Timing...

I've been thinking a lot about timing lately. The timing of things that have already happened and the timing of things to come, particularly in relation to finances and plans.

So, let's see how we ended up here:

In terms of relevant factors, I can take it all the way back to last September. My Jetta (still a fine car) would have been paid off in October...meaning that I wouldn't be worried about making a car payment right now. But, I am. For a nice Porsche that I haven't driven since the day I broke my ankle and won't again until next month (hopefully).

And, then there is the big one. Making the abrupt decision last November to quit my job and start my own practice at the beginning of January. This has had so many ripple effects. I know that I couldn't have known that I'd be in this position, and I'm not saying that I harbor any feelings of longing for that job, but a bit of stability would be nice right now. I had enough money to get through a couple of months while I worked to get my practice off the ground, but I'm concerned because I am going to be in a position without any income for longer than I expected. Throw in medical bills amount to be determined, buying a house, and paying rent on an office that I'm not using. Not the best timing.

K has been working hard on setting up the financing for the house this week. I know he wishes as well that the timing of this was better in terms of being in a more stable situation. After the break-in in December, I was pretty clear about wanting to move to a "safer" neighborhood (yes, I know that crime happens everywhere), but I don't want to worry about something happening to that black beauty parked in front of our house all the time since we don't have a garage and I want the peace of mind of an alarm system. We've clearly outgrown our little bungalow and definitely needed something bigger anyway for some time now. Throw in the extension of the tax credit for first-time homebuyers and our lease expiring in April, and we were ready to move forward. Things would be a lot different if I hadn't quit my job or broken my ankle, that's all I'm saying.

One good thing in terms of the timing of the accident was that I was still covered under my previous insurance through the end of January and had been added to K's insurance as well that month. So, hopefully, having primary and secondary insurance will reduce our out-of-pocket expenses for the ER visit and surgery.

I got an eye-opening idea of what to expect for the next couple of months today from JB (who had a similar, although more severe, injury and surgery with my doc a couple of years ago). I had false hope that all would return to normal once I was weight-bearing at the beginning of March. Alas, it's not quite that easy. It really is a long road ahead and I'm nowhere near the end, or even halfway point for that matter. Surprisingly, it's not even getting back to running that I'm so worried about at this point. I just want to get the basics back - WALK, work, drive, sleep, shower. While I think I have surprised K with the things that I am finding ways to do for myself, I feel so helpless and dependent for the most basic things. And, I hate it.

We're going to have to reassess how we're going to get through the next couple of months after I am weight-bearing. Obviously, one of the primary concerns will be getting us packed and moved (into a two-story house) next month. Like I said, I mistakenly thought I would be back to "normal" a couple of days after we close, but this seems like it's going to be a bigger challenge than I was expecting given my still limited abilities. We were planning to go to NYC to run the NYC Half in March, and although I knew I wouldn't be able to run, I thought we might still be able to go for K to run and have a fun trip. Um, no. We have a few other trips planned for late March and April as well that might be compromised. At this point, I guess I should just be thankful that the TdF is in July, not March, April, or May.

I have my first follow-up visit with the doc next Thursday. I can't wait for this appointment since I will get out of this damn splint and into a boot (although still stuck with the crutches). Then, we'll see what opportunities and challenges that brings. For now, I'm taking it day by day, hour by hour. Trying to manage the pain, physically and emotionally. I'm not sure which one is harder...