Changes

Methinks blogging seems to be going out of fashion. Twittering and facebooking are adding to the onslaught of "instant gratification" and two-way, nay, multi-threaded socialization. Blogging is one-dimensional, journal keeping too isolated an act in a world where people seem compelled to be constantly in touch with one another. At what price? Where blogging once threaten the art of keeping a diary the old fashioned way, will the constant barrage of bits and bytes from smarter and smarter devices that keep getting smaller and smaller threaten the art of conversation? People chat but not face to face, hiding behind a light emitting screen and little buttons. People socialize but without the commitment that comes with looking into another's eyes. I love technology and the changes wrought by technology, for the betterment of the majority but I also mourn the passing of some of the old ways.

But I did not start out bemoaning the superficiality of the new modes of social computing. Rather, it was to celebrate the advances I have made in the last week, from hobbling around on crutches and losing sleep to long bouts of pain to hobbling around on my own feet and watching the foot return to some semblance of its normal size. Yes, my right foot is still bigger in some parts than normal and much of it is still purple and green, especially on all the toes and at the base of the ankle. But the pain is less and more intermittent. The progress though, has been less than I would have liked. It is only five days to Carynn's arrival and six days to white water rafting near Modesto.

Nic is gone to her apartment, school has begun for both the kids still with us. High school is going to be a very different experience I think for the half man and I hope he stays the course he was on in his last year at Iron Horse. Not lose the momentum, nor lose the drive he gained staying at the top. And the girl too. Staying by herself would be a new experience and requires a level of maturity to keep herself safe, well fed, clean and healthy, all by herself. While keeping her grades up. Life's changes can be frightening for the parents.

Meantime, we have our approvals for the visa extension. Next stop, the permanent residency. Beyond, the re-union of the family. Hopefully.