Oh DMV...

How could I have thought that the DMV would have a problem renewing my drivers license? 

After about an hour of waiting, the man at the counter barely paused before asking me -
"Which finger CAN I use?" (in place of a thumb print)

Then I was sent me to another line where I waited with three smiling teenagers (and their moms) to get our pictures taken.  Not sure who was happier.

Official license will be in the mail in the next couple of weeks.

The next step is to pick a car.
Although I'm getting pretty good at starting a normal car, I think I want one with a push button start. 
Chris sent me this list of affordable cars (no ferraris for me) with keyless systems:

ford fiesta

ford focus

kia rio

mazda3

nissan versa hatch

nissan sentra

nissan altima

toyota camry

toyota prius

hyundai veloster

hyundai elantra

Any suggestions?

Busy week

Normally I'd say that a week begins on Monday, but I've been busy since Friday.

It started with 3 days at the Pacific Masters Long Course (50m) Championships.
I didn't swim (due to having the line in my chest) but the meet was held at my club (San Mateo Marlins/Masters) so I timed...Actually I could only do half of the job so I dragged my parents up to help and spent the time chatting with friends.  The meet was great, but we were at the pool for almost 12hrs each day.

On Monday I had my neuroma (and a second one that I didn't know about) buried.  The doc was happy with the surgery, but she had me drugged up (neurotin, a nerve block and a pain pump installed) to the point that even after crashing for 4 hours I was loopy the entire night.

Tuesday I met with my hand surgeon and set a date for some work on my middle finger.

Wednesday I reclaimed some chest space by having my iv line removed.

And today I ditched the pain pump...

and lots of chest hair.

Progress?

I found out that I can stop taking iv antibiotics at yesterdays appointment. 
[Hooray!!!]

Then she told me I need to be on oral antibiotics for 4 more weeks...
[Boo!!!]

And that I need to keep flushing the tunnel catheter daily until it is removed
(Another surgical procedure that will most likely require a pre-op appointment too).
[Ugh!]

I am looking forward to having my neuroma (the nerve mass in my right arm) moved on Monday...
even if it's another surgery and they will put in a portable pain pump (continuously add drug for 2-3 days).

Oh well, at least I'm moving forward.

Back in the saddle

I have not posted in awhile, but I want to let everyone know that I am doing ok.

Some highlights:
I've ditched my splint and have not had my finger wrapped for several days.
(I still have the tunnel catheter and am getting my nightly dose of IV antibiotic).

I also went on a short ride (down the block and back) on one of the cruisers last week.
Riding is fine, but U-Turns are a lot scarier.
 
AND I drove my dads car!!!

The short drive with both of my parents reminding me to signal before turns made me feel like I was 15 again.  Now I'm reviewing the DMV manual to make sure I can make it through any testing they will require for my renewal.

I am also trying to figure out how I'm going to start the car.
(The long-term solution is to get a key less ignition vehicle, but not sure I'm going to buy something just yet).

The OLYMPICS vs the olympics

I have watched the Olympics for years, but now I'm rooting for these guys too.
https://vimeo.com/45968190

This could be a problem

Renewing my drivers license might be more challenging than I thought.

Can you spot why?

See below for the answer

I think that this might blow their minds.

Maybe he's onto something

“The cure for everything is salt water - sweat, tears or the sea.”  

 Isak Dinesen.

Hmmm...

 

The Sea

I haven't been able to be in the water for the last 3 months due to open wounds.

Tears

I've shed my share of these, but never found them to be a satisfactory cure.

Sweat

I have been waiting to donate some of this for a long time, but until this week I have been told not to work out because an elevating my blood pressure could overwhelm the tissue making up my temporary thumb. 

Yesterday I made it up to the club and sat on a bike for a full hour.

I was not surprised at how good it felt to sweat, but was glad that I could pull it off without any pain in my hip.

Hopefully I will get to start doing this (and more) on a regular basis.

1st day back at the gym