It's the Little Things ...

As my last post indicated, I have single-handedly (pun intended) undone thousands of years of evolution as I currently lack an opposable thumb on my right hand. Over the past week, I've come to realize that this world is not exactly -supportive- of our kind.

The task of opening a bottle of water has become daunting. Posting a blog requires planning my time and energy for the typing marathon. Buttons on clothing continuously taunt me. Opening a car door necessitates putting anything in my "good hand" on the ground so I can grasp the handle.

Honestly, it's the little things. While in Philly, a friend was accompanying me in search of food. I grabbed my sneakers and after getting them on, looked up helplessly - I couldn't tie the shoe laces. As a side note, there's nothing quite like being 32 and having someone tie your shoes for you. Oh well, at least he was cute. Problem is that I live alone and don't always have cute boys to help out ... if I were a little less vain, i could see the benefits of velcro sneakers. If I were a little less vain.

Most of the guys can't relate, but the girls will know what i mean when i say that putting your hair in a pony-tail (or, worse, my trademark pig-tails) with one hand is not exactly easy or fun.

I can't operate a pepper-grinder. Getting out of a sports bra requires a more twisted version of what I call the skinsuit dance (you know, the contortions you make to get your arms into the skinsuit and get everything situated in the right place).

There are some minor miracles, though: I got this fancy-cast liner from Gore ... of course insurance doesnt cover it (sigh) but it's well worth the $40. It replaces the gauze/cloth liner and drains/drys out very quickly, so I don't have to shower like the Statue of Liberty and I can technically go into a pool etc. This is huge given the fact that I have to work out and while I like to believe that I sweat lilacs and rose petals (to quote a friend), after a month things would be ...questionable ... if I couldn't wash out the cast.

Coach Slavedriver asked me on Sunday ..."so what are you going to do for the next three months?" Honestly, I dont know. I'm a sap and I miss the racing/training already, I miss getting up at o'dark:thirty to get in a ride or travel to the races, and more than that, I miss seeing all of my lycra-clad friends.

I went for my first run since November this morning. Nice to get in a decent workout in under an hour. Not so nice to remember that my ribs are still bruised and that I need a new pair of running shoes. Running will keep me in decent shape and allow me to partake in my favorite food-group (ice cream), but it's just not the same.

Completely changing the subject from my sob-story to an interesting article Mitch sent us this am: Essentially a bike tour in France for prisoners. I'm thinking that wouldn't go over so well here, but it's kind of an interesting concept.