In a galaxy far, far away, when I started regularly going to the gynecologist, I was told that I was too old to get the newly released HPV vaccine. My former roommate was the only person I knew who had gotten it the previous summer because her dad was a doctor, so I just figured I missed the window even though she and I are only 6 months apart. Instead, I was instructed to be careful and/or judicious and I more or less didn’t think about it again until last summer when my 11th new gynecologist asked me why I didn’t have it at my age. “Uh, I was told by Dr. F (initial only, this man was present at my birth) that I was too old in 2007?” She sighed and shook her head and explained that the new guidance now includes women up to age 45. I see everything online and I had never seen any commotion for the new guidelines. Only this week did I see anyone my age tweet anything about it! This article shows that in a study, zero cases of cervical cancer were found in women vaccinated before age 14—this is excellent information and more people should be talking about it.
So, I started my series of shots last summer and I got my last one on Tuesday. I’m sensitive to shots, so my arm is sore—I suspect I’ll make it. If you are younger than me, you probably got this at the doctor when you were a kid and your parents took care of that kind of thing. Mind you, I was only 22 when I was told I was too old and 38 when I got my first dose. If you are in my age range, check to see if you got it or talk it over with your doctor! It’s important to know how and when things change in order to protect your health. Go forth and be vaccinated, my students of Vocabulary School!
This Week’s Vocabulary
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe, June 11, 2024 from William Morrow.
Officious: (adjective) assertive of authority in an annoying or domineering way, especially in regard to trivial or petty matters; intrusively enthusiastic
In the latest of a string of unfortunate events to befall Margo, a teen mom with an expansive mind and an OnlyFans, a CPS officer with an obsession with the rules micromanages an in-home visit that unsettles Margo’s home life. Margo refers to Maribel, the CPS officer, as an “officious busybody.”
Margo tries her best more than any main character I’ve seen in a long time. Her choice to run an OnlyFans page in part due to childcare concerns is clear headed and inspiring—she is pulling her life together for her son’s sake as well as her own. The interference is so unwelcome and uncalled for! Get lost, nerd!
You could use this word to apply to the 22 year-old running your state rep’s reelection campaign. How am I supposed to take an adult with no 9/11 story seriously? They lack gravitas and they are, heaven protect them, still on their parents’ health insurance. Jenny Joyce from Derry Girls, Paris Gellar in early seasons of Gilmore Girls, Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation, FBLA nerds from high school who then become Parliamentarians for their honor fraternities, power tripping student loan officers or health insurance agents, anyone who reminded a teacher to give homework all fit the bill for officious behavior.They operate by rules first, person second to varying degrees of success.
Rufi Thorpe created a world where you want to stand up and cheer for Margo while you’re reading. If your book club read The Girls from Corona del Mar in 2014, you need to immediately add this book to your TBR.
As I wrote in my Goodreads review, this is absolutely going to be the book of the summer or I will not shut up until it is. I am Sally Rooney hat serious about this book available on June 11, 2024! Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing an advanced e-ARC of this title!
Practical Applications
I would go out tonight, but I haven’t got a stitch to wear is quite a prescient lyric right now as all of the shopping procrastination I’ve done since 2020 is starting to catch up with me now that I’m preparing for two trips in the next 8 weeks. I have not repaired or replaced sneakers, undergarments, luggage that is broken and also weighs a metric ton, and a flattering pair of secondhand jeans that I have been mending for 6 months. The only thing I know I need to buy for Trip #1 is White Cheddar Cheez-It Grooves, Albanese Gummy Bears, Nerds Clusters, and Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels. Due to my sister being a deeply cool person, she just has cooler stuff than I do. She simply cannot wear all of her clothes, shoes, and jewelry at the same time. But this isn’t a permanent solution even though I’ve borrowed a pair of her high top Vans so frequently, I put them away as if they were mine.
The exigencies of travel should be pushing my hand to make these decisions but what it’s actually doing is making me write a newsletter about it and not deciding on anything.I do not abide by the officious rules set forth to govern women’s fashion choices. I wear whatever colors I want, at whatever time of year. I outfit-repeat so often that my best friend’s sister, who I see quarterly, said to me when wearing one of my uniform outfits, “I was just thinking about you and this jumpsuit—you always wear it.” She wasn’t blowing up my spot, I really do always wear it! I have two cartoon character outfits that are my go-to outfits so I am never fussed if and when push comes to shove. I’m like Barack Obama or the quiet guy (religious) who sat next to me in ABC order throughout high school—I wear the same thing all the time to prevent decision fatigue. But Andrea, you say, you work from home, what could you possibly need this for? Peace! That’s what I need it for! I can count on these outfits to make me look and feel good. I can get on the floor with my friends’ kids or bounce on a trampoline if absolutely necessary—what more could I possibly want?
What is everyone up to this weekend? It’s raining for the 87th consecutive Saturday here so I’m going to do a really good dusting of my space, break down the cardboard boxes I’ve been saving for no earthly reason, and make an elaborate sandwich.
Love,
Andrea
Thanks for stopping by Vocabulary School!
It’s an outstanding jumpsuit and you wear it so well. 10/10 every time.