Finally, evidence that 30 grand a year is paying off.

Something monumental happened for me today.

For the first time in years, I had concrete, incontrovertible evidence that I have, indeed, gotten smarter. Not that I've learned something- learning and becoming 'smarter' or 'more intelligent' are two different things (in my opinion.) Learning is the acquisition of knowledge; you can get that from books, nearly anyone can do it. To foster growth of one's intellect, on the other hand, takes time, focus, and experience. So what happened? Well, no one inparticular, I'll tell you.
I looked a friend in the eye, and, knowing full and well I would be able to assist them, told them to come to me if they needed help in Chemistry.

!!!! I know, right?! Let me explain. I took basic high school chemistry twice. I got a C, and the second time a B. I repeated it not only for grade replacement but because I did not understand the material to my satisfaction. AP Chemistry was the ONLY course in High School that I got a D in, and the only AP test I did not earn credits from taking.
I took basic Chemistry 101/102 last year as a junior, and got a D then a B. I re-took the first half and earned an A. In short, it has taken me 8 semesters and close to seven years to finally, FINALLY, be so comfortable with Chemistry that I am SURE I can tutor/teach someone else who is struggling.

To me, that's progress. And I am so happy!

Now maybe someday I can conquer my three remaining subject holdouts: History, Geography, and Physics. (ew.)

In other news my left hand is not broken, but I do not appear to have a ring-finger knuckle (it is popped back and in somehow) and I have limited motion- it's moving oddly. Hm...appears to be healing this way. Ah, well, I only really need it to reach the "s-d-x" letters on the keyboard. I shall compensate.

Hydrangea paniculata, the "Pee-gee" Hydrangea, is native to Japan and China but is widely cultivated in the Northeast. It can be identified by it's slightly conical bloom heads of 4-merous white flowers, and the fact that it's leaf arrangement changes from "opposite" to "whorled" as you reach the branch tops!