Thoughts on a Flat Back
Jun
16
Since my back’s been bad, I’ve spent a lot of time alone. Alone with my bed. Alone with my thoughts. Alone with my current choice of natural deodorant. I’ve sworn off aluminum in an attempt to detox my body and help prevent dementia, Alzheimer’s and that pesky beeping sound at the airport metal detectors.
But I have to ask myself, “Would I rather live a life that ends in a slow and depressing degradation of my mind and memory or would I prefer to live a long full life where I forever remember perfectly how bad I always smelled?”
Filed under: all about me, poser in granolaville, scaring the neighbors
sarah k. Says:
A valid question, but unfortunately one for which I do not know the answer. I periodically swear off aluminum, only to be accosted with my own reekifying stench. But thanks to you and your previous deo post, I don’t have to sweat buckets in public (and private, when I’m hot or cold, or nervous…). So maybe its worth it to just feel like a normal part of society.
Maybe we should reserve a room at the loony bin, and be demented together.
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Posted on June 17th, 2008 at 4:10 am
Lori Says:
I hate those illnesses or injuries where you’re flat on your back, alone with your thoughts. The thoughts are good for a while, but after a day or even a couple of hours, it gets to be too much. Sending you happy thoughts for your back and quick recovery.
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Posted on June 17th, 2008 at 6:23 am
grammyelin Says:
Bummer! I hate having to choose between 2 bad choices. According to my most recent textbook, it’s called an avoidance/avoidance situation. And I suspect we need to “avoid” it.
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Posted on June 17th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Julie Q. Says:
Gosh. I hope your back returns soon. Too bad you already read all the S. Meyer books or you’d have something entertaining to keep your mind occupied.
I went to a whole “make your meals in advance and freeze them so you’re like the ultra-super-organized domestic goddess” seminar recently and at the end they said, Oh, and yeah, you can’t really store all these in your freezer because aluminum foil causes dementia. This is why we’re back to spaghetti and pizza every night.
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Posted on June 17th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Becky Says:
LOL, I think I would prefer to not be stinky, but that’s a tough one. I guess I figure I could get hit by a bus tomorrow & I really wouldn’t want to be remembered as the stinky one on the ambulance… Just like the good ole’ excuse that the ladies on the Titanic wished they had eaten dessert.
Becky
http://www.stinkylemsky.typepad.com/
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Posted on June 17th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Carrie Says:
Hope you feel better soon!
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Posted on June 17th, 2008 at 7:59 am
KD (A Bit Squirrelly) Says:
Get well soon!
That being said–I need new deodorant. Not so much the smell, but the sweating. I hate that.
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Posted on June 17th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Abby Says:
So sad that it takes serious personal injury to have some alone time.
I too am a natural deodorant user. I’m sot sure what your using, but toms of main apricot smells delightful, and it cuts through the bad onion smell.
Take your meds and come back soon,
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Posted on June 17th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Wendy Says:
oooo, deep thoughts. must be the silver lining, eh??
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Posted on June 17th, 2008 at 9:16 am
sweet mama entropy Says:
How can you make me laugh so hard without even being able to sit up?! Too funny.
At least you can contemplate your stink in private. While I was in the hospital last week recovering from surgery, a nurse came in and wouldn’t leave me alone until I accepted the whole personal hygiene gamut she pushed on me. What was she trying to say? I wonder.
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Posted on June 17th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
All Adither Says:
Yeah. I try to use Tom’s of Maine Lemongrass scent. But it just doesn’t work as well. I STANK. I keep going back to the hard stuff.
I hope your back heals soon!
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Posted on June 17th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Stephanie Says:
I want to smell nice. And not remember that I did.
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Posted on June 17th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
KYouell Says:
I’m not sure, but I think I have dementia now, so I’m sticking with the aluminum-laden Dove. Does liking the cucumber scent that you thought was atrocious prove it?
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Posted on June 18th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
KYouell Says:
I also click with the mouse to submit before I’m ready.
Seriously, we have had this discussion many times because there is Alzheimer’s in my husband’s family and because dementia is something The Biscuit is at risk for (yay to copy 3 of chromosome 21!). The last research I saw said that aluminum molecules are too large to enter the body when they are applied to the skin in deodorant, so we stopped “sweating” that one.
I fully realize that this may be like buying into the research that says that all the water used in laundering cloth diapers is bad for the environment, and ignoring that those studies were done by the disposable diaper version of the military-industrial complex. Karen Trade-Off and Jessica Kerflop have gotten me to come around on the diaper thing so maybe someday you’ll convince me on the deodorant thing?
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Posted on June 18th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
michal Says:
you are hysterical. thank you for making me laugh in the midst of your pain.
i gave you an award today on my blog. i’m sure you get them all the time:) come on over and pick it up!
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Posted on June 18th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Amanda- VintageDutchGirl Says:
As a pretty sweaty person, I vote for not smelling. I also have smelled many a person who swore off aluminum deoderant and their smell….LINGERED.
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Posted on June 18th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
kenjishiela Says:
get well soon and May you’ll find your strength soon! We will be praying for you DYM. Please visit our site when you’re okay and join our poll as to who the current US Candidate for President Mormons or LDS are more inclined to vote this November. the Poll is here, Http://jbsolis.blogspot.com. Thank you again and please get well Kathryn!
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Posted on June 18th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Lisa O Says:
I vote for smelling good!
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Posted on June 18th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Rebecca Says:
HAHAHA. Oh, I hope you’re feeling better, too. I miss you posting more often.
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Posted on June 18th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Mrs. Thoughtskoto Says:
I hate deodorants with aluminum too, aside from the fact that it can cause or cntribute to Alzheimer’s, it also darkens the skin.
Get well soon! and take care.
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Posted on June 18th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Debra Says:
I keep checking in on you Kathryn. Hoping + praying that your back starts acting right. Unfortunately, backs are sassy + belligerent + will happily take you down again if you push them too hard. So; take.it.easy.
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Posted on June 19th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Mandi Black Says:
I almost peed my pants you are so funny!. I was CRYING, yes, crying. Thanks for sharing.
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Posted on June 19th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Heather from One Woman's World Says:
There MUST be a safe and friendly and non reeky option. There just has to be. I know, just do nothing. Bathe twice daily, and never allow yourself to perspire.
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Posted on June 19th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Honey Mommy Says:
Hmmm… To stink or not to stink? I think that you would definitely be able to tell what I think the answer to that question should be from this post.
Hope you’re up and walking soon Kathryn!
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Posted on June 19th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Honey Mommy Says:
Ok. I was trying to get all fancy with my HTML in my comment, but it didn’t work. Here’s the link if you want to read my “stinky” post.
http://honey-mommy.blogspot.com/2008/06/trash-talks.html
Thanks!
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Posted on June 19th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Don Mills Diva Says:
Heh.
Definitely food for thought.
Just found your blog - it’s great!
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Posted on June 20th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Marian Says:
Been there. Both with the stink and the back (a couple of herniated discs). Maybe that’s why I was thinking of you the other night. I hope you have a speedy and full recovery. Backs are moody things, and they have the power to take your life as you know it down right along with them. Backs and feet, too: Underappreciated and bitter, it seems.
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Posted on June 21st, 2008 at 7:34 am
Rachel J. Says:
I have a theory about B.O. I say there are 3 types of smell.
A: chicken BO
B: onion BO
C: mildew BO
I am serious. Go to Europe or India and whiff around. I am speakin’ tha Tr00F!
Baby powder (corn starch) is a good and safe alternative to handle order/wetness.
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Posted on June 23rd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
sarah Says:
Have you tried Adidas Cotton-tech deodorant? It is aluminum-free, and keeps me dry and un-stinky. I get it at Walmart, but it might be sold at other places too. Since this post is old now, my advice may be worthless, but I thought I’d throw the idea out in case you are still searching.
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Posted on July 23rd, 2008 at 1:43 am