Left Handed
I was recently involved in a motorcycle accident. Well, actually, it was more of a “I slipped and fell down on my hand and I happened to be sitting on my motorcycle at the time” kind of thing. No serious injuries, but I couldn’t use my right hand for a couple days.
On the plus side, I learned to do a number of things left handed. In the order of increasing difficulty:
- brush my teeth
- type
- use chopsticks
- write
- wipe my ass
- change a diaper
The last two were a little messy, though…
December 27th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Did it ever occur to you that maybe the Fates are nudging you into a ‘life lesson’ of sorts, with these minor accidents of yours?
I’ve been down this road myself, with carpal tunnel. The surgery worked and gave me back my grip strength. Had the surgery not worked, my life would have been altered immeasurably. There are, of course, plenty of professionals who haven’t recovered full use of their hands with surgery. I got lucky.
What would you do if your right hand were seriously and permanently injured from a motorcycle accident? Would you still be able to work at your current job and/or profession? I know you’re not a stylus jockey, but even so… could technology adequately replace your typing and other input behaviors?
I’m not trying to be a Debbie Downer here. But every time I hear/read about one of your little mishaps, I get a queasy feeling in my gut. It’s like waiting for the other shoe to drop, never knowing if it actually will drop.
You lead a charmed life, Kobayashi-san. I only hope the charm doesn’t begin to fade with each new incident.
December 27th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Thanks, Judi. It is something I think about. The thing about the motorcycle is that it’s convenient and cheaper than a second car. But the biggest thing is that it’s just such a great joy to ride. It’s a huge stress relief to ride each day, like exercise is for some people. I know that I might have to give it up at some point, but hopefully not quite yet.
December 28th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
I know you love to ride. I’ve never met a bike rider who didn’t consider it as vital as breathing. It’s really tough to voluntarily walk away from something you totally love.
I guess I’m just a bit sensitive on this topic, given my own bad behavior from 25 years ago, riding on the back of a Goldwing down PCH near Laguna at 50 mph wearing nothing but a tank top and cutoffs. That’s right… no helmet. I was insane!
Can you imagine what would have happened, had my BF lost control of the bike? Brain slushy all over the blacktop. =8^0
Just concerned about ya, that’s all.
Happy New Year!
December 29th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Yowza, in cutoff and jeans? Without a helmet? That is insane. I always wear a helmet and armor and I usually just ride the few miles back and forth between work, which doesn’t include a freeway.
But take heart, every time something like this happens, it makes me more cautious as a rider. I now take turns slower, don’t assume that drivers will stop at stop signs, and slow to a stop earlier due to my experiences.