Soma first warms up Elliot with academic lessons in geometry, science, history and poetry before the open communication below:
Monday 6/15/09 First Session
Soma asks Elliot what he wants to talk about.
Elliot:— I was thinking about the economy.
Soma talks about how unemployment was up, and now it is decreasing.
Elliot:zzzIs it solution?
Soma clarifies, “is it a solution?” and explains that we are bringing it under control.
Elliot: zzzWhat about businesses?
Soma talks about the two kinds of businesses, products and services.
She explains that service business is OK but, products business is suffering.
Elliot: zzzIs it bad with Chrysler?
Soma says yes and explains. She says that at least they didn’t have to close.
Elliot: zzzDid any company close?
Soma talks about Studebaker closing.
Elliot: zzzWhat happened to it?
Soma tells more of Studebaker’s history.
Elliot: zzzI want to have business.
Soma clarifies, “I want to have a business.” She explains how he could accomplish this by getting an education in business. Then, he would need capital, etc.
Soma: zzzWhat kind of business would you do?”
Elliot: zzzI want ideas.
Soma: zzz Well, in Madison, what natural resources do you
zzzzzzzzzzhave?
Elliot: zzzAgriculture.
Soma says that El could have a farm or a warehouse.
Elliot: zzzIs it expensive?
Soma explains that he would need seed money to start it up. She talks about bananas in warehouses and asks if he thinks the US grows them.
Elliot: zzzNo.
Soma says they come from Honduras. They are shipped to warehouses.She tells him that if he can have a warehouse, it is huge money.
Elliot:zzz I can have one.
Soma talks more about a warehouse and that the managing coat would be high.
Elliot:zzz But, it will bring money.
zzzzzzzzzDo they have them in Texas?
zzzzzzzzzIs it something I can do?
zzzzzzzzzWhen can I start?
Soma says he has to complete school first. She warns him that he might change his mind. She says he can do it in partnership with his sisters or his mom – he could call it “Bennett and Son”.
Elliot:zzz Bennett and Bennett.
zzzzzzzzzWhat is HALO?
Soma explains that HALO is a nonprofit. That they cannot make a profit. She says that a nonprofit is easy to start.
Elliot:zzz How do you start it?
Soma explains.
Elliot:zzz How is it making profit.
Soma again explains that it has to be a balance and cannot make a profit.
Monday 6/15/09 Second Session
Soma asks Elliot what he wants to talk about.
Elliot:zzz I have a question.
zzzzzzzzzWhat is sex?
Soma: zzz When two people are involved with each other –
zzzzzzzzzzemotionally and physically together – enjoy each
zzzzzzzzzzother’s company, especially physical . That act is
zzzzzzzzzzcalled sex.
Elliot:zzz Is it emotional and physical?
Soma: zzz Usually some sort of emotions are involved.
zzzzzzzzzzBecause it generates a sense of pleasure and, with
zzzzzzzzzzpleasure comes a sort of emotion of feeling good.
zzzzzzzzzzWhen you feel good because of the company of
zzzzzzzzzzsomeone, the partner – that is where the emotion
zzzzzzzzzzcomes from.
Elliot: zzz Is it love?
Soma:zzz Love is a bigger term. It is more of a dependence.
zzzzzzzzzLove is broader. This kind of emotion is a kind of
zzzzzzzzzlove. But, it is more about physical dependent love.
zzzzzzzzzYou are getting something out of it. Whereas, in a
zzzzzzzzzbroad way, love does not expect anything back. It is
zzzzzzzzzmore of a selfish love.
Elliot: zzz It is great to know, because I feel I may
zzzzzzzzzzmiss out on that part.
Soma: zzz Think about the life of Jesus. All that he did in just
zzzzzzzzzzthat 30 years of his life. There are some other
zzzzzzzzzzimportant things. He did not take love as a selfish
zzzzzzzzzzkind of love. He gave love because he did not have
zzzzzzzzzzany expectations that they had to love him back.
zzzzzzzzzzSee, all these different kinds of problems –
zzzzzzzzzzthe marriages and all those different things we see –
zzzzzzzzzzit is because of that dependence and expectations.
zzzzzzzzzzOnce the expectations cannot be reached, the
zzzzzzzzzzproblems happen. Many times, marriages are based
zzzzzzzzzzon sex.
Elliot:zzz I am having this feeling of some sort of loneliness
zzzzzzzzzalthough I am around people.
Soma:zzz You’re not alone. Everyone has this sort of loneliness
zzzzzzzzz because each of us has a different wiring in the brain.
zvzzzzzzzFor a while, you see that you are enjoying it but, then
zvzzzzzzzyou start drifting off. We come to this world alone
zzzzzzzzzand we leave alone.
Elliot:zzz It is a long feeling.
Soma:zzz It happens. And, then you are soothed with company.
zzzzzzzzzThese relationships that people form based on sex –
zzzzzzzzzit’s a relationship that lasts like – the more intense it
zzzzzzzzzis – the shorter it is going to last because the different
zzzzzzzzz hormones that flow. Then our bodies get tired of
zzzzzzzzzthese hormones. For 2 or 3 years, they last. The peaks
zzzzzzzzz come back but, they are less intense.
Elliot:zzz It is never a happy ending.
Soma: zzz I would say it’s more of a happy beginning. But,
zzzzzzzzzzthen, it is more how you classify that happens. The
zzzzzzzzzzdefinition changes. It is more of a happy and very
vzzzzzzzzzintense beginning and then slowly it fades.
Elliot:zzz So is divorce right?
Soma: zzz There is no right or wrong in this. When there is too
zzzzzzzzzzmuch stress, it affects your family and the rest of
zzzzzzzzzzyour life. The hormone, cortisol flows – and it is
zvzzzzzzz toxic and it makes you sick. You can’t think right or
zzzzzzzzz work right. That is the time divorce is right. You
zzzzzzzzzzdon’t have the bitterness in it. And, then you have to
zzzzzzzzzzredefine happiness.
Elliot: zzz I think marriage must not be there.
Soma: zzz Many modern social scientists are thinking about
zzzzzzzzzzthat. People who go with traditional ideas – they like
zvzzzzzzzzthe idea of a wedding and all those things. Some
zvzzzzzzzzsocial scientists think it is healthier for people not to
zvzzzzzzzzhave the responsibility of a relationship of that kind.
zzzzzzzzzzWe’ll have to wait and see what happens.
Elliot:zzz I wish it was love forever.
Soma: zzz See, man proposes and God disposes. Our bodies are
zzzzzzzzzznot made like that. After marriage, people look other
zzzzzzzzzzplaces to be happy – different hobbies – and try to be
zzzzzzzzzzhappy. Our happiness is a personal thing. Even our
zzzzzzzzzzbest friend or our partner – it is theirpersonal thing.
zvzzzzzzzzWe can understand that but, we can’t share their
zzzzzzzzzzintensity.
Elliot:zzz That makes me feel better.
Soma:zzz That’s good. Everyone doesn’t have to experience
zzzzzzzzzeverything. Like Queen Elizabeth – she is
zvzzzzzzzexperiencing her life as a queen. But, we don’t need
zzzzzzzzzto experience that. Who knows? It may happen.
zzzzzzzzzIt may not happen. But, if we sit over there and wait
zzzzzzzzzfor it to happen, we’re all going to get frustrated –
zzzzzzzzz“it’s not happening, it’s not happening”. If it happens,
zzzzzzzzzit happens. We don’t know. It may happen.
Elliot: zzz I won’t know if it happens.
Soma:zzz You’ll know. And, again, it depends on
zzzzzzzzzhow you react. It involves a lot of actions, emotions
zzzzzzzzzand all those different things. Those emotions should
zzzzzzzzz be accepted byyour friend or partner you are having
zzzzzzzzza relationship.If those emotions or actions don’t get
zzzzzzzzzaccepted – again,it may not happen. It’s a little tricky.
Elliot:zzz It ends sad.
Soma:zzz It depends on your expectations. If it’s not happening
zzzzzzzzzthe way you want it, then the sadness will come. If
zzzzzzzzzthere’s not expectations, then certain surprises will
zzzzzzzzzmake things better.
Elliot:zzz I am in a big question.
Soma: zzz What?
Elliot: zzz Whether to have a relationship.
Soma: zzz You don’t have to sit over there and get stressed.
zzzzzzzzzWe’ll talk more tomorrow.You don’t have to sit and
zzzzzzzzzquestion yourself. If it happens, it happens.
l
Tuesday 6/16/09 First Session
Soma asks Elliot what he wants to talk about.
Elliot:zzz What about Iran?
Soma talks about the history of Iran and Islam. She does
a lesson. When she is finished, she asks El what else he would
like to talk about.
Elliot:zzz Can I talk about how I can have
zzzzzzzzzbalanced emotions?
Soma: zzz This is a problem of everyone.
Soma says one thing she follows is you can’t keep everyone
happy. So, you do what you judge is the right thing.
Elliot:zzz Can’t make things right for everyone.
Soma:zzz Yes and, we try not to hurt most of the people.
zzzzzzzzzWhat else? Where are your emotions?
zzzzzzzzzWhere exactly do you put your emotions?
Elliot:zzz I worry too much about what people are
zzzzzzzzz thinking about me.
Soma: zzz See, a stage comes in everyone’s lives where people
zzzzzzzzzare very self conscious – “am I looking good?” And,
zzzzzzzzzthen after that, we realize, no one’s looking at us.
zzzzzzzzzThey’re looking at themselves, not others. This is
zzzzzzzzznormal – all people – especially your age.
Elliot:zzz I think all the time and get stressed.
Soma:zzz You don’t have to get stressed with that.Part of it,
zzzzzzzzzI would say, is how all these therapies work.
zzzzzzzzzBecause, they tell you if you do this, you’re not
zzzzzzzzzlooking good. If you do that, it’s not looking good.
zzzzzzzzzWhen you have autism, there is so much people tell
zzzzzzzzzyou what exactly to do and how to say it. What ever
zzzzzzzzzyou do, if you do it with dignity, I don’t think it
zzzzzzzzzshould matter.
Elliot:zzz How can I tell myself I am right?
Soma:zzz If it feels right, you are right.
Elliot:zzz Does it mean everything has to feel right?
Soma:zzz No. As long as the mistakes are not too much.
zzzzzzzzzThere’s no such rule that we can’t do anything
zzzzzzzzzwrong. We do something wrong and we learn from it.
zzzzzzzzzIt’s a learning experience.
Elliot:zzz I like to be right by being myself.
Soma:zzz And, everyone not need agree with you. But, as long
zzzzzzzzz as you are being honest with yourself,that’s good.
zzzzzzzzzBeing honest with yourself is necessary.
Elliot:zzz Do we have group today?
Tuesday 6/16/09 Second Session
Soma asks Elliot what he wants to talk about.
Elliot: zzz I want to know about what is right and wrong.
Soma: zzzThere’s nothing called right or wrong.
Soma talks about a philosopher, Protagoras, who was in a class of philosophers called the sophists. She talks about the saying “what is right for a goose may not be right for a gander” and “man is a measure of all things”.
Soma:zzz And, again, there are some people who say, “this is
zzzzzzzzzright”, “this is wrong”. If you don’t distinguish
zzzzzzzzzbetween right and wrong, many people may not have
zzzzzzzzzthe right judgment to do the right things. So, it can
zzzzzzzzzmean either way. “This is good “and “that is good”.
zzzzzzzzzYou decide for yourself or usually the religious
zzzzzzzzzauthority, they tell you what is right and what is
zzzzzzzzzwrong. And, they promise something like – you go to
zzzzzzzzzheaven if you do all the things right. Or, you go
zzzzzzzzzelsewhere if you do those things that are not good.
zzzzzzzzzPeople will do those right things for a reward.
Elliot: zzz Who decides what is right?
Soma:zzz That’s an interesting thing. It’s a lot to do with
zzzzzzzzzenvironment factor. Which environment you’re
zzzzzzzzzgrowing up in. Now, if you’re growing up in a
zzzzzzzzzMuslim society then, right and wrong are a little
zzzzzzzzzdifferent. Think about Saudi Arabia. They did not
zzzzzzzzzhave any prison. So, in other parts of the world, if
zzzzzzzzzsomeone committed a crime, they would be put in
zzzzzzzzzprison. Whereas, in Saudi Arabia, there was no
zzzzzzzzzprison. But, people knew the crime had to be
zzzzzzzzzpunished otherwise, what is the guarantee that they
zzzzzzzzzwill not do it again? So, they had their laws –
zzzzzzzzzcatch the murderer and repay back and, show him
zzzzzzzzzhow it feels to be murdered. So, blood for blood.
zzzzzzzzzAnd, if the murderer ran away then, someone from
zzzzzzzzzthe murderer’s clan had to be offered as a substitute.
zzzzzzzzzAnd, the murderer wouldn’t want that to happen so,
zzzzzzzzzhe would come back. Or, they would fight. So, the
zzzzzzzzzwhole Muslim law is based on that because, there
zzzzzzzzzwas no prison. When we think that they are killing
zzzzzzzzzinnocent people, we can’t blame them because their
zzzzzzzzzenvironment made a law like that. We can’t say they
zzzzzzzzzare evil people because they are killing innocent
zzzzzzzzzpeople because they don’t see it like that. Someone
zzzzzzzzzdid something so, someone has to substitute for it –
zzzzzzzzzthat’s how they see it. Now, I come from a society in
zzzzzzzzzIndia – the ancient Hindus. For the Hindus, there was
zzzzzzzzza cast system. So, you have the most educated class –
zzzzzzzzzfirst came the teachers and priests. Then, came the
zzzzzzzzzking. Then came the business people. Then came the
zzzzzzzzzserving class. Now, if there was a crime committed by
zzzzzzzzzthe serving class, his punishment would be this
zzzzzzzzzbecause he would not be as educated as the other
zzzzzzzzzclasses. A business man’s punishment would be a
zzzzzzzzzlittle higher. A king’s or soldier’s punishment would
zzzzzzzzzbe still higher. But, if a teacher’s class committed
zzzzzzzzzsomething, his punishment would be death because he
zzzzzzzzzhad the education and, still he did that. So, again,
zzzzzzzzzpunishment and what is right and wrong – the crime
zzzzzzzzzcan be the same. Of course, now everything is
zzzzzzzzzcommon law. Today, in this modern world, here
zzzzzzzzzpeople are fighting for gay rights. Do you think fifty
zzzzzzzzzyears back this was possible?
Elliot: zzz No. Is it wrong to be gay?
Soma: zzz No, I don’t see anything wrong. It’s more the wiring
zzzzzzzzzof the brain. If the brain is wired in a different way, it
zzzzzzzzzwill get attracted to different, alternate views. I have
zzzzzzzzzsome good friends and, they are so kind. They are so
zzzzzzzzzgood. As human beings, they are very good.
Elliot: zzz How do you know them?
Soma: zzz They are some parents of some of my clients.They
zzzzzzzzzadopted children or, they had children from a
zzzzzzzzzmarriage that did not work because they had a
zzzzzzzzzdifferent kind of selectivity. And, they’re just
zzzzzzzzzordinary human beings like everyone.
Elliot: zzz I don’t see why there is so much fuss.
Soma: zzz Yes, all this California issue. Miss California, she
zzzzzzzzzwas very pretty. Her answer made her disqualified.
zzzzzzzzzToday, these beauty contests, it’s not just beauty as
zzzzzzzzzbeauty. It is beauty and brains. Because, you also have
zzzzzzzzzto think. When you are crowned a beauty queen, you
zzzzzzzzzhave to go to all these causes, like all these hospitals.
zzzzzzzzzLike, Miss Universe, they all have to travel. They all
zzzzzzzzzhave to be ambassadors to all these poor nations. You
zzzzzzzzzcan’t say things that could hurt some people. So,
zzzzzzzzzobviously with her comments, a class of people got
zzzzzzzzzhurt.
Elliot: zzz I can be a judge.
Soma: zzz Yes, you can be a judge. That would be good. You
zzzzzzzzzcould be a judge at a beauty pageant. That’s
zzzzzzzzzinteresting. What question would you ask?
Elliot: zzz How do you see autism and its future?
Soma:zzz Good question. Anything else?
Elliot:zzz I am curious about gay.
Soma: zzz There’s nothing to be curious. They have all the
zzzzzzzzzdifferent systems, the digestive system, the
zzzzzzzzzrespiratory system. All the systems, just as all human
zzzzzzzzzbeings. So, you can’t distinguish them. Some, due to
zzzzzzzzzsocial pressure, don’t admit.
Elliot:zzz All people are different.
Soma:zzz Yes, different choices.
Elliot: zzz Are Muslims gay?
Soma:zzz I don’t know. And, those whom I know, I did not
zzzzzzzzzhave any discussion of this sort. So, that is why I
zzzzzzzzzcan’t tell you. This kind of discussion is more open in
zzzzzzzzza society where free thought – your country has more
zzzzzzzzzfree thought.So, we didn’t have that discussion so, I
zzzzzzzzzcan’t tell you.
Elliot:zzz Ask someone.
Soma: zzzIt can be but, asking someone may not help because,
zzzzzzzzzthe other person may not tell. So, you can’t expect
zzzzzzzzzthat you ask and the other person is going to tell. So,
zzzzzzzzzwe have to be very careful what we are asking. Like
zzzzzzzzzasking so many questions – when we ask people, we
zzzzzzzzzget the direct answer. But, it doesn’t matter. It
zzzzzzzzzdepends upon – before we ask, we have to be very
zzzzzzzzzcareful what we’re asking in a social situation. Elliot
zzzzzzzzzchecks his watch and this session’s time is up.
Elliot: zzzHope to talk again.
Wednesday 6/17/09 First Session
Soma asks Elliot what he wants to talk about.
Elliot:zzzHow about Austin?
Soma:zzzWhen I first moved to Austin, it didn’t matter.
zzzzzzzzzBecause I lived in Los Angeles and I lived in
zzzzzzzzzHollywood. Austin was quieter.
Elliot: zzzI don’t think it is bad.
Soma:zzzIt is not a bad city. I know the people – close knit,
zzzzzzzzzworking, especially central Austin – around the
zzzzzzzzzuniversity. You see, the whole dynamics and all those
zzzzzzzzzpeople, they’re good. In Austin, once a year, all the
zzzzzzzzzpeople participate to clean up the lake. I like people’s
zzzzzzzzzparticipation in the community – that is good.
Elliot:zzz Do you participate?
Soma: zzz No, I am an indoor person. But, I can appreciate it
zzzzzzzzzby looking. I get one Sunday. I feel so good staying at
zzzzzzzzzhome. Because Saturday, I have to rush. (Soma works
zzzzzzzzz6 days/week)
Elliot:zzz I am hoping to get my sisters involved in HALO.
Soma: zzz That would be good. But, you don’t know – after
zzzzzzzzzcollege, what they plan for themselves. I tell you –
zzzzzzzzzthe criteria for taking people – the best possible age
zzzzzzzzzfor people to join and work for HALO would be after
zzzzzzzzzpeople get married – after they have children. Then,
zzzzzzzzztheir children start going to school. That age, if they
zzzzzzzzzare interested, then they would stick to it. Like Erika,
zzzzzzzzzshe will go back but, she’ll have her children. I don’t
zzzzzzzzzknow how involved she’ll be after that. But, if I had
zzzzzzzzzto choose, I would choose – when people get married,
zzzzzzzzzthey have their children and then children start going
zzzzzzzzzto school. That is the time – then it will be good. Then
zzzzzzzzzthey will stay with it.
Elliot:zzz I hope to stay.
Soma:zzz Yes, you can stay with HALO. You just have to be
zzzzzzzzzmembers.
Soma has G ask her priority questions.
G:zzzzzzDo you want to keep doing Shakespeare with
zzzzzzzzzRichard? Is it going OK or should we do something
zzzzzzzzzdifferent?
Elliot: zzzIt is great.
G:zzzzzzWhen you listen to your ipod and you jump and you
zzzzzzzzzjump and you jump – you just get into it – and I say
zzzzzzzzzstop because you’re all sweaty and you do it in front
zzzzzzzzzof the front window. Do you really have to do that?
zzzzzzzzzDo you really enjoy it?
Elliot:zzzI forget to stop.
Soma asks Elliot what he wants to talk about.
Elliot:zzzI want to know more about gay community.
Soma:zzz It’s pretty new – the whole concept. In the past, I’m
zzzzzzzzzsure, it was more secret. Now, people are coming out
zzzzzzzzzin the open. It’s yet to see. In the next 10 years –
zzzzzzzzzsocial acceptance.
Elliot:zzz I don’t know much about girls.
Soma: zzzYou know, like the way girls think – it all differs. Just
zzzzzzzzzlike it differs with boys – the way they think. When
zzzzzzzzzthey are 18 will be a little different from when they
zzzzzzzzzare 28. And, a little different from when they are 38.
zzzzzzzzzAnd, it goes on like that – this whole 10 years. Along
zzzzzzzzzwith it, the experience, what the girls faced. So, if
zzzzzzzzzthey have more experience, then their thought process
zzzzzzzzzwill be affected by that experience. Because they’d be
zzzzzzzzzlearning from that experience. Now, if the experience
zzzzzzzzzis less, for example, if the girl is very protected and,
zzzzzzzzznot allowed too much social interaction, her thoughts
zzzzzzzzzwould be a little different. So, she would grow up into
zzzzzzzzza very idealistic person because knowledge with
zzzzzzzzzpractical world would be a little less. So, she would
zzzzzzzzzhave an ideal mind, an ideal world. Whereas, a person
zzzzzzzzzwho is more exposed, a girl who is more exposed will
zzzzzzzzzhave more of a realistic mind. It’s just like boys. So,
zzzzzzzzzyou can’t just say, “girls are like this…”
Elliot: zzz What sort of boys do they like?
Soma: zzz Now, again, it depends on the exposure. If you have
zzzzzzzzzmore exposure through a practical person, you would
zzzzzzzzzwant someone to have an identical thought process.
zzzzzzzzzYou know what happens, in the beginning, when a
zzzzzzzzzrelationship is forming, usually, people go for
zzzzzzzzzappearances. If the appearance is likeable then,
zzzzzzzzzpeople try to mold one’s self and make herself likable
zzzzzzzzzto a boy. So, all the acting and all those things take
zzzzzzzzzplace. Because girls try to be different from what
zzzzzzzzzthey are actually – so that boys will like them. The
zzzzzzzzzboys try to adapt themselves. And, after it’s taken for
zzzzzzzzzawhile then, they wonder, “wait a bit”, “I did this for
zzzzzzzzzyou, this for you, this for you”. “I changed myself”
zzzzzzzzzand, “I’m not this kind of person”. So, later on, that
zzzzzzzzzrealization comes. So, in the beginning, when people
zzzzzzzzzare themselves, this kind of problem doesn’t happen.
zzzzzzzzzBut, usually, in the beginning, there’s a lot of like,
zzzzzzzzzcareful, because, we don’t want to break that
zzzzzzzzzrelationship. You don’t want to get that boy mad or
zzzzzzzzzthat girl mad. So, it is both for girls and boys.
Elliot:zzz Do I have to do certain things?
Soma:zzz No, you don’t have to do certain things. When you
zzzzzzzzzmake yourself, “I have to do certain things so the boy
zzzzzzzzzlikes me”. Or, the boy thinks,” I have to do certain
zzzzzzzzzthings so that that girl likes me” there’s a lot of peer
zzzzzzzzzpressure and competition. You don’t want that boy to
zzzzzzzzzlike other girls. Or, other boys think that that girl
zzzzzzzzzshouldn’t like other boys. When all those things
zzzzzzzzzhappen, it’s a lot of social pressure. That is why -
zzzzzzzzzwhat happens is – you start off – if that boy likes
zzzzzzzzzcoffee, you try to drink coffee to make that boy feel
zzzzzzzzzhappy. And, suddenly, after 10 years, you realize,
zzzzzzzzz“what exactly am I doing?” See, from what I learned
zzzzzzzzzby observing your society is this – because my society
zzzzzzzzzwas completely different. Like, we had an arranged
zzzzzzzzzmarriage. Our parents came and asked, “what sort of
zzzzzzzzza boy would you like?” We gave the list – these are
zzzzzzzzzthe qualifications – we would like this, this, this – this
zzzzzzzzzeducation. Like, it all came in a package. We didn’t
zzzzzzzzzhave to work very hard to keep the relationship. But,
zzzzzzzzzhere, this is what I’m seeing. As an outsider. I don’t
zzzzzzzzzknow – I may be wrong.
Elliot:zzz I think you are right.
Soma: zzz Maybe I’m right. You know what happens is, after
zzzzzzzzz15 years the relationship comes. And, both start
zzzzzzzzzthinking. “You know, I changed this much and, I
zzzzzzzzzchanged that much”. And then it leads to a big
zzzzzzzzzreadjustment. So, you have to be very, very honest –
zzzzzzzzzfrom the beginning. But, again, if you’re honest, too
zzzzzzzzzhonest, from the very beginning, you may not get the
zzzzzzzzzgirl you want. So, it’s a big social pressure. We didn’t
zzzzzzzzzhave to do that.
Elliot:zzz Is it love?
Soma:zzz What we think about love –that bird struck love –
zzzzzzzzzis more of a codependence. It’s like having an
zzzzzzzzzaddiction. I need that person because I feel happy and
zzzzzzzzzI feel comfortable. And, again, because I love myself.
zzzzzzzzzI want myself to feel good. That’s why I need that
zzzzzzzzzperson.
Elliot:zzzIs it real?
Soma:zzzIt is real. But, again, it depends upon how you are
zzzzzzzzzdefining love at that time.
Wednesday 6/17/09 Second Session
Soma asks Elliot what he wants to talk about.
Elliot:zzz Do you know most people don’t worry
zzzzzzzzzabout autism.
Soma: zzzSee, that’s because people form a (field?)
zzzzzzzzz(around themselves). They think their own personal
zzzzzzzzzways are the most important thing. I don’t know that
zzzzzzzzzif Tito did not have autism – I don’t know whether I
zzzzzzzzzwould have known much about it or not. I would have
zzzzzzzzzdone something else and, I wouldn’t even know
zzzzzzzzzanything about autism. So, people usually form a
zzzzzzzzz(field?) of ways around themselves.
Elliot: zzz It is so unfortunate
Soma: zzz Yeah, again, what happens is, for some people,
zzzzzzzzzthey worry about certain things for a time and, then
zzzzzzzzzthey move on. And, they focus on some other worries.
zzzzzzzzzSo, that is how it works. Because, a mind gets tired
zzzzzzzzzabout worrying about one particular thing. So, we
zzzzzzzzzwant to worry about something else. So, that’s what
zzzzzzzzzit is.
Elliot:zzz I don’t want to be critical of people but, I wish
zzzzzzzzzthey would start worrying about autism.
Soma: zzzYeah, that can be done. They will start distributing
zzzzzzzzzpamphlets and other things. I’m sure that today,
zzzzzzzzzpeople are more aware. People know what autism is.
zzzzzzzzzThere was a time when no one was aware of it.
zzzzzzzzzBut, at least today, that awareness is there. Step by
zzzzzzzzzstep, that will happen. Now what?
Elliot:zzz Is it possible for two autistic people to have
zzzzzzzzza relationship?
Soma: zzzYeah, there can be many kinds of relationships. But,
zzzzzzzzzif you think about a romantic relationship, yeah,
zzzzzzzzzwhy not? And that, it depends upon many things. It
zzzzzzzzzdepends upon your motor skills. It depends upon your
zzzzzzzzzsocial skills. So, all those different things and, then a
zzzzzzzzzlittle prediction of what can happen. Because, if you
zzzzzzzzzjust think about predictable things, if any
zzzzzzzzzunpredictable comes in the way, it might be a little
zzzzzzzzzworrying. See how, if you’re used to your routine -
zzzzzzzzzthe other person is used to their routine – there can be
zzzzzzzzzsome practical problems. Which may be a little more
zzzzzzzzzintense than what typical people would experience.
zzzzzzzzzBecause level of our adjustments are different. So,
zzzzzzzzzyour adjustment – emotional adjustment –
zzzzzzzzzsocial adjustment – it would be a little different from
zzzzzzzzztypical people’s adjustment. Typical people find it
zzzzzzzzzdifficult. See, starting a relationship is very easy. But,
zzzzzzzzzmaintaining it, that’s the hardest part. So, having a
zzzzzzzzzrelationship means starting, maintaining it.
zzzzzzzzzSometimes it can be very exhausting, also even for
zzzzzzzzztypical people.
Elliot:zzz That doesn’t sound good.
Soma:zzz Yeah, everything has its good side and its bad side.
zzzzzzzzzBut, I won’t say that it just can’t happen. It can
zzzzzzzzzhappen. But, you have to be careful because, no one
zzzzzzzzzwants to get hurt. See, you form a relationship to be
zzzzzzzzzhappy. The goal of a relationship is to be happy. But,
zzzzzzzzzif that goal is not met, then people can get hurt. So,
zzzzzzzzzthat is the whole thing. The most important thing. So,
zzzzzzzzznot experiencing happiness is better than
zzzzzzzzzexperiencing a hurt.
Elliot:zzz I don’t think typical people would want a
zzzzzzzzzrelationship…
Soma:zzz With a person with autism? Again, it depends upon
zzzzzzzzzhow the person with autism has learned to adapt to
zzzzzzzzzthe environment. I don’t think typical people will
zzzzzzzzzhave any problem if the adapted – See, a relationship
zzzzzzzzzis a very two way thing. It is not get, get, get, get, get.
zzzzzzzzzIt is give and get, give and get. It’s like that counting.
zzzzzzzzzIt’s a two way participation. The communication that
zzzzzzzzzwe are doing, and, over there, is a different kind of
zzzzzzzzzcommunication. So, the expectations will be a little
zzzzzzzzzdifferent. It’s like asking someone, “what’s the color
zzzzzzzzzof this table?” And, someone else is answering, “it is
zzzzzzzzzbitter sweet”. So, the other person may not
zzzzzzzzzunderstand anything but, “brown”. So, it cab be a
zzzzzzzzzlanguage gap. A communication in a romantic sense
zzzzzzzzzis also communication. The other person has to
zzzzzzzzzunderstand your language. You have to understand
zzzzzzzzzthe other person’s language. It can be tricky but, it
zzzzzzzzzcan happen. I’m not saying no to it.
Elliot:zzz It is good to stick to autistic people.
Soma: zzz It can be done on experiment basis. When an
zzzzzzzzzapartment can be given under supervision. But, it has
zzzzzzzzzto be very carefully done. And, there would be lots of
zzzzzzzzzlegal problems arising. In on of the countries, they
zzzzzzzzzdid that. They didn’t do it with autistic people. They
zzzzzzzzzdid it with a different kind of disability. They
zzzzzzzzzsterilized the men and the women and allowed them
zzzzzzzzzto enjoy. With autism, you know, it’s a different kind
zzzzzzzzzof adjustment. In the United States, it can raise a big
zzzzzzzzzlegal issue if anyone thought about it.
Elliot: zzz What is sterilizing?
Soma explains.
Elliot:zzz It can be done here?
Soma:zzz Yes, anything can be done anywhere. You also have
zzzzzzzzzto realize, you have a whole life left in front of you.
zzzzzzzzzIt’s just beginning. So, there’s no hurry for
zzzzzzzzzeverything. You can’t be rushing through everything.
zzzzzzzzzThe moment you rush through things – “I have to do
zzzzzzzzzthat”, “I have to do that” – the moment you rush,
zzzzzzzzzyou see how desperate you feel. That makes you very
zzzzzzzzzunhappy. The time comes. Things happen. But, if you
zzzzzzzzzsit over there and wait for it – “oh, it’s not happening”
zzzzzzzzzthen, we get all desperate a bout it.
Elliot:zzz I like to be happy.
Soma:zzz Tell me, what is your definition of happiness?
zzzzzzzzzEveryone likes to be happy. That’s why they promise,
zzzzzzzzzin a place called heaven, you’ll be happy. This is the
zzzzzzzzzend product of living. That’s everyone’s goal. But, if
zzzzzzzzzyou are just happy then, after that you have to go and
zzzzzzzzzbe happy and, after that again, “I have to be happy,
zzzzzzzzzhow boring that happiness would be.
Elliot:zzz Is it really boring to be happy?
Soma:zzz Now, think about ice cream. After many days,
zzzzzzzzzsuppose you did not have ice cream for a long time.
zzzzzzzzzAnd, suddenly you take the first bite of ice cream.
zzzzzzzzzIt feels good. You go on and on eating it, it’s not
zzzzzzzzzgoing to feel good anymore. Because the happiness
zzzzzzzzzhormones, they can produce just so much. That is
zzzzzzzzzwhy, when good things come, in a little way, that is
zzzzzzzzzgood. What else are we going to talk about?
Elliot: zzz I am having sleep issue. Can I take a nap?
k
Thursday 6/18/09 First Session
Soma asks Elliot what he wants to talk about.
Elliot: zzz Do you believe in afterlife?
Soma: zzz It’s good to believe because, you wouldn’t want
zzzzzzzzzeverything to end – just like that. You worked hard –
zzzzzzzzzall that – suddenly everything comes to an end. Then,
zzzzzzzzzyou suddenly wonder, “what’s the purpose of all
zzzzzzzzzthat?” All the consciousness and everything. Even if
zzzzzzzzzwe think about human beings as a kind of collective
zzzzzzzzzconsciousness. So, it is good to believe in something
zzzzzzzzz– after life. And, that things continue forever.
zzzzzzzzzBecause, God is forever. There is no beginning or
zzzzzzzzzthere is no end. Soma explains the Big Bang theory
zzzzzzzzzand the Steady State theory.
Elliot:zzz Do you believe in ghosts?
Soma: zzz What about you? I haven’t encountered one. But, I
zzzzzzzzzlike to read. When I was in school, I loved stories.
zzzzzzzzzAnd, my grandmother would read. And, to make the
zzzzzzzzzspecial effect, they would light a candle over there
zzzzzzzzzand listen to her reading. We grew up in a big family.
zzzzzzzzzMy grandmother would read and, we would have a
zzzzzzzzznice special effect going on. And sit together and
zzzzzzzzzlisten. I grew up listening to ghosts stories. But, I
zzzzzzzzzhaven’t seen one so, I don’t know.
Elliot:zzz Are they real?
Soma: zzzThere are plenty of things we can’t see. We can’t see
zzzzzzzzzbacteria but, they are real. So, we have no idea –
zzzzzzzzzwhether – because – we don’t know – our brains
zzzzzzzzzshow this much. See, there was a philosopher whose
zzzzzzzzzname was Emmanuel Kant. He said that the reality
zzzzzzzzzthat we perceive and, is like the cookies. But, it’s just
zzzzzzzzza part of the cause and all those different things we
zzzzzzzzzdon’t see – like the door. We don’t get to see the door
zzzzzzzzzwhen, we are seeing only the cookies. Our senses are
zzzzzzzzzvery limited. They show only us seven colors when,
zzzzzzzzzas there are other waves and other things going on
zzzzzzzzzaround us.
Elliot: zzz Do people see them?
Soma: zzz I have no idea what others’ senses show. But, again
zzzzzzzzzwhat ever we see, our brain interprets it in one way.
zzzzzzzzzAnd, whatever our brain interprets, we are able to see
zzzzzzzzzthem. And, people who saw them, they’re not lying.
zzzzzzzzzSo, their brain and their senses are talking to them.
zzzzzzzzzMy brain didn’t show anything or my eyes didn’t
zzzzzzzzzshow anything yet. But, the stories are interesting.
zzzzzzzzzWhy, what about you? Do you believe in them?
Elliot:zzz I wish I could see them.
Soma:zzz Well, I don’t know. Even if you see them, there
zzzzzzzzzwould be the kind of interaction you want from them
zzzzzzzzzor not. I’m sure it would be a big help if people saw
zzzzzzzzzthem. They would tell – they could interpret from
zzzzzzzzzthat side – how it feels – what is there on the other
zzzzzzzzzside – and all those different things. And, sometimes
zzzzzzzzzwhat happens is – In some places, there’s much of
zzzzzzzzzenergy trapped. You see, energy cannot be created or
zzzzzzzzzdestroyed. And, sometimes the same trapped energy
zzzzzzzzzmay be of the same event and comes out in the form
zzzzzzzzzof the vision. So, whether there are real ghosts or not,
zzzzzzzzzthere are people who experience watching a battle field
zzzzzzzzzor, experience someone walking through the room
zzzzzzzzzbecause of that trapped energy. It’s just trapped energy
zzzzzzzzzin the form of light that distorts. That is why sometimes,
zzzzzzzzzpeople feel that they’re seeing someone walking. See, this
zzzzzzzzzthing that we are doing, it is just energy that is just getting
zzzzzzzzzconverted from one form to another. Now, suppose fifty
zzzzzzzzzyears later, someone sees me doing the same thing over
zzzzzzzzzhere. They think that it is a ghost. Whereas, it may be just
zzzzzzzzza trapped energy that is making the same thing and, you
zzzzzzzzzsee it in a form of light. We don’t know for sure what
zzzzzzzzzexactly is happening. There’s no way of telling because,
zzzzzzzzzthese things happen – just experiences only happen to
zzzzzzzzza few – not generalized.
Elliot: zzzI haven’t seen one.
Soma: zzzThat’s good. We have so much to do with real life.
Elliot: zzzWhy do they come in the dark?
Soma: zzzYeah, that’s an interesting thing. Because, I think the
zzzzzzzzztrapped energy’s so faint – because it gets dissipated, it
zzzzzzzzzgets dissipated, it gets dissipated. That, when the light is
zzzzzzzzzthere, although the trapped energy may be there, we don’t
zzzzzzzzzget to see it. So, the condition has to be that the frequency
zzzzzzzzzof the light is (very less?). Then, you get to see it. It’s like
zzzzzzzzzthe stars. They are in the sky but, you don’t get to see them
zzzzzzzzzduring the day because, the light coming from them is so
zzzzzzzzzfaint. But, sometimes things get replayed if the energy is
zzzzzzzzztrapped. I feel it’s like that.
Elliot: zzzIs it science?
Soma: zzzEverything that happens, can be explained by science.
zzzzzzzzzEither it is going on in the brains of the people – that is
zzzzzzzzzmaking them see things or, it can be something trapped
zzzzzzzzzonly their eyes have the special power.
Elliot: zzzIs there real heaven?
Soma:zzz It is good to believe there is a physical place where people
zzzzzzzzzget to go to be rewarded. But, you know what our
zzzzzzzzzconclusion of everything is because, we are so trapped in this
zzzzzzzzzthree-dimensional world. There are eleven dimensions and,
zzzzzzzzzthey say, there are parallel universes. So, the same place in
zzzzzzzzzanother dimension, other things are going on. And, we are
zzzzzzzzzso trapped in just three dimension things, we don’t even
zzzzzzzzzknow how forth dimension plays would look like. So, I feel
zzzzzzzzzthat if there is something it’s just a different dimension.
zzzzzzzzzThings are happening in a parallel way – in parallel plane
zzzzzzzzzand in a different dimension.
Elliot:zzz How many dimensions are there?
Soma: zzzThere are eleven dimensions they could prove
zzzzzzzzzmathematically. But, there’s no way to prove it physically
zzzzzzzzzbecause, we are trapped in this dimension. See, there was
zzzzzzzzza lot of study going on about these dimensions when
zzzzzzzzzpeople were mysteriously disappearing from this Bermuda
zzzzzzzzzTriangle. There was a triangle formed between this
zzzzzzzzzBermuda, Florida, and the Bahamas. This is where ships,
zzzzzzzzzplanes – anything passed that place – disappeared. Many
zzzzzzzzztimes ships came, without any people. So, it was a very
zzzzzzzzzbig mystery. That was the time when, a lot of experiments
zzzzzzzzzabout dimensions and all those things. So,
zzzzzzzzzmathematically we can prove it but, we can’t actually
zzzzzzzzzexperimentally prove it because, we are trapped in this
zzzzzzzzzworld of three dimensions: length, width, and height.
Elliot: zzzObjects disappeared?
Soma: zzzYes. Things, ships just seemed to disappear. And, they
zzzzzzzzzstarted seeing things. Charles Berlitz, he wrote a book.
zzzzzzzzzThe captains of the ships, they were reporting that the
zzzzzzzzzsky around and the earth seemed to tilt. Everything was
zzzzzzzzzall mixed up. And, they were going through this
zzzzzzzzzphase – it seemed like, they were these wormholes
zzzzzzzzzthrough which you can just tunnel through from one
zzzzzzzzzdimension to another dimension. So, it was as if these
zzzzzzzzzwormholes were there around certain places and, many
zzzzzzzzzships disappeared at that time. So, people thought that
zzzzzzzzzactually they were getting transferred for some reason
zzzzzzzzzthrough these wormholes from one dimension to
zzzzzzzzzanother dimension. So, we don’t know whether heaven
zzzzzzzzzis another place or not. So, it can be a parallel universe
zzzzzzzzzthat is going on.
Elliot:zzz It would be good to ask some ghost.
Soma: zzzYeah, usually what happens is people,
zzzzzzzzzwhen people are living, you’re not scared of them.
zzzzzzzzzWhen people die, then suddenly that fear comes,
zzzzzzzzzeven if it is a near and dear one. So, people (look?)
zzzzzzzzzforward to asking all these details about what’s going
zzzzzzzzzon with them.
Elliot:zzz What are wormholes?
Soma: zzzScientists believe that, even in this three dimension
zzzzzzzzzuniverse – including the earth, including the planets
zzzzzzzzzthat we see, there are certain passages that take you
zzzzzzzzzto other dimensions. And, that is why sometimes you
zzzzzzzzzsee things mysteriously disappear. And, you don’t
zzzzzzzzzknow, there’s no cause, just vanish. That’s what
zzzzzzzzzthey think.
k
Thursday 6/18/09 Second Session
G:zzzzzz Is there anything you want to say to me or
zzzzzzzzzsomething you want me to know, El?
Elliot: zzzAt the moment, I can’t think of anything.
G: zzzzzzIs there anything you want to say to anybody?
Elliot: zzzNo I don’t have to say anything.
G: zzzzzzWhy do you like Marge’s so much.
Elliot: zzzIt feels comfortable around some people.
G: zzzzzzLast time, Erin had asked, when you meet new people
zzzzzzzzzwith her, is there something she can say? And, I know,
zzzzzzzzzsometimes around new people, I say “he has autism.
zzzzzzzzzHe’s very smart. He just can’t get his mouth to say
zzzzzzzzzwhat he wants it to say”. Is that OK to say that or,
zzzzzzzzzdo you want me to say nothing? Or, like when you’re
zzzzzzzzzaround Erin’s friends?
Elliot: zzzDon’t say anything if they don’t ask.
G: zzzzzzDoes your seizure medicine make you tired or make
zzzzzzzzzyou feel different or you can’t tell?
Elliot: zzzCan’t tell.
G: zzzzzzWhy do you take two people’s hands and
zzzzzzzzzput them together?
Elliot: zzzI want them to talk to each other.
G: zzzzzzSami wants to know if we could stop doing
zzzzzzzzzthe score everyday or you really enjoy
zzzzzzzzzkeeping track of scores? It’s just an obsessive thing –
zzzzzzzzzyou get upset sometimes when we can’t find the scores.
zzzzzzzzzDo you really want to keep doing it?
Elliot:zzz Yes.
G: zzzzzzWhy do you smash soap?
Soma: zzzTito does that, too.
Elliot:zzz It gives me power.
G: zzzzzzWhat did you think of going to prom?
Elliot: zzzGood, but it doesn’t make difference.
G: zzzzzzHow did you like your graduation ceremony at
zzzzzzzzzWest at the Kohl Center?
Elliot: zzzGood.
G: zzzzzzWhat did you think of your open house party
zzzzzzzzzfor your finishing high school?
Elliot: zzzI enjoyed that.
G: zzzzzzHow about the senior party with Dad?
Elliot:zzz I enjoyed that, too.
G:zzzzzz What did you think of softball in Advanced Team Sports
zzzzzzzzzclass? I think you loved it but, I’m just clarifying.
Elliot: zzzYou are right.
G: zzzzzzAnd, after taking Spanish 1 for four years, I imagine
zzzzzzzzzyou know some Spanish? Do you know some Spanish, El?
Elliot: zzzYes, but I don’t want to say it now.
G: zzzzzzGrandma Bev wanted to know what you think of her or
zzzzzzzzzGrandpa Leno?
Elliot: zzzThey are great to be with.
G: zzzzzzAnd, I assume the same for Grandma Diann? Or, is there
zzzzzzzzzsomething you want to say about Grandma Diann or,
zzzzzzzzzGrandpa Howard – I know he died.
Elliot:zzz Yes. I like to see her.
G: zzzzzzPeople gave you gifts or money for finishing high school.
zzzzzzzzzAnd, we were going to write thank you notes. Is there
zzzzzzzzzsomething you want me to say in the thank you note?
Elliot: zzzThank you for appreciating me.
G: zzzzzzDo you want to go to church regularly or just read books?
Elliot:zzz I can go there. Those folks look good.
Soma: zzzNow, what else?
Elliot: zzzDo you go to church?
Soma: zzzNo. It makes me distracted. I pray in private.
zzzzzzzzzWhen I have to pray together I get too overwhelmed
zzzzzzzzzand start looking around and everything. My mind
zzzzzzzzzwonders other than praying.
Elliot: zzzAre you religious?
Soma: zzzI’m not religious. Because, God made man and man
zzzzzzzzzmade religion. Why should I be something that man
zzzzzzzzzmay think?
G: zzzzzzBut, I imagine you’re spiritual though.
Soma: zzzYes. Your relationship with God has to be private.
zzzzzzzzzYou don’t need a church to tell you how to pray. It is
zzzzzzzzzvery private. Just like a mother and son’s relationship
zzzzzzzzzis very private. A very personal thing. If you go to a
zzzzzzzzzpsychologist and ask. And, a psychologist tells how
zzzzzzzzzto be. I don’t believe in that also.
Elliot: zzzI think some relationships are personal.
Soma: zzzSome relationships are personal. That’s why, some
zzzzzzzzzpeople go to psychologist and they spoil everything.
zzzzzzzzzA parent would know best how to communicate with
zzzzzzzzztheir children. You don’t need a psychologist to tell you
zzzzzzzzzwhat to do.
Elliot: zzzWill it be possible to have personal relationship with
zzzzzzzzzsomeone?
Soma: zzzYou can’t rule out possibilities. But, thinking about
zzzzzzzzzpossibilities, if you get anxious and spoil today, then that
zzzzzzzzzwould be difficult. So, you can’t rule out the possibilities.
zzzzzzzzzEvery relationship you have, the relationship you have with
zzzzzzzzzyour teacher, the relationship you have with God, with your
zzzzzzzzzdad, mom. Everything is personal. So, we all interact with
zzzzzzzzzall of them in a different way –which are all very unique to
zzzzzzzzzthat relationship.
Elliot: zzzI have to do so much work.
Soma: zzzYeah, but, that shouldn’t make you stressed. If you think,
zzzzzzzzz“I have to do so much work. I have to have a relationship”.
zzzzzzzzzAnd, you make that as a goal, then it will be difficult.
zzzzzzzzzIt would make you so stressed. If it happens, it happens.
Elliot: zzzMost of my time is spent in sports.
Soma:zzz That’s good.
G: zzzzzzAre you glad most of your time is spent in sports?
zzzzzzzzzAre you glad or wish it was different?
Elliot: zzzGlad.
k
Friday 6/19/09 Friday Last Session
Soma asks Elliot what he wants to talk about.
Elliot: zzzMost of my worry is Iran. It is not peaceful.
Soma says how people get bored and want to stir things up.
Elliot: zzzI like to stir up something.
(can’t remember what Soma said and this session did not get recorded on DVD)
Elliot: zzzIt is good to have them as friends.
(can’t remember)
Elliot: zzzI think people are more serious that way.
(I was telling Soma that YSP (the Young Shakespeare Players theater group in Madison) was a nice community.)
Elliot: zzzIt is good to have a community.
zzzzzzzzzHow can I hope to get some business ideas?
Soma told Elliot he could make some shirts, designer shirts, sports shirts. And, suggested a name on the label and asked Elliot what name he would put on the shirt labels.
Elliot: zzz“Elliot shirts.”
Soma asked if we saw the news where a man who was posing as his elderly mother, collecting her social security when she had died. Then, he got caught.
Elliot: zzzNo, it is never smart to lie.
Soma asked Elliot what he wanted to talk about.
Elliot:zzzI hope to find how to be a psychologist.
(can’t remember what Soma said)
Elliot:zzz It is good to understand others.
Soma asked Elliot what kind of people he didn’t like.
Elliot: zzzThey can be totally indifferent.
zzzzzzzzzPretend to be bored with the world.
zzzzzzzzzI am looking forward to group.
c
GROUP
Soma: zzWhat topic?
Elliot:zz I want to talk about news.
Matt: zzIt is nasty in Iran.
Hank: zzI am not into news.
Lainey zz(her first time at group): It is interesting to be here.
Elliot: zzI am hoping to discuss something.
Matt: zzLet Laney choose.
Hank: zzInside my mind, I have a bird.
Lainey: zzI want to talk about happiness.
Elliot: zzHappiness is mostly science.
Soma says that yes, happiness is about chemicals in your brain.
Matt: zzI never see happiness within.
Hank: zzThe bird in my mind is happiness.
Soma:zz That’s a metaphor.
Lainey: zzI am happy now.
Elliot: zzIt is not bad to see it objectively.
Matt: zzI think happiness as distraction.
Hank:zz I see a story as happiness.
Lainey: What must I tell?
Soma says to Lainey that she does not have to compete with these guys. She should just say whatever she wants to say. Then Soma asks Elliot for a new topic.
Elliot:zz Sorrow.
Matt: zzSorrow is good to be in.
Hank: zzI don’t mind little sorrow.
Lainey: zzIt is hard to tell when I feel sad.
Elliot:zz I find sorrow in others interesting.
Matt: zzIt is good to be fussed around.
Hank: zzI have to try and be sad.
Lainey: zzCan’t tell difference between stress and sorrow.
Elliot: zzI am very scientific in my observation.
Soma: zzNew topic.
Matt: zzLet Lainey start.
Soma: zzAre you sure?
Matt:zz Yes.
Soma: zzHank, it’s your turn to start a topic.
Hank: zzDon’t have a topic.
Lainey: zzIt is too funny to sit here.
Elliot: zzI think you are enjoying it.
Matt: zzDo you email, Lainey?
Hank: zzI can’t email yet.
Lainey:zz I have no email.
Elliot: zzIt feels good to come here.
Matt: zzI am local.
Hank: zzYou can hang out with me. I go bowling.
Lainey: zzI go bowling sometimes.
Elliot: zzIt is cool to go together.
