Recovering from surgery (like me) or just bored?  Do I have a list for you…. Another blogger came up with “56 Things to Do After Surgery.”  Below are five favorites I have recently tried:

1. Write a Letter to Someone Else in Pain

Why, do even have the mail anymore? All that’s typically in my mailbox is catalogues and flyers. It’s a pleasant surprise to receive a handwritten letter via mail. Now that I’ve been through surgery (twice this summer!), I am realizing how disruptive health problems can be. E-mail, texts, etc., are all fine, but I think my friend will appreciate an old fashioned handwritten note sent snail mail. 

2. Cook!

I enjoy this when healthy anyway, but it was especially comforting last weekend. Personally, I like to go to Dave’s Market for fresh ingredients. Then, I come home, listen to Frank Sinatra, pour a glass of red wine, and get to work in la mia cucina italiana. Last weekend, I made Giada’s Penne with vodka sauce.

3. Have your kids read to you.

We are blessed to have two young children. My four-year-old daughter, Mia, is reading “sight books” (like "Dick and Jane"). Listening to her read brings a smile to my face.

4. Sit Outside and Get Fresh Air

At home in Rhode Island, our family can drive less than 30 minutes and enjoy an awesome ocean or rural view! One place sometimes overlooked for family friendly crabbing, fishing, and beach is the Camp Cronin Fishing Area in ‘Gansett. And there are many feasts, parades, and festivals throughout our towns and cities (like the recent Cranston St. Mary's Italian Feast pictured).

5. Walk

I am about a week out from left shoulder surgery to repair a SLAP tear and some osteophytes over my AC joint. Rather than dwell on the exercise I cannot do yet, I am trying to appreciate just simple walking. Twice last week, I took a break from the RI personal injury lawyer routine and walked around Garden City where the flowers were blooming and the sun shining….