the one armed bandit

Okay, so this hand thing is getting played out. I don't mean to sound like a whiner, but really, my left hand is my long lost friend. While I've discovered many little tricks to accomplish things one handed, here's a list of just a few of the things I can't manage without my left hand:

Button jeans (who'd think I'd get sick of sweats?)
open pull top soup cans (it spilled all over the floor)
take oatmeal down from the top shelf in my pantry (it spilled all over the floor)
strain a pot of cooked pasta (DH wanted me to individually drain each ravioli out of the pot with a slotted spoon. I know, insert eyeroll here.)
Carry laundry baskets (not a perk when you need clean underwear!)
Shave under my arms (don't worry - I get help, LOL)
put on deodorant (again, I get help, hee-hee)
Blow my hair dry into any semblance of a style ( it's as flat as a pancake)
Hold the phone while multi-tasking (I bought a headset to ease the chronic cramp in my neck)
Cut my own meat (feel like a toddler again)

But all in all, I can't complain too much. The kids have stepped up and offered to help me. I get to poke around on the computer a lot. And hopefully it will only be for a few more weeks.

I've tried scrapping again. It's slow going. But I was inspired to try after my LSS owner told me about a one armed woman she observed at a crop. I finished this page for STM. The song this week is "Shine" by Anna Nalick. This is our newest nephew. Isn't he gorgeous?




Have you checked out the reader's gallery at Dreamgirls? There is just oodles of eye candy there. Challenge #3 will be posted on the first, plus we have some fun planned for NSD. You won't want to miss it!

Talk to the Hand!

So I had my surgery, and other than being allergic to every pain med given to me, it went well.

My ligament was re-attached and the bone didn't need to be pinned, so that's a good thing. Here's what my poor hand looked like after:

This week I had that monstrosity cut off and a splint made for my hand. I have to wear this 24/7 for at least the next 4 weeks.



This has been a humbling experience - I hate having to ask for help with basic tasks. But it has also taught me to appreciate all that I can do, and will do again.
While inconvenient, this is minor. So many others are permanently handicapped. I will never take using my hands for granted again.

Have you checked out the second Dreamgirls challenge yet? It is to use a reality show as your title, stamping and felt.
Here is my LO, completed before my operation:
Come check it out!

Slowly but surely

I've been trying to get some scrap projects done. My hand injury has made it really challenging to scrap. I went to a hand specialist who took one look at me and knew my problem. I tore the ligament that attaches my middle finger to my hand. This collateral ligament is what makes it possible to grasp items between your finger and thumb. In order to avoid long term deformity, I'm having it surgically repaired tomorrow. Honestly, I'm a big chicken. I know it's no big deal compared to lots of other problems, but when he started talking about needing to drill a couple of holes in my finger bone, I got queasy. Oh well, I just have to suck it up and be a big girl.

Here is my last project for Scrappy Girl Designs with my March kit. It's a Creative Imaginations Tin mini album. The colorful Dream Street papers make me happy!

Speaking of Scrappy Girl Designs, head on over there to participate in the Gallery Blast contest.
Just say hello and share your work with us!

The first challenge at Dreamgirls has been so exciting - we have had several participants rockin this challenge. There's still time to take part too. And stop by to say hello on our message board - we'd love to see you!

So this is probably my last blog post for a bit, but in the words of the Terminator...

"I'll be back!"

Peace!

What a week...

and it's not even over yet! The past few days have been such a whirlwind!
The highlight of the week being the official launch of the challenge blog, Dreamgirls! We had an amazing ONE HUNDRED comments by visitors coming to see our blog. Who would've thought? We're pleased beyond belief! The creative diversity among the team really is so inspiring.

Here is my page for our first challenge - to use scallops, paint and the word "dream" together on a page. I used my March creative kit from Scrapper's Haven for this one:




I've been scrapping away, finally finding some major mojo this evening. Of course, it's late and I'll be sorry tomorrow. But with my hand injured this past month, it's been hard to scrap. Hopefully it will continue to resolve.

So I'd better scoot off to sleep for a bit. Talk to you all soon!