Two Firsts

Today was my first shower since the surgery! Yes, I was a little concerned that someone might hang a "Bait Shop" sign on my front porch. I'd been putting it off because (creepy alert) although I have several incisions, I don't have any stitches! Everything is held in place by paper tape, and I was assured that by the time the tape falls off, everything should be all healed up underneath. Yeah, keyword: should. It's also a little creepy that I can't see the incisions or the tape. Well, I can sort of see them, with several mirrors and some painful contorting. But I went ahead and showered this morning, and as far as I know, everything is still in place.

I also had my first shampoo in 6+ months! I'm not sure I needed it, but I felt it was a nice gesture to acknowledge and encourage my peachfuzz.

Speaking of firsts, a friend told me she's signed up for a ballet class, something she's never done before. Our urban university offers some very cool adult ed classes like this one, at satellite locations around the city. I used to take 1-2 classes a year in something "new" just to challenge myself. They were mostly some version of creative writing or some version of fitness/exercise -- Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi. I had to stop taking the writing classes; there were too many stupid and/or illiterate students; not good for someone who's trying to be less critical and judgmental. These adult ed classes are like the "new" little league: everyone gets to play whether they're any good or not. It was often very difficult to come up with a constructive critique. Stupid and/or illiterate students should be encouraged to read more. I'm not sure they should be encouraged to write more, especially when I have to listen to them read their work.

You were beginning to wonder if that train of thought had a caboose, weren't you? Well, here it comes. After a year of near-inertia, I'm thinking I should sign up for something this spring. Unfortunately, I just checked the course catalog and the only one that really interests me right now -- Mindfulness Meditation -- already has a waiting list. But I'll be keeping an eye out for something interesting. My brain would really like to come out and play.