Empathy - Preparation

As David mentioned in his blog, some of the kinds of things we can do for our empathy training can really come with no warning. Which he discovered in a not very nice way. But for those of us who are able to choose their empathy training, we have a chance to prepare.

I am planning on not having the use of my right arm for all of tomorrow (Monday). Bearing in mind that I am the main person in the family who deals with errands, laundry, cooking etc, as well as getting myself to training and to other commitments (i.e. Girl Guides), here are a few of the things I have done to prepare.

1. Chosen a day which is mostly normal, includes a class, but doesn't include stuff I have committed to that I am required to have two arms for (i.e. sewing costumes).
2. Worked through the day in my mind to see what kind of challenges I will face:
   - getting to and from class in the morning and back in time to have Allison home for lunch
   - making dinner not just for my family but for one other girl who joins us on Mondays
   - making sure tomorrow's Girl Guide meeting doesn't have a complicated craft that I have to lead
3. Practiced driving left handed with my right hand tucked into my seatbelt. (Actually I'm pretty good at this and now know that I could get myself to the hospital if I really broke my arm.)
4. Bought a sling. Forgot to ask Jean-Luc again if I could borrow his -- though I think he said it was already spoken for.
5. Tried getting dressed today with only one hand. I'll have to work on this tomorrow and give myself lots of time.
6. Baked cookies tonight so I wouldn't have to make some in the morning.
7. Did as much laundry as possible today so I won't have any to do tomorrow.
8. Reminded the kids they'll have to help make their own breakfast/lunches tomorrow.
9. Bought some groceries (including a store made lasagne and pre-chopped salad for dinner tomorrow) because Monday is my normal grocery shopping day.
10. I feel like there should be a number 10 so I'll make one up now: Put a note beside my bed so I see it as soon as I wake up, so I remember to start right away.

I'm a bit worried about the getting dressed thing, and I forgot to talk to Jean-Luc about how he tied his belt -- I have to do it twice, since we are having Kwan Jan Nim come to Guides tomorrow night for a Martial Arts class. I'm not sure how I'll manage the shower either. But I keep remembering that I am choosing to do this and at least I don't have to do it with a lot of pain, or a heavy cast, or a two week healing time --- and I feel sure that I'll be able to manage.