Times Chronicle & Public Spirit
‘The hurrier I go the behinder I get’
“The hurrier I go the behinder I get.”
This lovely little saying is emblazoned across a trivet that I have, a souvenir from a trip to Lancaster. My mom used to say this to me if I rushed through a particular task. It always amused me. But this past week, I got a firsthand look at this adage come to life.
Public service announcement — when starting a pull lawnmower, take some time to gauge your surroundings.
This past weekend, I was in a bit of a hurry to accomplish my yardwork before running off to pick up my 3-year-old granddaughter for the weekend. I did not heed the above advice and slammed my hand, with every ounce of power I could muster, into my metal gate. The result was a nasty cut and two broken and displaced bones in my right hand. All I can say is oww!
Now sporting a hot pink, stylish cast from fingers to elbow, I am learning a lot. The first lesson is humility. I am appreciative of so many wonderful people offering to help everywhere I go. I have had to swallow some immense pride and gratefully accept their kindnesses.
I would also like to publicly apologize to the lefthanded people of the world! I now have a front row seat to your struggles. Let’s start with the car. Where is the ignition button and/or keyhole? It’s to the right of the steering wheel and recessed back on the dash.
I have had to acquire some contortionist skills
to turn the car on and off. And let’s not even discuss placement of the ever-vital cup holder. Makes my first cup o’ joe of the day a bit more of a challenge.
I cannot help but hear the first line of Journey’s classic song “Don’t Stop Believin’,” with slightly amended lyrics playing in my head: “Just a left-hand girl, living in a right-hand world…” Apologies to Steve Perry!
There is an art form to one-handed, non-dominant-hand living. Previously mundane tasks become Olympic events. Getting dressed tops that list. My wardrobe choices are much more limited.
But I am rocking the pull-on sweatpants look. And what could go better with zipper-less sweatpants than oversized button-down shirts that fit over the cast easily. Most of these trend-setting shirts are swiped from my husband’s closet. Yes, I see a Vogue cover in my future.
Hair styling can sometimes
be a challenge with two hands … but take half of that away and you are left with what I call a perpetual bad hair day. I finally decided that I’d wear a cloth hairband and hope for the best. After a freefor-all session with my blow dryer, it seemed the only viable option.
And let’s not forget typing and texting one handed. Cellphones are just not designed for onehanded use. As a smallhanded person, it just adds to the juggling act that is using my phone. On the upside, it does cut down on excessive cellphone usage.
So, as you can see, I have gotten quite the education from my little mishap. I have learned to take nothing for granted and to be grateful for what I have, however limited. It could have been so much worse. So if you see a bright pink cast coming at you, say hello and wave. I promise to wave back … with my left hand of course.