Finally pulled off the rest of the bandages, and I think I am in love with my surgeon: is that not the most incredible stitching job you've ever seen?

thank you ladies for the amazing words of support and encouragement. they have been so helpful, reassuring, and reaffirming throughout recovery.

I've had a very busy past few days. I went shopping for a new helmet with DGWBTM (Dear Guy Whose Bike Threw Me), who works at a bike shop in Toronto and hooked me up with his employee discount--we also had the priviledge of shopping after hours and stayed in there until well past 1am!

The helmet is ordered! sexy Giro E2 in matte slate/titanium... yum... also got new Tifosi sunglasses (my Ryders broke in the horse crash a week earlier), and Sugoi full-fingered gloves that can only be described as 'handgasmic.' Of course, I've been wearing them around the house nonstop with arm warmers, much to my housemates' vague confusion but acceptance.

I also got back on a bike! For real! In the bike store I hopped on a kids' bike with training wheels and tore around the displays. Shoulda seen the grin on my face! Now DGWBTM is tempted to hook me up with training wheels for my roadie, lol.

two days ago I went for a gentle mall trip to soothe my wounds through summer skirt shopping. I cannot describe in words how much will power it took not to try and ride my bike there! I took the bus.... then realized I didn't have a bus fare home! No matter: I happily walked the 4.2km. sunny day, nice breeze, and I took the route past the friendly cows at the vet college. oh, how simple pleasures thrill me now!

speaking of four-legged creatures, yesterday I determinedly (but gently) climbed back on the horse--now, before the reprimands begin, do understand that I've owned this horse for nine years; I've had my 86-year-old grandfather on him, young cousins--people more fragile than me. he knows when to have fun, but he also knows who to look after. the sweet boy did everything he could to make my ride comfortable--we ambled around at a walk, jogged briefly, and he gave me half a round of the most smooth rocking horse canter before gently stepping back to a walk. that boy stood so still while I climbed back off onto the mounting block, even when I accidentally booted him in the flank swinging my leg over. he knows. this is the horse who carried me home half-unconscious after a terrifying road accident, who whinnied and paced the fence trying to get to me when I fainted and didn't get up, who caught a leg over a line he was tied to and instead of panicking looked trustingly over to me and stood till I freed him. oh dear, here come the waterworks... not a tear shed during the whole clavicle incident, but once I start thinking about that sweet horse I'm a fountain.

DGIS (Dear Guy I'm Seeing, not to be confused with DGWBTM (yes, I've got guys taking care of me all 'round!)), is just... I honestly can't believe he's real. So sweet and caring, strong sensual side, a body to die for, loves horses and wants to go on bike rides with me once I'm healed.

but I have been pushing it: today is moving day and I could not be in worse shape. thank god I have everything packed and ready to go, but I didn't get any sleep last night--first from a pain in my chest so sharp I could scarcely breathe (which thankfully went away before I contemplated trip #3 to the er), and now from some very swollen tonsils. I'm exhausted and nauseated and just hoping there's enough left of me to direct the move (DGWBTM was kind enough to offer to move me).

I apologize for yet another novel... I have enough range of motion in my off arm to type with it again, mwahhahaha!