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. 🙂

The Appliances Are Planning a Revolution

I have been limping by this week with no coffeemaker.  I have been able to make coffee in the espresso maker, but it takes for-ev-er.

This morning I woke up to get the boys out the door for school.  Since we had no “real breakfast” (aka – frozen waffles) in the house I made Jon some toast.  I popped two pieces of bread in the toaster then a plastic bowl with a couple pats of butter into the microwave.  After a second or two I heard a snap and sizzle come from the microwave.  Then another.  Butter shouldn’t make that sound. 

I turned in time to witness the mini fireball in the far back corner of the microwave.

I punched the “stop” button at least a dozen times to turn it off then stared at the door, not sure whether to leave it closed or open it and risk a freak explosion.  I finally opened it and looked inside.  There was no sign of my little light show.  I took out the butter (barely softened) and spread it on Jon’s toast still giving the microwave the evil eye.  After a bit I opened the door and took out the metal rack that comes with it.  When we bought it someone told us we could leave it in there even though I protested it was metal.  I figured it as the first culprit.

The boys have a half day so I am hoping to have a house when I get home since there is half a pizza in the refrigerator and they will want to warm it up.  Between this and the coffee maker I’m starting to believe the appliances are planning a coup against me.  I hope to hold off the revolt before the washer and dryer get involved or I am going to be up a creek…

…without a rock to wash my laundry with.

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!