setbacks & a virtual yard sale

by | May 4, 2022 | a slice of life | 40 comments

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Well, I have had a slight setback this week!  Sunday morning, I stayed home and watched the morning church service online since I’m still battling a cough.  After the boys and I watched the service, I decided to work a little bit more on putting things out for the virtual yard sale (which I’ll explain in a minute) and walked out to the garage to put some stickers on a few things and somehow I missed a step.  All of my weight fell on my right foot, toes curled under.  In a split second, my foot twisted and I heard a pop.  I crumpled to the ground and breathed in and out like I was in labor.

I didn’t know what I did, but I did something.  I sat there for a few minutes to compose myself and, fortunately, I had my phone in my pocket, so I called Jeff.  He was at the church so there wasn’t much he could do, but I wanted to let him know I was hurt and a trip to the ER might be in store for the afternoon.  Even as we talked about it, I was hoping it was one of those injuries that hurts right when it happens, it makes your eyes water and it throbs, but then it settles down and will be little more than a bruise.

That was not the case.  I couldn’t put any weight on my foot, so I crawled back into the house, grabbed a bag of corn from the freezer, propped my foot on some pillows, and iced it.  After an hour, it still hurt and I still couldn’t put weight on it without it screaming at me in pain.  So, Jeff had to pack me up and drive me to the ER.

Even as I was sitting there in a wheelchair with ice on my foot, I felt like I would look like an idiot and my foot would be fine.  I was just being a baby.  But deep inside, I knew I have a pretty high tolerance for pain and I did some kind of damage to my foot.

All test results come back on a patient portal at Mayo, so I kept checking for an update as I waited.  I felt like I was cheating or something, peeking at the results before the doctor gave me the news, but I was antsy to know.  The results came in and I didn’t have to be a doctor to see that one of these things is not like the others.

Yep, there’s my foot.  Don’t worry, for all of those anti-feet people, I won’t show you a picture of my actual foot, which is now bruised and misshapen with swelling.

I broke the 5th metatarsal bone in my right foot.  Fortunately, it’s a pretty simple break (and a common one) and it didn’t need immediate surgery.  It just needs some babying, a boot/air cast, and crutches until it can bear weight better.  I’ll follow up with an orthopedic surgeon in a few weeks to see how it’s healing.

In my mind, this meant that I could just continue as I was but have only slightly less fashionable footwear than the Crocs I wear when working around the house.  Of course, I overestimated my ability and underestimated the bother a little broken bone can cause.  So, it’s been ups and downs since Sunday.  The victory of packing three boxes yesterday while my foot could stand more weight and the frustration of hobbling around on crutches when I’m already feeling behind on packing from being sick.  But, it all could be so much worse.  We just have a laugh about it and know that we’ll get through it all.

And it’s been good motivation to let go of even more things since it’s easier to put a sticker on something than to wrap it in bubble wrap!

moving out of the art studio | miss mustard seed

So, let me tell you about the “virtual yard sale.”  I was planning on having a real yard sale this Saturday, May 7.  Not long before my fall on the garage steps, I talked it over with Jeff and we decided to cancel the yard sale for a few reasons.  One – I have been sharing what I’m selling here on the blog and on Instagram and most things sell on the same day.  It’s really blown me away and my yard sale will be pretty pathetic at this pace.  Two – Since I was sick and down for a week, I don’t know if I can get everything out for the yard sale or even have the stamina to run a yard sale all day.  Three – I think people have enjoyed a more personalized and relaxed shopping experience.  They can come into my garage, look around, make a little pile of things they want to buy, and then we settle up.  It’s a much better experience than trying to shop when potentially competing with other people for the same stuff.

So, we’ll be running the virtual yard sale (local pick-ups only) until we’re out of things to sell!  I’ll continue to share new additions on my Instagram stories and just send me an e-mail if you see something you want.  The pickings are a little slim at the moment, but I am adding more each day and I still have several rooms to go through.  I’ve also set up a “free shelf” of things that I would just donate, so we can skip the middle-man and you can pick up something(s) for free.

If you’re local and interested in anything, just send me an e-mail at marian@missmustardseed.com…

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    40 Comments

    1. Joanie

      Marian – so sorry this happened to you. Hoping for a speedy recovery!

    2. Babs

      Ouch! I fractured a bone in my foot by walking into the bedpost in the middle of the night. I heard it crack! Had xrays and a fracture was confirmed. I was surprised by how painful it was during the healing process and also how long it took. Since I am older it took an extra month to fully heal. This happened in October and while it is healed it still feels weird.

      You really didn’t need this. Seems like a conspiracy to keep you in Rochester.

      Glad your on line sales are going so well. You have great things for sale so it’s not a surprise.

      Let’s hope the rest of the move goes smoothly.

    3. Laura F

      Prayers for quick healing! 🙂

    4. Nora

      Ouch. You poor thing. The timing stinks. (Not there’s ever a good time.). I wish I lived closer. I’d help in a heartbeat.
      Best of luck. And BE CAREFUL!!!

    5. beverlee

      Bless your hard working, sweetheart! Time for the buys to step up. It won’t be your way….but Grace given is Grace received.

    6. Sharon

      Time to call Mom

    7. Di

      I know you are under the gun as they say. I have broken a toe and that sure hurt! I can’t imagine how yours feel. I sure hope you continue to heal. Wish I could get stuff but not local. Hugs. Di

      • Sandra Vigil

        Oh Marian! I feel for you and I’m sure the timing is terrible. I fractured my left foot last July and am still having issues (tendinitis). Find a good podiatrist. I am still in physical therapy for my injury but I believe it is because I was not diagnosed properly. Prayers for a quick recovery.

    8. Janet

      Yikes! I broke that bone a few years ago. Not fun but healed completely in 6 weeks. Do go to PT, if offered. Makes a difference.

      • Terri Brown

        I was happy to find your blog today in my Google feed. Sorry for your illness & especially your broken foot. I broke mine 1 week ago, the same precise bone in my right foot. I have 3 more weeks in my “boot” until a new xray. Hoping you continue your healing and find less pain each day.

    9. Lori Wilbins

      Praying for you, Marian!!!

    10. Karen K from Buffalo

      I never broke a toe, but I did have a total knee replacement last July. These things take time to heal & prayers do work! Praying for you Marian that you can rest & maybe direct the boys to do a little running for you.

    11. Kristine

      Sending healing and wellness wishes! I just went through a cross country move last year, so I totally empathize with what you are facing. And I was fully functional and completely healthy! May you have a speedy recover and successful pack-out!

    12. Lisa

      Broke the exact same bone on my right foot years ago when rushing down the stairs in high heels and stepped right on my son’s sneaker that was laying sideways at the end of the staircase just out of sight. Went right down and the pain was so bad I had to struggle not to vomit.

      Long story short, I was put in a non-weight bearing boot and on crutches for 6 weeks.
      No PT was required and before I knew it I was as good as new, as you will be before you know it as well.

      Thoughts and prayers for rapid healing!

      In the meantime, please allow your family and friends to help you. It builds compassion and confidence in kids, and everyone who helps will feel good for their part!

    13. Roylyn Andrews Parks

      I had a break in that same bone a year ago and on a step also. Took longer for me to heal as I am in my eighties but eventually got there. You may want to get a device called Even Up for your other shoe. Definitely helps your gait and your back.

    14. Michele M.

      I am so very sorry about your broken foot. I too have broken my feet. I will pray for you, because it will bother you
      a long time. What a way to have to slow down. Sigh.

      Truly am very very sorry, Marian.

    15. SHARON BETTS

      You will be in my prayers. May your recovery be quick.

    16. Cindy

      So sorry you broke your foot . . . and at the worst time. I’ve broken that same bone and it was when my only child was far away in Peru for 6 months. At least you have many people who are there to help.
      I wish I could tell you it’s a quick mend, but not. It’s a long slow process and some things in life just have to go by the wayside. Eventually it does mend and the fear or breaking it again goes away. But some times, even years later, when the weather is changing or for no random reason, I can feel exactly where the break was. Always a reminder to watch my step.
      Do what you can, but don’t overdo it. Let others help you is my best advice. Not an easy thing for those of us who are used to doing things ourselves.

    17. Patricia Kasparian

      Oh, man! I broke that metatarsal and the one next to it stepping off a curb. I hope you’re on the mend and up and around before summertime.

    18. Anita S.

      Gee whiz!
      first you got sick, now this. Could the universe be trying to tell you something? Please take good care of yourself, and try not to overdo. We care!

    19. Jeanine

      Praying for you and for everything in regards to the move. It will happen in any case, so try to give yourself grace and let your boys help more. It will be good for them:).

    20. Jennifer W

      Glad to see at least a couple people on your comments have gotten better in just six weeks, praying that will be the case for you too! ??❤️

    21. Shirley Graham

      So sorry to hear about your foot & hope this weekend finds you doing much better!! Take care!!

    22. Addie

      OUCH!!! Timing is bad….very bad. Try not to overdo. I know that seems impossible. Maybe mom can come out to help? I will put you on my prayer list!!!…it will all work out. Keep thinking of the pot at the end of the rainbow……that sweet old farmhouse!!!

    23. Cynthia

      Dear Marian,

      I hope that you heal quickly! Why do these things seem to happen at the busiest times. I’ve missed a step or two and gosh did it throw me off.

      Best of everything in the coming weeks~
      Fondly, Cynthia

    24. Gina

      Ouch! . About 10 years ago, I was watering my garden, not paying attention, and stepped backward into a window well! I broke all 5 metatarsal bones in my left foot. As a result,I have a bit of arthritis in that foot now. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.

    25. Sandy

      Praying for complete healing without complications and for you to have peace in this struggle and endurance to finish the task ahead of y’all. ?

    26. Sandi from the Cape

      Well, it looks like the Universe wanted you to slow down and not to push through your sickness. Be good to yourself! I wish I lived closer to do local pickup. Good luck with your sale and heal fast!

    27. Terrie

      A blessing in disguise: somebody else must’ve crawled under your desk to clean up the cat barf, yes? Oh, did this make me laugh! Just like my house. ?

      • Marian Parsons

        Oh my gosh, that made me laugh so hard! There actually is cat barf in that picture! ? I remember cleaning it up now, but forgot to take a new picture. Oh man…

    28. Marilyn Fuller

      In the early 90s, my mother broke that same bone the day before Thanksgiving when she was leaving her office. She made a misstep going down some steps when trying to get the Dr. Pepper bottle she had dropped. I was living an hour and a half away, and was picking my brother up from the airport that evening. I guess my daddy was working (he worked shift work back then). She did all kinds of cleaning that evening, and by morning (Thanksgiving) her foot looked pretty bad. My brother took her to the ER that morning and confirmed the break. She seemed to do more Christmas shopping that year than ever, going to malls in all the surrounding areas. She wore out two walking casts. She didn’t use the crutches very long. Her doctor fussed at her for doing so much. Hope you heal quickly.

    29. Amanda

      Ouch! I positively curled my toes and grimaced while reading about your mishap! So sorry. Praying you’ll heal quickly!

    30. Cheryl

      I’m so sorry! I pray you get stronger each day!

    31. Monique

      So sorry to read, there never a good time to break a bone, your timing is very bad indeed. It is important for your to keep it immobilized as long as possible to mend the bones together. Reading the comments here shows how often it happens to people! It was 7 years ago that as I exercised and the 10 LB steel dumbbell fell off my right hand, arm stretched upward, bang down on my toes. I have never screamed so loud in my life. I asked my husband to quickly bring a basin with cold water and ice cubes. The second and the third toes on my right foot were fractured, my black toes healed, but the third metatarsal has remained a bit wider and hurts when I walk miles in the summer when feet swell.
      Crossing fingers that your foot will heal well and soon as possible.
      Best,
      Monique

    32. Taria

      I’m so sorry to hear this tough news. I hope you heal fast, well and that every day gets easier for you. Moves are stressful. We are in the middle of a big project here in our home. My husband said ‘you always get it done’. I didn’t know whether to be mad at him or hug him but he was right. We do always get it done. Sometimes it is just easier than others. I hope things get a easier for you at some point with the move. Hugs for healing.

    33. Carolyn Dietrich

      Moving is so overwhelming. Sorry it’s been even more so by your illness and injury. The sale of your things will bless so many people! I have loved, loved, loved viewing your house on your blog and I must say I will miss it! But I look forward to seeing what house you get after you move and what you do with it. I pray for a swift recovery and stamina to keep going. I moved in with my daugghter and her family in October of 2020 after clearing out 17 years of my husband’s and my stuff and selling my home. My daughter and her husband sold their’s as well and we had a new one built that would accommodate me and give her two teenage boys their own rooms. Yes, I live with teenagers now (and love it) – two boys and a girl. I am blessed. I believe this move will be a good one and that you will make your next home as charming as you did this one. God bless.

    34. Mary from Life at Bella Terra

      My daughter just broke the exact same bone in her foot, too. Very painful and is in a boot and on crutches for the next 4-6 weeks. You just need to let it heal~so sorry this happened to you!

      • Nancy

        Well. I’m sorry about your foot BUT you should not tempt folks who cannot pick up treasures you are selling! Lol
        Love from Arkansas

    35. Connie Caldwell

      Fifth metatarsal – they called that a “Jones fracture “ when I did it. At the time I ran my own brick and mortar shop, a lovely two story house where every room was decorated in the decor suitable to it. I walked up stairs and all around the store carrying furniture to style with! ??‍♀️ And as a result the time in the boot for me was 4 months instead of 8 weeks! So take it from an overachiever and entrepreneur- take a breather and you’ll be back up and going in less time!

    36. Hope

      I broke that bone 2X on the same foot.
      It hurt so badly both times, but aside from the inconvenience, its ok now.
      Do what the Dr tells you. Put your foot up. don’t put weight on it, walk as little as you can.
      My healing time took 4 months. I am older than you, but I thought I could still live my life the same. Turns out I couldn’t.
      R and R make it heal.
      good luck.

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