zap

As of this morning, I have begun my course of laser treatment for acne scarring. They took a photo of each cheek (of my FACE) for posterity (oh, oh, I went there), and I had to sign consent forms to let students look at my pictures if they want. A worrying thought went through my head re: these being the 'before' photos of a horrific laser accident, but hopefully that won't be the case. Not from today anyway, which was perfectly fine. I had magic blackout goggles which I had to have my eyes closed under, although my eyelids were still jumping from the light, and on the second laser I could see the blobs of light each time I was zapped. Powerful. I had a KTP laser on my right cheek, which was like a cold gel feeling followed by a teeny tiny needle, 6 times in total, not painful at all, though I think when they turn the laser up you can feel it more. But the other one was a something pulse laser (it says scleropus on my sheet but they didn't call it that...), which felt more like a puff of air and a click, but it made a little clinking noise and there were a lot more of them. I have a triangle on my left cheek of red blobs, most attractive. We did a different laser on each cheek to see which was the more effective, so we can go on with that one for the other treatments. This is pretty detailed, my apologies, it's as much for my own reference as anything. Wasn't really scary but weird trusting them with the blackout goggles on, especially as the nurse doing mine was a trainee. Anyway I go back every 6-8 weeks for about 4 treatments to see if it does anything, if not then we decide when to give up or try something else. The nurse in charge did say at the end she wasn't sure if anything was going to happen, but it's worth a try. Hmm. As for after effects, I can't go out in the sun (ha), could get bruising or scabs but nothing too bad so far, just a bit red on one cheek. And I can wear make up, within reason, so no probs there. Not bad. I might put up a photo of the triangle of fun, although not an especially attractive image. Will update as we go along.

Also, my life is now graced with the best present off holiday ever - a set of Harry Potter russian dolls from Sam, featuring Harry (and Hedwig), Ron, Hermione, Snape and Dumbledore (Harris not Gambon, yes). These will feature proudly in a place of prominence in the Durham house, I am sure.

No essays completed as yet, although commentary is pretty much done for now.
Listening to Mumford and Sons. VG.

xxx