I had to go for my annual mammogram today. It's one of those extra-special treats that you get after you turn 40, like hot flashes and unsightly hairs that show up in the oddest places. There's nothing like standing topless and hugging a big, cold hunk of machinery that shoots out radiation while your boobs are being squashed into something resembling IHOP leftovers.
The very nice technician had to prod my unruly breast onto the plastic plate, all the while telling me to "lift your right arm up, take one step forward, square your shoulders, and then hold your breath." I did so without complaining, even though I was starting to wonder if this was a mammogram or the Hokey-Pokey we were doing here.
After my breast was firmly ensconced between the plastic plates, she stepped back and said, "If you don't mind my asking, weren't you in the newspaper last week?"
"Yes, that was me," I replied. I'm not sure how she recognized me, since in the photo in the paper I happened to be fully clothed. She asked me about MOMocrats (the subject of the article in the San Jose Mercury News) and whether we were all for Obama. I explained that we had all been for John Edwards, but now some supported Hillary and some supported Obama.
There's nothing like a political discussion and a mammogram to really make your day.
Speaking of mammograms, click here to go to a site that gives free mammograms to women who can't otherwise afford them. Consider this a reminder to schedule yours, too.
