Balance is a skill which can be improved with practice. When I started skating, my coach gave me a piece of 2x4 and I had to put it flat on the floor and stand on it on one foot, so I was a couple of inches off the floor. I was supposed to do this for 5 or 10 minutes at a time. First, I just had to stand, but then as the weeks went on, I had to start holding my other leg up or closing my eyes or reaching overhead.

I really sucked at first but definitely got better as time went on.

Completely reconsidering good study habits via neuroscience.

Guess what? Having a quiet, dedicated space to study is not best. Moving around and having a stimulating environment helps your brain create a neural scaffolding of associations.

The cashier at the drugstore had the alcohol lotion stuff out before I was even done paying. Nice! I even paid with my debit card so she didn't have to take my sick money.

OK, people who have a bad sense of balance - do you suffer from motion sickness more than most people too? I do - I wonder if they're related.

I'm not sure if I have a bad sense of balance, but I am very careful on stairs and the link. I might just be clumsy. But yes, I am also prone to motion sickness.

Well, the waiting and uncertainty is over. My aunt, Carol Louise, died last night.

I've known for a few hours, just have refused to really give the news any space. Still really not. Heard first from my dad, and just got an email from my uncle. This big, gruff man ended it with a plea to make sure all the women in our lives get regular checkups "even if you have to drag them by the hair because guaranteed after chemo they won't have any hair." And that is pure Carol-style snarkiness.

Sigh. I should call my dad tonight. He's probably dealing with it even less than I am and won't have anything to say beyond a heavy sigh.

oh sara, my thoughts with you and your family.

I am so sorry for your loss Sarameg. Reading what you've written here about her, it feels like a planetary loss as well. Much comfort to you and your family.

Oh sara.

OK, people who have a bad sense of balance - do you suffer from motion sickness more than most people too?

Nope. I've never been motion sick, and that includes riding in boats on high running seas and lots of time in small planes. But I run into a wall in yoga class whenever we get to the positions where you stand on one foot, because I can never balance in those. Or in the positions where the feet are in line one in front of the other (rather than side by side). I also have to see the stairs I'm going down or have a firm grip on a handrail. For most of my teen years I owned a pair of crutches instead of getting loaners from the doctor/pharmacist because I usually needed them at least once a year. Might as well have 'em handy.

I am so sorry for your family's loss, Sarameg.