[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Played the kit yesterday. Strapped my right arm in and secured it against vibrations. Put on Aaron Shust "Anything Worth Saying" and played the first six cuts. Simple songs. Felt odd playing with just my left hand, but I managed to nail 'em nonetheless ... albeit straight and safe like the CD. Praise God for symmetry. I missed the freedom of groove exploration that two hands can bring, but it sure felt good for what I could manage.

Praise God for fearful symmetry.

I've got a very good friend (guitar player) who is taking some time out tomorrow night to help me do a bit of work on my Rogers kit. I want to finish up the floor tom and get that bass progressing. I'll update that thread for what we get done.

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Things are healing. My arm is still broken and the muscles are still a bit shredded, but I'm able to get some motion out of it. That's cool. I had to buy a stupid car to be able to drive. It's one of those Chrysler 300M Special cars that older and funkier smelling men drive. I felt so icky behind that wheel. All of the controls are on the left side of the wheel, so it was the one I had to buy. I drove it for a couple of months and feel so dirty. The good news ... I DON'T NEED IT ANYMORE!!! I am driving my MINI Cooper again! I missed it. It was the car I was driving on the way to the studio. It's 100% and has been waiting for me to get motion back in my arm. WHOO-HOOOO! I love this car.

I am able to tap my drums and cymbal with my right arm - lightly. I tried to pop the head a bit, but I ended up on the floor in pain. There's a lesson learned. Freekin' Buddy Rich wailed with his arm in a sling. I try it and I'm on the floor. Gotta love the man of perfection.

I'm seeking out a nice old jazz kit so I can work a tighter setup on this arm. Hopefully, I'll find a sweet one. I'm trading my 68 Blue Agate kit for one. Haven't even put a stick on the kit yet and already I'm looking to trade it. Oh well.

I'm ready to get back into that 20 inch Rogers bass drum so I can finally complete that kit. It has taken me so long. I am looking forward to hitting that one. Should be fun.

I just completed the first 9 weeks of school. The kiddos have been very understanding of their broken teacher. My writing on the board is ... challenging to read. They laugh at me and I get to grade their tests with a heavy hand. It's a fair trade.

Great news mister !!

Hang in there... all will be well !!

Kev

I am glad to hear that you are back on task...master. So, even though the 300M was a bit out of your league, how could you not have loved the little extra kick in the shorts it gives? I honestly can't stand them either, because besides the "old man" factor, you just can't see out of it.

I believe you can now order your 300M Specials with a donut seat ... just in case.Car Driving2

Wow Micheal what a story so glad that you are back and playing again....Your post got me thinking about my life story on how one should never give-up on the thing they love doing in life..[[ i should post my story one of these days]] to show guys never give-up...Mikey

Just got a phone call from my doctor. He's scheduling another freekin' hospital visit so he can knock me out and physically manhandle my shoulder to unlock the joint that's impeded a bit from scar tissue. yippie Another batch of bills. Loving it.

This sucks. I was literally a day away from closing the most awesome deal on a set of 65 Rogers. Obviously, that's gone now. Dang it!!! What the heck?! What is it going to take for me to get a sweet jazz kit? I'm getting ****ed off now and that's not healthy.

So, if you happen to have a sweet 20,12,14 kit that you wouldn't mind moving out ... and you happen to want a cool 20,12,13,16 (with a goofy refinished 14 floor) Slingerland Blue Agate in exchange ... drop me a line. 'Cause I'm looking!

Ask your Doctor to reschedule it if you can manage the pain for a few days.

Otherwise, maybe a drum buddy could help you out. I'm in NY if I can do anything.

Cheers,BigE

BigE, you are a true drummer. I sincerely thank you and I won't forget that.

The reality of the situation is unless you can pay the bills for this latest procedure Excited... there ain't nothing to do. I've got to shut off liquid cash and prepare for another onslaught of medical bills. It is what it is. No big deal. Just ****es me off. GOD will provide the money. That's never been an issue. It's just that ... I spent a lot of time searching for the right kit. I finally found it and right at that EXACT moment when I'm finalizing payment ... I get the call from my doctor. That's just not fair. I realize that life is not fair. I'm aware of the tests and growth that comes from adversity ... I'm just freekin' exhausted from it. That's all.

(hey Kev, guess why the Spirit held me from snagging that 62 ebay kit)

Who's got the reigns?

Maybe our buddy will hold the Rogers outfit for you... partial payment ?