intertext: (Default)
intertext ([personal profile] intertext) wrote2005-08-23 10:42 am

Small victories

The new/old anti-inflammatory is kicking in, and I was able to walk almost 5k on Sunday without too much discomfort. Yay. I suffered a bit yesterday, but am going to physio today, so perhaps will be able to slowly build up a bit more power for walking. Then, we were able to get Mum into the car for the first time since she left hospital, by using a transfer board - like a kind of plank that allows her to slide from her wheelchair to the car. So we went out for a drive, and she was happier than she's been for some time. I made risotto, real risotto that you stand over and stir for ages, and it was good. And we had the first runner beans to go with it and some lemon/parsley chicken breasts. Yum.
Oh, and we watched "Bride and Prejudice" over the weekend, which was thoroughly delightful. Bollywood movies are so goofy and colourful, and somehow the Austen comedy of manners translated very well into the Indian cultural context.

[identity profile] brisingamen.livejournal.com 2005-08-23 07:48 pm (UTC)(link)
somehow the Austen comedy of manners translated very well into the Indian cultural context

Also, generalising wildly, a novel which is, effectively, about the economics of love translates, I think, rather well into a culture where marriages are often still arranged, and there is a pressing concern about the financial standing of the bridegroom and/or bride's families.

[identity profile] intertext.livejournal.com 2005-08-23 09:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes - absolutely; that's a good point. It all translated so well in fact that present day elements, like someone saying "I'll email you" seemed almost anachronistic! The only update to obvious "20th century" attitudes was that, while noone was obviously having pre- or extra- marital sex, the whole "Lydia is ruined and therefore has to get married" subplot was eliminated, although Wickham is still in evidence.

[identity profile] umbrella-term.livejournal.com 2005-08-23 10:16 pm (UTC)(link)
What happened to you and your mother? Sounds like you got hurt! :(

[identity profile] intertext.livejournal.com 2005-08-24 02:42 am (UTC)(link)
Well, nothing sudden... My mum is crippled with arthritis, and has been in a wheelchair for some years. Earlier this summer, she was quite ill, and that caused some more deterioration in her general situation. She lives with me, so that's a concern for both of us, as I'm her primary caregiver. As for me, I've inherited her arthritis, unfortunately, and have it quite badly in one hip. I've just found out that I'm a candidate for a hip replacement when I can get one; meanwhile, I muddle along as best as I can with meds and physiotherapy. It's a bit of a drag, as I've always been pretty active, and love walking with my dogs, but I have to do the best I can. Some days are better (or worse) than others.

[identity profile] umbrella-term.livejournal.com 2005-08-24 11:41 pm (UTC)(link)
That's horrible! I've always been concerned about inheriting arthritis in my hands, shoulders and hips. My paternal grand-father has it pretty bad now. It's a shame, especially the pain in his hands, because he was an excellent mechanic and woodworker. Now he doesn't have the dexterity. My dad is starting to show signs of arthritic hands, and he too is a mechanic. I also do a LOT of work with my hands, so this is a concern. Of course, I don't do the same kind of work, but I still would go insane if I lost use of my hands!

It's like these conditions cause us to involuntarily lose touch with the world, in a way, and that's what upsets me about them.

You are good to look after your mom so well. I don't know if I could, sometimes.