BOO HOO, I HATE THE FLU!

A couple of weeks ago Jeff and I went to IKEA and purchased a new bed, and thanks to the flu, I spent a lot of time in it! Initially the plan was to get a bed that was low to the ground so that Benji, our little arthritic Shitzu-Terrier mix can now jump up whenever he pleases without grunting in the middle of the night for me to pick him up. Since I sleep very little, it's a bit annoying to finally doze off to find myself being nudged awake by a whining little marshmallow dog. He's cute, and old, but it's annoying. And what's more irritating is that now that the bed is set up, Benji seems to like to sleep in his doggie bed now....right NEXT to the new bed! I've been trying to get him to sleep in his own bed for years, and now that I've tried to accomodate the little bugger, he has found a whole new appreciation for his own bed. Hmmmm.....

This flu came and placed me firmly on my rear. It was a bit rude, I think. No introductions, no warning....just "oh, and by the way, you're sick as a poisoned toad and you'll be in bed for a week". I'm sure if I were really able to remember and compare my different moments of illness, this flu could be comparable to other bouts I've had in the past. But since I can't remember......this is the worse I've ever felt!!

It started with a sore throat, which only aggravated me. By the next morning, I couldn't even straighten myself out on the bed. My back spasmed for days and I had a fever that wouldn't let up. Jeff worked from home the majority of the week to make sure that he could help me if I needed to get out of bed; but I felt horrible. I didn't even look at my knitting for days.

And of course, this all came after I had to postpone my tooth surgery due to another infection. It just seemed that everything was collapsing around me all at once. The one thing I did learn this last couple of weeks is that I am a huge baby when I'm sick. HUGE.

So tonight is the first night that I've been able to be out in public for more than 2 1/2 hours without being completely exhausted and I enjoyed sitting with my friends again at the knitting table, laughing until my lungs felt like they were either going to explode or be coughed out. I guess the only thing I can do is take things slowly and just be optimistic that I'll feel better with every day that passes.

Now I have to make sure that I am truly on my feet by Sunday. My in-laws are reconsecrating their wedding vows in honor of their 36th anniversary. It is a surprise party for the "bride" and I'm in shock that she is still clueless as to the big day. First of all, my sister in law keeps slipping with certain details, apparantly uncertain as to what the word "surprise" means. Thankfully, her mother never picks up on any of it. But then again, she doesn't pick up on much. She's not stupid.....just a little disconnected with her surroundings.

And Irving (my father in law) tries to talk about the plans with me, but because he's almost completely deaf, he speaks VERY LOUDLY. His whisper is louder than my outside voice. So there have been many conversations in which I sprinkled the word "shhhhhhhh!!" quite generously. Oh well. I think it will be lovely whether she knows about it or not. Now........let's hope he really gets more thank bagels for the reception............

T