weekend plans | Under the Cherry Tree

I’ve been learning about HPV. (Nice opener, right?) T got a positive result for high risk HPV (but negative for 16 or 18, which are the most common to cause cervical cancer). She told me and of course feels horrible about it. But I told her that it’s just as likely that it was me who gave it to her. Her ex tested negative, and I haven’t been tested in several years (although I’m going to), so… it’s hard to say. The other thing is that most cases clear up just fine on their own. Apparently you only really worry if you get one that lasts more than 1 test, but cervical cancer develops slowly, over 10-20 years and is easy to treat when it’s caught early. Here’s a great booklet to check out from American Cancer Society.

Perhaps you all know that already. Regardless, here’s what annoys me. When I go to the doctor to get check ups, they insist I don’t need hardly any STI tests, or paps or anything because I am considered “low risk” because I’m a lesbian. It’s as thought doctors don’t believe lesbians can get STIs. [Side note: I am also annoyed, and have been since it came out, that the HPV vaccine is only available to women up to age 26 because they assume that if a woman was going to get HPV, they would have by then. Some of us weren’t very or at all sexually active until later meaning our risks are just as great. And men don’t get tested and people sleep with folk of all ages, and and and.]

Now, off the STI talk. It’s not very interesting.

T and I are taking a weekend trip in a couple weeks. Not to Chicago. Just a long weekend together, without responsibilities, without schedules. It will be delightful.

We haven’t said the “L” word yet. I think she wants to but is afraid it will spook me. I haven’t said it yet because I spend too much time thinking about what it means, what the significance might be, and practically speaking, how to just say something like that to someone in a non-casual, off-hand way. I’m probably over thinking this. I’m just hoping she gets brave eventually and says it herself so that I don’t have to. HA!

My weekend is going to be busy, but hopefully good.

Tomorrow I am spending the day in the city with a friend I haven’t seen in awhile. She has had a hard time knowing how to be my friend since I came out, but in the way that she tries too hard. The last time we had a good talk on the phone, she asked if she was awkward, which went a long way with me for knowing things will be okay with her (eventually). She just needs to realize that there is nothing different. (Except for everything.)

After that, I am going to an art show with someone I have been maybe seeing.

Then on Sunday, I am going to a Polka Dot Party at my barber’s house (also my friend). I’m nervous because I will know no one, but I don’t plan on being there very long, so that will help.

This evening, in preparation for my busy/anxious weekend, I cleaned. I scrubbed my shower/tub from top to bottom, not to mention the rest of the bathroom. I spot cleaned the carpet where one of the cats puked recently (damn puke is so hard to clean without the machine). I did all my dishes. I put away papers. I’m doing a load of laundry.

Of course, I am due to start my period at any time (probably tomorrow), because life. Thank goodness for my ladycup.

In other news, you can both download Stone Butch Blues for free on Leslie Feinberg’s site, or you can purchase an on-demand copy from LuLu.com (link on the same site). Since it’s out of print and impossible to find used, I just ordered a copy from LuLu.com. I can’t wait to own it!