X (Doesn't) Mark the Spot

Got home just a short while ago from electrolysis. While I attempt to reduce the swelling up around my eyes (hoo boy, do the little whiskers in that area put up a fight!), I thought I would share a light moment from the session.


My regular electrologist, M, underwent surgery several weeks ago (and is doing very well - please send good vibes her way!).

While discussing M's convalescence, J and I remarked on how the Boston area is renowned for its world-class hospitals and facilities - and quite rightly so.

That does not mean, however, that the occasional error doesn't take place.


I reminded J of George Carlin's famous joke about surgeons: "Somewhere out there is the world's worst surgeon - and someone has an appointment with them tomorrow morning!"

I went on to tell her about some fairly routine surgery on my right foot that I underwent six or seven years ago in Seattle. It was in-patient surgery, although it would require me to be in a cast and on crutches for what turned out to be nearly two months.

After numbing the foot and giving me something to help with the pain, I lay back on the table, idly staring at the ceiling as we waited for the anesthetic to take effect.

Suddenly I felt a slight pressure on my right foot. I looked up to see a nurse capping a marker.

I asked her what it was for.

"Oh, we put an X on the proper foot - so we're sure we're operating on the right one."

J laughed when I joked that I wasn't sure if that was reassuring, terrifying, or both.

After a moment, another thought occurred to me.

"All I can say is that if anyone comes up to me with a Magic Marker before I go in for *my* surgery, I am SO out of there!"

We had to stop for several minutes because we were both laughing so hard!

***

A few theme-appropriate tunes - all in keeping with the high standards of decorum and class with which this blog has come to be known.

Or not. ;c)

First up, an early classic from Genesis from WAY back, when Peter Gabriel was their frontman:

Next up: Bryan Adams. His records still hold up quite well (imho):

And finally, Rod Stewart more than does justice to a gem from Cat Stevens:

Say what you will about the ease with which Rod chose to squander his colossal gifts; the man was one of the best interpretive singers in rock history.

(While it doesn't fit the otherwise light-hearted tone of this post, I would be remiss if I didn't share his remarkable cover of Robbie Robertson's deeply moving "Broken Arrow":

The meaning of these lyrics eluded me for years. When I finally realized what it was about, I was even more in awe of Robbie Robertson's masterful songwriting.