Judging by the fashion on the street, the present time might be the 80's or early 90's, when that song was actually popular?
It seems to me that the way the world dives right back into business after a vacation is quite, quite cruel. One comes back from vacation with all sorts of resolutions and ideas for bettering oneself, making more time for prayer and connecting with friends, when suddenly, one is sick, incapable of speaking above a whisper, and buckling down for the 2 presentations and 4 exams that are about to take her under in the next week.
Not that I have anyone in mind.
Being sick has impeded my reentrance into the swing of things in Spain a bit. The day I missed school, I woke up gagging phlegm and decided to take my risks with María's home remedies in leu of hacking up bits of greenish-brown ooze in front of my classmates.
According to María, causes of my illness include:
1. Walking around barefoot (always a classic).
2. Having slept with the window open a crack.
3. Having wet hair in the morning.
4. Sitting on a cold floor
5. Drinking cold water.
Among other things, I was told to wear a scarf and not exercise because sweating would prolong the illness. She also told me that I'm not that sick, because my face isn't "that bad."
Well, what gives if your lymph nodes are roughly the size of kiwis, you start gagging uncontrollably every time you cough, and you are choked with pain every time you swallow something? Meh, who cares? Your face is fine.
What do doctors tell people here?
Oh María, she's so nice and matter-of-fact and insistent all at once. There are just so many Spanish medical superstitions that I cannot comprehend...
When I was well enough to go to school, I was amazed by how everyone had A) noticed I was gone, B) actually wanted to know how I was, C) looked really sympathetic when voice squeaked out of my vocal chords, which were probably being squashed by my ginormous lymph nodes.
I don't even know if the lymph nodes are in your throat. It was some sort of gland or node or round thing that I could feel protuding beyond it's natural size beneath the skin of my neck.
Perhaps a small guinea pig. Or a salamander.
Even my history teacher quieted the entire chattering class with, "Quiet! Quiet! She's going to speak! Samantha is going to say something!" Then as everyone turned to watch me intently, all I could do was laugh almost silently with small, raspy squeaks.
It was like I was Ellen.
Anyway, I'm feeling mostly better now. And lucky me, I need to research for my history presentation. It's the day before my history test. Awesome!
I have French techno stuck in my head, thank you very much Amanda Allen.
PS. Last night, Ellen and I had "roommate night" which, apparently was just a set up for "Tyler's anniversary surprise night (via Ellen in Tyler's absence)", during which I received a pedicure and Mexican food. It seems everyone in school knew about it but me, and the pedicurist continually remarked that I have a very good boyfriend.
I might agree with that.
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5 comments:
It makes me very happy to know that 4 months of off and on planning was a success. I'll be sure to tell your boyfriend that you think he is a good one.
He says thanks, and he knows.
A) Thank you very much for the encouragement. I have a better feeling about it all today, so hopefully that'll stick.
B) YOU'RE WELCOME! (for the French techno)...I'm so glad that it's making the rounds your side of the Atlantic :o) Sometimes, I just log onto my own blog to watch it and laugh.
C) Feel better soon! And listen to Maria, because you probably brought this on yourself with your non-sock-wearing-wet-hair-outside-sleeping-with-fresh-air-coming-in-your-room habits. For shame. :o)
Love it.
One of my friends in PA says her mom tells her the same stuff all the time, i.e., don't sit on that cold step, you'll get sick, etc.
I guess it's pretty universal that you shouldn't go out with wet hair too, who knew.
YOUR mom says you have to wash your hands all the time. That's the trick. I don't care if you go around cold and wet :), but I've never won Mother of the Year. Don't forget soap ;).
Love, Mom
you are correct dearest samantha, there are lymph nodes in your neck right under your jaw that are prone to swelling when afflicted with a particularly stubborn illness.
and now that i've fulfilled my role as a nursing student, as a friend and future roommate i hope you're feeling better very soon!!
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