Hello, fellow swimmers, and welcome to the Stress Pool!
You're probably wondering about the title of today's blog. I joined a service sorority when I was in college - nicest group of young women you'd ever want to meet, and we participated in a lot of service projects. Of course, we also liked to socialize. In the early part of being a member, I quickly learned that if one sister looked at you and asked, "Are you a turtle?", the appropriate response was "You bet your sweet a** I am!"
Now, I have no idea how it started, or what it meant, but DH thought that was the most amusing thing he's ever heard. Every so often he'll ask me the question, and of course, I provide the appropriate response.
But, am I?
Now that the hip is on it's way to better healing, it's time to look at all the other things that start going or wearing out once you've hit your sixties. I go see the breast specialist soon (no, I don't really think there's anything serious, but one wants to rule out the junk). The sonogram had shown dilated milk ducts. The question asked of me that day was, "Did you nurse?"
5 times. Yup, so who's surprised? Nobody.
Then, there is the blood test that my PCP wants me to have done for inflammation, which apparently is high. When the technician from the office called to ask some questions, it was before the hip surgery. "Do you have pain or swelling in your joints?"
"I have arthritis in my feet, knees, hips, back and hands, so yes, I have joint pain. But, no swelling," I told her. I needed a new hip, for crying out loud! I recently learned that you can get arthritis in your head - I'm sure that isn't too far off for me! So, they sent me a script to have some blood work done to check on the inflammation. The surgeon's PA said not to get it yet, because the surgery will mess with the numbers. Made sense to me. I decided to take a closer look at foods that reduce inflammation.
This is where turtles come into play.
Did you know that turtles love kale? Did you know that kale is an anti-inflammatory food? Do you know who despises kale? This girl, that's who. I once had some in a salad that someone had made - and it was really good! I asked her what the secret was.
"You have to massage it," she explained.
I would love a massage - but I'll be dog-gonned if I'm going to massage my leafy greens! However, spinach is on the list, and I do like spinach. In fact, I like most of the foods that are on the charts - except chick-peas, and I can't do seeds because of gastro issues. (aging isn't for sissies...)
The question remains: Am I a turtle?
Stop by the Stress Pool anytime. I'm also happy to report that the pool people will be here in the middle of May to open up the real pool, so feel free to stop by then, too! Bring your favorite beverage and a towel, and we can talk about anything that's on your mind - and yes, you can ask me the above question, to which I will automatically reply,
"You bet your sweet a** I am!" Just please, don't give me any kale!
