Much better today

The vertigo seems to have resulted from a perfect storm of hormones and allergies. God, I hate it. It's my tiny window into the world of folks with more serious chronic issues, like migraines: I lie on the bed, in the dark, with a cold washcloth over my eyes, crying and feeling stupid. There's something so utterly overwhelming about not being able to move one's head without crying.

And I feel so foolish. How would I ever handle a really serious problem? I think of my mother, who dealt with problems like arthritis and post-polio syndrome, then cancer, and more cancer. I know she was miserable, especially those last few years, but she would still manage to pull herself together to work in the garden or hang with her grandkids. I guess my lying on the bed for two hours is akin to her sitting in her chair, cursing the gods.

So, I'm on heavy allergy/sinus meds and ibuprofeno. Managed to get out to Starbucks for some study time, followed by shopping for khakis (success: fabulous linen trousers from Eddie Bauer at a reasonable price), and grocery shopping. We're attending a party at the Brooklyn home of some friends on Saturday, and one is supposed to bring food that reflects one's cultural heritage. As a fourth- or fifth-generation Scandinavian-American, I suggested I might bring some Jello Salad, or maybe a casserole heavy with whitening agents (e.g., cream of mushroom soup). Or, I could draw on the Lesbian-American culture (which, like the Lutherans, honors Potluck as a sacrament) and bring a tofu-based dish. Since we'll be traveling to their house via subway, I settled on some Scandie cheeses, smoked salmon, and Ry-Krisp.

Speaking of favorite foods: May I recommend Planters new "heart healthy / NUTrition" mix? Peanuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans, and hazelnuts. An excellent protein booster.