Q. So, you had salmonella, huh?
A. Yes. In June 2006, I dined at what I found out later was a contaminated restaurant. After about 8 days, I was able to get out of bed, but was not properly diagnosed for 6 weeks. This resulted in me developing Reiter’s Syndrome, which is a condition where the bacteria begin to take over your body and settle into warm spots, like joints or organs. Luckily for me it was my joints, because the other option can kill you. However, I have been battling arthritis all over my body ever since. I have also developed IBS from the damage to my intestines. Yay, right?
Worst experience of my life, even worse than childbirth, in that it was the same pain as contractions (seriously, when I went into labor I thought I was sick again) and it lasted almost a month. Literally would not wish it on my worst enemy. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who complain about food recalls where salmonella is a concern. It’s serious trouble, people.
Q. Is Bowie named after David Bowie?
A. Yes. Well, yes and no. We were looking for an Irish or Scottish name, and Bowie showed up in an online search I did. It’s Scottish for “blond” (which luckily he turned out to be). But, when we picked the name, we knew people would think of David Bowie and we decided we’d be okay with people thinking we named our son after one of the AWESOMEST PERFORMERS OF ALL TIME. So, yes, he is sort of named after David Bowie.
Q: Can I ask you pregnancy/labor/motherhood questions?
A: Sure, and I’m happy to answer them as best as I can. But, you should keep in mind that while many things are very much the same for all mothers, some very important things are different for all mothers. The only thing that comes out exactly the same for all women is that your story and experience are different from anyone else’s. I love to give advice and I love to offer help where I can, so please, ask away. I apologize in advance if I don’t know the exact answer.
Q: Can I give you spiritual advice?
A: No. I’ve had a lot of it in my life, and now it’s time to sit back, reflect and make my own decisions.
Q: How do you feel about abortion/gay marriage/healthcare/taxes/the pothole on your street?
A: I don’t like how a political discussion has the power to ravage even the closest of friendships. I also feel like soapboxing is a pretentious and sanctimonious waste of time. No one should think that they have all the answers or that they are 100% correct on any issue. I’m also really prone to taking things too seriously. So, I try to refrain from political talk as much as I can. I can offer a synopsis of my opinion, but I will not engage in a debate.
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I was raised in a variety of towns in the Midwest, ranging from tiny town to big city. But, I spent the better part of my formative years in a small, conservative farming town in Northwestern Wisconsin. I never really enjoyed living there, and got the hell out of dodge as soon as I was able. But now, many years later, I’m realizing that I didn’t really get away from the personality types I thought I was leaving behind, those kinds of people exist everywhere, even in San Francisco. And I’m also slowly discovering that some people actually are happy there. I used to look down my nose at them for that, but getting back in touch with old high school classmates and seeing their happy families made me realize I was being a snob. To each their own.
