Unlike our American neighbors who celebrate 'thanksgiving' in late November, we Canadians decided that getting incredibly drunk and stuffing our faces was a holiday much better suited for mid October.

Now... I am not exactly sure why there are separate dates for the same holiday, but a part of me would like to believe that it has something to do with the stomach-stretching process that allowed us Canadians to fully partake in our post trick-or-treat marathon junk food sessions as children.

Just a thought America...

Anyway, I couldn't be happier with how my appointments in Toronto went this week. It was really refreshing for me to finally speak with someone who is highly respected and widely regarded as an 'expert' in their field. It was also really uplifting for me to have this person acknowledge the seriousness of my injuries and get the ball rolling in terms of treatment.

In the next few weeks I will be going back to Hamilton Ontario to have a discogram done (http://www.allaboutbackpain.com/html/spine_diagnostics/spine_diagnostics_discogram.html). Although discograms are rumored to be incredibly painful, this procedure is necessary. In combination with my MRI and X-Rays, the discogram will help my surgeon identify the specific areas in my spine that need repair and narrow down my options for surgery. Although the details of this procedure aren't very appealing, it makes me incredibly happy to know that I am a step closer to the surgery I need to get my life back on track.

So... among my great friends, family, fans, supporters, and everyone else who has helped guide me through and stood by me along this journey, this thanksgiving I am also thankful for the needles that will grace my spine in the weeks to come.

I will post some pictures after the weekend, hope you are all doing well!