Day 3 at Swiss Ski School 2011

Broken Rib

That's what a really broken rib bone looks like. The reason it's probably so displaced, I'm guessing, is because I did a trick set AFTER breaking it, which must have pulled it apart a bit. The pain has subsided somewhat, but all everyday movements are a challenge, especially dressing and sleeping. If the pain wasn't enough, the near-constant clicking of the bones as I breathe and move certain ways reminds me that something's really wrong. How much does it hurt? Well, had I not had constant ear infections as a kid and blown eardrums from skiing as an adult, I'd say it's the most painful thing ever. However, since I HAVE had bad ear infections before I can tell you that that is actually the most painful thing ever. That's my "10". This would be a 7 or 8 on that scale. The broken rib is more dehabilitating than anything else, causing even the most basic movements such as getting in and out of the car to be total productions. The permenantly handicapped have my FULL sympathy now. I could never imagine what it would be like to live with something like this every day of my life, but this snapshot helps complete the picture a bit.

We "did Disney" yesterday. A half day at the Magic Kingdom. The first bit of "magic" was how quickly 550.50 was vaccuumed out of my wallet at the ticket counter. We may not be rich, but with prices like that for  a mere 2-day pass for a 3-person family to get into 1 theme park, you quickly realize that you're among the world's most financially fortunate people just having the ability to walk through the gate. We are LUCKY people. Lucky.

As an adult, I was totally impressed with Disney World. Every single employee is costumed, happy, and helpful. They are called "cast members". It's as if an invisible person was standing behind them with a gun to their head all day. They are genuinelly happy to be a part of the Disney vision and they must also sympathize to some degree with the ticket prices. Everything from parking to transportation to food to the rides is well thought out and smooth. I've watched numerous specials on those cable "learning" channels on Walt's vision and how well thought out and constructed the park is- for example, the whole park is actually the 2nd level of the complex- a "subterranian" level handles all the park business below the action. Seeing it in person is just amazing. Everything seems well tended, polished, and brand new. Super cool. I can't wait to go back later this week. Rib pain truncated our first day there, but hopefully I'll be in better shape next time.

Beth had a great ski day yesterday, snagging 5 buoys on one of her passes. She's SO CLOSE to a full pass, and it's exciting to watch the journey. Sure, I'd rather be skiing but I'm over it. The elevated dock  at Swiss gives me a great photographic vantage point.

Watching these Ski Nautique 200's flying by all day really makes me want to jump into boat debt, but I'm resisting as much as possible! The wakes are giving Beth lots of confidence, and that's priceless. I did find the trick wake a bit more turbulent than our TSC-1 boat, but I don't know what I'm doing so I'm not the best judge there.

More as it develops!