60 / 40

(After the last few posts we need some good news around here. This it just getting way too depressing already.)

Good News!

I feel about 40% better.

And only 60% the same-tired-ass-mono-virus-having-chick.

But at least that is a start on the road to recovery.

I am totally-super-happy to be feeling mildly better. And by better I mean that when I am awake I can ‘do stuff’. And by ‘do stuff’ I mean keep my eyes open.

Since keeping my eyes open for an extended amount of time was such a glorious benchmark for me, I wanted to celebrate the occasion. I decided yesterday was going to be the FIRST day I tried to slowly re-enter and re-join the rest of society. While I am still in no condition to return to the office (considering I can only manage to stay awake for a maximum of five consecutive hours with little to no physical movement) I at least wanted to attempt tackling a few minor regular normal daily activities. Besides, I had to do something in order to prevent full body atrophy from completely setting in.

I had no idea how much energy it takes to ‘get ready.’ And by ‘get ready’ I mean putting real clothes on my body. Not even sweat pants. I actually put on a pair of Jeans and Shoes. And then I ‘did my hair’. And by ‘did my hair’ I mean I really did my hair. With a blow-dryer and everything. That was exhausting. So I took a break for 20 minutes before proceeding with my day.

Baby steps people.

I thought to myself, if I am ever going to be able to drive into work again (and forced to get onto the ever-so-dreaded NJTPK) that I might want to practice by driving down my own street first. I got up enough strength to drive to the CVS across the street from my house. Besides I really needed to pick up a fresh pack of cigarettes. When you have been a smoker as long as I have, that is one pretty damn good motivational factor to drive a car. It felt weird to drive. I know two weeks isn’t that long, but it still felt strange to me. Maybe it was just a shock to my system to breathe fresh air for the first time in weeks?

When I came out of the store I noticed in the back seat of my car, I still had two giant black trash bags filled with down comforters that I needed to take to the dry cleaner. I started to laugh because for a moment I felt like Dexter. (minus the boat, extensive traveling sharp murderous tool kit, complete with enough plastic to create the perfect kill room.) I decided to take things to the next level and drive up one more block to the dry cleaners so that I would stop looking like a serial killer trying to cart off hacked up dead body parts.

By the time I got home I was done. But I felt such a sense of accomplishment from doing the simplest of tasks. It was just so nice to do ‘things’ again.

The remainder of my day was well spent resting with candles lit and catching up with the Internet. You guys had me laughing all afternoon. So, Thank You for that.

About Meleah

Mother. Writer. Television Junkie. Pajama Jean Enthusiast.
This entry was posted in Life. Bookmark the permalink.

33 Responses to 60 / 40

  1. paisley says:

    well i am glad to hear you are somewhat up and out,, and i guess the food allergy symptoms have gone back into hiding,, at least for the time being, so that is cool too… just wanted to let you know i finally watched the first four episodes of dexter,, and i like it,, i just cannot imagine what it would ever do to the girlfriend if she found off,,, she is pretty well out there any way…..

  2. Danny AKA CGB says:

    Well I am also glad you feel better today. And there is nothing better than a fresh “Pack ‘O’ Smokes”. Don’t forget the Coffee.

  3. terri says:

    Yeah! There’s a light at the end of the tunnel!

  4. Chefmom says:

    YAY! 40% is a great start! Isn’t it amazing how good it feels to do something, Even though it wipes you out in the end? I’m so glad to hear your on the mend, but don’t push yourself! And sick or not, anyday sucks on the NJTPK!!

  5. Michael C says:

    I’m glad things are getting better! If I could, I’d send you a googly eyed get well plant!

  6. Dazd says:

    YAY…your feeling better! And yes, small accomplishments do wonders for the mental health. been there myself…

  7. Meleah says:

    Paisley:
    Oh sweet! I am so excited you finally have Dexter! It gets better and better every single episode. Ooooooo. I am so excited. BTW: I wish I was RITA. (Dexter’s Girlfriend -except without that shitty ex-husband.)

    Danny:
    Damn Skippy. Isn’t today YOUR big day?

    Terri:
    Whew! It is such a relief to be able to do the smallest thing.

    Chef Mom:
    Well, you know how much I hate that WHORE!

    Micheal C:
    hahahahahaha THAT would be awesome.

    Dazd:
    It was like a triumph to do the tiniest thing. But at least I made it to the store AND the dry cleaners.

  8. Momo Fali says:

    So, what you’re saying is that I should be grateful to run my mundane errands? I’ll take that into consideration, but for now, the only place I REALLY love to go is Target.

  9. Greg says:

    Poor baby.

    You’re right, that ain’t me. Stop bitching and either stay in bed, get some rest, and get over it, or just do what you have to do and get over it. There’s probably some paraplegic waiter reading your post thinking, “Would you like a little cheese with that wine, miss?”

    What’s feeling good have anything to do with getting off your ass? The ones with the most in life are those who get things done despite all the miseries surrounding them.

    I felt like total shit this morning. Why should I be the only one to suffer. I’m going to get out there and let the world suffer right along with me. I have to put up with their shit; the least they can do is put up with a little of mine. In between those mornings, I’m sure we’ll find a little hedonistic pleasure.

  10. Meleah says:

    Momo:
    I can’t WAIT to make a trip to Target. Maybe I can make that my goal for the
    weekend.

    Greg:
    Um. no one is asking you or anyone to feel sorry for me. And, um…no one has to read this blog if they don’t like what I am writing about. I have been in bed trying to ‘get over mono’ for two weeks. I am not bitching about being sick. The fact that I was happy as hell to be able to accomplish a small task. To ME that WAS a big deal. And, since this is MY BLOG, I will write about whatever the hell I damn well please. Including being / feeling sick, or well.

    “The ones with the most in life are those who get things done despite all the miseries surrounding them.”

    Agreed.

    And guess what. I am one of them.

    Ps…I am always willing to put up with your shit.

  11. Valerie says:

    Shoot, you did a lot…enough to make me tired. I’m right there with you on the fatigue factor. Work is overrated, stay home, relax, watch Oprah and Ellen, blog, smoke, eat (foods that won’t make you sick) and rest.

  12. BobG says:

    “I feel about 40% better.”

    I like to think that you’re feeling 100% better–even if it’s just 40% of the time. It sounds more optimistic, somehow.
    Take care of yourself and get feeling better.

  13. Meleah says:

    Valerie:
    Well, I am home, and I am still resting (taking it very easy and slowly) but I did wake up, shower, and dress today too . And now I am even getting some ‘Office Work’ done from the comforts of my home and that even feels good. I am not a big ‘talk show person’, but I do love my TV.

    Bob:
    That DOES sound more optimistic! 🙂

  14. Jodi says:

    But I love you and accept you…and wish you were feeling better!
    You are an awesome friend out here…did you know that?

  15. Greg says:

    So much for “keeping it real.”

  16. cmk says:

    Glad you are doing so much better! I remember baby steps from the last time influenza knocked me on my ass–it DOES feel good to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING!! Good thoughts are still going out to you.

  17. Meleah says:

    Jodi:
    So are you. And Thank you. I needed to hear THAT today.

    Greg:
    What? I cant ‘Keep It Real’ back? Aren’t you the one always telling me to ‘stand up for myself’ instead of always being so agreeable? Hmm….

    CMK:
    Me too. Me too. Baby Steps are working.

  18. Catscratch says:

    After the time you’ve had lately it sounds like 60/40 is a super dooper improvement!!! I so glad to hear it!

  19. dawn says:

    40% is good. Don’t push it though… it takes time and lots of rest. You’ll get there!

  20. Keep those positive thoughts flowing. You’ll be well on your way to a better you.

  21. The best friend says:

    glad your finally feeling better

  22. Random Chick says:

    That’s great! I like your “Baby steps people.” Remember that and don’t over do it! Glad to see you are slowing recovering. 🙂

  23. missburrows says:

    I thought you meant Dexter, from’s Dexter’s Laboratory (cartoon).
    Pathetic I am.

    (Glad you are feeling better!)

  24. Random Chick says:

    HEY, I just tagged you on my blog! Hope you have the energy to participate…I can’t wait to see yours!!! 😉

  25. Ricardo says:

    Well I’m glad you’re on the comback trail. I’ve been without the internet at home so I’m using the machine at work right now to say hello. Your target awake time for next week is 6.5 hours.

  26. Meleah says:

    CatScratch:
    I feel like a new person. Just being able to shower and dress. Thanks darling.

    Dawn:
    40% is a freeking miracle. And I am glad to at least be at that point. Still taking it very easy. Promise.

    Urban:
    🙂 Thanks

    BFF:
    I know you are babe.

    Random Chick:
    A tag! Cool. Now I have 2 that need to be addressed. I hope to have them both done by the end of the week. (and its all about Baby Steps!)

    Miss Burrows:
    When I first heard the word Dexter for a TV series I thought the same thing. That used to be my son’s FAVORITE TV show way back when he was 2-5.

    Ricardo:
    Me too. Yikes….at least I have Internet I would go NUTS without it

  27. Ingrid says:

    Loved the exchange with Greg. I am glad you are feeling better.

  28. atta girl one step at a time…soon it will be 60% then the next thing you know you will be chasing some handsome man around the kitchen…:)))

  29. YAY! I’m so happy you’re feeling better!!!!

  30. Selma says:

    Onward and upward. I feel much happier knowing you are on the mend. Brilliant news!

  31. Meleah says:

    Ingrid:
    Me too. I love him to death. He always ‘reality checks my ass’ and I digg that about him.

    Robert:
    Hopefully! 🙂 xxoo

    Olga:
    me too! me too!
    xxoo

    Selma:
    I feel like the Little Engine That Could. 🙂

  32. Catscratch says:

    Double Dammit. I hope you are able to rest and get your energy back soon!

  33. Meleah says:

    Diva:
    This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008

    wonder why you are commenting here now?

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