Yeah…you know what time it is!!!!
Ten Random Facts About Moi
I have foolishly decided to take the 30 Day Blog Challenge. So here goes it….
I have a penny-sized circular scar on the bottom of my right foot and I don’t think any man with whom I’ve ever been intimate has ever noticed. But why would they, right? 
I have a fleshy mole on my belly button.
I don’t have a college degree and that bothers me.
I think the Feminist movement may have done more harm than good for women – Black women in particular.
I don’t believe God exists in the form or manner in which I was raised and taught to believe.
I love the fact that I have re-discovered my inner “lone wolf”.
I lost my virginity at 19 years old but didn’t experience my first orgasm until age 31.
I prefer working with men. Less drama.
I’m afraid of heights but I’m planning on sky diving this summer.
I tried out for the Atlanta Hawks dance squad when I was 28 years old to get past my shyness.
NO GIRLS ALLOWED! Ladies, Have A Seat
Estrogen Free Zone
When IBM appointed Virginia M. Rometty as the CEO last year, none of us gave any thought about the Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club. But here we are at the end of the tourney and the media, feminists groups and the general public are anxiously waiting. Waiting to see if The Masters will depart from its long standing tradition of a men’s only membership and extend and invitation to Rometty.
The Master’s also has a long standing tradition of offering memberships to the CEOs of its sponsoring companies. Billy Payne, the golf club chairman, firmly refused to answer questions regarding the topic during last Wednesday’s press conference.
This had women’s groups and feminists salivating and hoping to get their Jimmy Choo clad feet in the door, publicly proclaiming it’s time to be let in the “good ol’ boys” club.
To which I say…Have a Seat girlfriends!
First, a question. Why are “some” women clamoring and fighting to gain entry to a place where they are not wanted? Seriously, why?
For those would argue it is the last bastion of the good old boy network that women have yet to infiltrate, I would agree, it is one of the last. But as the saying goes, “everything ain’t for everybody“. Let me clue you in on something…being a woman does not entitle you to anything just because you are a woman. (I include myself in that also.) Let the men have some peace of mind…their own place of solitude where they can gather and do shit that men do without worrying about offending your “delicate constitution”.
If you present the argument that their men only membership policy is discriminatory and infringes on your civil rights, again, I say NO it DOES NOT. Barring women from a private club does not inhibit your access to employment, housing, voting rights, education, nor access to PUBLIC facilities. (See the legal definition for discrimination HERE.) The Augusta National Golf Club is a PRIVATE club ladies. PRIVATE!
We have our women’s only organizations. Why isn’t this enough? There’s the Junior League, Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Woman Suffrage Association, Girl Scouts, Brownies, numerous sororities, fitness clubs tailored for women, and of course, lesbians. As far as I know men aren’t banging down doors and demanding membership into these groups, well with the exception of lesbians. I don’t know of one red blooded man that doesn’t want in on some G.O.G. action. But I digress.
Remember how the little neighborhood boys formed their own clubs in tree houses, abandoned sheds, and dark dingy basements where they loudly and fiercely proclaimed “NO GIRLS ALLOWED!”? Same concept, except we’re all adults now.
So put on your big girl panties, take off those pumps, and sit all the way down….cause I know those shoes are killing your corns!
Why Thailand? Why Not…?
Paradise
Edema. My feet were looking like loafs of bread and my toes like sausage links. That’s what 23 hours on three different planes got me. But, those 23 hours also got me to one of the most beautiful locations in the world, Phuket, Thailand.
If you ever consider traveling to Asia, fly Korean Air. I think they invented customer service!! Even in economy class the service is excellent. They offer hot food service with real silverware…none of that plastic dinnerware found on US carriers. Parents traveling with infants are offered bassinets which snap onto the wall of the cabin, usually in the exit row. Their attention to detail is impeccable.
We were originally scheduled to catch a connecting flight in Seoul, Korea to Phuket but due to the solar flare storms, we were diverted to Bangkok from Seoul for an overnight stay in a hotel in the Suvarnabhumi Airport. The hotel’s accommodations were in true Asian minimalist style – small bathroom with only a shower and two twin beds for a double occupancy. Nothing luxurious about it but after 23 hours on a 2 planes, I had no complaints, plus the airline comped the room.
The next morning we flew Bangkok Air to Phuket which only took an hour, thankfully.
The JW Marriott Beach Club is EXCELLENT!! I can’t adequately describe the hotel because I’m typing this post using my Xoom tablet with a wireless keyboard. If you’re familiar you know the keyboard is small. Ugh!
So you might be asking, “Why Thailand?”, like a few others have. My response – “Why not?” It’s bad form to answer a question with a question, but in this case, I must.
You are given one life and it is your charge to live it to the fullest. Dare to think outside the box and open yourself to new possibilities. Seek out cultures and people that are different and unfamiliar to what you’re accustomed. Remove the shackles!!!!
When you do that, you will never as me “Why Thailand?” but instead ask yourself, “Why not Thailand?”
To Thine Own Breasts, Be True
The Mammogram
My yearly visits to the torture device, also known as the mammogram, started in 1998 when my right breast began to leak fluid due to a ruptured mammary duct.
That diagnosis cam by way of a general surgeon after visiting a “breast specialist” who, after administering a breast ultrasound told me “Oh, that’s normal.” Good thing I sought out a second opinion.
Never accept a doctor’s word at face value when you know in your heart of hearts that what he/she is saying does not ring true. Do not be afraid to seek out a second, or third, opinion. Be your own advocate!!
During a self breast exam in 2003, I discovered a lump. A mammogram, ultra sound, biopsy, and eventual lump removal revealed there was no cancer. All was good and the torture device visits continued.
Sitting in a meeting at work about 12 days ago (a Tuesday) my upper right arm grazed my breast when I reached for something on the conference room table. I winced from the pain and tenderness and my first thought was “What was that?”
Immediately after the meeting I called to schedule an appointment for a mammogram. (The yearly visit was last August.)
Thursday morning found me at the Cobb Women’s Imaging Center for a mammogram and a breast ultrasound.
There are no words to accurately describe the anxiety. I barely ate and had a headache that laughed at the Tylenol I ingested. Despite trying to remain positive the internal dialogue could not be quieted.
What if it is cancer? How will we decide to treat it? Is it early enough that I won’t lose my breast? Chemotherapy? I’ll lose my hair!! Just when I decided to let it grow out again. I rocked a natural look surely I could rock the bald look too. If it is cancer, they’ll just have to remove the lump ASAP and I will start chemo after I return from Thailand in March.
Then there was the Monday afternoon appointment with the surgeon.
Tuesday -Hit auto-replay and shuffle on internal dialogue.
Wednesday morning – an ultrasound guided needle biopsy.
Thursday – Hit auto-replay and shuffle on internal dialogue.
The call came from the doctor’s office on Friday. It is not cancer.
OH HAPPY DAY!
I am forever grateful to the universe and will continue my monthly breast exams and my annual mammogram. If you’re a woman over 40, you should do the same.
If you’re a woman under 40, or a man (YES. MEN, you can get breast cancer too!), self breast exams are a must. Learn to do them correctly!
Visit the following links for more information on mammograms and self breast exams for men and women!
Here’s to happy healthy breasts!!!
