Catching Up

So, there have been many things that have happened to me since my last entry.

The first thing to start everything off is I haven't worked at the library for a few months now. The reason for that is ultimately my back's medical issues. The disk in my lower back has been having issues for years but now it's finally been enough of a problem to even keep me from working as I was at the library. Thankfully, the Director of the library has given me the opportunity to get back to full health and then work with him about what job position I can change to and work with the library.

The disk in my lower back was replaced on December 30th, 2010. My neurosurgeon went in and replaced the entire L5-S1 disk with a plastic replacement. That was followed by a fusion of the surrounding bone so that when I move from now on, I'm not going to strip any of the four screws that are now in my back holding that plastic replacement in place. Unfortunately, there are a few handicaps I'll have for the rest of my life because of this. The reason for putting in a plastic replacement disk instead of a cadaver is because of how young I am. There are many issues that could have occurred if they decided to put in a cadaver (a skeleton's disk). Because of it being a plastic disk, if I lift more than 38 pounds at any point in the rest of my life, I break my back and shatter the plastic disk. Another problem with my age is that there's a high chance I'll need this surgery again for the disk above what was just replaced in my back as well. So, I'm handicapped because of this.

A positive note within this whole medical ordeal I've been dealing with for two years is that I met this amazing woman. Heather and I knew each other on and off for about a year and then about mid-2010, things just happened to click and we were talking all the time. We both talked about having feelings for the other and on November 14, we got together with our parents and started our relationship. Before that happened, Heather was fully aware of my health issues in my back, the side effects of the surgery, and knew that it wasn't going to be an easy life at all to be with me. However, after thinking it over and knowing all of this, she wanted to be with me anyways. She's kept me in line on a few areas I was lacking in and I'm amazed at her love for life. For someone who has their whole life available to them to whatever they want and want to be with someone who can't life more than 38 pounds for the rest of their life, will have the same issue again later down the road, and wants to be with that person anyways, that speaks volumes to me. She and her parents are truly a blessing in my life. I'm very thankful for all of them.


Now, the latest thing that's going on.

Mid-December, there was an article in the local paper (Idaho Press Tribune) asking for people to be part of the 2011 editorial board. Basically, having influence on the editorials written for the paper as well as giving opinions on other various local issues, topics, and whatever else goes on that would effect the community. In fact, the requirements spoke to me. From asking to be opinionated to being able to talk about hot topic issues without killing the people that you're talking about it with, I knew I wanted to do what I could to become a part of it. Not to mention, a resume that has that on there wouldn't be too bad either. So, this last Thursday was our first official meeting and tomorrow, the four other board members and myself, will be introduced to the public in the editorial section as being the 2011 Editorial Board for the Idaho Press Tribune.

One last thing.

In April, I'm leaving the country for a cruise with my parents and my younger brother. My parents decided since this year was the last year before I would be getting into more college schooling as well as seminary, they wanted to do a special vacation for my brother and I. My parents went on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera last year through Princess Cruiseline and loved it. So, they're going to take us this year. Hopefully, my body will be back to normal by then and I'll be able to fully enjoy the trip. We'll see what happens.