So, about two weeks ago I broke my finger. You don’t realize how important a little tiny pinky finger is until the breaking of it necessitates the immobilizing of your whole hand in fiberglass. I have the use of my first two fingers and the thumb on my left hand, and thank god for that. It remains at least partially useful. And at least I am right handed.
It’s kind of amazing how, well, disabled I have felt, for lack of a better term. There are so many things I can barely do (including typing in any efficient and non-frustrating way). I can barely wash my hair. I can’t really cook, can’t do the dishes, it’s even challenging to wash my hand (the one I am allowed to get wet). I can’t work out because apparently the sweat would have some fairly gross consequences, what with the cast and not being able to clean it. Even going for long walks makes my hand swell up in a fairly uncomfortable way. No yoga, no running. I had to cancel the swim lessons I was very excited about.
I know, whine whine whine, right? I’ve been trying to be sanguine about this whole state of affairs, though that is easier at some times than at others. I frustrate easily, what can I say? But honestly, it’s been an eye-opening experience. I’m so used to go about the world fully abled, with all my fingers and toes. One tiny break, and lots of things suddenly feel out of reach.
There isn’t much library-related about this whole spiel. Other than that I’ve realized my whole job involves me being able to type effectively, and if I ever permanently lost the use of my hands, well, yikes. And to say, it might be even quieter around here than usual. But the thing comes off in two weeks, and I’ve been thinking about a lot of things lately, so once typing becomes less of a PITA I will hopefully be back with something more interesting to say.