Cheesecake, vulvas, arthritis

I really think I need to describe some particular design elements of The Cheesecake Factory before I can move on to other topics. The Factory is a cavernous eatery (more than just cheesecake!) done up in a florid art-deco style. A unique feature of each of the many wooden booths is a very tall pedestal-style lighting fixture in the unmistakeable shape of a vulva. It wasn't "just me" - everyone noticed that we were surrounded by vulvas. It made for an unusual dining experience.

If you'd like a first-hand look at the aforementioned vulvas, check out the 360˚ tour of a typical The Cheesecake Factory. (Click on the link to the left on their "About Us" page.)

I must add that I really don't like the word "vulva." Not only is it too close to "Volvo," but there is something disturbing about the way it sticks in the back of the throat in the American English pronunciation - like a tongue depressor. Perhaps it would sound nicer in an Italian or Spanish accent, but I'd rather just say "special place" and leave it at that. And don't even get me started on "pudendum!"

Today I saw my N.P. and told her I think I've been suffering from a chronic, low grade sinus infection, to which she replied that I am "a very good diagnostician." (So I *do* know what I'm talking about, oh ye of little faith in my innate medical expertise.) She showed me my blood results and unfortunately everything is "normal," except for high sodium and low B-12 levels, which might explain the endless fatigue. Then I told her about the cluster of other problems I've been experiencing (hip discomfort, severe neuralgia, decreased ROM) and she thinks it might even be arthritis. So at 35, I have an arthritic hip, which means that I will probably need a total hip replacement by the time I'm 60.