I missed day two of the writing challenge.
Day Two.
I was temporarily side-lined by a generous serving of buffalo chicken dip…my favorite buffalo chicken dip…the dish I make and take to every tailgate…the dish I serve whenever an appetizer is on the menu…my beloved buffalo chicken dip.
Back in January of 2023, I experienced a dull ache in the center of my chest accompanied by extreme nausea. I thought I was having a heart attack. Instead, a trip to the emergency room ruled out heart trouble but confirmed a gallbladder filled with stones. Because several of my friends had shared their gallstone stories, I assumed I’d be whisked off to surgery. The attending physician determined that, since my labs looked okay, I could just follow a lower fat diet. She said the stones may never “act up” again; but if they did, then it would be time to remove them.
Well, they acted up again…March 2nd, 2026, at 2:30 AM. Three years of avoiding pizza, burgers, and other delicious fatty foods, and buffalo chicken dip stirred up the stones. While I had cut back on greasy dishes since my first attack, spicy foods had never bothered me. I’m sure I’ve eaten that buffalo chicken dip at least sixty times over the past three years! I guess my gall bladder finally said, “Enough is enough.”
By 4:30 AM, I knew something was not quite right. No amount of shifting or stirring in bed eased the pain at the top of my stomach. At 4:30, the dog and I crept from the bedroom, trying not to wake my husband. Maybe sitting up would help. Nope. Sitting up was not at all helpful. I decided to do a couple loads of laundry (which shows I was not in my right mind). Walking, lifting, and folding felt better than sitting; but the pain was persistent. By 6:45 AM, my husband was heading out to work, and I mentioned that I was experiencing some stomach pain and that the pain was shifting into my back.
Concerned, but also noting that I was doing laundry before 7 AM, he said he hoped I felt better and to call and let him know if I needed anything.
I tried a hot bath and made the mistake of washing my hair. By the time I got out of the tub, I was in too much pain to use the blowdryer. I quickly wrestled my wet, tangled hair into a (very) messy bun while making a phone call to my primary care physician. Sophie, the AI receptionist, said she could “help with that” and informed me that the earliest appointment was March 3rd. I knew that wouldn’t do, but Sophie was impossible to convince. I accepted the appointment; then I grabbed my purse, phone, and Kindle, and drove myself to urgent care.
The human receptionist at urgent care took one look at me and bumped me ahead of all the other patients. The urgent care nurse and doctor were, well, urgent. They sent me straight to the emergency room.
Several tests and labs later, the stones were confirmed; but emergency surgery still was not required. Instead, I was admitted to the hospital overnight where they helped manage pain until the gallstone attack had passed. I have an appointment with the surgeon later this month; but until then, no buffalo chicken dip for me!
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Lori, this is such a delightful relationship you have with Amy. How special! And thanks for the book recommendations on…
What a great friendship. Buddy reading is so great because it gives the readers a chance to share and compare.…
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I love how this ends. So true! This reminds me I need to call one of my long time friends…
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I really enjoyed our antiquing trip, and I was so grateful to my friend for planning it.
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I just read your dog story, but as an affirmed cat lover, I had to circle back for this story.…
Thanks, Trish! My Dad always had a soft spot for strays.
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Ha! Love Luna-tic! Cats make excellent main characters.
So true! Wouldn’t it be fun to read their minds for a day?
Thanks, Trish! Cats have so much personality. We always had a feisty cat around the house when I was growing…
Thanks, Denise! Tiny was quite a cat.
I hope Tiny lived happily ever after on that farm! Thank you!
Loved this small moment! Maybe tiny got over his denim obsession and settled in happily to farm life.
Lori, this is so fun. I’m sorry you had to say goodbye to Tiny when you were young, but what…
I am happy to read this on a morning when the younger of our two cats once again completely toppled…
So funny—and apt “Luna-tic!”
I am so glad Tiny found a good home. As someone who has several cats, I think I can safely…
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Lori, I rolled my eyes when I read your husband’s comment about not putting miles on his car, nut Jeeps…
What a fun post. Love the contrast of your cautious protection of Cozy and “Nah,” my husband said. “She loves…
Love your car names and your descriptions of your old friend, Curvy. I’m sure Cozy will be a true companion…
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Sounds like Cozy enjoyed her taste of adventure and is looking forward to her next trip. Sometimes we all just…
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Thank you! I appreciate your comments. My husband just retired (June 30th). As an elementary principal with more than 30…
Thank you, Trish! We’re vacationing at our favorite beach; so waves were on my mind. My husband and I have…
Thanks! I enjoyed thinking about many different waves as I watched the ocean waves from the cozy chair on the…
Thank you! Sending a virtual wave of appreciation!
Thanks, Sharon! I knew I wanted to write about waves since I’m back at the beach for the first time…
Thanks, Denise! I haven’t been nauseated since that nasty gallbladder was removed in March!
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Such a powerful post about multiple meanings! This would be fun to use as a model text in schools!
I love this play on words Beautiful!
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