Yes, it’s six weeks today since I had the operation that put a plate and numerous pins in to my right ankle. To say that I am a little tired of not driving, not walking, not going anywhere, is an immense understatement. However, I have pulled deeply upon my laziness gene, which likes an excuse to lie around reading, watching endless episodes of favourite series on Prime Video, and listening to an extensive series of audiobooks. Even so, I am reaching the end of that tether.

It has not all been cerebral. I have been quietly editing my finished manuscript of the second romance novel with the help of my good friend. I have worked from home for AUT University on some days, and will continue that for a couple more. I have put more designs up on Redbubble for Christmas.

It has not been a negative experience at all, really.

I have learned a few things I kind of knew, but have seen in action because of this rehab process:

1. What terrific friends and family I have. My sister has gone beyond the bounds to ensure I am okay, and to take me on regular jaunts to get out of the house. I am privileged to have one of the best sisters in the world. And good friends have all gone out of their way to visit, to bring things, in some cases to make my bed and vacuum! Some work mates came and visited in hospital. Even my flatmate, whose house it is, has patiently dealt with any number of apparatuses that block passages, and get in the way. (He has singlehandedly done the housework since this happened.)
2. I have deep sympathy for anyone who does not have the use of both their legs. It takes being reduced to wheels or crutches yourself to have a true understanding of what the footpath is like, how accessible a building is, where and how available are the restrooms.
3. I will NEVER take for granted my ability to step outside and walk somewhere – anywhere. I will NEVER take for granted my ebike and all the adventures I still hope to have on it. I will NEVER take for granted the car that is waiting in the carport, in which I take regular trips to wherever I want to go.
4. I realise I only need an eighth of the clothing I currently own. It is all gathered in a pile at the foot of the bed for easy reach (LOL). I must get rid of the rest.
5. How easy it is to shop online. There’s an amazing number of ways to get goods and services delivered to your door.
6. Hospitals are not places you can ever sleep in, full of people struggling to deal with pain and a lack of sleep, and nurses with great senses of humour, patience and the ability to go for hours without food.
7. I now know where all the conventional cabs have gone since Uber took over transporting people. Taxis are all working for ACC, and I am starting to get to know the drivers.

I’m sure there’s much more. Suffice it to say, I have been ‘absent’ from my usual life for nearly four months now. Two months on a wildly exciting holiday in the UK, USA and Canada, and two months within the four walls of this house, on an exciting holiday of the imagination. I feel I have become reacquainted with my right foot and ankle and am on intimate terms with all my toes down there. Never have we been closer. Every little twinge has my interest, every swelling my full attention. I’m hoping our renewed relationship will stand me in good stead (sic) tomorrow when they check my progress and tell me I can start putting weight on that limb again. Watch this space.

Time to go and watch the next episode of The Expanse.