It has been almost a year since we got our basement back, and two years since I had my surgery. We are STILL working on remodeling the basement, and my neck is still a little painful to the touch, but both are still the best decisions I/we could have made.
At the same time, I've been doing some acting since the fall. I've done some auditions and been in some short films. Even though I look forward to working on more professional sets, these films have helped me to see that this whole acting thing really is what I want to do with my life. My only problem is that I have a hard time reconciling my love of going out in the world to do the acting and my love of staying home to take care of my husband and pets.
My chronic pain has been flaring up horribly the last few months. I've been having trouble doing all the things I want to do: going out with friends and family, working on the basement while Zach's at work; even laundry and cooking have been nearly impossible. It would also suffice to say that working out has been a low priority for me lately. I'm trying not to get down about it, but that's a tall order. I don't take medication. I don't want to take medication. I don't want to become reliant on medication to make me feel "normal", and trying to figure out how to deal with life in near-constant pain is harder than I thought it would be. I'm so glad I have Zach, who is so understanding and who doesn't criticize or judge me when I can't do something. He makes our home a place I love, and works hard to help keep my spirits up when my condition gets the best of me. How did I get so lucky?
