BIG news

While I know you are all salivating at the idea of poring through my 1200 pictures, I have not yet organized, uploaded or titled any of them, so you will have to wait a little longer. (Don't worry, I will get it done at the very latest before leaving for Peru on Aug 2. The thought of sorting through more than 2000 photos at once is daunting even for me.)

In the meantime, a warm and fuzzy bedtime story that will have special meaning for my fellow height-challenged peers.

Today I went to the doctor to get my immunization records, new prescriptions and pre-grad school check-up. You know, using up the nonrefundable $364.96 left in my Health Spending Account for frivolous non-emergencies.

The appointment proceeded normally - I removed my shoes, stepped on the standard jiggly height/weight machine, got weighed (weight was the same as it always is, leading me to believe that I should give up the whole working out thing)...

Now for the kicker.

I turned around and faced away from the extendable metal yardstick while the attendant took my height.

"Okay," she said, indicating I could step down. Then, quietly to herself, as she recorded my measurement, "5-4."

"UM - 5 foot 4? Are you serious??"

I HAVE GROWN AN ENTIRE INCH SINCE LAST YEAR. Someone should study me (and pay me accordingly) to uncover the secret to undergoing a second growth spurt. I just hope this puberty thing stops at increased height. I would hate to have to revert to wearing fake Doc Martens with shorts and oversized glasses again.