I am in recupery. To describe my present condition as “recovery” gives the impression that I’ve entered a 12-step program. Which I haven’t. Although I wouldn’t object to attending AA meetings provided they were held anywhere that was not my living room.
As you know, if you were paying attention (see essay posted on July 20), I have recently undergone shoulder surgery. As a result, for the past two weeks I have been grounded, with the prospect of two more weeks of the same. I was ordered not to drive during this period, a circumstance which, if you live in the suburbs, is a lot like a prison sentence.
Anyone who has undergone a period of recuperation following an illness or surgery knows how constricted your world becomes. You nurture your wound, deal with your pain, and, more important, try to find a comfortable position in the bed.
My world has been temporarily narrowed to an armchair in my living room, where I am attached to an ice machine six times a day for half-hour intervals. While one might view this as a gift of time for quiet reflection, albeit a very cold shoulder, for me it is a disaster! How can I possibly sustain my blog if I’m not out in the world stumbling upon events about which to complain?
So for the present I must content myself with observations from my armchair.
All the News all the Time
Maybe I do need a 12-step program for I am in grave danger of becoming a cable news addict. And I’m learning so much. For one thing, if you’re a woman and want to be a commentator, it helps to have long, blonde, blow-dried hair and look buff in sleeveless dresses.
Since my chair faces the TV, and I am currently lacking the attention required to read, it seemed like a harmless way to pass the time while my shoulder was participating in the ice bucket challenge. Harmless indeed! Almost too much excitement for someone in recupery. If I wrote about politics, which I don’t, the past week would have been a Thanksgiving feast.
First of all, after many months of public silence, Jared Kushner spoke. I think I get it now. If I were a man holding a powerful position and had a voice that sounded like a 13-year-old delivering his bar mitzvah speech, I, too, would avoid the microphone.
Then, of course, there was the public shaming of Jeff Sessions, followed by a speech in front of the Boy Scout jamboree which sounded more like a rally cry for a brown-shirt youth movement, transgender discrimination, and encouragement of police brutality. What a meal!
And for dessert, we were served the foul-mouthed Anthony Scaramucci. His political message and mannerisms were so much like the President’s that I wondered if Mooch was auditioning for the role of Mini-Me in the next Austin Powers movie. (Sorry, Chris Matthews, I said it first.) And if he were Mini-Me, would that make Trump Doctor Evil? ( I’m just askin’.)
Husband as Caregiver
I must publicly express gratitude to my dear husband who has risen to the occasion most nobly. He has become my chauffeur and my bra-closer. He walks the dog, cooks breakfast, and caters dinners. He has become reacquainted with the dry cleaner after a long absence, and does the grocery shopping, getting most of it right.
He is learning his way around our kitchen, only occasionally asking me an eye-brow raising question like “do we own mixing bowls,” or “is this our only frying pan?” Not wanting to appear unappreciative, I patiently respond, while my inner voice is screaming “DUH!”
One-Armed Housekeeping
![](https://www.susansunfilteredwit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_2709-225x300.jpg)
Ta-da!
Desiring to be somewhat useful, in between icings, I do rise from my armchair, reattach my sling, and seek out chores that I can accomplish with one working, non-dominant hand. I am amazed by the adaptability of our species! I’m able to load and unload the dishwasher, do the laundry, and make the bed. I can feed the dog, and set the table for the evening’s catered meal.
But my greatest new feat to date, of which I am most proud, is one-handed sheet folding. I know this sounds almost impossible, but with the skill of a contortionist, I have mastered it. You can wait for the “how-to” video, or, if you’re in a hurry, stop by for a personal demonstration. (Just joking! About the video, not my talent.)
So that’s my small life for now. I look forward to starting physical therapy soon, being back in my car, and once again typing with ten fingers.
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P.S. While I was undergoing surgery, so was my web site. We have a new name and a new look. Now called “Susan’s Unfiltered Wit,” I’m finally stepping out of the shadows and acknowledging ownership. (www.SusansUnfilteredWit.com). I hope you find the new appearance more lively and colorful. I’d appreciate your feedback.
Loved every word you wrote. Can you really fold a fitted sheet with one hand? I am very impressed.
You are a true example of fortitude and courage! A beacon of light to all of us who are battling with the tarnish of our “Golden Years”
Carry on!
Valerie
I really like the new name – – it’s time you gave yourself top billing.
Susan – new site looks wonderful – you look great too – hopefully you will be out and about under your own steam soon and swinging a golf club before you know it – see you in Florida my best- Roberta
Hi Roberta – Thanks for writing. Look forward to seeing you as well.
where are you and where did you have the surgery? Hint: When Bob had knee replacement, we found Cryomax ( at CVS ) working better and easier than the ice machine. We bought 2 of them, so one is always in the freezer…….feel good……………
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thanks Sheila.