Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Glitches and gratitude

 

That's my hand, my hyperextended ring finger to be precise. It's made typing tough -- at least words with L's and O's in them. And it turns out that it's made writing tough, too. My brain is connected to the keyboard through my fingers and when the connection is glitchy, so is my writing. So it's been a slog lately, as the finger has gotten glitchier. 

Thankfully it doesn't hurt. It's just distracting when I have to think twice to get a key to click, or take my hands off the keyboard and return the bones in my finger to their correct alignment.  It's the first time in my life I've regretted being a touch typist. If I were a hunt and peck type,  this wouldn't be an issue at all.

I tried channelling my inner 1960s executive and dictating, but Apple's software is glitchy (just in different ways than my finger). I can't get it to put both Ls in my name. 

I finally went to see the orthopedic surgeon, who fixed it —temporarily at least — leaving me with two small splints. Major surgery I'd like to avoid, so the splints or their fancier cousins will be companions for a while. Typing is easier, though still needing a bit of adjustment to get it back on total autopilot. I am amazed and grateful that such a small thing could make such a big difference. 

In this moment where we have given up so much, I'm more and more grateful for the small things. What small things are you grateful for?