[A real old one from May 16, 2013] The right side of my brain (the creative side) is full of spinning wheels, sparkles, audio and video stimulation and fast-moving light shifts. The left side of my brain (the analytical side) is a wilderness. It is like stepping into an empty auditorium at midnight. Without seats.  Drafty.  Full of cobwebs.  When it comes to math, I have the IQ of a pretzel (my apologies for insulting the pretzel community).  In high school, Miss Delp gave me a charity “D” in algebra because I constantly showed up for help after school (“duhhh how much is two plus three again?”).     My brain today is much the same as it did when I was in high school though on most days counting to 20 doesn’t require removal of my socks and shoes.  I see that as a “major improvement.”   

I was introduced to Sudoku by my brother-in-law who can whiz through the highest level, 30 row mind-benders in minutes.  With his eyes closed.  One hand behind his back. So I tried a level one. And finally I started to get them right. If I succeed, I give a silent fist pump (“Yeahhhhhhh”).   Every once in awhile, I will succeed on a level 2 (cue the “Hallelujah” chorus).  And once – a miraculous level 3. . . .      

I like to think that doing Sudoku is keeping the grey matter from shriveling.  And it’s starting to fill that empty auditorium with folding chairs.  And the vague hum of activity.