My first mammo was very uncomfortble, but there was no actual pain. Some of the discomfort was embarrassment at a perceived ridiculous predicament. Shortly thereafter I changed practicioners, resulting in a change of imaging labs. The new place had greatly updated equipment, which made the process much less harrowing. The staff was compassionate and expert.

I had a scare, and was referred to a clinic with higher-res capabilities. A notch up in discomfort, with an equal notch up in deft and supportive staff. Six months between checks now, and the staff and equipment at my new local imaging center is what I've come to expect as standard in equipment and adeptness of staff. The doctor with whom I discussed my pics in a room lit only by the light panel was empathetic and listened to me, rather than dictating procedures.

The first mammo can be intimidating, but you can expect a high standard of expertise and of compassionate treatment. After that, really, it's just maintenance, and the knowledge that if there should be a problem, it'll be caught early. Don't neglect it out of fear. Honestly? I'd rather book a mammo than a hair appointment. Less time holdng still at someone else's mercy, less stinky, and no itchy cut hair down my nape for the rest of the day.

Ok, but what about pap smears?

Thanks, Sophia. I found one on Craigslist for $10. About the max I'd be willing to pay. I just have so many VHS tapes I'm not quite willing to trash.

Went into Harris Teeter late last night to get some cream for my coffee this morning. As I walked past the meat case, I saw that whole chickens were 59 cents a pound. I couldn't resist. I was going to put it in the crock pot, but my crock pot is too small. I keep meaning to buy a bigger one. Anyhoo, switched to the Le Creuset and my chicken is now simmering away with celery, carrots, onions, ginger (it was in the back of the fridge), garlic, thyme, lemon, and bay leaves. And a splash of white wine.

Vortex, do you keep fresh Ginger and all of the other ingredients on hand? How do you store them to maintain freshness? I need to have more on hand but am afraid it will all go stale before I can use it.

You know, I didn't have a hangover when I first woke up.

I miss that.

It is a birthday gift with purchase. Some of them are clunkers.

Happy Belated Birthday!!! Wish I could have been there with ya.

Actually, that's why the ginger is in the chicken. I bought it and didn't use it all and forgot about it. It was just sitting in the fridge looking dried out, so I peeled it and threw it into the chicken, I couldn't use it for anything else.

Ginger freezes well. I tend to cut it into inch long pieces and put it in the freezer and use them as needed.

I pretty much always always have onions, celery, garlic and carrots on hand (I tend to buy big bags of the baby carrots, good for cooking and snacking).

Happy birthday, erika!

It's a GRONKtastic morning. Yesterday's long ill-advised walk is definitely showing on my body. I'd like nothing better than to sleep in but I have an Artist's Way mtg in an hour.

Ginger freezes well. I tend to cut it into inch long pieces and put it in the freezer and use them as needed.

Yup, I keep my ginger in the freezer, where it's quite happy. Also, frozen ginger is pretty easy to grate.

Perkins, I'm glad you are hangover-free. I was sufficiently cranky when I woke up that I didn't run, which made the dog cranky, but I'm feeling fine now.