Back from the Land of the Dead

I am happy to say I’m back from the dead.  Or at least it felt like I had died.  At least a dozen times.

A week ago yesterday I started the day stressed – alot of drama over The Beast (Jake’s car).  I was pretty much angry at everyone.  But noon, my skin on my neck and scalp started to tingle.  Then it started to burn.  It wasn’t just any burn.  It felt like a legion of fire ants marching under my skin x 10.  The muscles in my neck started to ache.  Then, as I tried to eat my lunch it took two swallows to get my yogurt down.

Thinking I was having an allergic reaction to something (even though I’m not allergic to anything), I made an immediate appointment to see my doctor.  By the time I got to the doctor I could add dizzy to the list of symptoms.  Fortunately it wasn’t an allergic reaction.

It was shingles.

I wouldn’t wish shingles on my worst enemy.

I was given three prescriptions – an antibiotic, meds for chicken pox (which shingles are but the adult version), and prednisone.  I nearly passed out at the store as I waited at the pharmacy for over an hour to get my medication.  Then it was home and off to bed…or at least as close to off to bed as a wife and mother of three gets.  I attempted to go to work the next day and was sent promptly home partially due to fear of catching what I had (I wasn’t contagious) – and partially because I looked something close to death warmed over.

At it’s worst I fought with chills and fever all at the same time.  My muscles ached.  I was constantly tired.  It took three days before I could swallow normal.  And until just a day or two ago it felt as if a low level electric current was running through my muscles.

 My family, who were  some of the causes of my stress, have been angels.  They’ve cooked, they’ve cleaned, they’ve given extra hugs and kisses and cuddles (even when it hurt to cuddle – but it’s the thought that counts!).  The hubby has gotten the car for me, taken chairs to track meets so I can rest and kept the house in line.  He’s been the best.

I still have muscle aches and am unnormally tired.  But it’s nice to feel alive again. 🙂

Girls Night!

Last night the boys were at a track meet (new personal bests for both!!  Jake threw 129’2″ and Jon shave his 400 low hurdle by a second to a new time of 1:12 – very happy proud mom here!) and Brian had to work.  It left Sissy and I to our own devices.

First we dutifully went to track practice.  I felt bad I had to drag her along.  But then I realized that she has come to love practice.  She was very excited to go.  She even asked that she starts practice throwing the eight pound shot since it makes the six pound shot feel lighter.  That’s my he-girl!

Then…we snuck off to Parlor City for ice cream and funnel cakes to celebrate a great practice, the brosephs (Alex’s term for her brothers) new PRs and well…girls night!

Then we went home to continue the celebration with bowls of maccaroni and cheese, some WWE (yes, we girls love WWE) and a few rounds of…

She beat me twice.  I now understand why her brothers won’t play her anymore.  Chutes and Ladders shark is what she is.

We were glad to see the guys when they got home.  But it was nice to have a night just my girl and me.

Every day is Valentine’s Day!

Tonight Brian and I went out for Valentine’s Day dinner – two days early since he has to work Tuesday night and I thoughtfully scheduled an eye appointment for new glasses that night.

After picking up a heart shaped pizza for the kids (awwww…) we headed for one of our favorite Tex Mex restaurants.  Food was yummy (I’m so full I can barely move).  But the company was better.  It was really nice to have a conversation without hearing “Mom?  Mom!”  through it from three different directions.  I am amazinging capable to have four different conversations at one time.

And more important, it was nice to have some quiet time with such an amazing guy!  ❤

Happy (early) Valentine’s Day everyone!