Yesterday, as most of you probably know, was November 1st. Always, always, always November 1st starts the countdown to my birthday. I love my birthday. So much so I named this here blog after it. And without fail on November 1st, I start thinking about my birthday. I may not say it out loud, but inside, where it really counts, I’m going two months until my birthday two months until my birthday two months two months two months!
This year? Not so much. Somehow I’m not so into the two months until my birthday mantra. Now I’m more like let’s get through November let’s get through November let’s get through November.
Georgie’s hip surgery is scheduled for the Monday after Thanksgiving and if we can just get through November everything will be a-ok. He’s having hip resurfacing, which is actually a misnomer because it’s really a modified hip replacement. He’s getting new parts. My own Six-Million $$$$$ Man! (Don’t ask how many times I’m going to be ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ing every time he moves. It will be a lot.) I’m praying that this surgery is the beginning of a whole new life for him – for us – PAIN FREE! It’s going to be a hard recovery, I’m sure, and unlike his numerous other surgeries, he’s actually going to be staying in the hospital a few days (trust me, I’m already thinking about the knitting projects) so there’s that extra added seriousness factor. Rehab is of the utmost importance and it’s looking like he’s going to be home for a while. There’s a lot to think about.
Add to that the fact that this is my busiest time professionally. Last year I couldn’t think straight and this year will be a bit easier since I’m not taking new jobs right before the surgery (and none after) but still – I’ve got deadlines and worries and the birthday just isn’t taking priority.
And I’m going to be 37. For some reason that seems old(er) to me. I don’t know – I don’t feel old necessarily – at least not mentally old. But my husband’s having hip replacement surgery and I don’t have a baby yet. I thought for sure I’d have a baby by now. If I get pregnant when I’m 37 but my embryos were fertilized with eggs that are 34 do I still need to do an amnio? These are the thoughts that run through my head. I’m feeling SO MUCH BETTER these days about so many things, but will that be enough? Am I old enough now? All of these thoughts just make me feel older.
Last year the birthday was all about EXTRAVAGANZA! There were prizes galore and funny photos everyday and while I will be doing a contest for the actual day – assuming we get through November – I’m going to be keeping a bit quieter about my birthday this year. I have so much to celebrate EVERY SINGLE DAY of my life. I have long considered myself one of the luckiest people alive and the older I get the more I appreciate every day as opposed to singling out ONE DAY.
In the past, I’ve been afraid of odd prime ages. 13 sucked. 19 wasn’t the best. 23? One of the worst years of my life. I got married when I was 31 so that might have reversed the curse. Here’s hoping 37 brings about a score of new beginnings – atop the list a pain free life for my husband. But I’ll settle for a year of ordinary every days. With maybe a couple extraordinary days thrown into the mix.
L, C
I love Georgie!
A close family member just went through some surgery, worried that she might die, and she sailed through. Turns out those medical people know what they’re doing.
My suggestion is to do your best to prepare (knitting project, maybe some soup or meals in the freezer for when you don’t want to cook) then relax and be positive. It will go easier on your husband if he’s not worried about how much you are worrying.
My 37th just passed and, although my concerns are a little different, I totally understand where your coming from (my dh got an diagnosis which will require surgery right away). Let’s hope that 37 surprises us and turns out to be wonderful.
Sounds like a tricky time — sending good thoughts your way!
I feel very much the same as you — utterly grateful for each and every day. I’m thinking good thoughts for you and George this November.
Think how I feel . . . four days until the 4-0. Talk about countdowns. How can I possibly be in the last few days of my 30s???
Hope the surgery goes well . . . which, of course, it will!
good luck to georgie, and to you.
knitting will help!
(myself? I got out of the idea of anticipating my birthday a long time ago… i’ve been doing a little better the last couple of years. this year was great! but i need to also, sort of just think of it as another day – i’m sure it helps that it *is* just another day and no other special holiday or anything)
Fingers crossed, everything’s gonna be OK cause you’re ready for this. You can always cry or laugh with/at us too. Amnios aren’t so bad really…Had one with D#2 who’s 12 & she now towers over me. We all have the same mom worries, so you’ll never get away from that. All the best…
Happy two-months-until-your-birthday! 37 isn’t so bad, at least it hasn’t been for me. Just get through November (I recommend warm, comforting soups and good bread). I’ll be thinking of you.
Cara, I hope all goes well for you and George this month. I think the medical field has become pretty good at joint replacement. My grandmother had knee replacement at 90. She did the therapy and needs only a cane (she is now 95, so that is a pretty good thing!).
I have always liked the prime number years, and I turn 43 on Nov. 10th. 42 has been OK, but I have higher hopes for 43. You are wise to appreciate every day, but I do hope January One is great for you too.
You have a great attitude about it all. Every day is a blessing and we make our own happiness. May everything go well for you and G for the next few months and may he be pain free!
De-lurking for once. 🙂
My father has had hip surgery twice; once as an emergency and the other to replace what was worn out. We feel like old pros at the surgery and rehad circuit and, if dad is any indication, the pain relief afterwards is completely worth it. Plus you get the awesome memories and stories that come from Loved One On Morphine. Sweet.
Hope November is happier than you are anticipating.
I look forward to birthdays, and for some reason I have especially always looked forward to 37. I just love that number. I’ll get back to you in a few years and let you know if it was all I had hoped for…
My brother had hip replacement surgery about 10 years ago and it was a wonder for him. After the recovery period, which was difficult and a lot of work, he was like a whole new person. It was amazing and wonderful to see how much better he was and how much more he enjoyed life.
Oh, and 37, not so bad. Did it this past March and it was okay.
Sending you good thoughts.
Sending you and G good wishes for the rest of the year! And wishes for a pain free 2007 for G.
I had my boys when I was 37 (almost 38)and 40. Had amnios with both. The older is 6 ft. and the younger is trying to catch up. I had all the same worries you have. Let’s not even talk about how old I’ll be on MY next BD. I don’t know your situation, but maybe G. being home and pain free and relaxed…..well, you know. Hang in there. 37 will be wonderful!
I will keep you guys in my thoughts this November…
I’ll say a prayer for your husband that his surgery goes well. You don’t have to believe, just as long as I do.
I will de-lurk to at least give you some hope and encouragement both for Georgie’s surgery and your upcoming birthday. As for the surgery, it sounds like you are both ready and thus I am convinced that all will go well.
As for 37, take some advice from a 42 year old….37 will be a great year! I loved my later 30s and my early 40s…I feel so much more of “myself” and so much less worried about what others think of me. I finally started to feel more like an adult at 37; someone who had thoughts and opinions and was entitled to share them.
I love the fact that your birthday is at the beginning of a fresh slate each year…what a lovely gift! Grab hold of 37 and embrace it (it’s really the new 25!!!)
Elise in Albany
my next birthday is the big 40 – not looking forward to that
will say an extra prayer for you and George – all will go well please G-D
All that and right around the holidays too! You have a lot on your plate but you’ve got a great attitude and lots of love and that’s what counts!
Best wishes to you both. We’ll all be thinking about you through November and beyond.
My 37th birthday was in August, and so far it’s been okay. Doesn’t feel too very different than 36 did. I’ll keep your hubby in my thoughts and prayers, that his surgery goes smoothly and his recovery is uneventful!
37 rocks (from a gal about to be 39) and your Georgie will too once he is all healed. Knitting really comes into its own at times like these. Best wishes.
Birthdays are just another number, what you achieve in that year is the reason to remember, I hope this coming year brings you everything you wish for and for Georgie to have a pain free recovery from his surgery.
MY birthday is this month and I left 37 behind a very long time ago – life does go on and usually gets better and more interesting.
Orthopedic surgery has improved a lot the last few years and I am sure that your husband will fare much better than either of you are expecting right now. I agree, “knitting, soup, fresh bread and thee” is a good plan.
Judi
My dad just had a hip replacement (at age 57) and he’s doing really well. They actually put a ceramic hip in that his bone with GROW ONTO! I think that’s absolutely amazing! His bone will attach to the ceramic parts and they’re function just like his bones but not broken! It was absolutely amazing to me when I found out that’s how they were going to do it. Just don’t let him slack on his physical therapy afterward! It makes a WORLD of difference.
Good luck and you’ll both be in my thoughts *hug*
You know what? I’ve learned a few things this year about people and their power to heal. G is going to sail through this with flying colors. Work, no doubt. Rehab’ll be a lot of hard frickin’ work, and it might even hurt a little. He can do it. He will.
And you. You can do it, too. Another thing I’ve learned is that sometimes you just have to close your eyes, cross your fingers, and jump.
; )
You’ll get through it all, one day at a time, and we’ll celebrate the birthday when it comes. I always feel like my birthday is a kind of “new years” celebration, where I re-evaluate and take stock. With yours, I guess the rest of the world does it with you!
Interesting what you say about the prime number birthdays… 29 has not been going oh-so-well for me so far… but then again, sometimes you don’t see the positive side of things that happen until much later.
I really realted to your words today as my father just finished up cancer treatment and a few related surgeries (and is doing splendidly, thank you very much). Over the last year and a half-ish, everyone in my family has been thinking “just get through this part of the treatment, get it over with.” The anticipation can be worse than the event.
Now that the treatment’s over, we’re all getting used to NOT having to worry, NOT having to anticipate the next awful step. Even though it’s “back to normal,” it’s a matter of getting used to a new idea of normal.
My guess is that after the surgery and all of the recovery, by your birthday, you probably aren’t going to want all of the fanfare. You’re going to want to adjust to your new normal, which hopefully will be a happy and pain free one for both of you. I’ll be thinking good thoughts for you both.
with all the goodness to you give to the universe, surely there’s going to be some left for you and your hubby.
*lights candles*
Oh, I just had my 37th last month…and I can’t believe it! When people ask me my age, I really have to think about it. And then I think, wow! Anyway, looking forward to your birthday countdown!
Also, wishing your husband all the best w/his surgery. My neighbor just had a hip replacement a couple weeks ago and he has recovered amazingly quick and was at a party this past weekend. I’m hoping for the same for the G-man. Hope to see you at Stitches this weekend!
37 has always been my lucky number, so I know it will serve you well.
I’ll be pulling for G, but I’m optimistic. Everyone I know who has had hip replacement has not just done well, but flourished after recovery. I know you have to be cautious with your feelings, but I hope this will give him a whole new lease on life.
Finally, re: the baby, I know just how you feel. It’s always hard to know when you’re ready to try, and no one else can answer the “when” question for you. One day you’ll just know. And when you do, I have no doubt you’ll be an excellent mother. I hope our kids get to play together at Rhinebeck.
xox, J
All positive thoughts and wishes for you & G for the whole month! I am sure it will go well with so many people sending out such positive vibes. And I second what the first person said in the comments about keeping yourself up so he doesn’t have to worry about you worrying! –Sally
Sounds like a fabulous outlook, Cara.
I’ll definitely be keeping my fingers crossed for you both!
Billy treats a lot of hip patients and says it’s a great surgery with really really high success rates. In fact, his mom just had it done this past spring and is feeling better than she had in years.
Where is he having it done? Drop a line if you are interested in referrals of good people for rehab etc.
Love, love, love. As in “all you need is.”
And also huge hugs. I know from hospitals and waiting rooms and rehab crapola, and you can do it. Bring knitting. Lots. And also spinning if you can. Trust me, the repetitiveness without the counting will soothe you.
May it all work brilliantly. I’d be doing the chchchchch too…I talked like a Borg for a while just to amuse the husband and detract from the ickiness. Go, Georgie!
(I’ll be 40 in May. Nyah, nyah, I’m older than you are…)
On the baby part – I’m almost 52….had my last 2 babes at 41 and 43 – You’re only going to be 37? A piece of cake!
I just wanted to let you know that I’m sending all my good thoughts your way. Good luck getting through November.
I used to feel the same way about my birthday (It’s on Christmas…yes the 25th). I used to start getting all excited right before Halloween but for some reason the thrill is gone. I guess it gets like that sometimes.
I *really* started hanging out and reading your blog a year ago…for the big bday extravaganza. I can’t believe that I’ve been lurking around here for a year.
37 was tough for me mentally, too. I had a rough time with it. However, just so you know, 40 hasn’t been so bad. 😉
Here’s hoping that G’s surgery goes smoothly, that 37 is full of glitter and glam, and that all of those knitting projects keep your hands busy while you find yourself watching G sleep in the hospital.
Happy “coming soon” birthday
I had a Total Hip Replacement six years ago, let me know if you have a questions about the healing process. Can I just say the 100% pure cocoa butter stick from Queen Helene rocks for scars! Use it faithfully (morning and night) on him once he’s healed, plus he’ll smell like a chocolate bar to boot! 🙂
What a coincidence. I turn 37 tommorow. I’m happier now than I’ve ever been and I only expect my life to get better. I’ve learned so much about myself in my thirties.
i have my fingers crossed for 37 as well, as my birthday is about 8 days before yours.
all i can say is 37 is going to be f*cking fantastic! it HAS to be!!!!
Cara – I am a lurker on your blog, but I just wanted to say that my husband had two hip replacements this year and has gone from struggling to walk with two canes to strolling out to the garage every morning to leave for work – no canes, no pain. It actually brought tears to my eyes as I watched him this morning. G will be fine. Feel free to email me with any questions or if you need any support.
Lots of love to you and Georgie. I’m so glad to *know* you- gives me another reason to celebrate on January One. I take every chance to celebrate that I can get.
I’ve been 37 since May and so far it has been wonderful. Many things go through my mind as well. Happy pending birthday! I found that wearing my special birthday shirt on my birthday, people are so much nicer. Why can’t people just be nice every day? Wouldn’t that be so much better? The shirt that I’m talking about can be found at http://www.cafepress.com/unclefrog/1913839
i’m sending all of my best good vibes your way this month. i’m sure G will be fine once the surgery is over. in fact, i’m sure he’ll be a new man! my father had both hips replaced in the last 5 years and now he is golfing and walking like there was never anything wrong. isn’t modern medicine amazing?
Hey, if it’s 2 months to your birthday, that means it’s one month to mine!
I like your attitude about celebrating every single day of life, that’s a great outlook.
I’ll be turning 22, which makes me happy because my age will be a palindrome. I’m such a nerdy numbers guy, that when my odometer hit 64246, I took a picture of it. So 22 should be a good age, and then hopefully people will stop saying “you barely made it” when they check my ID.
Also, a good friend of mine recently had hip resurfacing, she has severe rheumatoid arthritis and her hip joint was almost non-existent. And she recovered from the surgery with flying colors. It took a while, but as long as Georgie hangs in there, it will all be worth it. I’m sure the surgery will go great, and just think, you’ll have a handicap pass to park with for a while! That’s a nice perk 🙂
Your were born on my 10th birthday!
Best wishes for your husband’s speedy and complete recovery.
I accompanied my brother George (45) to India in late August where he had hip resurfacing surgery done by one of the developers of the technique.
My DB had pre-existing metal pins in his hip from breaking it 30 years ago. The pins needed to be removed during surgery and required him to use crutches for a full 6 weeks. I saw him this week at the 8 week point. He can walk a mile in 12 minutes and he can dance. That wasn’t pretty so I asked him to stop.
G will wake from surgery without the bone deep pain that he’s had. He’ll be walking without pain in two or three days. I watched it in two other patients at the same time as my brother.
Sorry about that ch-ching thing. If you go to India, the bill is only $6500.
Loved this post of yours, and wanted to tell you that turning 37 really tripped me out as it seriously felt a whoooole lot closer to 40 than 36 did. But here I am, 39…and I’ll be turning 40 about a month after your birthday…and I’ve already been telling people I’m 40 as I’m totally not sweating it. Somewhere between 37 and 39 it dawned on me that I’m only as old as I feel.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the orthopedic surgeon’s office, and I’ve actually got to handle that hip replacement hardware. It is TOTALLY amazing. I hope the period of hard work and rehab passes quickly and he (and you!) gets back to all things good very quickly.
I have some hardware, too…some inside, but most of the expensive shiny stuff is outside. I’m only the $1.4mil Dollar Woman (a real number, no shit), and since Jaime Sommers was the “Bionic Woman” anyhow, one of my friends nicknamed me “Bionica” instead. hahaha
XO~~bonnie
Hi-
The hip surgery my dad had was amazing. His was a full replacement, and he was in less pain after surgery than before. Matter of fact… I came home to help out mom shortly afterwards and we got back from the grocery store to find the walker in the kitchen & no dad… hmmmm… given he was still on multiple physical therapy sessions a week and not supposed to go anywhere without the thing we were a bit worried! Where was he? In the bath (which he ALSO wasn’t supposed to do!) — we gave him all kinds of grief about how he managed to levitate from kitchen to bathroom & get into the forbidden tub!
Seriously, he had a full replacement, socket relined, etc. and found the pain reduced immediatly, although the mobility did take a while longer to return. He had one of his shoulder joints done last month – just resurfacing — when they got in they didn’t need to replace the entire thing, and he says that’s been harder in a lot of ways, pain wise (even though he doesn’t have to walk on his arm… lol) but it still was a rapid enough improvement that only 2 weeks post surgery he managed to tear himself away from the house & go to the one & only game the Detriot Tigers managed to win during the world series… and given it was a high of 30 (f, not c!) he had to be feeling pretty good to do that!!
Take your knitting & your patience, bring along a lot of chocolate (for you, not him!!) and a good book to keep your mind occupied if your fingers get tired.
and btw… we got dad a little sound machine with the six million dollar man sound effects for Christmas one year (new hip, 2 lens replacements for glaucoma, a heart stint, and now a shoulder) — my brothers & I thought it was hysterical — every time he’d get up out of a chair we’d hit the button! My 7 year old neice just thought we were weird — go figure… kids today just don’t know good tv! 😉
Keep us up to date with his surgery & progress — we’ll all be thinking of you!
Colette
My son was also born on January 1 (8:27am, c-section, 11# 12oz) so we have also begun the countdown to his birthday. He, however, will only be 5 this time around. As for you turning 37, I did that one myself this summer and while I know age is just a number, somehow it seems to be getting harder. I don’t feel 37, more like an aged 24…yet there are reminders almost daily that I’m not as young as I think I am!
Love your blog Cara! My birthday is March 1 and I am the self-proclaimed Queen of March. I begin my birthday countdown on March 2.