Archives for November 2008 | theclothesmakethegirl

Nov 30, 2008 Posted by Mel

Giving Fear a Workout

Fear and I have been inseparable companions since my doctor recommended I have an ultrasound of my thyroid on November 6. That’s 24 days and nights of worrying. I know that one of things that Dave likes about me — and, frankly, that I like about myself — is that I usually lead with my chin. I might be a big baby on the inside, but I pretend to be brave and act accordingly and most of the... read more

Nov 29, 2008 Posted by Mel

Zone-friendly Yogurt

Chocolate peanut butter ice cream, macaroni & cheese, and whipped cream are notable exceptions, but truth be told, I’m not really a fan of mushy food. I like my meat well done. When I eat fried food, I want it extra crispy with those sharp, crunchy edges that might lacerate the inside of your mouth if you don’t bite just right. Extra dark toast. Well-charred bacon. I like food that might... read more

Nov 26, 2008 Posted by Mel

A Real Pain in the Neck

Yeah, that joke never gets old. I took my Frankenneck to the doctor for a follow-up today and got great news. The pathology report was back, and I definitely, absolutely, positively do not have thyroid cancer. Which means I get to keep the piece of thyroid they left me AND I don’t have to undergo radiation. When my neck is healed, this particular adventure will be over. I’m so relieved. The doc... read more

Nov 25, 2008 Posted by Mel

Blame the Amoxicillin?

Last night, I got caught up watching the first of the two-part finale of Dancing with the Stars and forgot to take my evening dose of the antibiotic Amoxicillin. I was watching the show and laughing and bending and not needing to lie down… I even made myself a snack. In short, I was feeling pretty good and more like my old self. I didn’t realize ’til the show was over that I missed my... read more

Nov 24, 2008 Posted by Mel

The Reasons I’m a Bad Patient

Poor Dave! Y’all should be sending him good wishes instead of me… yesterday he asked me if I was going for my “all-time high grouchy award.” Why, yes! Yes, I am. 1. I resent that my medication makes me woozy. 2. I don’t want to take another nap. 3. I hate to ask for help. 4. If the sheets are not perfectly smooth, I can’t sleep. 5. I’m impatient. 6. I keep running... read more

Nov 21, 2008 Posted by Mel

In My Own Bed

I’m back home, in my leopard robe, tucked in bed with lots of movies, my prescriptions, and my new stuffed friend “Bash,” a cute little lamb Carla brought to the hospital on Wednesday night. I’m realizing now that I had two visitors — Carla and Mamie — but it seems like a hazy dream. Yay, vicodin. Dave made me mac + cheese last night, followed by chocolate peanut butter... read more

Nov 19, 2008 Posted by Mel

She’s good!

This is Dave, guest-blogging. Mel’s out of surgery, and doing fine. The doctor tells me it was the best possible outcome: no cancer, and she still has part of her thyroid. I’m quite relieved. And now, the overnight stay. Like the lyric goes, “A man gets mighty thirsty, chasing you around.” read more

Nov 19, 2008 Posted by Mel

This is a really crappy hotel.

I’m waiting to go into surgery, and the doctors are running late, so I thought I’d share my list of complaints about the experience so far. I’m hungry. (Dave is tired of hearing me say that.) I had to take off my nice, soft squishy socks and put on olive green hospital socks. The hospital gown is big enough to wrap around me at least three times, but somehow, is still not big enough to... read more

Nov 18, 2008 Posted by Mel

Mushy Food, Crappy Movies, and Jane Eyre

Since I’m probably going to have a sore throat for a few days, I’ve made my list of mushy food requests, along with junk food movies to help me during my recovery. My food list: reduced-fat macaroni & cheese chicken soup with stars Chef Boyardee canned ravioli (I know! So gross, so good.) butternut squash soup Mexican lentil soup chocolate peanut butter ice cream chocolate pudding My... read more

Nov 17, 2008 Posted by Mel

I Was Gonna Say "Yay!"…

… but instead, I’ll say “meh.” According to news reports, “meh” is officially a word. We should rejoice… except that I think this particular addition to the lexicon requires us to shrug our shoulders in a fashion that conveys almost caring. “Meh,” a word which indicates a lack of interest or enthusiasm, became the latest addition to the Collins English... read more

Nov 17, 2008 Posted by Mel

Monday Bootcamp & Thyroid Surgery Fun Facts

Bootcamp was awesome this morning, but I continue to be distracted by thoughts of my surgery on Wednesday. Intellectually, I know there’s no cause for alarm; this is just a small bump in the road. But emotionally, I want to be under a snuggly blanket with my Teddy, a seriously bedraggled stuffed panda my dad gave me on my first Christmas. Monday Bootcamp 4 rounds jump rope, 1 minute 50 Russian... read more

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Reading right now...

The Redbreast: A Harry Hole Novel
I'm about two-thirds of the way through this detective thriller, and I'm hooked. It's set in modern Norway with flashbacks to WWII (catnip for me!) and features a somewhat grim hero that engenders empathy. I can't help pulling for the guy as I watch him struggle with his case and his life. The cast of characters is a realistic but motley crew, and it reminds me of other favorites set in cold, snowy climes: the Millenium Trilogy and Smila's Sense of Snow.
Recently finished...

The Lost: A Search for Six of Six Million
I picked up this book after reading an interview with Lee Child (author of the Jack Reacher thrillers). He referred to The Lost as "the book of the century" and since I devour as much as I can about the Holocaust to try to make sense of it all, I decided I needed to read it immediately. Part memoir, part detective tale, this book was thoroughly engrossing. It's intelligent, annoying, moving, frustrating, and ultimately, rewarding and beautifully written. It challenged me in ways I didn't expect, and I was sad when it was finished.