1. Saying the year “Twenty-Ten” makes me feel like I am living inside of a Science Fiction Novel. Which is kind of awesome – even if most things ‘Sci-Fi’ scare the crap out of me.
2. Having the house to myself for several consecutive days. Which was also awesome – except for at night, because I am still terrified of the dark, especially when I am alone.
3. Spending Quality Time with my son JCH and listening to him play his new Electric Guitar. Because other than hearing high-pitched-squealing-riffs that sound like he’s murdering the instrument? He’s getting quite good.
4. Becoming deathly ill with the flu, while having the house to myself, and being solely responsible for taking care of my 13-year-old son JCH, and my 89-year-old Grandfather Poppa Sye. Which was not awesome at all.
…..BUT…..
5. Having one of my girlfriends surprise me – and show up at my house wielding ‘All Things Necessary’ to aid in the recovery from said deathly illness?
= Totally. Super. Awesome.
6. And! Not only did she bring cold medicine, and hot soup for me? But, she also brought dinner for both my son and my grandfather. Which touched me so deeply, I could have broke down and cried – except that I didn’t – because I was already so stuffy, I couldn’t imagine producing even more mucus.
7. And! As if that wasn’t enough? She came back The Very Next Day with more food for me, AND homemade meatballs, pasta, gravy, grated cheese, and garlic bread for both my son and my grandfather, who proceeded to clean their plates like savages. And despite the fact that my throat was so sore, I felt like I had swallowed a porcupine, I ate every single bite of her super-delicious-possibly-magical-Lentil Soup-with-tremendous-healing-powers.
8. I confessed a ‘secret’ to my Very Best Friend [even though she already knew it] and NEVER felt judged by her. Instead, I was reassured repeatedly, that nothing could, or would, ever come between our friendship. Unless, of course I lie to her, because quite frankly, I lost the ability to pull off hiding things from my friends a very long time ago.
9. Recognizing, appreciating, and feeling profoundly grateful – for the amazing network of support and friendships that I have in my life.
10. Being sick and incapacitated, affords that special guilt-free kind of time to watch endless Television like: The E! Channel and all it has to offer, Law & Order, Scrubs, 30 Rock, and, my new favorite show, Hoarders, Marathon-Style. And, I finally got around to watching the movie ‘The Hangover’ which may very well be the funniest movie I have ever seen. Especially since I watched that movie for the third time, trying my best to memorize my favorite lines, while in a delirious state of mind [courtesy of a 102 fever] and under the influence of a NyQuil medication induced haze.
* Good Times *
Side Bar:
Speaking of Nyquil, my adrenal glands must operate differently than any other human being on the plant. Because while most people respond to NyQuil much like they would to chloroform, I react to NyQuil like someone who has taken an overdose of Adderall. Seriously, how else could I possibly explain this next little tale?
After spending three days bed-ridden, and feeling frustratingly useless, I took another healthy dose of NyQuil, fully prepared for another good night’s rest. But, all of a sudden, I felt an overwhelming urge to spring out of my bed. And, I was oddly inspired to BAKE something.
Yes. I should know by now that, Baking + Meleah = A Very Bad Idea.
I am sure most of you remember what happened the last time I tried baking? Yeah?, Well, this experience was no different. Yes, I followed the instructions to the letter. And thankfully, no one was injured. But, of course, I still managed to make a complete mess of things when the cake mix sprayed wildly and uncontrollably, only to land all over my pajamas, bathrobe, face, and hair. At least, this time around, the buttery-battery-goodness did NOT end up on the kitchen ceiling. However, I am totally blaming NyQuil for my lack of motor skills, and not on the fact that I have little to no eye-hand coordination. In good news, that lovely experiment forced me to finally take that shower and wash my germ infested bathrobe.
Bonus Material:
11. I am proud to say that I have officially accumulated enough comfy, cozy, sets of pajamas to wear a fresh, clean, new pair, every single day – without having to do a single load of laundry. Maybe 2010 will be the year where it will finally become ‘socially acceptable’ to wear pajamas at all times, and under any circumstance. {What, a girl can dream.}
And lastly,
12. Over the course of my illness, I enjoyed several steaming hot cups of tea from my new favorite mug that I purchased from ‘The Midget Man Of Steel’, because even though I was sick, I always need a daily dose of Mental Poo.
And that my friends; has been a kickawesome way – to start off the New Year.
I hope ya’ll had a great New Years Eve! How has your New Year been so far?
My oldest has ALWAYS reacted to meds the opposite of what she was supposed to. If it is supposed to make you sleepy, she got hyper–every single time.
So glad you had a good friend there to watch over you. Gave you a warm, fuzzy feeling, I'm sure.
You're sounding better, which is a good thing. Just don't try to do too much too soon and have a relapse!
Love you! xoxoxoxo
CMK:
Really? Your daughter has the opposite reactions to medications too! That's funny. I've been sleeping SO much for the last THREE days – but now? NyQuil is making me WIRED and not even a little sleepy. UGH. I am trying to rest and take it easy. I think I'll have to change my medicine tomorrow!
And, it really WAS nice to have my friends jump in and take care of me [and my family] while I am sick and knowing that my parents are away on vacation.
I am glad to hear I am sounding better. I think I sound a little too all over the place in this blogpost – considering I am heavily medicated.
So that IS a good thing.
I love you too.
xoxoxo
Take away the sick part, and not so bad ???
Bonus # 11 : Me Toooooooo !
Ah yes, the simple JOY of pajamas! And aside from being sick – Im liking 2010 so far!
NyQuil keeps me awake. Or gives me the most bizzare dreams. Try some hot lemon soother tea or Theraflu (or a good belt of brandy), if that helps. Sorry tto hear that you were sick over the holidays. THAT really sucks. Hope that you are feeling a bit better by now.
I am definitely STILL sick. This is day FOUR already. And, I've been up all night because of that crazy NyQuil. [I cant believe two people are affected by that medication the same way I am! Now I feel less like a complete weirdo.] I think as soon as CVS opens by my house I'm going to have to take a trip to the store and pick up some Theraflu. Maybe I just shouldn't get any 'non-drowsy' medications? Or, maybe I should just call my doctor like a smart person and try to get my hands on some Anti-Biotics.
It is always comforting to be here and reading what you have written. Somehow the baking experience always made me smile. I am glad that no one was injured this time. But hey, we have to start somewhere … one day, I am sure, it will turn out the way you are instructed. Maybe you were following too close to the instructions? Maybe you were supposed to read in sentences but you read in alphabets. 🙂
Hope you'll be feeling much better today.
I think my problem is with the electric mixer! For some reason, I can't seem to control that thing properly so, I end up sending whatever I was trying to mix flying through the air. Maybe my resolution for 2010 should be a simple one = to bake something, without injury, or creating a disastrous mess, and successfully. Because seriously? That would be a miracle.
PS: I am very happy to hear that you enjoy what I write.
I have to tell you that I'm really touched that I made your list.
* points at crotch
Seriously..you had to know that was coming.
That's what she said.
Holy crap..I could do this all day.
It's VERY easy to get addicted to saying TWSS!
I'm sure we will get to hear or rather read a successful baking experience from you. 🙂
Fingers Crossed!
Sounds like a great start to a new year.
In some places, you can wear your pajamas any place and anywhere you please. I doubt you would want to venture there though.
Really? WHERE? I have to know!
after speaking to you , AND hearing how sick you were, and still are i can't believe you wrote this. i am NOT surprised though, by either your adverse reaction to nyquil,(you shoud've taken meds that say “will keep you awake!”) or what your friends will do for you, since i am one of them. your friend that brought you all things italian is awesome!!
I did GOOD this time – yes? From now on when I need to sleep, I think I should take Maximum Strength NoDoz pills which are fast acting alertness pills. I'm pretty sure they will knock me out cold. And, yes, I do have the best friends in the world – especially since you are one of them. And, who wouldn't love getting the gift of all things home-cooked Italian Style by that other AMAZING friend of ours. She IS awesome.
Oh, but if pajamas could become socially acceptable in public, I would be so happy!
I'm glad you have such a good friend who took care of you while you were sick! You deserve to be taken care of!
Thanks Terri! It was very nice to be taken care of.
Wow. You've been busy. I hope you feel better.
What a good friend you have…but I'm sure that's because YOU ARE a good friend.
Let's see, if we erase the part about being ill. It looks pretty good eh? I have a cough I can't seem to get rid of.
You are rich in friends and relatives!
Certainly sounds like you had some needed down time though!
Nice Strat! Make sure he learns right! I started playing when I was 12. HAve him learn a song YOU like. Helps deal with the noise.
I think 2010 is going pretty well for me too, I'm looking forward to seeing how things play out.
Yes, my oldest can't take meds that make her drowsy, either. She used to have very bad ear infections all of the time when she was young. And they ALWAYS got to the 'screaming till her throat was sore' phase in the middle of the night–or the weekend. And we were always in the emergency room. (I said they were going to name a room there the 'CMK's Daughter's Room' cause we were there so much. A surgery took care of the problem–but I digress.) Anyway, she was in much, much pain one night when we were there, so the doctor gave her a medication with codeine in it–so that she could sleep. (This was about 3:00 AM.) We got home, got her settled, and as it was now almost 4:00 AM, K and I went to sleep. My daughter, however, was sitting up in bed, in the dark, talking to herself. I thought she went to sleep, but NOOOOOOOOOOO–she stayed up the rest of the night and just talked to herself. Of course, when I woke up later that day, I felt like the world's worst parent for not recognizing that my kid had had a bad reaction to meds! This was the first time we realized she couldn't handle meds that make you drowsy like 'normal' people. And she STILL gets hyper from them. So, to bring this long story to an end, you are definitely NOT the only one who reacts like this!
Sounds like a great year and that you are able to take the bad and make it better..wishing you the best of what's to come…and the pajamas, that's really neat….
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
Yes. Yes I am a very good friend! Happy New Year Woman!
Actually, my son is currently on a Pink Floyd kick, which is GREAT. He absolutely LOVES all classic rock and roll, so it's not the musical choices that bother me! And, he has been really dedicated to learning. I'm quite impressed with him!
Good for you Nik! xoxoxo
Well, Im really sorry that happened to your daughter – but that certainly makes me feel LESS like a freak! I guess I should inform my doctor of my adverse reactions to these kinds of medicines. Maybe he can suggest what the heck I can take that WONT make me stay up all night!
I *heart* pajamas. SO VERY MUCH!
Heavens, Meleah! I hope you're on the mend now. No fun at all having the flu in the first place, double no fun having the flu and having people to care for. Three cheers for you great friend! How lovely to hve someone bring food and comfort!
My family would have starved to death if it hadn't been for my friends stepping up to the plate to help me out. Im still REALLY sick, but at least my parents are home now, so they are back in charge of things, and I can get the rest I need.
You know how rich you are when you have great friends who take care of you. She's a doll to do that. Keep her!
Oh I love my friend Denise. She is like the Mother Hen of the group and an
AWESOME cook. Yeah, I will keep her!
I'm terrified of staying at home alone at nights in the dark too!
Happy 2010 Meleah 😀
NyQuil does the same thing to me. It is SO annoying when my husband takes it and sleeps like he's been hit by a brick and then I take it and I stare at the ceiling all night humming the song from the old Mickey Mouse show.
I hope you're on the mend! I'm so glad your mom is home now and that you have such an amazing best friend!
I would wear PJs all day, every day if I could. Why is it so socially unacceptable to wear them to the shops? It's not like I'm naked.
I am so sorry to hear you have been so ill but glad you had a close friend to make you what sounds like delicious food. I must admit that when I am sick I actually enjoy watching TV all day too. It's totally guilt free and I believe aids recovery. Hope you continue to feel better!
Seriously, I am so sorry you were sick. That sucks! But to have a friend like that – it's a blessing. I LOVE pj's too…..I think we should start a movement….
I am SUCH a baby!
I am truly lucky to be surrounded by a BUNCH of AMAZING friends! Honestly, I dont know what I would do without them! As for NyQuil? I am NEVER taking that stuff again!
Exactly Selma! WHY? WHY cant we wear pajamas all the time!! Guilt-Free TV with homecooked food by amazing chefs = Cure ALL!
xoxoxo
I would totally start a Pajama Revolution!
xoxoxo
i seem to wear 3 different pair of pj's a week, which seems crazy because they just end up on the floor. i think i layer too much. i need to donate or get rid of….
loved your list and what a great friend!
Thanks Valerie! I'm not even going to mention how much I wished you would
start blogging again this year.
i know you were joking, but you may honestly have a reaction to some of the ingrediants of nyquill. There are some cold medicines that i just cannot take because there is an ingredient (cant remember the name now.. i have it written down) that my body cant handle, and i feel like i am on cocaine when i take it. really. i feel like i could get up and paint the house!
That is EXACTLY how I felt! Seriously, NyQuil made this post possible!
Aw! Your year, despite being sick, seems to be off to a good start. What a great friend you have! And don't you love “sick TV”? I remember watching a day-long marathon of “Work Out” (reality show about a gym owner and her friends and stuff) when I had a terrible migraine. For some reason, I have rather fond memories of that day.
Happy 20-10!
I do that with some meds too.
I hope you are feeling a little better, That is so sweet of her to bring all of that over. 🙂
Hugs
Guilt Free SICK TV is the best part of being sick! Happy New Year to you too! By the way, I'm so glad I discovered your blog! {of course we seem to know and love all the same people so it wasn't hard to find you!}
I know that YOU are feeling pretty crappy too these days! I hope you feel better soon!
xoxox
Hopefully, you're on the mend as I type this. I have to say, you missed a prime opportunity for fame and riches. If you had set JCH with a video camera while your baking adventure was going on you would have had a winner for America's Funniest Videos. Just think $10,000 to start and a shot at that $100,000 Grand Prize. I think you would have been a shoo-in. I was laughing my butt off just with the mental pictures.
There can not be any highlights yet- it has only started. I like you blog post about your dangerous new obsession. I kind of wich I had A & E so I could watch Hoarders on television instead of on the internet. I think some people think that having a bunch of kids is an excuse for that behavior but it's not. Despite having 5 kids my house is very clean and not cluttered at all.
Hey that will be my New Years resolution to keep it that way- keep it simple.