Two Canes and A Trailor

Sometimes patients say things that are ridiculous. Sometimes patients say things that make absolutely no sense at all. Then there are those times that patients say something that is undeniably profound. This is one of those times.

I have come to learn that this husband and wife were both blue collar workers who had the misfortune of being injured in serious work-related accidents. Both are now disabled and they come to Lipstick Pharmacy frequently.

I didn't know for a long time that they were husband and wife because their appointments are never on the same day. It's taken a while to know them, but now that I do, I like them. I find them both intriguing and interesting and in some way, I empathize.

This week I benignly asked Mr. Cotton Shirt, "How's your wife doing?" I know them well enough that he told me. Honestly. "She ain't doin' no good." He told me about the permanence of her injuries, her previous vitality, and how great she was at her job. Before.

Then he told me about their life before their accidents. Six acres, horses, and a two hundred and fifty thousand dollar house [note: that would be giant and fabulous in the country a few years ago].

"It was a poor man's dream." Whoa. That statement instantly became embedded in my mind. "Now we live in a trailer on one acre." I feel instant remorse for any mobile home joke that has made me laugh.

A poor man's dream...the sort of dream that depended a great deal on maintaining excellent physical health. That is, the upkeep of horses and land, but why a "poor man?" How does a "rich man" dream differently? Maybe social status, different types of possessions, entirely different cars, acquiring art instead of horses perhaps.

I have not stopped thinking about this statement since I heard it. Two of the most interesting offerings I've ever read on the subject are Class by Paul Fussell and Class Matters by the New York Times.

I also can't stop thinking about how they are still married...still together through all of the stress of injuries, surgeries, and losing their possessions. Whoa. I haven't gotten that out of my head either. Actually that memory probably needs to stay there forever.

Da Booty Giggle-Licious

JBB, Pretty Girl, and I are addicted to Centric TV. We could just hug the execs of BET J and VH1 Soul. Now in case you are wondering...well, why, since we don't exactly fit their self-defined target audience. Let me reintroduce you to Hannibal, Face, Murdock, and B.A.

Multiple episodes. Every day. It is absolutely fabulous. Pretty Girl loves Murdock and JBB can totally imitate B.A. I can't get enough of Face. Time for a reminder, y'all.

Isn't he pretty? Sadly Dirk Benedict did not age as well as George Peppard. I think the warning is probably, "wear sunscreen."

Now as is common with any brand new network there are some rather, er...humorous commercials. You can learn a lot about the Shake Weight by watching Centric.

In fact, you will see it so often that you may be tempted to purchase it. (By the way, I tried it a couple of weeks ago at the sporting goods store when we bought JBB's cleats for flag football...it is is oddly very annoying).

But by far the most hysterically ridiculous B-rated commercial is for the Booty Pop.

Apparently this product is popular (and not new...it was introduced in 2008. I am late to this laughter). Even Kelly Ripa likes it.

Has the Booty Pop garnered a glowing review in Women's Wear Daily? Hmmm, I'm not sure about that, although they mentioned it back in 2008. This product is now so profitable that it is sold in Walgreen's and Target. Frederick's of Hollywood and Victoria's Secret even have their own versions. The creators must be very happy. I am quite sure that they just love it when a plan comes together.*




*Hannibal's phrase at the end of a lot of A-Team episodes for the uninitiated...now my goodness, go watch you some A-Team