Done yesterday

( to.done 20090327 )

It was a rather strange day. Mostly good, but strange.

I think the strangest bit by far was remembering, more-or-less out of the blue, the name of my high school history teacher. (Although I was thinking about history, and how my interest in biographies differs from pocketnaomi's. She seems to be most interested in how people affect events, and how those events affect their lives. I'm more interested in how people think, and events are interesting mainly in how they affect what goes on in their heads.

I really don't know how I feel about remembering Mrs. Ryan.

It was also very strange to see my Younger Daughter's boyfriend; they make a cute couple and seem to care about one another. On the other hand, they're both gamers. Strange indeed (though both amusing and delightful) to go upstairs and find that both daughters have visible carpet on their floors. As the Wolfling said, "it's green, not stuff-colored."

And my evening conversation with pocketnaomi about I Never Promised You a Rose Garden got into some strange territory as well. I am still getting used to the fact that there may not be words for some of what's going on in my head, and that even when the words -- like "love" or "embarrassment" or "self-image" -- exist, people rarely have the same definition for them. How can one discuss things without a common language? How can I think about things without using words?

The 3am phone call wasn't strange at all. A friend needed someone to talk with. That's what Middle-Sized Bears do.

Colleen: progress and Plink

When I went in to see Colleen this morning (and bring her some clean laundry) she was getting ready to head off to the torture chamber gym; she was just finishing up when I came by on my way to my walk. I saw her stand up. Twice. It's true that she had someone behind her to push her butt up, and someone in front to lift and to steady her still-nearly-useless left foot. But she did get to a full stand, and the PTs said she was up to about 50% of the strength she needs.

Just to review, she was 35% yesterday, and 15% the day before that. So, good progress. I sang Wheelin', and she wheeled herself back to her room. Had a nice talk in the lobby with an aspiring country songwriter named Karen.

A little while ago I went in with Plink and sang "Gentle Arms of Eden", Riverheart, I Am the Walrus, and Desolation Row while waiting for the YD to cook dinner.