Everyday I meet so many different people and I find them all fascinating. They contribute so much to my life. I love that moment where I am introduced to someone..and somehow we find that common thread. A love of food, a love of writing, the arts, the same insecurites, the philosophy.

Only very occasionally do we find that connection that can last un-awkwardly for 10 minutes. When that goes away, we return with flushed cheeks, hoping for more.

I danced today, freeing the stress and the reluctance I have had the past week. The people I danced with, not those with hidden agendas. I felt free, moving back and forth the waves. Relieved. Free movement in the trance room where most people didn\’t venture. I wore my black sweater cardigan trying to hide my splint. A quick lesson of salsa, twirl and turn. It was quick and I wish we had more.

Why do I have to wait for you?

And we also got accepted to the CHI student competition. Awesome! I know that there have been several hits from Georgia Tech coming here looking for those keywords…

Is facial hair a metaphor for a disguise? A desire to hide something?

Human empathy is so natural that whenever we see someone in need, our first impulse is to help. Considering that we are in a society where newborns are helpless for the first few years, society couldn\’t have survived without it. I remember when I heard about the disasters and tragedies in the last few years, only when I saw the faces–expressions of pain, fear, and anxiety–it\’s when I understand. It\’s when I have the urge to make a difference.

But on another subject…that I can\’t stop thinking of…
\”When guys have something broken, they get as much attention as girls normally do. But when girls have something broken, oh they have the entire world in front of them. You should take advantage of that.\” Carl said to me today. \”Show that you can stand in the face of adversity. But if they open the door for you, help you with your bag, offer to help you with other things…\”

Last May, I was sitting downstairs when my housemate was struggling with her moving boxes. We hadn\’t spoken for several months over trivial arguments and issues. Simply put, we didn\’t like each other\’s presence. But as I watched her carry a box, I couldn\’t help but ask sincerely, \”Do you need any help?\”

Simply saying that, we reconciled (for at least one day). Amazing.

DUE TO POPULAR REQUEST.

I PRESENT…

MY HAND.

I hate being dependent, because I know that I look down upon those who take advantage of others. And yet, I can barely wrap my bandages myself. I can’t open bottles anymore. Eating is extremely awkward (and so is washing my hair as well as putting on my contacts). I am certainly not very left-handed, so swiping my cards and signing is stressful.

But yesterday, someone gave up a seat on an extremely crowded bus…to me. Perks are nice too. Yet I am sorely embarrassed to some extent.

At least, now I know how to design interfaces for the “disabled”.

In an e-mail from this morning:

We are happy to inform you that your paper

has been accepted to CHI 2006 Work-in-Progress.

:D

Off to Montreal I shall go!

\”You\’re so lucky!\” my friend said after I told her how I spent my entire Saturday in the lodge talking to people, meeting random people. Because my splint is an easy conversation piece. \”You\’ll definitely meet someone just in time for Valentine\’s day!\”

To which, I grimaced and scoffed. I would never do such things to get attention.

Yet yesterday, while at Starbucks, one of the guys behind the counter gave me significantly more attention, ignoring my better-dressed, better-looking friend. And while at my friend\’s super bowl party, definitely a lot more attention. People holding out bags of chips for me. And salsa, and the like. People getting ice for me, even though I am perfectly capable of walking and using my left hand.

My friend joked, \”You did this on purpose huh!\”

I went to a doctor today (and a couple of med students) who said there was a benign cyst in the bone of my right hand that made the bone weak. So even though the fall wasn\’t that bad, it was significant enough to fracture that part of the bone. The bad part is that I was told to avoid most activity with my right hand. Considering I am right handed, my life is so much more difficult. Fortunately, nobody has commented on my credit card signature.

But that extra attention. Needed, perhaps.

Maybe. Maybe!

But remind me not to talk to my parents about money and insurance. I personally would pay more to get more exams than to go for the next few months not knowing exactly where I am in the healing process.

Pittsburgh Steelers fans = hardcore and crazy!

“How would you have prevented this accident?” the ski patrol guy asked.

“Um…” I said surprised by the question. “Not fall?”

Painful injury on my first, only, and last run at 7 springs. Ski patrol advised me against going back up. I have skiied or snowboarded at least once year since I was 5 and this was the first time that I was injured that I had to sit out for the rest of the day. The ski patrol gave my right hand a splint made out of cardboard and I sat ridiculously in the lodge until people decided to leave. I chatted with robotics, lti, and the little of hci that went.

Can’t write. Can’t sign. Can’t eat. Who knew that this world wasn’t made for one-handed people?

At least now I have a reason for not bowling!

Pittsburgh is way too full of hardcore fans. My roommate last year told me (in possible pretentiousness) that she chose CMU over other schools because she loves the Steelers. *cough* Surprising for someone who is not a Pittsburgh native.

Black andd gold flies everywhere. I had a slice of the Steelers cake at the grad student happy hour today and cut in line to get a sugared pretzel.

But if I hear the chant \”Here we go\” one more time…