Anyone else think that they don't want a bull's eye on the top of their head while practicing shooting arrows? Anyone?
Archery Hat Knit Pattern

Working for the Devil

I am home today because I feel like crap. I guess I have been getting sick since last week Friday...should have known because I was asleep during the whole drive to the fair and barely ate anything there, even though it was my first State Fair trip and I was so looking forward to it. Then didn't get out of bed on Sunday. By Monday my stomach was proving that I was not its favorite person...two more days of that and I was ready to just crawl in bed and never see the sun again. Anyways, this evening I am feeling marginally better. Hope that was the worst of it.
I am reading Lilith Saintcrow's Working For The Devil. I read the first five chapters on Sunday night and have been slogging through it since then. I am only half way through, which is a bit unusual for me. I am interested in it, just can't sit still to read it because I haven't been feeling all that well. Definitely not on top of my game. The book was recommended to me via this thread. I bought one of each of the books recommended, but chose the "darker" one to start with. It is an interesting take on the devil and a different world most definitely worth the time learning. Quite a journey, a ride I am glad I didn't pass up on. Ms. Saintcrow does a great job describing her characters. More about it when I finish it...I also have the second book in the series, which I am sure I will pick up immediately after completing the first one. Another nice thing? The series has an end in sight. It is slated for 5 books, with 3 out already, the fourth out in a month and the final one out in January. This means no long, drawn out, damning, cursing years of waiting!
I finally googled the song in the Old Navy commercials...you know the one. "if you are chilly, here take my sweater 'cuz I love the way you call me baby and you take me the way I am" I love that song! So, I googled the lyrics and it is Ingrid Michaelson. A lovely song...in which she professes to buy you Rogaine when you start to lose your hair. And if that isn't love then what is? And he takes her the way she is...that is just beautiful. *sniffle*
I have been thinking about Lover Unbound for this past week and the more I do the more I realize that the book wasn't as bad as I made it out to be with my last post. Obviously it didn't end exactly as I would have thought, but surprise endings are what make a book interesting. It is what should keep you coming back for more. I am disappointed in some of the comments I read on JR's website by supposed fans. I, at least, kept my negative opinions to my little blog that nobody reads. So...I am sure she came out with this so damn quickly because there was mass disappointment when it came to her book, but here is the link to the slice of life. It may help you feel better about the V/Jane HAE. I have to admit that it made me feel better, though it just said the same thing her book said: Jane can solidify if she thinks about it and V can touch her all the time without concentration because of his gift...but it just, umm, drives home that the other option for Jane would have been to grow old and die. Let's face it, what kind of happy ever after is that? Oh, and if that Slice of Life link doesn't work (you may need to be a forum member), try this link instead. Slice Of Life on Lifetimetv.com

So...
Feeling Like: Crap
Reading: See above
Listening to: Ingrid Michaelson and A Fine Frenzy
Watching: Mm...'Til Death and Criminal Minds tonight. Still need to catch up on Grey's Anatomy.

Lover Unbound Spoiler, Review, Rant...

I had a patient come in on Monday and when I spotted what she was putting back in her purse I got all excited. I barely could contain myself.
"Is that the new J.R. Ward book?" I practically shouted, almost jumping across the counter to grab at it. Thank goodness for very recognizable book covers.
She said yes and I proceeded to bombard her with my trials of trying to locate that book (several Walmarts, calling all around the city to different bookstores). Turns out she found it at a Walmart that was going to take me a total of 45 minutes to get to and from. So, I had a hard time getting through the rest of the day, I was so anxious to get my hands on the book. It was the last one on the shelf. I want to jump up and down for finding it even a day early.
I stayed up until 3am to read it. I even put down another book that I was currently reading - which is something I NEVER do.
Okay, now that you know the back story let me tell you about the actual story.
Scroll Down a bit to see, just in case you don't really want to know my opinion or read any spoilers because I can't guarantee that there won't be any.




























The happily ever after left a bad taste in my mouth as well a sadness that cloaked the whole read. I felt like I wasted my time, money and gas. I should have waited until it was at Half Price Books. Then maybe I wouldn't have felt so cheated.
So, I did read spoilers. I knew Jane was a ghost, though I didn't know how or when or what. I thought maybe she was a ghost from the beginning, but no, much worse. I understand the angst, the torture, the sadness leading up to what should have been the traditional happy ending you expect from a romance novel. If that is what you are expecting then you will be sorely disappointed. First off, Jane dies. Yes, dies. Then, somehow, the author makes it so that Jane can come back. Hmm...but come back as what you ask? A damn ghost. You remember the movie Ghost with Demi Moore. Remember how when Patrick Swayze meets the other ghost in the subway and the other ghost can touch things? Okay, Jane is like that. She has to concentrate very hard in order to be able to pick something up, or even be seen by others. Though, how this works I am not quite sure, V can see her all the time. He is able to touch her all the time concentration or not because of his gift/curse.
This isn't a happy ever after to me. To be with someone who can't really be there? Geez, people walk right into her - another thing that doesn't make sense because if she is wearing clothing you should be able to see the clothing, right? I mean, I think the book even mentions how her clothing looks empty. So how does Rhage walk into her?
The best parts were the V and Butch exchanges. It was very sweet. I don't know if the author always meant for there to be this love interest on V's part, but for me it worked. I never wanted them to be together, but I loved how they are there for each other, watching each other's back. Butch surprised me, pleasantly, by being so understanding and even considerate of V's feelings. Another good thing is that there are no Lesser POVs. I never liked to read things from their point of view anyways.
Oh, and in regards to the bondage thing. It wasn't a turn off, but not a turn on either. It seemed forced. I didn't like it. It felt almost like "Oh, I haven't addressed V's fetish and need for S&M with the love of his life, so I need to throw something in there." Tie him up and whip him. But, as I understand S&M bondage stuff, isn't the real power with the person who can call a stop to the whole process? So how would that make V feel so powerful, to know that at any time his sex partner can call a halt to the festivities? So the control stands with whom? Definitely not the "Dominant" person because that person does not control how far or how long things go for.
I hope that when it comes time for Phury's book that I will want to read it...and don't even get me started on Phury. I was so anxious for this book, but now I am "eh" about the remaining portion of the series. And the next one is supposed to be in hardback?!? I won't buy it in hard back, but maybe I will probably read it because I am invested in the series as a whole.
If you have read Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward, let me know your opinions. Maybe you can shed some light on this particular novel for me and help me fall in love with it.


Okay, enough of that. On a happy note I finished reading the first 7 Sookie books. Can't wait for the next one. I look forward to more Eric-Sookie interaction. I liked Quinn. I went back and forth with Bill, and I am not quite sure now. I don't dislike him, but he isn't my fave either. Didn't like Alcide, no matter how hot he is. I am not really pulling for any one person for her to pick, I am happy with how the book reads. Yum. Can't wait for the next one - at least I hope there is a next one. Also can't wait for True Blood, even though I am usually unsure of books to TV or movies.

Sookie!!

I picked up the first two stories about Sookie Stackhouse, Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire series. I only picked them up because the second story had a picture of the Dallas skyline on the front. I love stories set in places I am familiar with. It helps me feel part of the story instead of just a bystander watching the story pass me by.
I love the descriptions of University Park because it was exactly how I thought of it. I have also heard of a lot of the cities she mentions in Louisiana. I know a few people who are from Louisiana and talk about their home towns. Those hometowns are mentioned in her books. I also have been to Shreveport, though I did not see a Fangtasia nor any vampires hanging around (at least none who were openly advertising themselves as vampires), it was still nice to read the story and think to myself "hey, I've been there!"
I am planning to get to the bookstore tomorrow to pick up the rest of the series, or at least book 3 and 4 (I have 5, but I am holding off on reading it until I read 3 and 4).
Listening: To nothing because even my ears are too tired to listen to anything after the butt kicking workout tonight.
Reading: nothing because I just finished the last page of Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris. I will wait until tomorrow to start a new read.
Knitting: umm, I seem to have misplaced Sheldon. I will look for him tomorrow morning so that I may continue to knit him. I want to finish him this weekend.

EDIT: I also meant to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading the 2 stories that I have read so far and I can't wait to read the rest!! =)

For the person who left a comment about Dr. Heier

Dr. Heier is great! He is honest, straight forward and very competent. He fixed my ankle, an injury that should not have healed considering the damage and the way I did not listen to medical advice. I have a great relationship with him and have no regrets about choosing him as my orthopedic surgeon. I suggest that you at least make an appointment and see him. You will see how great he is. He will answer all of your questions and take time with you. He is young, but don't let that dissuade you...he is very intelligent and keeps up with the new technologies in his field. In fact, he fixed my ankle with a new technique using different hardware. I know he practiced in Florida before moving to Texas. He started with Metrocrest in 1999 and has been their sole (no pun intended) foot and ankle surgeon since then. I guess all of that might be on their website.
When you do go to see him, tell him Deva (pronounced with a long E, like Diva) referred you. He will get a kick out of that. I'm not some random patient, he will know exactly who you are talking about (his staff may not know who I am, but he definitely does). =)
If you have any specific questions, email me at deva at gumaperez dot com I will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.

After reading that I wasn't knitting much I decided to pick up something. So, behind everyone else in the times, I decided to knit Sheldon. I am 3/4 through the body knitting. I am using Caron Simply Soft in a beige color named Bone. Stash busting. =) I will post pics later. Maybe once I have the body completed.
Made chicken kelaguen last night and leche flan. yum. We are going to see a friend of the DH tonight for dinner, someone he knew from high school. He wanted me to make something to bring with us so he selected leche flan because he likes it so much and kelaguen because it is a taste of home. It is a far drive...hope I don't eat all the food before we get there.
I finished reading Nalini Singh's first Psy/Changeling book. I went through to 3 different Half Price Book stores this past weekend during their 20% off sale. Bought the first three of the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris. Have yet to start it. I need to get to a real bookstore to get the other released books from the Psy/Changeling series. Hmm...and I can't wait for the end of the month. The newest addition to the Black Dagger Brotherhood hits the shelves on 9/25. Yay Vishous! I am excited. I want to know his story.
More later...listening to Hawaiian music...Kalapana, Ka'Au Crater Boys, Kapena.

What does an ankle fracture feel like?

Well, this was a question that my tracker tells me brought someone to this blog. So, here is your answer. When the fracture first happened, I didn't think it was broken. I could still move my toes and I always thought if you couldn't move your toes then you had a break and if you could move your toes then it wasn't broken. WRONG! My ankle hurt only when I tried to move my foot, but there was no constant pain or anything. It was swollen like I did not know possible.
Then they splinted it in the hospital. By this time I was given pain relievers so maybe my memories of this are a little different than the actual event, but I don't remember it being too awful. It hurt, but not pull your hair, punch the guy splinting you kind of hurt. Just a normal hurt.
The pain started after surgery.
Anyways, if your ankle hurts and you think it could be broken then get it checked. I have heard horror stories about people who were diagnosed with sprains and told to weight bear as tolerated only to later find out that they had a talus fracture (part of the ankle) that was now irrepairable. Don't let that happen. I was lucky and the ER doc thought he saw something on the xray even though there wasn't an obvious break. The CT told the story of a shattered talus that is not visible on a regular xray because other bones obscure the interior bone structures. So, whether it hurts or not and whether you can wiggle your toes or not, if you think there is a possiblity it could be broken get it checked out. ;)

Is summer really almost over?

Is it possible that I haven't posted since April? I guess it is. The summer has just flown by, probably because it rained so much in the beginning that it did not really feel like summer until August 1. Then the heat rolled in. So we haven't had the hellish summer we had last year, which was a nice reprieve.
The DH and I went to Guam this summer as well. It was fantastic albeit a bit short. We did not do nearly as much as we had hoped to do, but there will always be a next time. We hope. Considering this was my first time home since 1999, it was especially good for me. I guess it is always a nice when you go home and you realize almost everything is how you left it. That is the feeling I had in Guam. Like time froze until I got back and everything was peaceful, beautiful, and how it should be. We are all a bit older, all a bit wiser and all a bit more stressed out, but we are all the same. Friends and family just clicked right back into place as if we had never left. And, what a relief to know you can go home again.
I spent the rest of the summer reading books that I am sure most think will deteriorate the mind. I discovered paranormal romance/urban fantasy and have submerged myself into other worlds on a regular basis. I think I have read close to a hundred stories this summer, and have not finished. There are about 5 books in my TBR pile, but there were 9 on Friday night. As you can see, I am just plowing through them. I have never been one to pick up a series that had not been completed, I am not a patient person. Without thoroughly researching a series, I started reading at least 4 different ones...all of which have left me hanging with open ends that will not be closed in the near future. Some of them do not even have new books coming out until 2008! (damn you) But, to assuage some of the coursing want, some of the books I am waiting for come out this month and next month. (cheering inside)
A frugal person from necessity I have never had the habit of buying books new, but some of these series books have me hooked and I find myself haunting Barnes and Noble waiting, watching, ready to pounce on a new release. Unable to wait until a copy hits Half Price Books. *sigh*
On another note, I have been contemplating knitting and sewing, though have not actually done anything about it.
Another thing I picked up this summer is working out. I started in May. I go to an actual gym and I always have a goal of 5 days a week, but I am usually closer to 3 regularly. It still kicks my butt, but I pray that said butt will stop getting larger if I continue to make it to the godawful torture facility. My ankle screams at some of the torture I put it through, and the OS insists that I am healed, but sometimes I wonder if the pain will ever go away. I have asked and been told that I will need at least arthroscopic surgery and possible hardware removal. Though, the OS is hesitant about the hardware removal as am I. I had a steroid injection before the trip to Guam, and that helped immensely on the trip there. The trip back, however, caused my ankle to swell to double it's size and caused some mighty discomfort the whole 30 some odd hours home.
And finally, I will rant about television. Everyone who knows (and loves) me knows that I have a heavy addiction to the wonderful world of television. This summer has sucked because there have not been any new shows I have been particularly interested in. I am not a big reality watcher and it seems that the summer has been littered with reality show after reality show. I find it extra aggravating that the new seasons do not start until the end of summer. Do you remember the days when the summer hiatus ended at the end of August and started in June? Why do series end so early (in May these days) and start so late? You might as well not start until October. Geez! And then you take a winter hiatus as well!
Ahh...I can't wait for the office to start back up. I know that, even if you are a Pam/Jim fan, some people do not want them to get together as they believe it will affect the general integrity of the show. I, on the other hand, would like to see a season or two with them together, then a nice break up, then maybe even a series ending reconciliation. I could live with that. I know it sounds much like Ross/Rachel, but that was a good ride for a few seasons anyways. Plus it was just too painful watching Pam and Jim in the beginning of last season. I missed their easy banter and one minded foolishness. To me, that is part of the show and is hard to swallow without it.
Ok, I leave you with this. I am listening to A Fine Frenzy, One Cell In The Sea. I am reading nothing because I just finished a book. I have reread both Moon Called and Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs this week (don't torture yourself because Iron Kissed doesn't come out until January, dammit) GO ADAM! And the TV is off for once because the DH is sleeping quite peacefully. All in all, a good Sunday morning.

All the fractures are now officially healed. The talus took the longest, a total of 7 full months before I was given the all clear, five of those months were spent in a cast.
A little bit about the whole experience since my last post was in October when I was first given clearance to walk. That was not a fun experience. For the first couple of weeks or so I was very unsure about placing any weight on the bad foot. I used a cane for those weeks. Eventually I was able to progress to walking without the cane, but I was only able to do it with a cast on. So, because I did not feel secure in the boot, my OS placed me in a removable cast. That worked out very well. I was up an walking within a week of receiving the removable cast. In December, he let me take the cast off completely and gave me a small ankle brace (like the type pro athletes use when they sprain an ankle). On 12/13/06 was the first time I was able to walk without any external bracing of any sort - and it was a short trip from my bed to the bathroom. I walked barefoot, something that I had not been able to do since July 14, 06! A whole five months! Let me tell you, it was not easy convincing my surgeon to let me out of the cast either. He kept saying, "Deva, I just don't think you understand the severity of this type of fracture." But I felt good, and he told me that after 6 months from the surgery I would be back to normal. How could I be back to normal if five months in I was still in a cast. So, a visit in December which involved x-rays and then I was on my feet without a boot or a cast. WooHoo!

The x-rays from the visit showed possible avascular necrosis. This saddened me because who wants to know that they are going to have arthritis in their ankle no matter what.

So, 2 months passed and I went in for a check up. In February I was given the all clear. And, great news, new x-rays were more promising. These showed no real sign of AVN. My OS told me to take it easy for another couple of months. No running, no kickboxing. Give it some time. And I have been. I still have a bit of a limp on long shopping trips. My ankle still gets sore first thing in the morning, but it loosens up throughout the day. The swelling is much better, only swelling very marginally. No real pain to speak of. I was warned that I may need a cortisone injection after a couple of months if I did have pain in the joint, but so far I have not had any symptoms to indicate that I will need that.

And, to answer a comment question, my pins are internal all 6 of them and the plate. The bone was in fragments, so my OS put it back together using the plate (a technique he had learned only 2 days before the accident). He used an ankle model prior to the surgery to bend the plate into the shape he wanted, and it turned out to be pretty close. He then used that along with pins to hold everything together.

I was in a fiberglass cast for the first 6 weeks - maybe 8 - weeks. When that was removed I was placed into a removable boot and remained in that until October. Then I was placed back into a cast, though this on was removable for showers and bed time. Then, in December I was taken out of the cast altogether. I have pictures, which I will post when I get home, as I am at work right now and don't have access to them. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave another comment.

On the knitting front - I know, it seems like I am a non-knitter these days. In my defense, I haven't blogged about anything. The knitting hasn't been neglected, just neglected being blogged about. I am joining the craftster knitting challenge this time around with the Summer Knitting Challenge. So I have been working up some designs, swatching like crazy. I have a perfect silk blend for this project and an idea working itself out. Maybe I will post some pics that don't show too much of what is going on.

More later kids.