This week’s B&B is late for reasons I will share below. If you’re new to my Substack, the back story on Friday Bitch & Brag is here. Let’s circle up, kids!
Bitch: I finally decided it was time to go back on meds for my depression & anxiety, and on Monday night I started Effexor. The side effects of insomnia, drowsiness, nausea and fatigue hit me hard this week, making it difficult to accomplish much of anything, including write for my Substack. Today (Saturday) is the first day I feel okay.
Brag: I’m proud of myself for talking honestly with my doctor and other people in my life about my mental health struggles and my need to go back on meds. I appreciate their support so, so much.
Bitch: On Monday I found out about the death of someone else I know, a former neighbor who was in her early 50s. We weren’t close but she was one of the better neighbors I had while living in Baltimore, and she was kind and generous with a mutual friend.
Brag: Pops picked up some Bon Bon Bon chocolates for me while he was in Michigan and I am slowly enjoying them. My friend Wyatt* introduced me to this woman-owned company almost 5 years ago and they are phenomenal, with creative flavor combinations and fun branding. Every time I’m in Michigan I make a point of visiting one of their shops.
Bitch: On Friday I got my annual mammogram and while I am a firm believer in preventative medicine and screenings, I cannot get over how ridiculous these machines are. What misogynist decided it was a great idea to have women stick their boobs on a cold surface and then smash their boob in order to take a picture? As my cousin said years ago, “It gives new meaning to the phrase ‘get your tit in a ringer.’”
Brag: I adore the radiologist who administers the mammogram. She is kind, friendly and funny, and we always manage to have a lovely conversation about everything from chocolate to family matters to haircare.