God, I hated going to these things. I didn't realize that the unwrapping and passing around of gifts was a southern thing though. I thought all showers were conducted this way. So freaking boring.

Despite all your rage?

Thank you for so elegantly expressing my own feelings about this matter.

If you're a dork, you’re an interesting and knowledgeable dork. I appreciate that combination.

I had a tear or two in my eye thinking about you making preparations for your dog. You sound like a good person, and I'm glad you were able to quit.

“Secretariat is moving like a tremendous machine,” indeed. Watching this always gives me full-body chills. Thanks for posting!

When I moved to Colorado from New Orleans, cold-brewed iced coffee and real Cajun food were the only things I really missed on a daily basis.

I live in CO too; moved here from New Orleans. I loathed the 10+ months of heat and humidity each year back home. Colorado heat is bearable when there’s shade and air moving around. Now I only have to dread the 85+ degree days when I have to be in the full-on sun. But on those days I feel like I’m walking through…

Wellbutrin (generic: buproprion).

Thanks for this!

I’m really glad you are doing well now. When I look back, I’m not quite sure how I lived or functioned for so long while losing so much blood. I’m doing much better now too and have zero regrets about the hysterectomy. I had to go to a couple of doctors in order to find one one willing to do the surgery because a few…

A cunt sump pump!

You poor thing! That type of bleeding almost killed me and led me to getting a hysterectomy. I was so anemic from all the bleeding and clotting that I could not get up from my desk at work without nearly blacking out. I was clotting so much that I thought all my organs were disintegrating and falling out. Pads and…

I had fibroids & bled so much that I needed a blood transfusion. Be insistent that your GYN understands how much you’re bleeding and ask them to check for anemia. If I hadn't requested that they check me for anemia, I probably would have passed out cold or worse.

Your story is very much like mine (horrible, huge fibroids & bleeding to the point of needing a transfusion). I ❤️ my hysterectomy!

This sounds weird but I've found that playing soft music in the background can be helpful. Running the vacuum used to help me get my nephews to sleep, as did putting them in their car seat and taking a short drive (assuming that those things are an option for you). Good luck!

I have social anxiety too and have found that going to a coffee shop with a book or magazine allows me to be around people while having the option of either concentrating on my reading, or making small talk if someone expresses interest. I have a friend who also has anxiety issues and she does the same thing but…

I don't think you imposed on those people; they were doing their jobs. I hope they treated you professionally and with the respect you deserve. I hope you are OK; please consider getting yourself checked out medically. Maybe consider reporting their behavior if you think you were drugged; you could call a hotline in…

Do you think you can do Tai Chi?

Is there anyone you trust/feel safe enough with who might be able to go with you to your appointment? I had a similar experience (post-rape but not as a child) a long time ago, and my best friend went with me. They helped explain my fear to the doctor, who was very careful and respectful of my anxiety during the…