I have never before now had to have an emergency operation of any kind. Operations, yes! Emergency, no!
On Monday, 11 July I went to work with crutches and then went to the doctor. At the doctors office (knee specialist) I was told to have an emergency surgery that day - after they sent me for a g-scan (new style MRI scan).
Ok, let me start at the beginning...
In April 2008 I fell from my scooter basically on my right knee in the street. I went to the emergency unit and they did x-rays, but nothing was broken or fractured (yay for me). I then went to see a physio as I could not bend or straighten my knee from the position it was in. The physio was of great help and soon enough I could walk normally again.
But I found that every now and again my knee sort of "popped" out of place - it would hurt bad for a few minutes and then be ok again mostly.
Then one December (2010) I went to the beach (Clifton) with friends and was walking from the one beach to the other and at one point you have to climb over rocks to get to the next beach and at the end of that I jumped from the rock to the sand (not very high and sand looked nice & soft) and landed correctly on both my feet, my knee badly popped out of place and walking was excruciating.
I then went back to the physio who then informed me that I have movemement in my knee that should not be there. I could either have a surgery (that won't fully fix it and will be very expensive or I can do specific exercises he gives me). So, as I did not have the money for an expensive surgery and did not want to have one if it could be fixed on its own, I opted for the exercises.
So, I tried to be careful with my knee - no running or jumping. But every now and again it still popped out. I must admit that I was battling to always do the exercises - my fault!
Then, on Sunday I went with some of my family to Kirstenbosch for a lovely picnic and then played with my nephew - throwing a tennis ball to each other. One of my nephew's throws went a bit wide, but I caught it, but in order to have done that I had to step to the side. That is when my knee popped out again - but BADLY this time. I had such a mission to get back to the car. I did not think of the fact that Kirstenbosch would offer a wheelchair so said to my sister I'll push the pram as that will help me to walk as well. The most painful walk in my life - Ilse even took a video clip of it!
Then, when I got home I phoned my flatmate/friend and asked him to bring my crutches from upstairs (3rd floor flat - no lift in our building) down so that I can get up to the flat and such. Yes, for those who didn't know - I do actually own crutches - the same pair I got when I origininally hurt my knee... and knowing me... I kept it. It has been useful.
Anyway, then I got to work on Monday with my crutches and then my one boss suggested I go see a specific knee specialist and hey presto - here we are!
So, that is the story about my knee injury.
Now, it seems I have a meniscal tear (right knee). See http://www.ssoc.co.za/meniscal-tear.html or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tear_of_meniscus for more info on that.
I have quite a bit of rehab time ahead of me as I am not allowed to drive for at least 2 weeks (to be determined if I may drive when I go for my next check up). I am also going to go for regular physio for a while at least. I did damage some of the bone in my knee, which nothing can be done about. My knee was not in the greatest state unfortunately.
Here's for hoping for a speedy (and painless as possible) recovery!
Till next time!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Holidays
Isn't it crazy how we sometimes wish our lives away? Living from one weekend to the next... come Monday, wishing it was Friday already? That's how it has been for me as of late (mostly)... and no real reason it should be. Maybe I need a holiday?!
Well, luckily Easter and all the extra holidays is just around the corner. I am taking the 3 working days off in between and going to the Garden Route area to just get away from the routine...
Ok, so that is also a kind of routine, to go there for my holidays, but when you miss your friends and family from that area it is nice to go there (and it helps if you don't really have much money to do anything that you don't have to pay for accommodation).
To my family & friends - please don't think I come there for only free accommodation! I come to see you and spend time with you. I love you and I love to spend time with all of you!
So, for those taking time off, relax, kick of the shoes and just chill!
For those that will be working, good on you!
Enjoy the holidays! Safe travels!
Well, luckily Easter and all the extra holidays is just around the corner. I am taking the 3 working days off in between and going to the Garden Route area to just get away from the routine...
Ok, so that is also a kind of routine, to go there for my holidays, but when you miss your friends and family from that area it is nice to go there (and it helps if you don't really have much money to do anything that you don't have to pay for accommodation).
To my family & friends - please don't think I come there for only free accommodation! I come to see you and spend time with you. I love you and I love to spend time with all of you!
So, for those taking time off, relax, kick of the shoes and just chill!
For those that will be working, good on you!
Enjoy the holidays! Safe travels!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Moving
As most of you probably know by now, I have moved! No, not countries or even cities, only from one neighbourhood to another in the same city.
This was one of the most frustrating moving experiences I have ever had. Let me explain:
We (my friend Alastair (Al) and myself) have given 2 months notice at the end of October (as our contract at the place I was at expired at the end of December 2010). So, since then we have been looking for a place in the CBD area of Cape Town (Oranjezicht, Gardens, Vredehoek, Tamboerskloof, etc.). Each place we looked at and liked were 3-bedroom and via agents and each tenant had to apply... so those basically fell through due to the 3rd person issue (we did not have someone confirmed, and when someone did want to share, things took long and it just did not work out).
Then, at long last we found another place, this one in Tamboerskloof that was quite sizable. Once again we had a 3rd tenant issue, but that kind of got sorted out as we found someone and all applications were in as such. Then, we had to wait for approval. By this time it was my last week at work in December (week of 13 Dec 2010) and I was planning to go to George for the December part of my holiday and I did not want to go before I had the flat sorted out. By the end of the week we have not had a confirmation yet and I decided to go to George after all (hoping and praying we get the flat). While I was away in George (left the Sat 18/Dec/10) I got word on the Monday from the agent that we have the place as long as we adhere to the rules (email from owner with rules included attached to the email). We were taken aback by the tone of the owner's email (very bossy-like). We discussed and agreed to accept the rules as we needed the place.
Something else about the place - the previous tenants' contract ended only at the end of January and we needed it from the beginning of January. However, the tenants wanted to move out early, so it was not going to be a problem. So, once we informed the agent that we accepted the rules, I asked which day we can start moving in. She then checked with the tenants and then confirmed that it will only be the end of January as the current tenants decided to stay till the end of their contract as their other flat option fell through! What a sinking feeling I had!
Immediately upon finding the latter info out, I contacted Al to let him know and ask him to let the 3rd person know. He then had a chat to his boss about it and his boss generously offered for us to possibly stay in a place he had that were not far from Tamboerskloof for the January month (interim period). This was not ideal (as moving twice in a short time is HECTIC), but at least we will have somewhere to put our things and also to stay without inconveniencing family and friends.
We decided we will look for another flat in the meantime that was hopefully available sooner and possibly nicer than the Tamboerskloof flat.
At the end of December we returned to Cape Town (Al went to George as well for a few days). Then, we started looking at other flats in earnest, but there were not many that suited our needs (price, size, area, etc.). Then, we found out that we cannot stay at Al's boss' place anymore as his daughter needed the place urgently. So, now we really had to scramble to find a place!
On Wednesday, 5 Jan 2011 we went to see a few flats at Skyways in Zonnebloem area. We eventually decided on 1 of the options (a 3 bedroom). We gave our details to the agent and then later the same day we got confirmation that we can have the place! This was excellent news as we can move in on that Friday already (we got extention from our landlady from the Newlands flat that we can stay till Sunday, 9 Jan 2011 at the Newlands flat, but had to be out by then - after explaining to her the situation of not having a place till Feb).
Then on Thursday we had to sign the contracts and pay deposits before we can get our keys for the flat to start moving in. Needless to say, we did all of that and started moving in on the Friday. We were moving up until Monday morning at 1:30'ish. I only had 4½ hours sleep before I had to go to work on the Monday 10 Jan 2011. It was NOT good as I do not function well on little sleep. It had to be done though and I survived!
Before we started to move in, we asked the ladies that cleans and also used to clean our flat to come in and help to get the new flat clean (it had a basic clean, but lots of things still needed a proper clean). This flat also has a cockroach problem that we need to get sorted out (we had the same problem at the Newlands flat before we moved in, but quickly got rid of the cockroach issue there and were rid of bugs at that place - now we had to do it all over again).
In the meantime I had to buy myself a bed as I did not own my own bed. We also had to buy a fridge and washing machine for the same reason. All this has been done!
As I said - this was the most frustrating moving experience in my life and I hope I never battle to find and secure a place again! Hopefully the next place will be cockroach free before we even move in!!!
That's all folks!
This was one of the most frustrating moving experiences I have ever had. Let me explain:
We (my friend Alastair (Al) and myself) have given 2 months notice at the end of October (as our contract at the place I was at expired at the end of December 2010). So, since then we have been looking for a place in the CBD area of Cape Town (Oranjezicht, Gardens, Vredehoek, Tamboerskloof, etc.). Each place we looked at and liked were 3-bedroom and via agents and each tenant had to apply... so those basically fell through due to the 3rd person issue (we did not have someone confirmed, and when someone did want to share, things took long and it just did not work out).
Then, at long last we found another place, this one in Tamboerskloof that was quite sizable. Once again we had a 3rd tenant issue, but that kind of got sorted out as we found someone and all applications were in as such. Then, we had to wait for approval. By this time it was my last week at work in December (week of 13 Dec 2010) and I was planning to go to George for the December part of my holiday and I did not want to go before I had the flat sorted out. By the end of the week we have not had a confirmation yet and I decided to go to George after all (hoping and praying we get the flat). While I was away in George (left the Sat 18/Dec/10) I got word on the Monday from the agent that we have the place as long as we adhere to the rules (email from owner with rules included attached to the email). We were taken aback by the tone of the owner's email (very bossy-like). We discussed and agreed to accept the rules as we needed the place.
Something else about the place - the previous tenants' contract ended only at the end of January and we needed it from the beginning of January. However, the tenants wanted to move out early, so it was not going to be a problem. So, once we informed the agent that we accepted the rules, I asked which day we can start moving in. She then checked with the tenants and then confirmed that it will only be the end of January as the current tenants decided to stay till the end of their contract as their other flat option fell through! What a sinking feeling I had!
Immediately upon finding the latter info out, I contacted Al to let him know and ask him to let the 3rd person know. He then had a chat to his boss about it and his boss generously offered for us to possibly stay in a place he had that were not far from Tamboerskloof for the January month (interim period). This was not ideal (as moving twice in a short time is HECTIC), but at least we will have somewhere to put our things and also to stay without inconveniencing family and friends.
We decided we will look for another flat in the meantime that was hopefully available sooner and possibly nicer than the Tamboerskloof flat.
At the end of December we returned to Cape Town (Al went to George as well for a few days). Then, we started looking at other flats in earnest, but there were not many that suited our needs (price, size, area, etc.). Then, we found out that we cannot stay at Al's boss' place anymore as his daughter needed the place urgently. So, now we really had to scramble to find a place!
On Wednesday, 5 Jan 2011 we went to see a few flats at Skyways in Zonnebloem area. We eventually decided on 1 of the options (a 3 bedroom). We gave our details to the agent and then later the same day we got confirmation that we can have the place! This was excellent news as we can move in on that Friday already (we got extention from our landlady from the Newlands flat that we can stay till Sunday, 9 Jan 2011 at the Newlands flat, but had to be out by then - after explaining to her the situation of not having a place till Feb).
Then on Thursday we had to sign the contracts and pay deposits before we can get our keys for the flat to start moving in. Needless to say, we did all of that and started moving in on the Friday. We were moving up until Monday morning at 1:30'ish. I only had 4½ hours sleep before I had to go to work on the Monday 10 Jan 2011. It was NOT good as I do not function well on little sleep. It had to be done though and I survived!
Before we started to move in, we asked the ladies that cleans and also used to clean our flat to come in and help to get the new flat clean (it had a basic clean, but lots of things still needed a proper clean). This flat also has a cockroach problem that we need to get sorted out (we had the same problem at the Newlands flat before we moved in, but quickly got rid of the cockroach issue there and were rid of bugs at that place - now we had to do it all over again).
In the meantime I had to buy myself a bed as I did not own my own bed. We also had to buy a fridge and washing machine for the same reason. All this has been done!
As I said - this was the most frustrating moving experience in my life and I hope I never battle to find and secure a place again! Hopefully the next place will be cockroach free before we even move in!!!
That's all folks!
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Living healthy
Hey all readers of my blog... hehehe.
So, as some of you may know, I am trying to live a healthier lifestyle, by eating healthy and ... yes... you guessed it - exercising!!!
For exercising I have started to do some nice brisk walking in my neighbourhood (for those who don't know my neighbourhood - it is in a hilly area - very beautiful). After a few times of doing this, I woke up one day with my knee aching very much, which continued to happen the rest of the day. Needless to say - I did not go on my intended walk that evening. (Knee injury from falling of scooter in bad weather a long time ago.)
At first it seemed like the weather could have been the only reason for my knee being aggravated... but then I started to think (yes this happens occasionally) that maybe the walking is doing it to the knee. So, the second day after the knee ache I went for another nice brisk walk... I did not get as far as I normally do, and the knee started to give me trouble again.
Having mentioned this to my sister, Ilse, she suggested I try cycling. Ilse & her husband, Natie, was kind enough to lend me a bicycle (seeing I did not own one - BIG SURPISE :-) and I did not want to buy one either - at least not yet).
Natie then also suggested I download an application to my mobile from the website Edomondo (click on the Title of this blog as the link is created there). This site is totally free and it helps you to track your exercising - like where you cycled, how fast, how far, your speed, etc. This is not just for cycling - it is for just about any sport - check it out on their website! One catch though, it will only work on a mobile phone with a GPS (no problem for all you yuppies out there like myself hehehehehehehehehe).
Today (Sunday, the 1st of August 2010) I went for my first cycle, unfortunately I forgot to download this application before I went, so that one won't show on my workout history. I did do a quick test run and saw how it looked on my workout history. Very cool - it is a google map and clearly shows my exact route and speed, altitude, etc.
This is a really fun way of keeping track of how far... now if anyone asks me (after my next cycle and the ones thereafter) how far did I go - I can check on the site - totally awesome!!! This way I can also see the regularity of my exercises and ensure I exercise at least 3 times a week if not more.
So, go on the internet from your laptops/pc's/mobiles/whatever... download the application (if your phone is supported - they show which ones are supported) and start exercising! Join in the fun and get healthy in the process!
Well, that's me for now - till next time!
So, as some of you may know, I am trying to live a healthier lifestyle, by eating healthy and ... yes... you guessed it - exercising!!!
For exercising I have started to do some nice brisk walking in my neighbourhood (for those who don't know my neighbourhood - it is in a hilly area - very beautiful). After a few times of doing this, I woke up one day with my knee aching very much, which continued to happen the rest of the day. Needless to say - I did not go on my intended walk that evening. (Knee injury from falling of scooter in bad weather a long time ago.)
At first it seemed like the weather could have been the only reason for my knee being aggravated... but then I started to think (yes this happens occasionally) that maybe the walking is doing it to the knee. So, the second day after the knee ache I went for another nice brisk walk... I did not get as far as I normally do, and the knee started to give me trouble again.
Having mentioned this to my sister, Ilse, she suggested I try cycling. Ilse & her husband, Natie, was kind enough to lend me a bicycle (seeing I did not own one - BIG SURPISE :-) and I did not want to buy one either - at least not yet).
Natie then also suggested I download an application to my mobile from the website Edomondo (click on the Title of this blog as the link is created there). This site is totally free and it helps you to track your exercising - like where you cycled, how fast, how far, your speed, etc. This is not just for cycling - it is for just about any sport - check it out on their website! One catch though, it will only work on a mobile phone with a GPS (no problem for all you yuppies out there like myself hehehehehehehehehe).
Today (Sunday, the 1st of August 2010) I went for my first cycle, unfortunately I forgot to download this application before I went, so that one won't show on my workout history. I did do a quick test run and saw how it looked on my workout history. Very cool - it is a google map and clearly shows my exact route and speed, altitude, etc.
This is a really fun way of keeping track of how far... now if anyone asks me (after my next cycle and the ones thereafter) how far did I go - I can check on the site - totally awesome!!! This way I can also see the regularity of my exercises and ensure I exercise at least 3 times a week if not more.
So, go on the internet from your laptops/pc's/mobiles/whatever... download the application (if your phone is supported - they show which ones are supported) and start exercising! Join in the fun and get healthy in the process!
Well, that's me for now - till next time!
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Nothing really new...
Hey All,
Just a note to say I am still alive and for the most part kicking! Hehe... no really I am... so feel free to email or comment on any of the blogs... even to say why am I so quiet (probably nothing to say...hence this title).
I know I should be contacting all y'all :-) instead of telling people to contact me.
Sunshine & smiley faces.... something nice to think about.... yes you are seeing the strange inner workings of my mind... I am kinda typing whatever I feel like here... so I can have a new blog up and who cares if it is not in a proper order or makes total (OR ANY) sense!
Anyone know any good jokes out there? Laughing is fun and healthy!
Have a nice day!
MM
Just a note to say I am still alive and for the most part kicking! Hehe... no really I am... so feel free to email or comment on any of the blogs... even to say why am I so quiet (probably nothing to say...hence this title).
I know I should be contacting all y'all :-) instead of telling people to contact me.
Sunshine & smiley faces.... something nice to think about.... yes you are seeing the strange inner workings of my mind... I am kinda typing whatever I feel like here... so I can have a new blog up and who cares if it is not in a proper order or makes total (OR ANY) sense!
Anyone know any good jokes out there? Laughing is fun and healthy!
Have a nice day!
MM
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
World of Birds
I had a lovely time on Saturday, 13 March 2010 with my friends, Lu-Gerda & Belinda.
We went to World of Birds in Hout Bay (South Africa). Yes, I have been living in Cape Town since I came back from Mercy Ships in April 2007... which makes it 3 years! Wow... how time flies... ok, going off track (which is my usual thing - plus waaaay too much detail) :-)
Anyway, what I was going to say is that I have been living here for 3 years and only found out about this place (like really knowing about it... not just seeing the sign and forgetting about it) mid February 2010! So, when Lu-Gerda informed me she is coming to Cape Town for the weekend from Mossel Bay where she resides... and said she wanted to do something fun this weekend... I thought - World of Birds in Hout Bay! She loved the idea, so the 3 of us ended up going there on the Sat. morning. Wow, what a lovely place, and so big with such variety of not only birds but other animals as well! I would definitely recommend to view this place if you have never been, but be sure to put at least 3 or 4 hours aside for it... maybe even the whole day - they have an area you can take your own picnic to and enjoy!
Here are some pics, enjoy!
We went to World of Birds in Hout Bay (South Africa). Yes, I have been living in Cape Town since I came back from Mercy Ships in April 2007... which makes it 3 years! Wow... how time flies... ok, going off track (which is my usual thing - plus waaaay too much detail) :-)
Anyway, what I was going to say is that I have been living here for 3 years and only found out about this place (like really knowing about it... not just seeing the sign and forgetting about it) mid February 2010! So, when Lu-Gerda informed me she is coming to Cape Town for the weekend from Mossel Bay where she resides... and said she wanted to do something fun this weekend... I thought - World of Birds in Hout Bay! She loved the idea, so the 3 of us ended up going there on the Sat. morning. Wow, what a lovely place, and so big with such variety of not only birds but other animals as well! I would definitely recommend to view this place if you have never been, but be sure to put at least 3 or 4 hours aside for it... maybe even the whole day - they have an area you can take your own picnic to and enjoy!
Here are some pics, enjoy!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Life in general
It is interesting how one just feels so much better once one had one's hair done.
I went for a cut & colour today, then went to a 1st birthday party. Thereafter I met my sister at Canal Walk for some shopping, lunch & a movie.
Tonight I am going to see another movie with my sister-in-law. Life is great.
I enjoy doing these things... but alas, this will not be the case all the time as I have to get back into my studies... took the week off after I gave in my assignments as my brain was wanting to burst from all the thinking :-)
Till next time!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
More study stuff
I did it! I passed my first 2 exams! YAY!!!
Now, busy with Micro Economics & Business Management. My assignments are due on 18 August 2009 and my exams are the last week of October.
Please pray for me to have discipline in studying regularly as well as to understand what I am studying.
Thanks all!
Now, busy with Micro Economics & Business Management. My assignments are due on 18 August 2009 and my exams are the last week of October.
Please pray for me to have discipline in studying regularly as well as to understand what I am studying.
Thanks all!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Studying
As most of you probably know, I am busy studying (well not right now as I am writing this blog post).
The course is Diploma in Marketing and it is through IMM GSM (Graduate School of Marketing - website www.imm.co.za). I am busy with my first 2 subjects. Principles of Marketing and Business Communication. It is a 3 year course that can be completed over 8 years for part timers like myself. I am hoping to complete it in about 4 years. My exams are soon - the 21st & 28th of May 2009.
I tell you, it is really not easy to study and work full time. It is quite a challenge, but a good one - especially for me.
Well, that was just a quick update from me - as I know my updates are few and far between!
The course is Diploma in Marketing and it is through IMM GSM (Graduate School of Marketing - website www.imm.co.za). I am busy with my first 2 subjects. Principles of Marketing and Business Communication. It is a 3 year course that can be completed over 8 years for part timers like myself. I am hoping to complete it in about 4 years. My exams are soon - the 21st & 28th of May 2009.
I tell you, it is really not easy to study and work full time. It is quite a challenge, but a good one - especially for me.
Well, that was just a quick update from me - as I know my updates are few and far between!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
My car
As many of you know, I have my motorbike license, but not my car license.... well - not anymore! I have acquired my car license and even a very cute first car!
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