After reading about it, I decided — why not try it out. So I’m now on Twitter. If I have one of those rare moments of going out somewhere and you’re welcome to join, I’ll let the few of you who read this blog know about it. It might be one of those good times you’ll be able to hear me rant about the things I can’t rant about via blog.

I walked into the doctor’s office yesterday not sure whether I would need surgery. When, on January 27, the doctor told me the wrist had not healed a month-and-a-half after the spill, I had a feeling I would have to wait two more months before the wrist would heal.

Yesterday, March 28, after taking off the cast and getting a new X-Ray, the doctor told me the wrist healed. These past few months, he was pushing me to get the surgery and get it all over with. At last month’s appointment, he even told me I had the patience of Job because I still had the attitude that if there is an alternative to surgery, I’ll take that route.

My attitude paid off. So now, after having my wrist and thumb immobile for three months, the muscles are understandably very weak. For the next three weeks or so I’ll have some wrist and thumb exercises I’ll have to practice four times a day to regain the strength. But at least I can wash my hands, take a shower, and wash the dishes like a normal human being. When attending a show, however, I think it will be a couple of weeks before I’ll really be able to clap my hands to applaud a good performance.

Pollen is in the air, which can only mean that there are more outdoor activities going on these days. Among these activities is the Midtown favorite: the Outdoor Patio Challenge. The object of the game is to see how many people can fit on an outdoor dining patio for lunch. The restaurant that can fit more people per square foot of patio space wins the Golden Trendy Award. Last year’s winner: Willy’s at 12th and Piedmont. This year, it looks like Joe’s on Juniper will set a new record of 1.35 ppl/ft².

Holly recently fed her cat Sophie some tuna. Sophie went beserk over the prospect of eating such a yummy delight. My cat George, meanwhile, doesn’t seem to like tuna. In fact, he never seems to want to eat anything at all. But at least George is easier to take care of.

Meanwhile, in more serious news, I’m still in a cast from last December’s bike spill. Unfortunately, the healing of a nondisplaced scaphoid wrist fracture can be unpredictable. There’s no way to measure whether blood is still flowing to the bone. Without blood flow, the wrist can’t heal itself. If I wait too long, the doctor could declare a non-union, which could mean a more involved surgery than I would normally have, had I chosen to have the surgery back in January. This coming Tuesday, I’ll be heading back to the doctor’s office once again to see if any healing has taken place. If not, this will probably be my last best chance to opt for surgery.

Two lessons for bike riding in the future:

• Watch out for wet leaves on the ground, especially when trying to make a turn.
• Always wear your gloves. They can protect your hand in case you try to make a turn while there’s a pile of wet leaves on the ground.

And finally… last week, I went to Orlando for a conference. I met other people who work in performing arts service organizations. We learned from one another and got to check out downtown Orlando, which I’ll talk about more in a future post.

96 Rock may be gone, but it didn’t happen without a reunion.

You can find my dad in the video.

Rode PATH trail toward Decatur.
‘Round a curve, there were leaves.
Bike fell from under me. I land on palm.

Hurt. Ow. Kept riding.

Bike made funny noises.

Reach Ponce. Shift gear. Gear make “crunch” noise:

Catch bus. Ride bus to Rusty’s. Record podcast.

Catch bus back home. Get home. Wrist begins real pain.

Awake — toss and turn — ’till 2:00 a.m.
Decide should call work and doctor.
Reach nurse, nurse asks many questions.
Make appointment for following morning 9:20.
Read book to take mind off pain.
3:00 : finally asleep.

8:50 awake.
Rush to doctor.
Doctor very nice — compassionate.
Doc thinks I broke wrist.
Got x-ray. Doc prescribes powerful happy pills.
Referred to specialist. Made appointment for tomorrow morning.
Doc gave me brace:

Hurts to type.
Wrist in pain, despite pills.
Pills drowsy, not happy.
But still, I love life.

Thank you, HMO.
Thank you, friends.
Thank you, girlfriend.
Thank you, bosses.
Thank you, parents.
You made last night and today good.