ISIS 120

Hopefully, by this time next week my malaise will be a thing of the past. So far it's been pretty spot on...started just before Feb 12 and since my birthday is Saturday I should be fine by next Monday.

I am trying to do readings for a class from Duke University called "This is your brain on the Internet." The instructor blogs, so I can see what she thinks and maybe what some of her students are posting. If nothing else, the reading list looks interesting. I decided to go to a symposium entitled "Mysterious Things" which has a Women and Gender History focus. Since I haven't bothered to keep up this journal for awhile, I think I will try to keep a record of my progress here.

First reading:
1. Jean-Dominique Bauby, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: A Memoir of Life in Death, First Edition Thus. (Vintage, 1998).

One reason I am interested in "This is your brain on the internet" is my own brain problems. It will be 38 years tomorrow and I still have problems. I shouldn't bitch, I am pretty much fully functional. I'm not paralyzed like Bauby, my aphasia is mild enough that I can read, write, think and use the internet. I have a job in my field. I have a wonderful family who is loving and supportive, not to mention very tolerant of my quirks (like bouncing from interest to interest and not focusing on anything).

Reading Bauby's book made me feel like I am a real underachiever. His use of language is exquisite, particularly considering that he was dictating it with his eyes.