Home Sick

An annoying sore throat that's since snowballed into full-fledged crud has kept me sequestered at home for four days straight. Thursday was a freebie, as it was Italy's 150th anniversary, and thus a holiday throughout the country. Needless to say, I missed out on the photo-op, trusting that my Italian hosts would enjoy themselves without me.

Friday rolled around and I woke up feeling much worse, so I cancelled lessons for the day. I hated to do it, but my voice is very important for my job, and I was probably contagious. I normally try to tough this sort of thing out: as a kid, my peers' liberal use of the "mental health day" baffled me, a nerdy worrier whose anxiety about missing something essential almost always trumped my desire stay home--even if I was physically ill! This time, though, I must admit the smart thing was to listen to my body.

Now it's Sunday and I'm hoping the many hours I've been spending under the blanket will kick in on Monday morning. Going through mounds of Kleenex has left my nose chafed, and my energy level has not really made its way back to where it needs to be. Granted, thanks to a certain basketball tourney I've been enjoying my blanket more on the couch, instead of my bed...where I should be. Alan and I were riveted by that crazy double-foul move Butler and Pitt pulled last night, but I daresay not quite as riveted as we're about to be in a few minutes, when our beloved Heels take on Washington. Husband, blanket, popcorn, basketball--does it get any better than this?

It does--I'd love to stop carting around the box of Kleenex--but that's a minor consideration, given the fact I've been enjoying a rare break, springtime is on our doorstep (our space heaters need the break, too), and I recently had a nice change of pace when my sister visited a few weeks ago, for the first time since our move.

Otherwise, lately I sound like quite the broken record--school and work have literally taken me from 0 to 100--but I have nothing to complain about. I don't really have the time!

I'm glad I do have the time to join the chorus of Carolina fans everywhere: Go Heels!!