Today has not been pretty, but I haven't imploded (thanks, I think, to my new anxiety medication). It all began fairly innocuously with the sudden arrival of a non-English speaking man from the neighborhood landscaping company who entered my backyard and started trimming the bushes. I'd called the company last week, generally explaining what I needed and assuming the bossman would stop by to go over everything before any work was done. He implied that I would hear back from him Monday of this week. Problem number 1.

Then I dropped off the dogs at the groomer and headed to the salon for a quick manicure (my nails look horrible and I am going on a trip tomorrow) before a doctor's appointment. I got there a little after 9, but they didn't open till 9:30 , so quickly readjusted and went to Target instead. No swearing at this point, but it did qualify as Number 2, as I had my day planned out perfectly to this point.

Got to the doctor a few minutes ahead of schedule only to be told that he was running about an hour behind. By this time I was starting to get annoyed, but still felt there was no reason to get upset. I won't even give this the next number because it followed shortly thereafter. The appointment was with an orthopedist because my right ankle, although bothering me for years, had now started hurting in a different spot and the pain worsened the longer I walked. (THIS IS NOT GOOD!) After a couple of x-rays, I met first with Dr. Doug, the med student, which was, without a doubt, the only bright spot in the day (he was definitely a tall, cool drink of water). Without getting into too much detail, the pain is being caused by two things... first, when I broke my leg almost forty years ago, it didn't heal exactly straight, which has caused my ankle to lean slightly to one side. And secondly, there is arthritis ... AAUGH! My first joint to crumble. He gave me a brace and a prescription for an anti-inflammatory. Also told me to use Tylenol Arthritis and I have to go get an orthotic device made for my shoe. Definitely Number 3.

Don't quit reading now... it just keeps going. Then back to Target to get the prescription filled and finally, picked up the dogs. This part all went well.

Once I came home and had lunch, headed back out for the manicure, which I ruined in the car fastening my seat belt. Number 4.

Back home for good to do a load of laundry before heading out for New Orleans in the morning. The load took THREE HOURS, which means I have to call LG next week (which I do not look forward to). Number 5.

And while the washer was going and going and going, my neighbor came over to tell me that I have a water leak. I've been noticing water standing by the curb and down the block for the last week, but falsely assumed it was someone else. And to top it off, he discovered it a few days ago and waited to tell me at 5 PM on Friday. He's the nicest man you'd ever want to meet, but... seriously? So that is my Number 6 and I pray that I'm done for the day, although I have yet to take the dogs out for their evening walk. The doctor said I shouldn't be walking long distance until the inflammation is gone, but I have to take the babies out for their nightly poop.

And thank you God for medication.