Recovery: Day 7

And that's that for my "break". Tomorrow is back to work because I'm feeling okay. This is not exactly how I'd prefer to spend a week away from work. However, I won't be in pain again. Well, at least not from gallstones. I spent two months in near agony and now it's over. The surgery and recovery was a small price to pay for not having to deal with that pain anymore.

And now I can eat normally, too. Hells yeah!

I checked today and, sadly, no new developments on our Visa application. Not that I was expecting anything. But, I always keep my fingers crossed.

It was hard going through this past week without James. Certainly I managed fine without him, but it's a luxury I would have paid any price to have.

He certainly did his best to be available to me from 3,600 miles away. Between emails, IM's and the such, he was always in touch. And he handled my whining well (Believe it or not, I'm not the best patient). I love you, baby.

Elsewhere...

I haven't been able to attend a DC United game since May 8th and James is quick to point out that the team hasn't lost a single game since my hiatus. Could it be I'm bad luck?!

I'm pleased about my teams winning streak. Especially the 4-1 drubbing of Beckham+10 (=zero) today.

And, I'm sure the record is just a coincidence. Right? Right?

Recovery: Day 5

The pain is definitely diminishing and I can go longer before needing the percocet. Everything is healing nicely. At least, I think. I'm scared to look at the stitches still. I'm a complete wuss.

Because I still have to sleep on my back, and because my cats are still young and therefore rambunctious, they aren't allowed in the bedroom with me at night. Which has made them both excellent day company. They don't leave my side until it's time for me to go back to bed. It's been sweet having them cuddle up next to me during my recovery.

They've had a rough time of it lately. A month ago I was in England for a week and that got them sad. Then of course I spent a couple nights in the hospital and on top of that, I'm denying them their bed time with me.

Next week, we'll all be back to normal.

And, I'm counting down the days (84) until I'm back in England with James.

Mmmm... Percocet

What does it feel like to have your gallbladder removed? Well, it feels like being punched in the belly over and over and over and over.

But, the Percocet makes it all better. Okay, not all better but it certainly numbs the pain quite a bit.

The two nights spent in the hospital wasn't as awful as I was afraid it would be. Every person on staff was great and took good care of me. And, it helped that my daddy came up and stayed with me, too.

So, now I'm back at home and recovering. I still feel like I'm being punched in the stomach, but it's not the end of the world. This pain will go away so it's far better than the pain I was dealing with for two months while waiting for the surgery.

I miss my fiance though. :(

I hate to be that girl, but...

I swore to myself that I wasn't going to turn this blog into a lovey-dovey my boyfriend/fiance is so awesome bragathon. But... well, my boyfriend/fiance is so damn awesome!

Now it looks like we could be apart for seven months. Booo!
So just in case anyone from Homeland Security is a fan of my blog:

Dear wonderful Mr./Mrs. Homeland Security person reviewing the file for Jessica Caroline Howard and James Andrew Hunt,
James is a fine upstanding and respected person in his community. He's successful, respectful and honest. He's the most sincere person I've ever met. He will contribute to our society in nothing but positive ways.
So please, please, please expedite our K-1 Visa application ASAP. Our future is in your hands.
And I have DC United tickets with your name on them if it helps!
Sincerely,
Jessica Howard

On to other matters...
I finally got my car back last week and it looks brand new. $11,700 worth of damages. Yes, when I do it, I do it right baby! They detailed my car and made it all shiny inside and out.

I see a new surgeon on Monday and hopefully (cross your fingers here, please) I can have the surgery on Friday. I'm told it's minor and outpatient so everything will be fine.

I admit though, I'd be much happier if James were allowed to be here with me during recovery.
(hint, hint Mr./Mrs. Homeland Security person)

And now to the wedding:
Tonya has picked out her dress and Jade's Flower Girl dress. All we really need now is the GROOM! (another subtle hint, hint to Mr./Mrs. Homeland Security person)

Have I mentioned how amazing my fiance is? Trust me, the absolute best.

Oh dear, I'm that girl.

Lyrics of the day:
Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play
Dear Prudence, greet the brand new day
The sun is up, the sky is blue
It's beautiful and so are you
Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play

Dear Prudence, open up your eyes
Dear Prudence, see the sunny skies
The wind is low, the birds will sing
That you are part of everything
Dear Prudence, won't you open up your eyes?

-Dear Prudence: The Beatles

Where the hell have I been?

Well, I have a good answer loyal readers. All over. Okay, just England and New Jersey.
So, let's start with England.

I've been home two weeks now and I still miss it. I can't believe I have to wait three months to go back.

I met my future in-law's and they are fabulous, fabulous peeps. Thank God! I was nervous, I really was. I had no idea what their feelings about me would be. Their only son is moving nearly 4,000 miles away to be with me, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

Turns out, they are awesome. His mom and dad came and picked me up while James was at work and took me to Windsor Castle one day and Stonehenge another day. I loved being around them.

And as for his friends, they were a lot of fun. We went bowling with three of them and it was a blast. I didn't do too bad, either!

James and I went out to Wembley to watch the USA v England game. The new Wembley is very cool and it was a fun night. Even though USA lost to England (expected) it was great to have James and I there together supporting two different teams. And James made it out of the game without bruises. :) Rather, I manged to not hit him each time England scored against us. But, to be fair, James was awesome about not gloating even a little bit. I love this man.

Bottom line, England was a success.

Then I came home and spent a weekend in New Jersey with Cara. She picked out her Brides Maid dress which was lovely. Sadly, I got a little sick while I was there so I wasn't the best company (I'll make it up to you sweet pea!).

Sunday evening ended with Jen and I at Giant Stadium watching the USA take on Argentina. Great game but we didn't make it there until half time. Stupid traffic. And we didn't get home until 4AM. Stupid traffic.

And now we're up to this weekend. First time I've been able to stay at home since England. Tonya and I went shopping for her Brides Maid dress and she also picked out a gorgeous dress and we picked out her daughters Flower Girl dress. Success all the way around!

Oh, and my wedding dress arrived. My lovely, wonderful, best wedding dress ever wedding dress.

It's hanging in my bedroom right now waiting for October to roll around so I can take it to be altered (the length is for a girl 6 feet tall. As we know, I'm a tad under 6 feet tall).

Lastly, I have a movie to recommend - Across the Universe.

Being a huge Beatles fan, you'd think I would have seen this already. It's been sitting in my apartment for weeks waiting for me to watch it.

But, between being sick and not at home, my first opportunity came this weekend. I watched it twice in less than 24 hours and I could watch it twice more. I won't, because I want to appreciate it.

Seriously, watch this movie. It's so worth the two hours. And, it reaffirmed my love for all things Beatles. Genius I tell you. Genius.

Jessica out!