Rach in real life

This machine saved my summer…

The whole experience reminded me of David Bowie’s song “Space Oddity.” Here I am, sitting in a tin can…. and there’s nothing I can do.  It’s dark, cold, and there are all sorts of weird noises broken by an occasional “how’s it going” or “don’t move” from a speaker in the ceiling- the techs on the other side of the wall. Ground control, if you will. Ok, so I was bored, and the experience was odd enough that I couldn’t just lie there and think about nothing.

But, this baby is the reason why I’m not having surgery… and also the reason why I’m not freaking out about being diseased. Bottom line: inflammation treatable by physical therapy. I like the way that sounds. In between thinking about Major Tom and David Bowie and my Handsome Man, I did also think a little about whoever invented that incredible machine and how they did it… an innovation seminar introduced me to new ways of brainstorming through questioning and associative thinking… and I am convinced that there is no way an MRI machine could exist without either, along with some freakin smart people. I love physics. I love magnetic flux. I don’t really understand them at the level that those brilliant inventors do, but I still love that crazy stuff. I love technology… and that’s why I want to be a teacher. So that some kid will invent the next amazing life saving thing, inspired by an awesome way of fearless brainstorming that their high school tech teacher taught them back in the day.

I also love that I’ve got my summer back. Maybe I’ll be able to have a job… still not sure at this point, but this stands as truth- my summer fun quotient just shot up by a hundred or so. I can make that much anticipated trip eastward earlier than expected. I like that. I can go to the beach. I don’t have to be hopped up on pain killers. I don’t have to have sponge baths (ew). Life is rad.

Oh yeah, and I was also reminded of the time when I had that amazing Bowie-esque (1980s) haircut… how I miss it!

And, for your viewing pleasure, I present:

Don’t worry, it wasn’t this Bowie haircut.

[RACHEL]