#Numbering the World

 

   I've noticed that ever since I started reading Daniel Tammet's memoir, Born on a Blue Day, I started thinking about people differently. As weird as it sounds, like Tammet, "no matter where I go or what I'm doing, numbers are never far from my thoughts." (2) At first, it seemed weird to me that someone could  think of numbers that much, but as I am getting further into the memoir, I realize that I am starting to think a little more like Tammet. I have memorized some of his tricks and I feel a little smarter. Yet, I'm very far from beating his record of memorizing and reciting more than 22,000 digits of pi. 

     What I'm liking best is the way Tammet explains how he sees numbers in different aspects of his life. He is able to visualize numbers as "smooth and round shapes, similar to pebbles on a beach." He even considers numbers "his friends who are always around him and that are each unique with their own personality." (2) I started thinking of the ways I include numbers in my daily life. Here is a list of some things I came up with:

-How many hours I get to sleep each night

-Counting the members of my family to make sure no one is missing (I also count my dog, Alan)

-How many minutes I leave in conditioner in my hair

-TV Channels

-Microwave seconds

-How many whatsapp conversations I have

-The 1800 an arepa costs

-The 45 minute lunch 

-How many likes Kendal Jenner gets on her pictures 

-The number of significant things the Kardshians do. Wait. That's zero. 

                ETC...

     My original list made me feel really stupid compared to how Damiel Tammet sees numbers in his daily life so here is a list I made while thinking more like Tammet. Using his descriptions of several numbers, I found people and situations that I find in my daily life that fit. 

Descriptions:

9- "blue, like Wednesdays, or the sound of loud voices arguing" (1)

11- "friendly" (2)

5- "loud" (2)

4- "shy and quiet, reminds him of himself" (2)

333- "beautiful" (2)

289- "ugly" (2)

89- "falling snow" (2)

37- "lumpy like a porridge" (2)

Connections:

9- The cover of Born on a Blue Day

11- Nicole Hakim

5- Luisa Reyes

4- Silvana Michelsen

333- The sun 

289- The cold mornings

89- In the news

37- The streets in Bogota