You know that lame commercial, the one where the old lady trips and says pathetically, “I’ve fallen… and I can’t get up!”? Well, for about ten days, I was that lady. Yeah, the holidays passed quickly and all the while, I was in a daze. The last day I had 100% self-awareness? Um, yeah it might as well have been like 1984. Seriously, feels like eons ago. Truthfully? I’d say December 23, the last day I was at the office.

I should have known something dreadful was in the air… Around the middle of December, I had stayed home sick– woman problems and all that inconvenient shit. Then, on December 23, I was starting to feel a bit fatigued, but we were hosting a party that night to celebrate Festivus, so I didn’t think much of it. Two days later, I was literally stuck in bed for DAYS! And the damn doctor was right on: around Day 4-5, fever would go away and then come back worse. All those days between Christmas and the New Year, the bedroom was like a germ lab– we had cranked up the heat turning on the ceiling panels and the heating blanket, but I just could not get rid of the chills. My nightstand was covered with lozenge wrappers and mugs and glasses and the thermometer and Advil, Tylenol, cough syrup… it was a mess. And I actually remember thinking to myself: wow, this is what it’s like to be really sick. Like so sick that 24 hours isn’t enough time for a day’s rest. So sick that I didn’t even care about showering, combing, changing, washing, anything. Did the dogs know? I’m sure they knew something was up, because they were getting totally gypped with their walks.

The doctor warned I would be laid up all week through the new year. Through my fever and chills, I scoffed. And then, as I slept the days away one by one, I realized, goddamnit, she knows what she’s talking about. I got a few hours of upright time in on Thursday and Friday. With my sudden albeit brief burst of energy, I went for a short walk and then started cleaning… Then, I was pooped again: back in bed. I miss having my full strength. I’m able to get out and about now, but I tire easily. Yesterday, I needed an afternoon nap. Today was better but I still zonked out before dinnertime.

Earlier today, John and I met up with a former coworker who’s out in California on vacation. It was really good to see her again. I think our last meeting was 2003. I’d say we both pretty much look the same as we did six years ago, but a lot beyond that has changed, and I was glad to see that both of us had outgrown our former place of employment and moved on to better, more suitable opportunities.

Well tomorrow will be my first day back at the office. I still can’t believe I was out for 12 days. Ugh, there is so much work to do. I sure hope I can last the whole day.

Btw, I know: new year, new resolutions. I think I’ll be lazy this year and carry over most of my resolutions from last year: language learning, reading, volunteering, cooking… I like breaking stuff up into quarters– it helps me pace. 🙂 Oh and this coming Saturday, I’m going to a try out a Spanish meetup group. Need to get that shit back on track for real. Ok, body slowing down again. Time for bed. Wish me superpowers on my first day back at the office!