I’m free to do what I want, any old time.
- Rolling Stones

Well, not exactly. Not right now, anyway.

I just ventured out of the house for the first time since returning home from the hospital. I am not counting yesterday’s emergency trip to the doctor’s office, because it was a necessary evil and therefore doesn’t qualify as an excursion.

Tonight I got a brief taste of freedom (Cold Stone Creamery), and it was delicious. But then it wasn’t. Pain meds and ice cream do not mix well, FYI. Such a shame.

Now, I know what you’re thinking:

“Ice cream certainly won’t help her back. She should have gone out for a carrot instead.”

…to which I respond:

“Listen up, imaginary friends and voices. It is still 2007. My post-surgery mantra is Lose Weight in ’08, so back off. It is the holiday season after all.”

Considering that one week ago at this very moment I was lying in a hospital bed, and tonight I was able to get in a car and go on a short field trip, I am pretty happy with the progress of my recovery.

I was going to end this entry with another song quote, but George Michael (“Freedom”) and Michael McDonald (“Sweet Freedom”) were the only two that came to mind, and I just couldn’t go there. And in case you’re wondering, the title of this post refers to a Jimmy Buffett tune of the same name. I’m not a Parrot Head (or a Dead Head or Phish Head for that matter), but I love music and can appreciate that kind of dedication to an artist or band.

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So I’m allergic to yet another medication. This time it’s the liquid that they apply over sutures to ensure that the steri-strips stay in place. Good times.

Last night I had my first (and hopefully only) mini meltdown. For no real reason at all. Could have been any number of factors: frustration, pain, medication, recovery house arrest, etc. Or it could be the the fact that it feels like a small child has taken a permanent seat on my lower spine.

But this morning took the cake.

I have been trying to get an urgent appointment to see my surgeon so that he could assess my burning back and diagnose exactly what the itchy red insanity was surrounding my stitches. You’d think that a patient who underwent major surgery just six days ago would a priority. Not so much. So I called this morning, my voice sounding slightly more angry than pathetic. And what do you know, they told me to come in right away.

Here’s the thing. I am now home alone, but not in a fun Macaulay Culkin kind of way. I am not supposed to drive, let alone do much else. And like an uncharacteristically unprepared dumbass, I don’t have any cash on hand. Not that there are actual cabs available or roaming my distant suburb. But my back was on fire and I wasn’t medicated at the time. I made the executive decision to drive to the doctor’s office, because it is only two miles away. And of course it was pouring down buckets of rain. And I couldn’t reach the umbrella, which was buried in the depths of my trunk. AND I had to park three buildings away from the one I needed to be in, because apparently everyone and their mother also had appointments on Tuesday at 10am. But I made it, he removed the steri-strips, and is happy with my progress thus far. Have I mentioned that my doctor is younger than me and juggles fire at Burning Man? Yeah, sweet.

That being said, I am exhausted. That is more than I’ve done in a week. Such a wuss.

Also, I was instructed not to return to work so soon. I intended to go back later this week, but I guess that was wishful thinking, or great denial. So I will certainly have time to watch as many recommended movies as possible. And watch all of Season 3 of Lost on DVD while taking notes to prepare for the next. Hey, even when I’m down, I’m still a giant nerd.

So much for the promise of sun shiny blog entries. Although this wasn’t horrible downtrodden, was it?

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Lord have mercy, I am several episodes into a Real Housewives of Orange County marathon on Bravo. I’m not usually home on weekdays, but this is the crap that has lured me in and its clutches are strong. Also, although she is mortified at the very mention, I have a friend who is related to one of the women on the show. Bonus!

I don’t like to admit it, but I am actually from Orange County. It was never called The OC, nor do I ever refer to it as such. I have all but denounced the place. Yes, I had a good (dare I say normal) childhood. But those are just not my people. Never have been, never will be.

And yet, like a moth to a flame or an annoying crawl past a minor car wreck, I can’t help myself and I can’t look away. I have a nice stack of excellent DVDs that I rented in advance, mostly based on recommendations from kind readers of this blog. But my attention span is very small right now, and this seems just the ticket.

The only reality shows I watch anymore, except for The Amazing Race, are on Bravo (Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, Project Runway, Top Chef, Work Out). I could change the channel, but the remote is out of my reach and right now, that requires far too much energy. Sad but true. I even have one of those senior citizen gadgets, which I have christened The Grabber Thingy, because I can’t bend down and I use it when I drop sh*t (a new and frequent hobby side effect). But I usually leave it upstairs when I’m downstairs, and vice versa.

Anyway, here is the daily health update, since you asked: better. How is that for vague? I’m still quite sore and stiff, but I can sleep through the night and walk with more ease. Now I’m just dealing with an allergic reaction to the steri-strips covering the sutures on my spine. Having an extremely itchy back is not so fun, but like most of my other current issues, I’m making the best of the situation. I am trying to remain positive as I heal and move forward. Looking back at my last few blogs, my attitude has been primarily negative. Not a surprise. But I need to improve my outlook.

Well, I must retire back to a semi-comfortable seat on the couch and attempt to turn off the housewives. No guarantees. Stay tuned for more sunny notes from the recovery field!

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Or so the song says. But I call bullsh*t right now.

Quick daily health summary: feeling much better, almost human today. Back on the pain meds, able to walk around a bit. Actually went outside to get the mail. Napping far too often. Still a Cranky Pants having a Pity Party. Movies watched while standing up: Reign Over Me and Puccini for Beginners. But I am looking forward to tomorrow, as my first visitors will be coming over and my better half will be baking holiday cookies all day.

And now, a few thoughts about the recently announced 2008 Golden Globe nominations. First up, the nominated films. Let’s just get this out of the way – what the hell is with the separate categories for best picture? They separate them into Drama and Comedy or Musical, and most of the time they f*ck that up. Same with television nods.

Granted, I have not had the time to see as many of these films as I would have liked. But of course I’ve read all about them, watched all trailers and formed my own opinions. Hello, this is my life.

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

• American Gangster (agreed)
  
• Atonement (haven’t seen it, want to, good buzz)
  
• Eastern Promises (not worthy)
  
• The Great Debaters (haven’t seen it, Oprah produced = golden)
  
• Michael Clayton (agreed)
  
• No Country For Old Men (haven’t seen it, want to, great buzz)
  
• There Will Be Blood (haven’t seen it, want to, mixed buzz)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

• Cate Blanchett – Elizabeth: The Golden Age (haven’t seen it, loved the 1st one, love her)
  
• Julie Christie – Away from Her (haven’t seen it, but sentimental favorite)
  
• Jodie Foster – The Brave One (surprising nod, totally deserving)
  
• Angelina Jolie – A Mighty Heart (agreed)
  
• Keira Knightley – Atonement (no surprise)
  

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

• George Clooney – Michael Clayton (agreed)
  
• Daniel Day Lewis – There Will Be Blood (he should have won Oscar for Gangs of New York)
  
• James McAvoy – Atonement (no surprise)
  
• Viggo Mortensen – Eastern Promises (for the bathroom scene alone)
  
• Denzel Washington – American Gangster (badass once again)

BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

• Across the Universe (haven’t seen it, heard it was odd)
  
• Charlie Wilson’s War (haven’t seen it, want to)
  
• Hairspray (was entertaining but not award worthy)
  
• Juno (can’t wait to see it, heard it deserves all noms)
  
• Sweeney Todd (ditto above)
  

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

• Amy Adams – Enchanted (no surprise, she was the movie)
  
• Nikki Blonsky – Hairspray (good but not award winning)
  
• Helena Bonham Carter – Sweeney Todd (always a dark horse)
  
• Marion Cotillard – La Vie en Rose (need to rent this)
  
• Ellen Page – Juno (bingo, we have a winner)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

• Johnny Depp – Sweeney Todd (the pirate moves to the barber shop and sings)
  
• Ryan Gosling – Lars and the Real Girl (not sure this is a comedy)
  
• Tom Hanks – Charlie Wilson’s War (welcome back, Mr. Hanks)
  
• Philip Seymour Hoffman – The Savages (again, a comedy? heard he was better in Charlie Wilson’s War)
  
• John C. Reilly – Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (love it, even if he doesn’t have a chance)

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

• Bee Movie (was it worth the over-promotion, Jerry?)
  
• Ratatouille (no surprise)
  
• The Simpsons Movie (hysterical)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM (haven’t seen any)

• 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days – Romania
• The Diving Bell and the Butterfly – France and USA
• The Kite Runner – USA
• Lust, Caution – Taiwan
• Persepolis – France

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

• Cate Blanchett – I’m Not There (double nods, totally deserving)
  
• Julia Robers – Charlie Wilson’s War (welcome back, red)
  
• Saoirse Ronan – Atonement (haven’t seen it, heard she was great)
  
• Amy Ryan – Gone Baby Gone (hear this one’s a slam dunk)
  
• Tilda Swinton – Michael Clayton (agreed)
  

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

• Casey Affleck – The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (haven’t seen it, but good for him)
  
• Javier Bardem – No Country for Old Men (if Hannibal Lecter can win an Oscar…)
  
• Philip Seymour Hoffman – Charlie Wilson’s War (wait, a minute ago this film was a comedy…)
  
• John Travolta – Hairspray (Seriously?! Yikes. Horrible.)
  
• Tom Wilkinson – Michael Clayton (agreed)
  

BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE

• Tim Burton – Sweeney Todd (love most of his work)
  
• Ethan & Joel Coen – No Country for Old Men (ditto)
  
• Julian Schnabel – The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (haven’t seen it)
  
• Ridley Scott – American Gangster (didn’t love direction as much as acting)
  
• Joe Wright – Atonement (loved his work with Pride & Prejudice)

BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE

• Diablo Cody – Juno (bingo, another winner)
  
• Ethan & Joel Coen – No Country for Old Men
• Christopher Hampton – Atonement
• Ronald Harwood – The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
• Aaron Sorkin – Charlie Wilson’s War (should give Juno a run for her money)

Moving on to Television, where it seems the nominating committee had their heads shoved further up their collective arses…

BEST TV SERIES – DRAMA

• Big Love (can’t agree)
• Damages (hallelujah!)
• Grey’s Anatomy (oh hell no, not this season)
• House (again, not the best season)
• Mad Men (agreed)
• The Tudors (ugh)

Ok, no Lost? Friday Night Lights? Brothers and Sisters? Dexter? Hurrah for cable and all that, but COME ON.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES – DRAMA

• Patricia Arquette – Medium
• Glenn Close – Damages (should be a slam dunk)
  
• Minnie Driver – The Riches (dark horse newbie, totally deserving)
  
• Edie Falco – The Sopranos (could be a sentimental send off)
  
• Sally Field – Brothers and Sisters
• Holly Hunter – Saving Grace
• Kyra Sedgwick – The Closer

Look, I like Medium. But I think the glaring omissions in the category have to be Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost), and Chandra Wilson (Grey’s Anatomy).

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TV SERIES – DRAMA

• Michael C. Hall – Dexter (bingo, a clear winner)
  
• Jon Hamm – Mad Men (agreed)
  
• Hugh Laurie – House (agreed)
  
• Jonathan Rhys Meyers – The Tudors (ugh)
  
• Bill Paxton – Big Love (um, no)
  

Yes, this will sound repetitive. But where is the love for Matthew Fox’s amazing season on Lost or Kyle Chandler’s on Friday Night Lights?

BEST TV SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

• 30 Rock (agreed; brilliant season)
  
• Californication (not a comedy; The Office should take its place)
• Entourage (great, but not this season; Ugly Betty should take its place)
  
• Extras (love it)
  
• Pushing Daisies (fav new show)
  

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

• Christina Applegate – Samantha Who? (um, ok)
  
• America Ferrera – Ugly Betty (agreed)
  
• Tina Fey – 30 Rock (agreed)
  
• Anna Friel – Pushing Daisies (she’s good, but Jenna Fisher deserves the spot)
  
• Mary Louise Parker – Weeds (my choice)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TV SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

• Alec Baldwin – 30 Rock
• Steve Carell – The Office
• David Duchovny – Californication
• Ricky Gervais – Extras
• Lee Pace – Pushing Daisies

I don’t have too many problems with this particular bunch.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TV (a.ka. Best Supporting Actress in a TV role)

• Rose Byrne – Damages (great)
  
• Rachel Griffiths – Brothers and Sisters (my pick)
  
• Katherine Heigl – Grey’s Anatomy (what, for having to suffer through Gizzie?)
  
• Samantha Morton – Longford (didn’t see it)
  
• Anna Paquin – Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (didn’t see it)
  
• Jaime Pressley – My Name is Earl (hysterical, but wrong category)
  

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE (yada yada yada, see above)

• Ted Danson – Damages (slam dunk; unbelievably strong)
  
• Kevin Dillon – Entourage (not this year)
  
• Jeremy Piven – Entourage (not this year)
  
• Andy Serkis – Longford (Gollum gets a nod)
  
• William Shatner – Boston Legal (is his name mandatory every year?)
  
• Donald Sutherland – Dirty Sexy Money (um, ok)

Ok, that list was far too long for my fragile state. I need a nap. I’m sure further thoughts will develop as I heal. Please excuse any spelling errors.

What did you think of the nods?

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I have been waiting all day to blog, because last night and this morning rank very high on my short list of absolutely miserable moments in life. But who the hell wants to hear about my problems?  I’m even over me.

I can only lay down flat or stand up. Neither option is comfortable, and I am not able to sit and watch TV or movies. So I am BORED.

I’ve been trying to think of highlights from this process thus far. Um…I was able to take a shower today. Oh, and the anti-nausea medicine is finally working. That’s about it.

In other depressing news, the A’s traded their best pitcher today. For prospects. To the Diamondbacks. Beane might as well just throw in the towel, admit that they’re rebuilding and waiting to get marquee players when it’s time to build that new stadium.

And although I was kind of relieved (and surprised) that no current Oakland players were on Mitchell’s extensive steroid report, I just don’t feel like the A’s management have done a damn thing to improve since last season. The stupid Angels got Torii Hunter, and we are down one starting All-Star pitcher.

So that’s all for today, my friends. Tomorrow I plan to save up some energy to yell at the people who are responsible for Golden Globe nominations.

Seriously, thank you all VERY much for the many comments and get well wishes. The one thing I am able to do with ease and often is check my phone for emails and text messages. They are really helping me get through this and I appreciate all of your support.

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The last movie I watched before going under the knife was Lucky You. I will watch almost anything from Curtis Hanson (except 8 Mile; no thanks). LOVED LA Confidential and Wonder Boys, enjoyed In Her Shoes.

But here was my reaction after sitting through Lucky You on DVD: “Nothing can happen to me tomorrow, because this cannot be the last film I watch before I die. Yikes.”

So no, I didn’t like it.

And I think I was delusional when I agreed to watch several movies a day during recovery. Because frankly, my eyes are rolling to the back of my head when I attempt to read Entertainment Weekly, so they certainly aren’t capable of focusing on indies and character-driven pieces of cinema.

Oh, and I also found out right before anesthesia that several members of my favorite baseball team have undergone the same procedure, at the same facility. Wow, do I feel like a wuss. Those guys are out there playing professional ball a few weeks after being operated on, and all I want to do is curl up in a corner and throw books at the wall in a wallowing pity party. But I can’t curl up, because I am a stiff beast right now. And I can’t really lift those heavy books either. Like I said, wuss.

See you tomorrow.

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