Friday, October 8, 2010

Friday Five

1. I wore my Big Girl Panties all week.

I am terrified of needles. My imagination just goes too far when I think about the needle puncturing my skin, piercing through the different layers and densities if tissue and into my skinny vein. I am convinced that there is weird suctioning going on when in fact, it is just the force of my heartbeat pushing blood into the tube, but still. Skinny, weird suctioning of a needle in my vein! What if it sucks up the other side of my vein INTO the needle?!?!?

I am not kidding. I missed my calling as an artist for X-Files or one of the many CSI shows.

On Tuesday, I got my flu shot, all by myself. I am less worried about suctioning with shots than I am about the whole piercing thing and fluids being forced into muscle tissue. Dear God.

Usually, I am embarrassed to admit, my co-workers escort my wussy ass to make sure I do not chicken out and hide in a hallway. This year, everyone was out of the office when shots were being offered, so I went by myself. I did not even freak out! I know! My heart did not race! It is like I am a grown up woman who can slap away irrational fears or something.

Then, yesterday, I got my blood drawn for a blood chem test. And I only broke out into a small sweat! My heart did not really race. I did not hyperventilate or pass out. And unlike the last time I had my blood drawn, I did not lose my hearing in my left ear as my system went into Super Anxiety Mode. Amazing! A co-worker did go with me and we got our blood drawn at the same time. She told everyone how proud she was of me. I am so ridiculous.

I have always hated needles. I passed out when I got my MMR shot for college. I cried for days when I got, what -- five stitches, when I had two small moles removed. I was a fucking mess during the procedure, and cried for about three days everytime I thought about the stitches. They were at my waist, and I was certain my skin would stretch and then pull the stitches out and ohmygodIamgoingtobarfrightnow.

Maybe I need to amend that sentence up there? Maybe I used to be terrified of needles, but now I just have the normal dislike of being poked and prodded. Huh. I mean, I did pretty damn good when I got my eyebrow stitched up a few months ago, and I never once freaked out about the stitches while they were in.

I think I need to go shopping for a new size of Crazy Pants!

2. I had my annual wellness physical a week or so ago. The PA gave me three recommendations/reminders:

a. Exercise. Exercise. Exercise.
b. Keep wearing my seat belt all the time.
c. Wear a helmet in the shower.

3. A.’s hunting partner called last night and had to cancel this weekend’s hunt. A. is really bummed out. I am bummed because that means he really will have to go hunting next weekend, the last weekend of the season, and can’t join me in Portland for my friend’s wedding. I know quite a few people going to the wedding, and I actually enjoy running around a new city, exploring it on my own. But, still. It would be nice to have A. there. A. has not met any of these friends, and I feel like something is missing. The groom and another couple of guys at the wedding were a big part of my life in college, and I’d like them all to know each other.

4. I am going to read fun books, have drinks with a friend, and knit this weekend. All of this “having a life” sort of stuff is going to come to a screeching halt once I meet with my “Adviser” next Tuesday to discuss the next steps in the completion of The Thesis.

I am pretty fucking grumpy about this. Especially because it coincides with the baseball playoffs. This is yet another reason why I handed it in in August! I wouldn’t have minded missing the Rockies tank.

5. I think I am also going to bake some bread and try my hand at apple pie. It has been in the 70s and 80s for the past two weeks, and I loved it. However, Autumn arrived today and I will try to make the best of the chill in the air.

What are you doing to welcome/make peace with Fall?

Happy Friday to you!

5 comments:

  1. You'll have fun poking around Portland on your own. I could really go for a weekend like that right now.

    It's our Thanksgiving this weekend, so there will be lots of turkey and pumpkin pie about. For the big family celebration on Monday I'm in charge of mashed potatoes (for 30!) and cupcakes. The cupcakes will be a breeze, but I'm terrified about the potatoes!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am very proud of you for doing so well, and also really shocked at how thoroughly you think about the mechanics of a blood draw. I get my blood drawn ALL THE TIME (damn pregnancy + thyroid), and I have never once thought about what exactly causes the blood to flow into the tube. And I think I'm better off that way.

    Excuse me, however, while I try to figure out how on EARTH a helmet in the shower would work. I mean... how would you wash your hair?

    ReplyDelete
  3. I always wear a helmet in the shower, myself. It makes washing my hair a challenge, but then I always tell myself, Safety First!

    Rock that "having a life" stuff (and remember, the thesis is temporary).

    ReplyDelete
  4. I probably should wear a helmet in the shower since I'm so accident prone, but yeah, like Jess said...how would you wash your hair?

    Good for you for getting your shot all by yourself! It's important to conquer fears at any stage in life.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Artemisia, I too wear a helmet in the shower. BTW i have bookmarked your site, hope you submit it for free in this website to increase visitor.have a nice day & Happy Blogging!!!

    ReplyDelete

Sorry for the word verification. Spambots have found this little blog!