Frog Blog

here’s something fun to do if you aren’t easily grossed out: google “white patches and scalp” and choose “image” instead of the normal google search. what you’ll find is terrific in its grossness, as many photos that pop up contain the “white patches” but don’t have anything to do with the scalp. not to worry- there were no photos of STDs.

it’s been unusually dry here for the past few weeks and i’ve developed a case of dandruff. there, i said it. it’s so disgusting. and embarrassing. and irritating. and itchy. and sad— i feel so sad for my poor, flaky scalp, all thirsty and dried out. there’s no relief. itching just makes it itchier. it’s gross, too. i’ve never, ever had this problem before now. i always associated dandruff with uncleanliness. like ted, my square dance partner in 7th grade gym class. he was shy and filthy and had all sorts of flakes on his shoulders. it’s not the case here— i’m clean— and praying for rain. i’m craving moisture. i can’t get enough water. i’m constantly thirsty. my hands are parched, my fingers are plagued with hangnails. the rains arrive thursday. my dermatologist appointment is next wednesday (need to get a mole removed- it’s confessional time over here!)— hurry hurry hurry.

yours in cetaphil and clinique body butter,

raisin girl

i have seborrheic dermatitis; aka: dandruff. a severe case, not to be gross. the dermotologist said anything can cause it, really. stress, the changing seasons, diet. i think it’s all three for me. i feel like i’ve been on a consuming binge lately. i’ve turned into a glutton: too much halloween candy, too much perfume, too much of everything. i’ve developed a small gut, an aching back, piles of too much shit, a foggy head. it’s time for a change and for letting go of excess. what do i need? what are my basics? if i want something, does that mean i should run out and buy it? no.

i feel like i’ve lost my focus. i’ve lost my way. buying more things won’t help.

we’ve been spoiled with tons of sunshine this autumn— more than normal. september was wetter than usual but october and most of november were warm and dry and sunny. but secretly, i couldn’t wait for the rains to arrive. it’s not really fall here until it rains and i was truly starting to molt.

careful what you wish for, though, because my rainy wish was fulfilled; it’s currently spilling all over the place. rain always sounds like a much better idea to me that it actually is, especially over the weekends when i have no plans and the drizzle just won’t stop. it can feel quite claustrophobic in this city, with the west hills towering over town and the river closing it all up on the east.

after a much stir-crazed deliberation today, i ventured out for a walk and some errands. i am a native, after all, and it’s just a little rain. it’s time for me to embrace the rainy season and focus on the positives. i laced up my waterproof boots and walked to the store in search of typhoo! english tea (but came home with barry’s of ireland instead) and a ficelle from the bakery. here’s what was good about my walk: getting out of the apartment for an hour! even though it was much colder than i thought it would be, the air was so clean and fresh. all the leaves have fallen and they’ve clogged the streets in a soggy mess, but it added to the overall lovely, squishy sounds of a rainy day. hardly anyone else was out, so i practically had the streets to myself. it felt nice to be out while everyone else was in, watching football. and it certainly made my soup and cup of barry’s all the better when i got back home.