Something I admire about the Pelicans- As a general rule, a bunch of achievers, with a positive outlook on life, hang out here.
Well, I kinda impressed myself.
Took a nasty spill off the mountain bike a few weeks ago, which we briefly discussed here:
http://http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/561910-training-wheels-off-too-soon.html
Just a week before I was to go mountain biking in Vail.
Now I could either stay home and whine, or still go to Colorado and have so much fun I forget that I'm injured. I went, and had a great time. The other guys rode bikes as planned, and I went hiking all over the hills. Temp in the mid 70's, no humidity, visability unlimited. Couldn't be better.
I guess not many people expect to see someone with a cast high on the mountain. So many people asked what happened, we got tired of telling the truth, and came up with some alternate stories-
-The Cougar attack
-Battling frostbite (Trekking in the Himalayas when the Gortex shell ripped open when it was 40 below)
-Fell off the Gondola
-Arm wrestling tournament (I lost in the first round)
-Karate class (went from six bricks to ten too soon)
-My ex-wife bit me...
Funny observation- Anybody in Vail with a cast, crutches, brace, sling, yada yada looks very athletic- Very different from home, where it's usually a rolly-polly grandma who tripped over her cat.
Good reasons to have your arm in a cast:
-Great conversation starter. So many people ask what happened, and so many want to tell their story of formerly-broken bones.
-Lots of sympathy. Suprised me how people want to open doors, offer their seat (My legs work fine, lady!)
-A built-in excuse. Everybody understands if things take a little longer than expected. Lots of offers for assistance.
-My wife doesn't expect much around home. She saw me take the garbage out from under the kitchen sink with one hand, and said "Don't do that! I'll take care of it. Why don't you go sit down, and I'll bring you a cup of coffee".
(This is different!)
-Continual amusement. Since I buggered up the left hand, and I'm left handed, all kinds of everyday things I've never thought about have become minor challenges to figure out. All you righties- Try brushing your teeth tonight left-handed!
While it's always a bummer to break a bone, this has been an interesting experience.
I have no more pain, and the Doc says it's progressing as expected.
Life is good. Even when typing with one hand.