Danny and I just returned from back-to-back doctor's appointments in Seattle. The first appointment was speech therapy, and the second was my first visit at the psychologist's office (who deals with terminal illnesses).
In the first hour, during speech, I read aloud a one page explanation of a workplace. Afterward, my task was to write a memo to my hypothetical boss describing the problems, and providing solutions. When my therapist, Julie, asked me to write the memo I completely drew a blank. I didn't know what to say, I couldn't remember the points, I couldn't form an introduction sentence. I didn't even know what the problems were. A thousand words of gibberish swirled through my mind, and I felt my face get red. I stared at the page, and tried to focus. Before I knew it I was crying. I couldn't stop myself. I couldn't process the information. The thing is, she gave me ample time to quietly figure out, but as the silence grew, and I knew I didn't have any answers, my heart broke.
I used to be excellent at reading comprehension. I was one of two (or maybe it was three) students who received an A in my Texas Christian University freshman composition course (the standard English class - a prerequisite). I'm not saying that I was a suburb student. In fact, I was an A/B student. That's why that grade was so important, it was a serious accomplishment. Now, being that I'm unable to process and organize information I'm humbled, and disappointed. It's incredibly painful.
For some reason I'm able to write how I feel, what I'm thinking, and things that are happening in my day to day life. I write how I think, and it's organic. I can't seem to organize thoughts to support an argument, or opinion. That's my homework for this week. Julie asked me to find something that I have an opinion about. I'm then supposed to explain my opinion, and use supporting reasons as to why I hold the opinion. It sounds easy enough, but on the three hour ride home I still couldn't think of anything. Oh well. Maybe it'll come to me.
As for the psychologists office, no crying there! It was a basic session, and I really like her. I have a feeling she'll help me process some of the things going on in my life. We actually laughed a lot, which was nice. I don't meet with her again until the day after the MRI. So, I'll be full of emotion, either excitement and happiness or fear and anxiety. Either way I'm sure the meeting will be helpful.
Here's my photo of the day. I like to grocery shop while I go to the doctor's office. I'm a huge fan of Trader Joe's, and Wenatchee doesn't have one. I always load up on the good stuff, and today I spotted a new treat. I've heard that sea vegetables are incredibly good for your brain. Unfortunately, this snack leaves you with bad breath and green flecks in your teeth. And it's not exactly delicious. But I ate it. Because it's good for me. If I sound like I'm complaining, it's because I am. It's pretty gross. The things I do for my brain.
Sep 30, 2010
Sep 29, 2010
Book Club
I'm sitting in my office (which is the dining table), drinking a deliciously fresh cup of coffee. It's sunny. I had a great night sleep. And yet, I'm still feeling that slight twinge of uneasiness. Kind of like nerves before a date. Instead of having a biological clock ticking, I have a MRI clock ticking.
I'm doing a pretty good job of focusing on the important things. For example, the book club is meeting at my house tonight. Usually, I would go crazy cleaning. Hitting the usuals like vacuuming, mopping, cleaning the bathroom - and the other not so usual spots like the baseboard, rinsing light bulbs, organizing shelves in the kitchen, spot polishing silverware and dishes. These days, instead of being anal retentive about cleanliness when I have guests, I'm just taking it easy.
Yes, I'll clean the bathroom, but no, I'm probably not going to clean the baseboard. I'm actually looking at the baseboard right now and it's completely hideous. It's really disgusting, so I might actually clean that. But maybe not. I don't think any of the girls will care if I have dusty baseboard. I guess, people aren't going to judge me by a dusty baseboard. And if they are, they're definitely going to find more things to judge, and that would be impossible to prevent.
Back that that awesome mantra: Just enjoy life, and breathe.
...and maybe go clean that baseboard. Seriously. It's gross.
I'm doing a pretty good job of focusing on the important things. For example, the book club is meeting at my house tonight. Usually, I would go crazy cleaning. Hitting the usuals like vacuuming, mopping, cleaning the bathroom - and the other not so usual spots like the baseboard, rinsing light bulbs, organizing shelves in the kitchen, spot polishing silverware and dishes. These days, instead of being anal retentive about cleanliness when I have guests, I'm just taking it easy.
Yes, I'll clean the bathroom, but no, I'm probably not going to clean the baseboard. I'm actually looking at the baseboard right now and it's completely hideous. It's really disgusting, so I might actually clean that. But maybe not. I don't think any of the girls will care if I have dusty baseboard. I guess, people aren't going to judge me by a dusty baseboard. And if they are, they're definitely going to find more things to judge, and that would be impossible to prevent.
Back that that awesome mantra: Just enjoy life, and breathe.
...and maybe go clean that baseboard. Seriously. It's gross.
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