I went to the doctor yesterday for my shots and stuff for school. Mrs. Maus was on the phone when 3:00 rolled around (which is when I normally stop working). Usually, I'll wait for her call to end before I make my exit, but I had to get going yesterday. My dad had to drive me (
so not ready for highways yet), and I didn't want to be late meeting him at home. I met him one street up from the house, though. He insisted on giving me a ride to the house. I would have been fine walking. Even though I have Mindy back, I still walk to work. Gas is too expensive right now to waste it on such a short trip. I've been walking all summer. Except for that one time I forgot my umbrella and had to use my lunch bag as a shield, it's fine. I kind of like walking. It gives me a chance to think.
Anyway, after taking my vitals, they sent me down for the visual acuity test. Since I'm not eighteen yet (only until the 30th, though!), I still have to go to pediatrics. Speaking to the little boy before me, the doctor asked, "What's the lowest line you can read? Can you read it? Do you know your ABC's?" I felt so
old. I think I did well on the test, though. I should have; I was still wearing my glasses.
Then, they sent me to immunizations. I was confused, because my memory and my dad were almost certain that they didn't do immunizations without a shot record. (I mentioned this to Greg, and he seemed confused. So, for non-military brats -- which is, like, everyone except Andra and maybe Mykella -- a shot record just lists all the immunizations you've had over your lifetime. All official and whatnot.) Apparently, they do. My arm hurt all evening from the meningitis vaccine. I had to get a TB test, too. That worries me right now. I'm supposed to go get it checked tomorrow. The tech told me not to irritate the injection site or put lotion on it, and I didn't. So why is my arm totally bruised there? I don't know how I'd get tuberculosis. Maybe my skin's just sensitive. The creepy part: the TB test bruise is in the same place on my left arm where I have a bug bite scar on my right, like they're twins.
I've never been big on alternative health. My children (if and when I have any) will be fully vaccinated. I plan to send them to public school, so they have to be. I don't see why people have such objections. On the flip side, I totally buy into everything I've been reading on music therapy. Music helps with autistic children, mothers in labor, and as I found out today, eating disorders. I would never have considered that last one, but eating disorders are psychological, so it makes sense. I mentioned the concept of music as an alternative to epidurals in childbirth, and he laughed at me. Just like when I pointed out my meningitis shot Band-Aid to my mom. Seriously, can I get a little sympathy?
