Commit to working and demonstrate the business’ values, they directed. I did, and was chewed up and spat out. I’m still there although, a ghost of myself, finding self-motivation and boredom challenging.
As a teenager at secondary school, I preferred languages, the arts and anything else over sports, and Physical Education (P.E.). To get out of the weekly, two hours of humdrum football, running, cricket, or rugby, followed by changing room bullying and body shaming, I was often sick. I ensured medical and dental appointments were scheduled at this time. I wonder if my Mom realised I was doing this.
Insightfully, Mr Clowes, a P.E. teacher wrote on one of my reports, I did not consider games to be part of the curriculum.
The first arthroscopic carpal release (left) surgery was completed on 16 July 2026. By around eight weeks post-op, I had returned to full hours split between three days at home and two in the office.
The right release surgery was scheduled for three days after turning 63. It was postponed. As I had psyched myself up for the procedure and the resulting recovery regime, I took leave from work and enjoyed a week of creativity in sketching and trying out acrylic painting. The materials are from a set my husband bought me for my birthday.
The surgery was completed last Tuesday. In the week since, my head has been all over the place. I imagine it’s due to a combination of coming down from the anaesthetic, managing the side effects of pain medication, and the strangest sensation of needing to rely on my non-dominant left hand.
So far I have succeeded in completing 99% of activities of daily living. I’m unable to slice bread, chop vegetables, or unscrew tight lids. I cheated whilst shaving this morning. Managing to adjust the angle and pressure of the multi-blade razor went well. I lost patience when I couldn’t see what I was doing on the right side of my neck and switched hands.
