I can't believe it's not a democracy!

So I was thinking...

should we have a Lederhosen night if and when the indictment against Sarah Palin (and Todd?) is announced?  My gut says yes.  

Well, it was that time of the year again.

Went to get the (other) girls checked--ovaries last week, breasts this week--and everything is fabulous!  Throw in the eyes (also checked last week) and I'm done with doctors this year (except for that dental visit I have to schedule).  Anyhow, once again I am going to remind the women out there to schedule their annual mammogram (if they are 40 or over or have been told to do it before 40).  Note to the guys: I worked with a woman whose father got breast cancer, so if there is a family history of this or you have felt a lump, please go.  

I hate to drone about this, but I've heard about three women I know of who were diagnosed with breast cancer this year.  One of the women (she's an Ashkenazi jew) tested positive for one of the known markers for breast cancer.  Because of this, her doctor suggested a double mastectomy.  She's going to do reconstructive surgery (she is thin and fit, so she didn't have enough belly fat to have the reconstructive surgery during the mastectomy surgery) and is focusing on fighting and winning.  Since they caught her cancer really early, her doctors say she has a 97% chance of living a normal life span.  Which is why early detection is best.  Please schedule your test now.  Thanks.  

Yes, it's the right thing to say, but if daughters were both straight I don't think he would have said it:

Cheney on gay marriage: 'Freedom for everyone.' Still, since he--with Rush Limbaugh--are the apparent leaders of the GOP, this should cause some waves. Interesting times.

The eyes and the ovaries are a-okay!

My employer now offers dedicated sick days and we can use them for doctors' visits.  So I decided to do a twofer today, with two of my favorite doctors.  Both are well-educated/trained, and, more importantly, the treat their patients with respect.  Long and short, the gynecologist visit went well.  No obvious issues.  Of course, we will have to wait for lab results, but I am feeling really good now that I have a new exercise regime.  Like over 100% good.  

After the girls had their inspection, it was off to the ophthalmologist.  The good news is that I had no change in my prescription this year.  Woo-hoo!  Yes, I know that that is the general rule for most folks, but I have a pronounced astigmatism in both eyes, so generally some part of my prescription changes each year.  But not this year, and that means no new lenses.  Still, my joy was momentarily squelched when I came home, reached for my computer glasses (the prescription is set for the midway distance that allows me to see the computer screen so clearly....it's like crack for the eyes) and the frame snapped.  Fortunately, I can jimmy-rig this pair until my new glasses are ready, but the thought of being without them made my heart skip.  Oh well, can't have everything. 

So, for the women who read this blog, if you haven't seen your gynecologist for your annual exam and pap smear, do it.  For the men who read this, well, I assume the boys could use an inspection as well.  Next week I have the mamogram/sonogram visit, and then that is it.  No more doctors' visits this year.  Now I just need to find a dentist who will give me an exam and cleaning and won't try to sell me shit I don't need.  Anyone know a good dentist in New York City who doesn't force patients to get a yearly set of x-rays?  [Note: I understand that some people may need yearly x-rays, but I won the genetic pool with my teeth (thanks, grandma!)--I don't have any cavities.  I'm the dental equivalent of the credit card holder who pays the balance every month (a deadbeat in the biz), so I find that some dentists try to push crap I don't need when all I want is a fucking exam.]   

It's May, the weather is finally getting really nice and we are looking at a long weekend.

Those are my excuses for not posting much this month.  And I will be posting even less for the next five days, because I am taking a couple of extra days off from work and having a really long, relaxing weekend.  Going down to south Jersey to see the family and friends.  My nephew told me that the strawberry patch my brother planted last year has exploded and the berries are turning bright red.  He tried a couple and said they are amazing.  I may have to find my favorite genoise recipe and make a lovely strawberry shortcake this weekend. 

Hope that you all have a wonderful and restful weekend.  

Will the Governator veto this again?

California Senate approves legislation designating Harvey Milk Day. And now the bill goes to the Assembly. Apparently an identical bill was passed last year, but Schwarzenegger vetoed it. Why would he change this year? I dunno. The GOP is cratering, the gays are pissed about Prop 8 and maybe he would like to leave the office on a good note rather than be remembered for being a complete douchebag. We shall see.

So I was this close to getting a photo of Sergei...

and then Haley, the best dog in the world, decided she wanted to play a round of "chase the cat around the house."  Next time, I promise.  I finally heard him meow, though.  And he was rubbing up against my ankles this morning.  Ok, he was hungry and I have opposable thumbs.  Still, it was a start.  Hope you all had a lovely weekend.   

I'm outta here tomorrow evening.

Just doing a family visit.  My first cousin's kids are a) having a birthday and b) having a first communion.  I'll be attending the reception that follows.  Naturally.  Hope you all have a relaxing, disease-free weekend.  

I'm back.

Yes, I forgot to take pictures of Sergei.  He's a bit more interactive now.  I can hold him and he loves to play with yarn.  But he still sleeps a million hours a day.  Good thing he is a handsome kitten/cat...it helps.

And I gave my youngest niece her birthday present.  She wanted a sewing kit, but the pre-packaged stuff use third-rate materials.  So I went to a place called City Quilter (in Chelsea, no less) and a very helpful woman there helped me put together a kit she could use to make her own stuffed animals out of socks and gloves.  Let's just say it was a big hit.  She already made a stuffed dog out of a pair of gloves I bought from a street vendor for her sister, who was into it as well.  I like getting the kids gifts that teach them something.  This one was right on the mark.  So, if you are in the city and need to get a crafty gift, I'd give City Quilter a go (you can order online too).  I'll be back.

 

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.  Now I prepare myself for a return to the salt mines.  Sigh.

I'm out of here until Monday.

I'm not celebrating the weekend, but I wouldn't say no to a chocolate bunny.  I will be joining my family for a lovely dinner sunday night that might feature some homemade eggplant parmagiana.  Mmmm, eggplant parmagiana.  

Hope you have a lovely weekend.