The last 30 years of my working life has involved taking a project from concept to completion. I have worked on various sizes of projects both alone and as part of a team. I realized years ago that I had learned some concepts from project development that have stood me in good stead in other areas of my life.

A large and/or detailed project can seem overwhelming. The typical approach that both I and the current team utilize is to define the broad scope, divide the project up into modules and proceed. For me, that makes the project doable. I don’t worry too much about the WHOLE thing, but concentrate on one module at a time. It is not quite as clear cut as that, but that is the general idea and it is the part of project development that has helped me in my personal life.

When it became clear that Bear needed the TPLO surgery, I first added up all of the weeks of rehab – the time that our lives would be a bit upside down – AND, there was the possibility that the other leg would need the same surgery. (there still is that possibility but the surgeon was more optomistic after the pre-op exam under sedation so we are thinking positive!!)

That first false start – the surgery I thought was scheduled right away – it actually helped me get my head in a better place. Although I did not like Bear having to wait a month, it was a good month and it allowed us to enjoy some gorgeous weather outside together as well as giving me some thinking time to get the house in good order, supplies in and generally just prepare for the post-op. And I started thinking in small chunks of time vs the WHOLE ENTIRE rehab. The time broke down into surgery day, day 1 & 2 post-op, week 1 & 2 post-op, week 3-4, etc. I stopped looking ahead at a long period of time and concentrated on where we were.

And now, here we are 4.5 weeks post-op. Bear is moving easier and in a more normal way every day: Little things like getting up and lying down, backing up, turning in a circle. All are getting better. We are walking on a short leash now vs the belly support. Our outings are more relaxed and more fun for both of us and getting better each day.

Inside, as I put away the Christmas decorations, I got to thinking that moving one of the chairs back in the sunroom would be ok.

While it was nice to shake up the routine and I always find it interesting when I change where I sit and “Oh!” – that’s a nice view – I did on occasion miss my wing back chair for reading.

One thing led to another…

Bob’s room got a mini-makeover as well.

Bob was more worried about where his food dish was than the fact that he had his furniture back.

And while I was situating the furniture and finding pillows and fleece…can of worms!! I ended up going through every closet, every drawer and having a general whole house clear out, straighten up and re-organization.

I remembered there were some old green sheets in the motorhome. As soon as I got the pillow on the right end of the bed all comfy AND color-coordinated…Bear was happy.

I’m happy. I’m happy Bear is doing so well and I’m happy taking the rehab one day at a time.

We head toward the end of week 5 with a bit more normal back but enjoying each step of the way.