I grabbed my camera and walked out the front door to take some pictures while we were waiting for our pizza to arrive. It was Friday, it had been a long week, and I was looking forward to relaxing.

Within a few steps, everything changed.

It always sounds overly dramatic when people say an event completely changed their lives, yet, in so many ways breaking my ankle has changed my life significantly.

For one thing, I put on 15 pounds, which I have yet to lose.

For another, I have a new look:

Looks like the bumps and swelling are now a permanent part of my architecture. Oddly, the bumps and slight swelling bother me on an aesthetic level far more than the scars. (Ah, OCD, how strange you are.)

For another, my relationships with various family members have significantly changed–that part came as a surprise to me, and I continue to watch my grandmother’s health fail, after her fall a month after mine.

Yet other things remained consistent: I have a fabulous husband and truly amazing friends.

And I was reminded once again that life is constantly going in unexpected directions, you never know what is going to happen next, so make a point to always eat dessert.

(Ankle: The year in review)