Today is the first anniversary of The Knitting Doctor. Unfortunately I won’t be doing any knitting to celebrate. It’s been a fun year. I started this as a way to document what I’m knitting, but it has turned into a wonderful way to “meet” a lot of other knitters. I’ve learned a few things about computers, and a lot of things about knitting. I like to look at anniversaries as opportunities for reflection; a time to set new goals, perhaps drop old ones that are no longer useful.
Julia from Moth Heaven wrote an interesting post last week about what she chooses to knit and why. I think one of the few disadvantages of blogging, and reading other blogs, is that I get very distracted from my knitting. “Oooohhh, I want to knit THAT!” “No no, THAT needs to be next.” Once my fingers get working again, I want to finish up some old projects that have been languishing, then work on some of the projects buried in those eight tubs of yarn lurking behind me. (OK, ten.) So much yarn, so little time.
I promised a list of the positive benefits of my hand injury. I have combined this with a list of things I can and can’t do with one hand, as well as just a few random things I’ve discovered. In no particular order, here goes. Some of these might qualify as “too much information” for some of you. Consider yourself warned.
I’ve learned that “they” make dental floss thingies that can be used with one hand.
I am able to wash my right armpit with ease.
I need assistance with the left armpit.
I’ve mastered one-handed makeup.
I can take my bra off with one hand.
I can’t get it back on.
Let me just say that “feminine hygiene products” can indeed be managed with one hand when one has to do so.
I’ve learned to butter toast with one hand. (If you are thinking “Ha, I can do that”, just try it.)
I can still drink a glass of wine with one hand. I can’t get the bottle open alone, but once it’s open, I’m set.
I have a lot of free time to read books. I’ve even gotten caught up on some medical reading.
Paperbacks are harder to read with one hand. Hardback books stay open better by themselves. Fortunately there is no shortage of books in this house.
I have lots of time to play on the computer.
My husband and I have had lots of time together. As long as he remembers that he has to help me wash my left armpit and then hook my bra before he goes anyplace, we’ll get along fine.
Life is much easier when people leave my bathroom counter the way I have it. Especially people who seem to think it’s funny to go in and put the caps and lids back on everything.
I finally will have time to read through June Hiatt’s Principles of Knitting. Of course, it’s a big enough book that I might not be able to balance it one-handed.
I’m able to go to the park with John to walk the dog a lot more than I ever was before.
You learn the value of little milestones. My stitches came out this week.
I’m learning the value of patience when you are a patient. I’ve only lobbed a couple of things across the room in frustration this week because I couldn’t get them open.
My splint has a rubber band that hooks one part to another part. Cats appear to find this endlessly fascinating. I’ve discovered that it’s just better if I don’t fall asleep with my splint exposed while Willie is pretending to sleep on my chest.
I can pet the cat with one hand. I can just as easily knock him four feet across the room one-handed.
That’s enough for one day. I’m sure I’ll think of more later, with all the free time on my hands. Well, hand, I guess.
Happy Blogiversary! You’re becoming quite talented with your one hand – hope you can knit soon! Have a great weekend!
Happy Blogiversary! I don’t remember when I first happened onto your blog, or how I did, but I am glad that I have.
I have put myself on a yarn diet. I only have four tubs of yarn, but I figure I can make several tank-like tops for the spring and summer to match the cute capris I bought the other day. My goal is to have no stash, but that might be a real challenge. We’ll see.
Anyway, hope you keep getting better…
Happy Blogiversary! Hope you are all mended soon.
Happy blog birthday! I’m glad you’re looking at the positive aspects. I agree about getting distracted by other projects. There are just too many things out there I want to make and looking at blogs only adds to the list.
I can type really good and even answer comments!! (that should be added to your list!) Happy blog BD!
Happy Blogiversary, Lorette! Loved your list.
This weekend while dealing with my pain I thought about how much knitting, blogging and work have helped me feel some what ‘normal’ through it all. My thoughts turned to you and the fact that you can’t knit, can’t work and blogging is difficult. We are amazing creature’s, we humans, in that we go on through all adversity and ‘do’ what we can to cope, survive and thrive. Sending good thoughts to you always and super Blogoversary to you!
Happy Blogiversary to you! Hope everything with your hand is all just a memory for you soon!
I laughed out loud at the putting caps and lids back on things cruel trick. Poor lady!
Happy blogiversary!
Happy Blogiversary! I hear you on the blog-inspired knit wish list. I am the same way. That’s some one-hand list! I have trouble with some of those things with both hands available. Congratulations on the getting the stitches out!
Happy Blogiversary. I stumbled onto your sight just a few weeks ago…I suppose your blog title enticed me since I’m an ARNP. You crack me up and I just love it when you have a new post. I hope you feel better soon. Good job on trying to keep your spirits up!
Happy Blogiversary! It’s amazing all you can do single handedly. (and good to look at the positives, too) 🙂
Happy Blogiversary! Glad to hear you’re dealing well being one-handed.
Happy Blogiversary! Glad to hear you’re dealing well being one-handed.
Oh my goodness – I can’t believe how long you will be out of hand-use! I hope it’s not affecting your job…too much anyhow. Well, have fun catching up on your reading (knitting always interferes with that – so maybe it will be a good break)! I hope you heal quickly!
Happy, Happy
I have enjoyed reading your blog for several months now. Gets me thinking creatively. Hope you’re back at the needles soon.
Happy Easter too
Sue
heehee!! Next time he puts a cap back on something, I say you chuck the item AT HIM!
Funny list!! I’m glad to see you are finding the humor in all this 🙂 I don’t know *I* would do if I couldn’t wash my left armpit!! I don’t think the cat would be much help… :-\
Happy Blogiversary!!
I’m a knitting doctor too. From experience,I agree with your one handed list. I broke the base of the fifth metacarpal on the right last fall. I think you outdid me. Here’s to a quick recovery!
Great list. Rebuttoning and zipping pants after potty use isn’t a joy with one hand. Go take a look at my blog, and you will see that I should be working on “what one can and can’t do with one leg”.
I’m glad you are making milestones such as suture removal. And happy blogiversary!
I trashed my hands a couple of years ago working with heavy baggage and sometimes when I’m putting on my bra I pull a little too hard and get shooting pains…then the bra catapults across the room, whee!
I love physical therapists! They are my heroes and the reason I’m able to type to you today.
Happy Blogiversary! So sorry about your hand; that looks painful – emotionally and physically. Hope that the recovery is quick and those occupational and physical therapists work their magic.
Happy Blogiversary! My evil mind is working on this no-knitting problem.
Do you spin? It is eminently possible to spin on a wheel one-handed. Granted, this is more of a trick if you’ve never spun before, but still.
Happy belated Blogiversary.
You know, my boss’s elderly mother has figured out how to knit with only one hand. 😉
Happy Blogiversy to my favorite one-handed knitting doctor!
A Happy Blogiversary to you! That is the best wine related injury story I’ve ever heard. Hope it wasn’t too good a wine and the best of crystal!
Li
Happy blogiversary! I know how frustrating an injury can be. I have frozen shoulder and it has interefered with my work as an RN. It is very difficult to be the patient! I can’t wait until I can independently shave my right armpit! It will be the highlight of my life. Ahhh…. it’s the simple things we always miss the most.