on me just how dark it was outside. Yes, in my drunken haze I mistook 7 pm Sunday for 7 am Monday. I went out hard...I checked my phone, which was right by my head, someone called at 6:24 and I missed it, I didn't hear a sound.

It is now 3:30 am and I am wide awake...this sucks.

God lord, I need to stop drinking.

Average Joes 1, Indy Colts 41

Well we couldn't have done much worse than the Saints. Here is my sports wrap up from yesterday.

Average Joes vs. Wanahawkalugi

Average Joes started out strong scoring a run in the first inning...sadly that was our last run also. After the second inning we got our defense down and held Wanahawkalugi to only one more run. We need to work on some offense.

I was useless...my knee gave out during my first time kicking.

Colts vs. Saints

Last night was the season opener for the current Super Bowl Champs the Indianapolis Colts. They wiped the field at the RCA Dome with the Saints. Out scoring the visiting team 31-0 in the second half.

MRIs

I have my first MRI scheduled for next week. I guess now I am a real athlete. This MRI is to see if I have torn my ACL. I hope not but everything is leading me to believe that is what has happened.

Everyone please keep your finger crossed.

Giving

I'll admit it, I don't feel I give enough, either of my time or money. I am still fostering for Basset Rescue and I'm currently paying Toby's medical bills. However, since I'm probably going to keep the slobbery little beast does it really count?

One idea that I've always found interesting is Microcredit.

Microcredit is the extension of very small loans (microloans) to the unemployed, to poor entrepreneurs and to others living in poverty who are not considered bankable.

You can donate as little as $25 to help someone in a developing country start a business. The repayment on these loans is very high, 99%+. Many times these loans are given to women, who seem to be better at managing and paying back the loans then men.

Currently this site is not taking any more donations...amazingly every loan has been funded. Keep it in mind for the next time you want to make a big difference for just a little cash.

www.kiva.org

For more information on microloans check out this article on the Noble Prize winning Micro-Loan Pioneers.

Boy Crazy

Okay not me (well maybe a little) but the last two weeks have been pretty bizarre when it comes to the men that are in my life.

Boy Crazy 1

A couple of weeks ago, after a hash, a group of us went out, slowly the group became two. We headed out for '1 more beer' and got to talking. We've both dated hashers and we have both sworn off dating anymore. I took him back to his car at the end of the evening, as he was leaving he made a comment about how it was 'too bad we weren't dating hashers because we could be good together'. Something along those lines. I laughed it off and drove home. During the next week I got several flirty emails from this gentleman. That seems to have passed but nice to know it was there.

Boy Crazy 2

The past weekend I was able to have a positive experience with an ex. After a rough start on Friday, I saw him and it was good the next two days, even if he did forget my birthday present :) So on Sunday I invited him to hang with the group at Zocolo's he declined but asked if I wanted to do something the following evening. Maybe I was reading too much into the wording but it sounded a little date'ish to me.

After a couple of text messages we agreed on a time and a place. At the last minute he called to suggest going to the park. Under normal circumstances I would have loved this...I was always suggesting picnics in the park when we where together but we aren't now. I went anyway, now it really felt like a date, sitting on a blanket, under a shady oak, in a secluded part of the park while having a drink. We talked, we talked about the past, present & future...it was mostly good. He made one comment I thought inappropriate for a man currently in a relationship to make and I told him so...can men really be that dense?

Boy Crazy 3

A typical Wednesday night a George's, the usual suspects where there. I had a few beers and got caught up on the latest gossip. A friend (we've hung out together in the past and we email each other from time to time but I've considered him more of a friend of a friend) showed up, offered me dinner and drinks for my birthday. This felt like a date, I was dressed up, he was buying, great conversation, but without the pressure of a date...or so I thought.

We left George's and he walked me to my car and kissed me?!? I was just as surprised as you are, I don't know where that came from. Again I don't think anything will come of it...but it did boost my spirits.

38 might just be a good year. I wonder what this weekend will hold for me??

I'm Finally Beginning to Believe

People have been telling me for weeks, if not months, that I deserve nothing but the best. That I deserve someone who will love me, respect me, woo me, pursue me...someone that recognizes just how lucky he is to have a girl like me, smart, pretty, educated, funny, popular, respected, responsible, loving, big hearted, hard working, financially secure, athletic, interesting and an awesome cook to boot. I should not be any one's second choice, there is no competition...it is a no brainer.

Anyone that can't recognize that doesn't deserve me.

Thank you to everyone that has believe in me.

I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!

Reliving those college days

Last night was pretty laid back. I didn't go for the run I was planning on, I grilled a turkey burger and corn on the cob on the grill. I had to pick up a friend at the airport around 8:30, lucky him he got to spent the weekend in Northern Cali, visiting wineries for work.

The airport was crazy but I managed to find him on the second pass by the terminal. I drove him home and he offered me a tour of his house, I had never been there before...and now I know why.

OH LORD!! It was as bad if not worse than some of the frat houses I visited in my younger years, complete with empty beer cans, overflowing ashtrays, left over take-out and the cinder block entertainment center. If I ever had any doubts about my relationship with this person they have now been confirmed.

He was nice enough to bring me back a hat from his trip.

I left there as quickly has good manners would allow and headed home for an early nights sleep.

Happy Birthday to Me

Yes it was that time of year again...time to celebrate, not getting another year older, but another year better.

Honestly, up until the last few years I've never really enjoyed my birthday. It falls around the Labor Day weekend, most people are out of town, there are other things to do...I've spent far to many birthdays alone. My how times have changed!

Friday night

The best part of my weekend is that I have an extra day to celebrate.

I took the day off work on Friday. I treated myself to some shopping, a hair cut and I even did my nails. I got tons done on my To Do List, it really felt good. Lately, I feel like I've just been treating water.

Friday Night Happy Hour was being held, in my honor, at the Glenwood in EAV. It was a small group, being that many of the regulars were out of town for the weekend, but a group I was very happy to spend time with that night.



I managed to avoid the evil monkey and several offers of shots...didn't completely work. I did mange to do something (but at least not someone) stupid that night.

Saturday

I foolishly offered to lay a trail and throw a party on Saturday afternoon. I woke up early and made a quick change to the schedule. I headed out about 8 am to recee and lay the trail for the day. I quickly found a flaw in my original plan and had to improvise. It's all good.

About 30 people showed up for the trail. When the pack headed off, Michelle, Stacy and myself headed back to my place to attended to some last minute party details. Much to my surprise I found my back yard decorated with many balloons, thanks Stacy. Adam showed up about 2:30, tapped the keg and the party was now officially started. We didn't have to wait long for everyone.

This is when things began to get a little sketchy. I do remember everyone seemed to be having a great time, much beer was consumed, Bill and Bean ran circle for me since I was just a little to tipsy to handle such responsibility, Darren showed up (and that worked out okay) and we floated the keg sometime around 6 pm. The brain trust stood around for several minutes wondering what was wrong with the keg...it just couldn't be empty. Next thing I know Paulie is asking if we need a beer run and he was off....good man that Paulie :)

Somewhere in all this dinner was prepared, Stacy and I changed into our 'party clothes' and many more people came and went...next year I think I should have a guest book so I can remember everyone that showed up.

The evening ended with a game of three man.



Sunday is a Black Sheep Day

I woke up again early on Sunday, I spend most of the morning cleaning the house and debating going to Black Sheep. An email from Paulie convinced me to make the drive to Covington. It was a small crowd but again a good crowd. Trail was pretty short (no thanks to Kapt' Krash) and there was much beer to be had afterwards. D was there alone and I was able to speak with him and we hung out for a bit, it was nice.

The night ended (as usual) with tacos and more beer at Zocolo's.

Bonus Monday

I didn't have much planned for Monday, I was driving north to return the keg cooler I borrowed from a friend when Paulie called to remind me of a dim sum lunch in Chamblee with Betsy and Harold. Since I was almost there I declined the offer of a car pool and drove straight to Royal China. Yummy!! I stuffed myself.

I returned the keg and restocked my beer supply and headed home for a nap.

Monday night was interested, drinks with a friend that felt more like a date. It is pretty confusing for me right now.

Thank you to everyone that spent time with me and shared my birthday with me. You have no idea how much it all meant to me.