Picking up a few old habits

List making
Those who know me (and my mother), know that without lists to tell us what needs to be done or bought we would be lost. Nico jokes that even on the first day, I was trying to think up ways to get what I needed. One of those clever ideas that they still bring up with a laugh (though I still think it quite good) was to simply take digital photos of all my shelves and drawers so I could decide which books, pants or other desirables to bring me.

But now I'm back to my old habit of lists - no exceptions. I'm using my right hand only now to make lists - lists of questions to ask doctors, lists of things I did each day, list of what I want to do and what I need to get when I go home on weekends.

Flipping things around
Try this: pick up a plastic bottle (of ketchup, shampoo, whatever) and hold it with the lid toward the ceiling. Now, using one hand, flip it over as though you're going to squeeze something out. That's it. Easy huh? We've had years of practicing motions like this that have become automatic, not even given thought (let alone a second thought).

I have a bottle of hair gel - Bumble and Bumble, fat, round. A friendly bottle until I tried this simple motion. Every other day for about two weeks, I've been at it - dropping it into the sink, turning, turning, until slowly it is facing down, the contents ready to be squeezed out. Today, I was able to do this simple action in the normal way. It is awesome to feel joy at discovering your ability to do something you've been doing for 20 years. Turn and squeeze. Next step - shake, turn and squeeze.

Other favorite habits I've re-acquired
Putting a towel on my head turban style and having it stay on tight; putting lotion on BOTH elbows; moving the stray hair out of my eyes; cutting schnitzel with a fork AND knife; putting on a pony tail holder; typing; washing both hands at the same time; taking the top off the Listerine.

Things I hope to lose the need for someday
Propelling myself through space with a wheelchair (using two hands now!); taking both a shower and a sink bath while sitting down; asking for help (well, this one I really want to keep :) publishing a blog after having a stroke; living in a rehab facility; pretending to like eating food in a Dutch hospital.

Have a great Saturday. More movies - and photos - next week.