I have some projects going forward that I can’t *quite* discuss yet (but soon! I promise), but right now, the things eating up my January are:

1. Getting my annual self evaluation done.

2. Updating my SLIS course for SJSU, which begins in late January.

3. Testing more software for our grant, and writing up the results with my colleagues.

4. Worrying about Caitlin’s scoliosis surgery, scheduled for January 28th.

As you might expect, #4 is eating much of my brain right now. As Michael put it in his post, “Caitlin’s neuromuscular scoliosis is now around 70 degrees. Without the fusion, it will continue to increase until it makes it extremely hard for Caitlin to sit. It will also impact her lungs, making it more likely that she will have issues with pneumonias.

We are currently going through a series of pre-op appointments. This is going to be an intense surgery that will last all day. The surgeon will be moving her entire spine while straightening it with rods, screws, and bone chips. Assuming no major complications, Caitlin will be at Lurie Children’s Hospital for 5-7 days. I will post more about the surgery later this month.”

The next few weeks will feel like getting ready to step off a cliff. There are good reasons for that, but it’s still scary.