Three weeks ago I underwent surgery on my foot to fix a bone structure issue that interfered with my ability to walk. I had attempted to prepare myself for the weeks that would come, where I knew I would be unable to walk, or for the first week, even move about freely. Yet when the time came when I was actually unable to leave my house, let alone my room, I realized I was in for a rough few weeks.
Despite my attempts to convince my parents that I could easily use my crutches to get around outside, they reminded me of the doctor’s orders to keep my foot stationary and elevated for at least one week. And even after that initial week, transporting was still nearly as difficult because my arms were not built to hold my body weight for extended periods of time, and balancing on one leg put quite a strain on my hip.
Everything that used to be easy was suddenly impossible. I had no hands if I was using my crutches, so even something as menial as carrying my plate from the kitchen to the dining hall was impossible. I dreaded showering for fear of slipping and falling on the hard ceramic, as hopping and jumping one-legged in a shower is not the safest of activities. Even three block walks would wear out my weak arms, and as I fell farther and farther behind my friends, despair would set in and I’d recognize all the things I once took for granted.
The last three weeks have definitely driven me stir crazy, more than I even thought they would. Even I reach a point where I’ve read too many books—the girl who got in trouble through sixth to tenth grade for reading during class! The books were great (check out The Pillars of the Earth, The Diamond Age, and The Help, if you’re looking for a good read), and so was having all the extra movie and television time, but those days were more than I could handle. Everyone me started driving me crazy and I became short sighted, expecting my sister or parents to be able to read my thoughts when I needed their help, or be free every moment that I needed their assistance. I knew I needed to do something, anything, just to stop from going crazy.
So I started doing crafts and other artsy things. I’m not the most artistic person in the world, but I do think most anyone can cut out pictures from a magazine and make a collage. I experimented with melting crayon onto wax paper. I fooled around with different techniques on Photoshop. Next week I plan on making coasters with my sister for the new apartment she just bought out in Boston. I find a lot of crafts ideas online, and others I just make up as I go.
I also try to make sure that I get outside every day, even if just to buy lunch. I’ve scouted out all the inexpensive places within crutching distance, such as Bagel Bob’s, Goodburger, and Nanoosh (which all offer student discounts), and spend some time with friends or my sister.
If you’re ever going stir-crazy, or just want a fun easy activity to do with friends on a slow day, crafts are a great way to spend your time—they keep your hands and brain occupied, and the finished products are often rewarding. Head over to Utrecht for a 10% off student discount with your ID, or 30% of with the printed coupon.
/elizabeth Kaleko
Picture from: www.chumpysclipart.com
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