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August 9, 2006
The Slow Down
In the past, I have been the nervous leg shaker, the person who shifts from foot to foot while stationary, and the girl who just could not sit still. I have gotten over that but I still am not good at moving slowly. I am that annoying New Yorker who cannot stand to be stuck behind people keeping a sluggish pace. I am the one who sighs heavily and then books around the offender. I am the one who suggests that there should be designated slow lanes on the sidewalk for tourists and old people. In short, I suck at slowing down.
Yesterday I wound up in the heart of midtown heading to a doctor's appointment (one which they canceled 5 minutes before I reached the door, fuckers). I had been on my feet for a few hours and my toe felt like it was eating a hole in my soul. It was impossible for me to move at my normal pace and I found myself shuffling like a gimp down 34th Street, getting the crap knocked out of my shoulders by people who just could not deal with my slowness. My solution: walk faster, then make a beeline for Old Navy to rest up and drown my sorrows in crappy disposable clothing. Lucky for our household, I did not find much that I liked. Unlucky for me, my foot blew up near double its size when I got home.
Last night, as I lay on the couch with a bag of frozen peas on my foot sulking and watching 7th Heaven, I tried to think of ways to take it down a notch without feeling the anxiousness that is already brewing in my gut. Lex has suggested crutches (or, more like he will smother me with cats if I don't go borrow a friend's crutches already) and I have entertained the snark value of renting a good, old fashioned Segway. I just cannot fathom spending the next few weeks without my daily neighborhood walk, my weekend explorations, and general ability to move swiftly from one place to another. But right now, I would just settle for a pain-free commute to work this morning, and perhaps the surprise ability to use the elliptical machine without wincing (I think it might just work).
Posted by callalillie at August 9, 2006 6:28 AM | City Life
, Introspect
A bike may actually be very ride-able without too much hurt on the toe...
and sigh, I suffer all the same symptoms of frenetic-can't-slow-down-for-a-second syndrome. Broken toe: blessing is disguise?
Posted by: yp at August 9, 2006 9:59 AM
I am a superfast walker. I feel your pain. I am away this wknd, but can gladly drive you around in the BarbMobile if you need when I return.
Posted by: lesterhead at August 9, 2006 10:23 AM
Careful with that swelling -- I've been trying to ignore a mysteriously swollen foot for the past two weeks, until my podiatrist's x-rays found a stress fracture. I will need to wear a brace until September. Now I face the horror of taking the B61 all the way to Jay St.!
If you need a great podiatrist (and closeby) try Greg Cohen, 142 Joralemon St., 718-624-3003.
Posted by: Jonathan at August 9, 2006 10:56 AM
Ug, so sorry to be a devil's advocate, but you are going to be wanting to ditch those crutches in less than a day. No matter how many towels you put on the top, they are torture to your poor armpits. Just thinking about it hurts.
What's with all the bad luck? Black cat cross your path? Get better!
Posted by: Maura at August 9, 2006 11:13 AM
A black cat crosses my path daily! And sleeps on my head at times. I guess I was doomed.
I am going to try bike riding out. The only glitch is having to hump it up and down 4 flights of stairs, though I guess I could lock it up on the street if I get a better lock.
My toe is fractured in 2 places but luckily not in the bone of my foot (just the tippy toe), so it's not that bad. I am just being a baby and having trouble coming to grips with the fact that it will take a few weeks for it to feel better.
Posted by: corie at August 9, 2006 11:49 AM
I fractured my foot a couple of summers ago (running down porch stairs in the dark, I was in too much of a hurry to turn on the lights, dumb!) and it got me thinking, as weird as it sounds, I would much rather have fractured my arm and still be able to be mobile. Then again, I work on a computer all day, so maybe the arm wouldn't be so good. My advice: be happy to take the opportunity to slow down and make your significant other get you stuff as you relax on the couch. Worked for me! :0)
Posted by: Colleen at August 9, 2006 12:19 PM
Oh Corie- I forgot to say, when I broke my foot and couldn't take not working out anymore, I began to lap swim. Feels great especially in this weather and not to much strain on your poor toe.
Posted by: Maura at August 9, 2006 12:59 PM
When I broke my toe I didn't have too much trouble with the bike except for when I forgot my toe was broken and set that foot down when I stopped. Crutches make my arms sore, but you're smaller than me and in much better shape, and if you hold yourself up off the top pads, your armpits won't get sore. Although I'm terribly tickled at the though of you riding a scooter. Get a scooter!
Posted by: breana at August 9, 2006 2:52 PM
Hey, do you close comments after the month has passed or am I just deficient? Anyway, that photos of the cat sprawled out while you're are tickling his belly is absolutely adorable.
Posted by: craige at August 9, 2006 6:21 PM
Wait a second! You watch 7th Heaven?
Posted by: Missy at August 9, 2006 6:36 PM
Yeah, I close them after 5 days, usually, to combat spam. Sometimes I keep them open longer if I forget...
And yes, sometimes I watch 7th Heaven. It makes me nice and angry and I like throwing sock balls at the screen.
Posted by: corie at August 9, 2006 7:38 PM
I too am concerned about the 7th Heaven thing...
Posted by: Scoxx at August 10, 2006 12:47 AM
i've broken a toe before and after a couple of days, it was ok, so maybe the worst will be over by the weekend.
Posted by: dahl at August 10, 2006 9:57 AM
i have never broken a toe, thank god. i cannot stand to be, well, standing still. if i'm not actually walking/running around, i'm either tapping my fingers on whatever surface is closest, or tapping or shaking one of my feet. I've also found that the only time i'm completely stationary is when i'm typing--it keeps my hands busy and i suppose whatever loose energy is consumed too.
Posted by: seton at August 11, 2006 2:46 AM
