More obamanation

So I'm still getting used to seeing this beautiful brilliant black man as our President. Everytime I watch the news or surf it, I'm like, wow. Wow. I'm telling you, I'm not sure how long it will take or if this will wear off. It's messing with my brain in a good way. Really good way.

He already has done things I don't like. Heck that happened BEFORE the election. For example, he voted for the fruitless border wall. I don't expect candidates or elected officials to walk on water...I worked on the Hill too many years to think that was ever a possibility.

Anyway, I just read the coolest piece on his inaguration on the NYT site and have to share it with you.

Enjoy.

http://kalman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/the-inauguration-at-last/

Movies and such

I just finished watching a classic Mexican movie "El Compadre Mendoza." I often find oldies to be a bit over the top in terms of acting, but this film portrayed the complexities of class in an intersesting way. The rich weren't all evil; the Zapatista hero and hacienda owner develop a deep and real friendship over the course of years. There is one scene in which the General Nieto declares his devotion to the wife of his friend in a way that doesn't imperil her honor, his loyalty to his friend, and broke my heart. He knew he was going to be killed and wanted her to promise never to forget him.

Another thing I enjoyed was that the set looked authentic - not some fake set, but it appeared like a lovely hacienda was used. Either that or a really good set designer.

Recipes and such

The creamy cauliflour soup was a hit, and it was easy to make. I love that combination. This morning I jumped into the 2nd recipe from the same cookbook -- a spicy split pea soup that was fab. I slimmed it down by taking out the butter and ham, yet it is so rich...creamy and satisfying. I love putting in the ground cloves and allspice - what a fabulous and unexpected addition to one of my favorite soups. According to the authors, this is a very old Dutch recipe from the 1600s. Cool.

I just got back from having a massage at Kelli's. Wow. It was fantastic. I fell asleep on the table, and my body appreciated the kneading. Today I went for my first walk. I only did a slow shuffle around the block in the fog with Federico, who kept going to the park as I returned home.

Each day my body feels stronger, more normal. My PT exercises are leaving me quite sore, as I work to rebuild strength in my right leg.

Too much information?

So I'm browsing the news on the local newspaper's web site and see a link to the Portland Police Dept. interactive crime mapping feature. Interesting 2.0 application. Would like to see what is going on in my neighborhood.

I stumble upon a map that shows me where all the sex offenders live - photos, addresses, specific crime and date. Wow. Creepy. Very detailed. Is this going to make me safer or more paranoid? How up to date is this info (this is the librarian in me)? Does every city offer this service? What do I do if I see one of these guys?

Into the swing of it

My walking skills have gotten a bit rusty, and I creep along like an old lady. My foot doesn't really hurt. It's tight and tender, but can't say it hurts. Is it the muscles in the leg that are just weaker and not used to the movement? An imbalance with the left leg that is way stronger and sure footed? Whatever the multiple reasons, I just am not quick on my feet. I don't like it, but compared to trying to get around on crutches, I'll take it! I also have to wear this black walking shoes with my work clothes, which I find old-ladyish too. I'm letting go of vanity everyday.

I'm also back in the kitchen trying out the Christmas gift Ana got me - "The Splendid Table's How to eat supper" cookbook. I'm making curried cauliflour soup with homemade chicken broth and curry that Yves brought me from Canada. Had to grind it, so it is fresher than the store-bought powders for sure. The soup happens to be an anti-inflammatory recipe. I shall report back tomorrow on how this tastes. We are big into soups in this house. It's just so fabulous to be cooking again.

I slept in last night, which I will chalk up to a serious snow flurry that coated the sidewalks. Maybe tomorrow I can venture out for a walk. An old lady paced walk.

Happy New Year!

This is the first day of the Chinese New Year - the year of the Ox. Fitting that on this day I starting walking again on a healing foot...May this year bring us all blessings of health, love, and prosperity.

Walking!

So I got to put away those crutches and surgical boot today!! Yeah!! I'm walking unassisted and without pain. My foot feels a bit sore, but after so many weeks of not using it, I'm not surprised. With the PT I also worked out on the exercise bike and started the work of rebuilding strength in my legs, especially the right one.

I'm excited, liberated, and very grateful. I can walk around freely, cook, drive (short distances only)...go for walks. Next week I can swim.

Doc is not keen on jacuzzis or pedicures in the near future. I can live without them. Walking, swimming, driving....I'm so appreciative of what I can do.