Special Day

This is such a commonly heard prayer nowadays, but especially meaningful to those of us who at some point made a decision to surrender to the fact that we had become addicted to chemicals in some form or other. For us, each year the date is marked by remembrance and gratitude that there was a way out of the nightmare. 19 years ago today I had reached my own last shred of resistance. I finally asked for help and came in from the cold. It’s been a long tough road since then to rebuild my physical, mental, emotional, and especially spiritual, life. But today I can look back down that road and know that, one day at a time, I never have to begin the journey again. In a few hours, I’ll go sit with other women who have made the same decision and celebrate our victory for a hour or so. Then I’ll get on with Year 20.
Deep Thought:Of all the imaginary friends I’ve had, I don’t think there was one that I didn’t end up having to kill.

Today I am grateful for: Bill and Dr. Bob

Kung Flu

So when I got back to work I discovered that some of our doctors had this same flu I did, which is probably how I caught it.  It’s a new strain of flu that originated in Fujian province in China and is new to humans.  It’s thought to be a mutation of a common Panama strain from the past 3 years.  Vaccine for it had not been developed, and the existing flu shot may provide limited protection.  But get the flu shot anyway to protect against the other 2 strains that are out there, especially if you’re over 65 or have chronic health conditions.

On other fronts, I had a chance to watch a few movies while I was sick and here’s the winner:  Rabbitproof Fence.  This is a true story about the systematic attempt in the 1930′s to assimilate “half-caste” children in Australia by taking them away from their parents and breeding them with whites.  It follows 3 little girls taken from a particular village and sent hundreds of miles away who escape and follow the “rabbitproof fence”, a 1500-mile fence that separated the outback desert from farmlands in western Australia, all the way home.  Two of them succeed in getting home, one of whom marries, has children and is sent again to the same training school, escapes and walks all the way home again.  These 2 original children can be seen as they are today in the photo.  Molly and Daisy just wanted to go home. 

Deep Thought:If I could be a bird, I think I’d be a penguin, because then I could walk around on two feet with a lot of other guys like me.

Today I am grateful for:  Kleenex.

Back at  Work

I just thought this was a funny cartoon.  Kind of looks like how I feel, but I am back at my desk.  Not a welcoming “boy howdy” word from anybody but you know what, I’m so glad I have this job.  I told them I’d work a half day and maybe I will and maybe I’ll work longer, depending on how I feel.  Fever is gone.

Deep Thought:If you had a school for professional fireworks people, I don’t think you could cover fuses in just one class. It’s just too rich a subject.

Today I am grateful for:  My tiny 1989 Toyota Tercel.

Cabin Fever

Day five and OK, it’s not snowing here, but it sure feels like it might as well be. I guess I must be feeling better cuz going to work tomorrow sounds better than staying home again. I did have a better day. After some fever this morning it stayed pretty low the rest of the day and now down to normal at 6:15 pm. I even took a run up the hill to the video store and the grocery store, though I found myself feeling pretty shaky by the time I reached the checkout stand. Thanks everybody for the kind words of comfort. They really helped.
Deep Thought: You know what would make a good story? Something about a clown who makes people happy, but inside he’s real sad. Also, he has severe diarrhea.
Today I am grateful for: Auto-fill oil delivery

Day Four

OK, I’m trying to cheer myself up here. I love the Christmas lights. It’s one of my favorite things about the holiday. This morning I woke up with a higher temperature than any day before, but it’s about 9:30 am now and it’s gone down to normal. Yesterday it took all day till 7:30 pm to come down, so maybe that’s a good sign. I feel really off balance, because all my usual routine has been thrown in the garbage. I’ll have to cancel some appointments this week to make sure I give myself enough recuperation time. It only takes a few days for me to feel behind in simple tasks like laundry and feeding the backyard birds. But I’m grateful to feel feverless at this moment. Hope everyone has a good December.
Deep Thought:I scrambled to the top of the precipice where Nick was waiting. “That was fun,” I said. “You bet it was,” said Nick. “Let’s climb higher.” “No,” I said. “I think we should be heading back now.” “We have time,” Nick insisted. I said we didn’t, and Nick said we did. We argued back and forth like that for about 20 minutes, then finally decided to head back. I didn’t say it was an interesting story.

Today I am grateful for: Saturday Night Live