Esotropiart

My parents were very gracious to me and invited me over for the weekend. It has been a few weeks since I've had the chance to get other there, so I was ecstatic. Life is boring and sometimes treacherous for me these days, and my family are among my prized and most precious company. Thank you, Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa for making this a great Valentine's Day weekend!

Friday night I got my first chance to play with the Wii Fit that my parents recently bought. It is quite fun. I'm really tempted to get one for myself, as it is awesome exercise. I think I would actually exercise if I had one of these things. Naturally, I get tempted in this way just as I'm about to embark on some pretty serious financial reformation (I may eventually speak of my plans here - no promises).

I was kinda excited when my parents first described Wii Fit. It sounded like there were a bunch of balance exercises or tests. I have pretty good balance and coordination in general because of all my years of juggling a soccer ball (you get in the strangest positions and keep your legs up in the air for long periods of time, jumping, twisting, etc) and some martial arts experience. However, the balance stuff ends up relating more to tiny intricate movements, and I suck at it like the next guy. I did fairly well for my first try, but I have a long way to go before I'm proficient at all the various exercises. It's really fun to try them all, though some are REALLY frustrating! Clearly it's all the pad's fault (stupid control!) when I fall of the tightrope, not mine!

We visited Grandpa today. It's always a blessing to see him. He was seemingly coherent and relatively good at communicating today. He really liked the brownies my mom baked for him for Valentine's Day! I was so pleased because when I left, our conversation went as follows:

Me: "Good bye, Grandpa"

Grandpa: "Bye"

Me: "I'll continue praying for you."

Grandpa: "Thank you."

Me: "I love you."

Grandpa: "I love you too."

Embedded in that short conversation are two gems. First, Grandpa remembered who I was and recognized my voice. Sometimes I can't get him to repeat my name or know who I am. Today, he said my name without prompting and knew I was there. I prayed for him as I sat and watched the visit - perhaps it helped. Second, Grandpa told me he loves me. What a Valentine's Day present! Sometimes he doesn't respond to that, and other times he'll say something like, "Good to hear it" or "I'm glad". Well now I'm glad that Grandpa loves me too!

Tonight we ate dinner at Pepino's, a family favorite Mexican place down on Hawthorne. Best bean dip around. Yum!