Going down the evolutionary ladder

I remember reading that development of an opposable thumb was a major milestone or a benchmark in humans' evolution. Having an opposable thumb gives us a definite advantage in tasks that involve fine motor skills. Well, I recently lost the use of the opposable thumb on my right hand. I am right handed so obviously that has been a big  Ouch Factor in everything I do these days.

I never realized I use my thumb in so many small tasks (I did know I use it for bigger tasks like gripping something or lifting things). Take typing for instance. Typing became a painful chore when I hurt my thumb. Then, this morning, I figured if I use the side of my thumb instead of the tip, it hurts less. (Which makes me thankful for another evolutionary development - brain) I have been able to gain some of the speed back and the Ouch Factor has been restricted. But other simple tasks such as dialing a number on the phone, typing in texts on the phone, writing, holding anything that requires support of a thumb have become excruciatingly painful. Apart from bringing out the cry-baby in me, this has also made me realize how grateful I am for being born on the top of the evolutionary ladder. I do realize I wouldn't be typing, texting or dialing if I had been anywhere lower on the evolutionary ladder anyway. But it definitely would have hurt to even pick up that club to bring the next meal in, I am sure. Or to bash the partner in the head.

Oh, and that reminds me - I am DEFINITELY very grateful that the skill of walking on two feet had already been developed, tried and tested before I made my appearance (not counting the crawling I did for a brief period of time during my infancy - that does NOT count!!). My back thanks you, my ancestors!!

My inspiration, my ideal...

...my mom.

I guess I have never told you so, Ma. I look up to you in everything I do. You showed me it was possible to hold down a job and still care for a family. You showed me a woman could DEMAND respect, and that she DESERVED it. You showed me a parent has to be more stubborn than their kids for the discipline to stick. You showed me one should do whatever they can, for family. You always told me to think from the other person's point of view before judging or arguing with them. You showed me strength in the face of adversity. You have shown me how to bounce back from the worst of tragedies. You taught me to keep my head during times of crises. Above everything else, you always made me feel that I had a safe haven in your arms, should things go wrong for me at any stage of life. I try to follow these examples you set for me through your (and mine) life and hope that, one day, I will be at least half the woman you are.

Happy Mother's day Ma!!

If I were living in a parallel universe...

I'd still be married to J (yeah that one's non-negotiable :P)

I'd be a successful jetsetting executive in a company.

I'd be nicer, non-bitter, friendlier and saner.

I'd have THREE kids, with the oldest and the youngest being 4 years apart, at the most.

I'd still be nicer, friendlier and saner (after having the third kid).

I'd have had the kids without IVF.

I'd still have my dad and he would give the kids horseback rides and tell them stories.

I'd be living next door to my brother, his wife and our parents.

I'd be at a healthy weight. NON-obese.

I'd have the time and support to go to the gym.

I'd be reading a LOT of books and none of them would be textbooks.

I'd NOT be writing this post!

There! Introspection for the year - done!