Last year, this year - one more thing

Last year, I was in the middle of chemotherapy. The doctor was very concerned that I should keep my weight up. I never really thought about the issue. There were other, bigger things on my mind. My weight did keep constant during chemo (thanks to my attentive husband who took control of the dietary needs of the family), but I lost the best part of a stone, all told, during the course of the year. A stone I didn't need.

This year, I am chatting to a mother while we wait for our kids. She is from Korea, and there is a bit of a language barrier. She asks about my summer. She says "and I think you've enjoyed eating food in your own country". I hesitate. She hasn't just told me that she's noticed I've put on weight? Surely not. Is she making an ironic joke about British cuisine? Is she trying to empathise about what I most enjoyed during a trip home? I hesitate, and indicate that I haven't quite understood. She pats her hips and then points to mine, and with a smile, says "I can see you've been enjoying eating this summer -eating extra!"

Right. So it's visible then. That little bit round my middle.

I like to think of myself as pretty accepting of other cultures, but I really can't be bothered to try and research whether it is a compliment in Korea to be told your hips are full.

My "this year" bubble has burst with a resounding pop.

.