Recovery is Mid

The Josh Wells Weekly, Episode 296

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I’m not sure why I don’t look thrilled here but here I am telling jokes at a dispensary. It was fun but maybe it was heavy on my mind that I was missing WrestleMania Night 1 for this.

Random Thought

The recovery process for my fractured elbow has become slow and boring. Not much happens day-to-day and all I can really do is just wait for bone to heal. I’ve been going to occupational therapy once a week (which I guess is technically different from physical therapy but almost the same, idk, google if you wanna know more. I just didn’t know occupational therapy was a thing before this all happened and now I know) but the actual visits with an orthopedic doctor have been sparse. So, it was semi-exciting that I had one of those visits scheduled for this week.

Going in, I assumed the results would be what my life felt like with this injury… boring. I figured I’d go in, he’d tell me there’s still more to go and I’m not fully healed yet. The only thing I could imagine deviating it from this possibility is if somehow things got worse. For a few days my brain played around with the idea that maybe I did mess something up and make the injury worse. I had no reason to believe that other than it’s something that I suppose was possible. But I went in feeling just about the same as I do every day. Way better than I felt in the beginning, but still able to feel the fracture.

And by feel the fracture, I don’t even know how to explain it. I have a doctor and an occupational therapist asking me how I feel, and I don’t know how to explain it. I don’t wanna call it pain. Most of the time it’s like it’s not even there. But every so often, I feel it. It doesn’t hurt. It just exists. It’s less a pain type thing and more an annoyance. Maybe there’s something mental being added to it, I’m not sure. It’s like if I can feel it, it’s this reminder that my life is still slightly compromised and I’m not as fully functional as I wish I was. But how do you say all those words to another human being who was probably looking for something less complex and jumbled?

Anyways, I go see the doc and I’m expecting not much and that’s pretty much what I got. He gave me permission to start using my right arm for more things but told me no serious weight. I asked about dumbbells and he said no that even something like 10 lbs would be aggressive and if I was gonna lift something like a heavy jug of water, to use my left arm instead.

A fun thing that happened though is he had a med student shadowing him and he had the student give his prognosis so they come in and I didn’t know this other dude was gonna be there and the doc is like, “he’s shadowing me and he says we should put your elbow in a splint,” and before I could even show my disappointment at that idea, he continues, “but I told him he was wrong….” and then he went on and on about why and how he was wrong and I almost felt bad for the dude. I felt like I was in an episode of Scrubs which I guess you’d only get if you ever watched that show and if you haven’t, I can’t blame you. I’m only well versed on that show because an ex-girlfriend enjoyed it (okay, I might’ve enjoyed it as well, but it was NEVER my idea to put it on).

I have one more session of occupational therapy to go. My therapist mentioned that a lot of times it’s good to keep going till I can start bearing serious weight with my right arm and I bet that is a good idea but my insurance won’t cover any additional sessions after this because hooray America so I’ll be getting off of the OT train early and waiting on my next doc appointment (four weeks from now) where I expect some hopefully better news.

Not that anything I got recently was bad news. It was mid news. I’m in the mid period of my recovery. I feel so much better than I once did but the finish line still feels weeks away and there’s nothing I can do about it but wait some more.

I’d also like to put on record that occupational therapy is rad if only because it helps me feel seen. Doctors are busy and it’s very transactional. I’m in and out and it’s all over before I know it. Occupational therapy is for an hour at a time. We’re discussing thing specific to my injury. Sometimes I hate the stretches I have to do (I’m not saying they're bad stretches. They’re almost certainly good for me. I’m just a bad stretcher) but I know it’s all for the greater good and it almost feels like this person is invested in my recovery and that’s kinda nice.

A thing I’ve come to realize through this experience is the world is a busy place and most of us are not all that invested in the recovery of other people. I’m not saying we should be. We all got our own stuff to deal with all the time. It is what it is and that’s why it’s nice to have a professional be invested. It may only be for an hour a week and it may be at the expense of a serious co-pay I wasn’t prepared for, but in the moment, it’s oddly validating. This injury is the biggest thing going on Planet Josh. Its shadow looms large over everything else and it’s like no one else is acknowledging it but the therapist.

One more fun thing to add… I had a dentist appointment this week. I had to get a filling. I’m currently typing this as the novocain wears off. Next time I find myself in one of those “greatest invention ever” conversations, I might throw novocain in there. A dentist drilled deep into my tooth and filled it with something, and I felt nothing. That’s pretty amazing stuff. But it is wearing off now and I’m starting to feel a little pain. It’s very slight, I can deal with it. I might take a couple Tylenols. And although the pain is not much, it feels so much bigger than the fracture in my elbow. So, in some odd way, I guess that’s good news?

Movie I Watched Recently

Psycho

(Netflix)

Yea, that’s right, I’ve never seen Psycho before.

Before I get into it, I noticed two different samples that were used for hip-hop. One sample was used in Busta Rhymes’, ‘Gimme Some More,’ and the other was used on the Beastie Boys’, ‘Paul’s Boutique,’ and that’s extra cool because I was also reading a book about that album at the same time (more on that book below). I wonder if there’s any more that I’m unaware of. If you know of one that I missed, let me know.

So, I enjoyed this movie. Amazingly, not much was spoiled for me. All I knew about this movie going in was the shower scene. And I didn’t even know about the scene’s context. All I knew was someone stabs a lady in a shower at some point in the movie. That’s gotta be maybe one of the most famous scenes ever, right? For me to know about that and only that? Kinda crazy.

I enjoyed the plot a lot. I enjoyed the premise of Marion stealing money from some goofball rich guy and taking off. That’s the true American Dream right there. I wanted her to get away with it. But unfortunately for her, she’s the woman in the shower.

She chose the wrong motel to stay in (the Bates Motel) ran by Norman Bates and his mother and they have a terrible, dark secret and although I feel like I’m probably the only person alive who’s never seen this movie, I still feel some responsibility to not type out what that secret is.

This movie must’ve given people the creeps in 1960 and I imagine it was probably controversial too. If it was a new movie today, it’d probably still be controversial for reasons I don’t wanna say because it’d ruin the ending. If school kids watched classic movies in school, I imagine neocon buttheads would wanna ban this one for a couple of reasons.

Okay, this is gonna be spoiler-ish, so keep reading at your own risk. Her stabbing is relatively early in the movie which I’ve been told was a bold move in 1960 for cinema. A part of me thought maybe she wasn’t dead. That she would get back up at some point and get away. But then she ends up in the trunk of a car. At that point I was like, “well, maybe she kicks and screams and gets out of that trunk somehow.” Then the car is driven into a swamp and as I watch it fully submerge, I was like, “wow, they really killed her off just now.”

TV show I’m currently watching

Black Mirror

(Netflix)

I watched two more episodes this week. Black Mirror dives deeper into AI and digital consciousness with the following two episodes. AI already scares me and I’m not sure I need the scary show making it scarier (although episode 5 lacks scare) but it’s also nice to know that I’m not the only one dreaming up nightmare scenarios of how things could go wrong and that those imaginings are way better and more entertaining than mine.

Episode 4:

This dude gets caught up in the 90s playing a game that feels a lot like The Sims meets Tamagotchi. He got his hands on the only copy of a game that was never released. He becomes obsessed with this game and starts tripping on acid to become more in tune with the creatures on the screen. He believes he can communicate with them, and they tell him what they want and what they seem to want is for him to make the computer they’re on bigger and more powerful.

A few decades later he’s arrested for murder. Most of this episode is him telling his story while being interrogated. He tells them all about this game and how he’s bonded with it and how he’s been a shut in all this time just playing this game and being in unison with the creatures in the game. There’s a wild ending that’s a bit Sopranos-ish in the sense that I’m pretty sure I know what happened, but the cut they make will leave me with just enough doubt to never know for sure.

Episode 5:

Paul Giamatti alert. He acts his arse off as a dude who just found out one of his ex’s has passed away. The grieving family reach out to him to ask if he has any pictures or memories to share. They send him this thing he can put on his head that can help him restore memories by looking at pictures and they’re hoping to use that for the memorial service.

This episode has real, ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,’ vibes but like, maybe what happens years down the line. He’s almost forgotten her and what she looks like and now he’s interacting with this thing that is able to help him jump back into his memories, and it mostly hurts.

There’s a definite AI thing going on here. The thing helping restore his memories is AI. But that doesn’t even seem to be the theme here. It’s more of a love story, or a love story gone wrong. Because why would Black Mirror choose to tell a love story in any other fashion? It’s very well done. It’s possibly the most emo of all Black Mirror episodes.

I got one more episode to go. More to come…

it’s Paul Giamatti’s character exploring the inside of a picture of his younger self at a party talking to his ex-girlfriend who is his future girlfriend in this picture.

Album of the Week

Devil Ultrasonic Dream / Teen Mortgage

This was a fun album that delivers a sonic sounding sort of punk rock. There’s a lot of effects in use, especially on the singing. It almost gives it a futuristic sound as opposed to sounding like grandpa’s punk rock. I don’t know, maybe this is just how the kids get down now.

It’s fast. It’s loud. It’s not exactly angry but it isn’t happy either. It feels more like this album is talking some punk rock shit instead of screaming it. It’s a quick listen (11 tracks, 26 min) that will, at the least, knock some of the dust off you.

This is a sick album cover. If I saw this character tattooed on someone, I’d be like, “whoa dude, sick tattoo.”

Book I’m Currently Reading

For Whom the Cowbell Tolls: 25 Years of Paul's Boutique / Dan LeRoy and Peter Relic

Just finished this up. This book is high level Beastie Boys nerdery. I can’t see any other reason for reading it. If I were to ever teach a class on the Beasties, this would be necessary reading. But if you weren’t trying to get that kind of higher education, you might see a lot of the info in this book as unnecessary.

There are a few interesting tidbits that might transcend beyond the Beastie Universe though. The career arc of the Beasties at that time is something emblematic of the times in the music industry. This album also feels historically important for its production value, especially the insane amount of samples used. It also stands as a moment for a band trying to reinvent itself and no longer be what they were famous for which is a bold move (that wouldn’t pay off right away but would eventually. So, it’s also a story of perseverance).

Oh wow, look at this bad boy. Makes me wanna stock up on some D batteries and take the old boombox for a walk (I don’t actually have a boombox but if I did, I’m sure Paul’s Boutique would get a lot of play on it).

Random sports thought of the week

It’s the NBA Playoffs. I realize we’re already a few games in and this might be bad form, but here are some predictions for the first round:

-Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Heat

Cavs win. Might even sweep.

-Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks

Pacers are up 2-0 already. I’m not gonna lie though, if I had to call it before now, I would’ve said Bucks win. I’ve been saying that the Bucks are extremely slept on and I’m gonna back that up and say they somehow come out of this hole and win this series. If not though, that franchise has got some serious fixing it needs to do.

-NY Knicks vs Detroit Pistons

The Pistons are scrappy. I think they’re gonna give the Knicks all they can handle but the Knicks will ultimately win the series.

-Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic

Celtics win. Celtics sweep.

-Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies

Before last night’s game, I was certain the Thunder would win AND sweep this series. But the Grizzlies were putting a beating on them last night before Ja Morant was injured and left the game. I don’t know if Morant comes back. If he does, maybe the Grizzlies win a game. Thunder either sweep or win in 5. But they’re very lucky to not have lost last night’s game.

-Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers

This is probably the best series of round one. You could probably flip a coin to decide who’s gonna win. The Clippers pull at my heart strings a little more so I’m gonna say Clippers in 7.

-LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Lakers win and I sorta feel bad for the Timberwolves. I feel like they’re good enough to go deep into the playoffs, but they just got a matchup that isn’t gonna work in their favor early.

-Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors

I’m going with the Warriors because I’m a fanboy. But the Rockets are a threat and also Jimmy Butler left the last game with an injury and if he can’t get back in this series, that will probably change everything.

A lot is being made of this moment where it looked like LeBron got caught faking on camera. Yea, I get it, that’s not cool or something I really wanna see. But it is the game today. Flopping happens. Either everyone stops or no one stops but you can’t expect LeBron to be the one guy to not do it if everyone else around him is doing it and being rewarded for it.

Random pro wrestling thought of the week

WrestleMania recap:

-Very into the Seth Rollins/Paul Heyman/Bron Breakker thing (also, I called it with Heyman and Seth). This should be a fun and fresh heel faction to watch on the top of the Raw card.

-Very into Dominick Mysterio winning the Intercontinental Championship. It felt like not so long ago he debuted, and I didn’t like him much but now I can’t get enough and I think a large chunk of the fanbase feels the same.

-Very into the New Day winning the tag titles. That heel turn would’ve been pointless if they don’t get at least one run with the titles as heels. The New Day are historically one of the greatest tag teams of all time and should never be an afterthought, even if they’re without Big E now.

-Very into the Becky Lynch return. I think her heel turn could’ve waited a little longer than the next night on Raw. I would’ve preferred a little build up.

-But also, I did enjoy seeing the Judgement Day regain the Women’s Tag Titles. Add that to Dom’s win and JD McDonagh’s return on Raw and it feels like new life has suddenly been breathed into that stable.

-Mania needed more Bayley. I hated to see her get axed for her match. That felt disrespectful to a talent who deserves a lot better.

-Ugh, Logan Paul beat AJ Styles. Whatever, man.

-The ending of the Cena/Rhodes match has grown on me. I didn’t like it at first. It felt like a bad way to choose to close out the biggest event of the year. But since then, I’ve had a slight change of heart. I like the idea of Cena getting in the ring and being unexciting and doing crappy things to win matches. He did say he was gonna ruin pro wrestling. He’s a man of his word with the ending of that main event.

Karrion Kross scorched Earth with this promo he did on some podcast the day after Mania. Is it a work? He was on Raw after so WWE can’t be that mad about it if they put him on TV, right? I’m not sure what to believe but the topic is interesting. WWE is signing a lot of talent right now and you gotta wonder how they’re gonna get them all meaningful TV time (the simple answer is, they aren’t). With a promo like this, other wrestlers on the roster might also start to feel more comfortable letting us know what they really think about their spot on the card.

MY Top 5 Favorite Teams in the NBA Playoffs

1- Golden State Warriors

2- Oklahoma City Thunder

3- Detroit Pistons

4- LA Clippers

5- LA Lakers (just cause I wanna see Luka stick it to Mavs ownership and mgmt)

Weekly Quote

“Maybe some people, when they sit down to write their great novel or make their great record or paint their great painting, they have it all planned out in their head. But for me, it's never worked that way.”

-Mike D of the Beastie Boys

Thanks for reading!

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