Blogging from Bed
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I write these words from bed. The sheets are powder soft, clouded around my limbs. The pillows are robust behind me. A coy January sun slips through the window. A tray is balanced beside me. On it, there is an array of pastries. A vast cappuccino. A tall glass of juice. Fresh-squeezed. I sip daintily, alternating between hot and cold, careful not to spill on my raw silk nightgown. I nibble on the corner of a croissant and stare at something. The single flower beside me. Humble and stunning. From him. Shedding petals of possibility. The pedicure I’m getting as I write this tickles. But in a good way.
I kid. Boy, do I kid.
I am writing these words from bed. The sheets are soaked with sweat and tangled around me. The pillows are sad and deflated from ruthless overuse. There are a few things in bed with me. Two types of phone. A remote. An ear thermometer. And a fantastic book. Full of words from a wise woman and new friend. Full of reminders and clues about something we all covet and crave. My hair is knotted. I should really change these pajamas. The sun outside mocks me. Reminds me of a world I have not seen in several days.
I am sick, kids.
Apparently, it’s my time for swine.
I have spent the past few months utterly petrified of this H1N1 monster and it seems he has crept up on me. But, alas, I’m on the mend. I am taking Tamiflu and things are looking up. But I am still lying down. And I am not very good at lying down. In fact, I’m quite bad at it. Terrible, actually.
Once upon a time, I was pretty good at lying down. An expert. But now? Not so much. I have spent the past four days heeding the advice of my doctor and my Husband, technically lying down, but not quite resting. This is pretty much how my days have gone: Wake up. Take a Tamiflu with Gatorade. Email. Text. Check email. Text. Take my temperature. Text. Email. Read a chapter. Take my temperature. Take it again. Text Husband my temperature. Read a chapter. Repeat until it’s time to take another Tamiflu. Go to bed.
So, I am thankful that today I’ve been able to mix it up a bit. To add “write a blog post” to the mix.
In all honesty, it’s been a really rough couple of days. Days where I’ve been forced to stay away from the ones I love. I was not able to revel with friends on New Year’s Eve or kiss Husband at midnight. I was not able to hug Toddler on her third birthday. I was not able to attend Toddler’s much-anticipated pajama and pizza birthday bash which she and I so carefully planned. These past several days have been filled with fat tears and high fevers and all kinds of metaphorical and physical ache. And I will fill you in. I promise.
In all honesty though, it’s been a really wonderful couple weeks. Important weeks filled with breath and laughter and love, discernment and discovery. And I will fill you in. I promise.
But for now, I must curl up and roll over and bury my forehead and frustrations in my limp and loyal pillow. But this time, I will do so with a smile.
Because it’s a brand new year. And a brand new decade. And despite this decidedly ominous start for your beleaguered and beloved Professor of Insecurities, I think 2010 is going to be a good one for all of us.
Yes, a shadow of a smile finds me now because even in this somewhat shaky and sickly state, it’s so so good to be back.
___________________________________________
Are you good at being sick? At resting when you need to? More importantly, did you miss me?
***Because I loved Gretchen Rubin’s book THE HAPPINESS PROJECT so much, I went out I sent Husband out (hey, I’m swining here!) to buy five, yes five, copies of it to give away this week. To become eligible to win one of these divine goodies from Gretchen, please leave a comment here today (1/4/10) before 11pm EST. If you miss the comment boat today, never fret. You will have a chance to win this great book each and every day this week!***












I am so sorry about this ill-timed swine! I’m sorry you had to miss those big life events, and also that you feel so lousy. Yuck, yuck – there is nothing I can say to change that. I am sorry! I hope things turn this week and you feel better very quickly.
I am horrible at being sick. I don’t dislike getting the rest I need. The most recent example would be my going to sleep around 8 pm on New Year’s Eve and awaking at 6 am in the New Year. My body needed rest so I took it.
You know I missed you, Aidan. Even though I knew you were not writing, I stopped each day to be sure.
So glad you’re back, so sorry you’re sick. I thought in that first paragraph that either you were in some swanky hotel or that you had seriously changed while “pressing pause.” Feel better and pick me! I have HP on my to-do list…though I am not sure I want a swiney copy:(
I hope you feel better soon!
Awwww I hope you feel better quickly, and thanks for sharing about those sweaty sheets…
Hope you had a lovely Christmas.
Piece of advise. If you are struggling to turn on the TV while at the same time unable to read the temperature of your ear then you *could* be getting the remote and thermometer mixed up.
Oh no not the pig flu! Get better lady, sending you healing vibes.
What pure misery! I’m so sorry about all this. Spending New Year’s Eve sick in bed is bad enough, but a pajama and pizza bash? Now that is not fair.
I’m so glad to have you back in the blogosphere. It just wasn’t the same without you. Please continue to rest and feel better. And know that we are all rooting for you in the Aidan vs. H1N1 battle of 2010.
Again, welcome back!
PS – My own new blog launched on New Year’s Day. Check it out!
I’m bad at sick. Sick is so boring! I’m sorry you got the swine; your post has motivated me to get vaccinated this week!
Glad you’re on the mend! I must admit, I’m pretty good at being sick. I don’t mind slowing down. Maybe it’s because I live in the “Land of Manana.”
I am just discovering your blog, and enjoying it (which sounds ultra crappy of me, given your current swinehood…swinefulness?…and all). Sorry you’re sick and I’ve no doubt that I would have missed you had I found you before.
I don’t like to be sick and generally don’t rest as much as I ought to.
Welcome, Mary Poppins in Heels! (Typing that makes me giggle. I love giggling.) You are permitted to enjoy my blog however swine-infested it is at the moment. Cheers to 2010!
Thank you, Aidan! Giggling is good, and I’ll take you up on your offer to enjoy your blog! Cheers to you, too!
How miserable! I’m home sick today as well. It seems everyone I know has succumbed to the flu (swine or non-swine) in the last two weeks. At least this gives me a chance to catch up on some blog reading and enter this fun giveaway!
Feel better soon and welcome back.
Hi there – I saw your post on ManVsDebt so I clicked on over to check out your site.
Sorry to hear that you contracted the swine… we’ve managed to dodge it so far – but it’s been dangerously close to home. I’m hoping that we’ve developed some uber-resistance. Only time will tell I suppose.
I don’t get sick very often – but when I do, I deal with it pretty well (read: somehow my awesome wifely and motherly skills have earned me the pampering – and time off – that I so deserve). I’m happiest when it’s just me with the bug. I not-so-fondly recall a time in the recent past when I was the only one in the house not throwing up. I had to get my mom on the horn to make it through that day.
Anyway, I enjoy your writing – I’ll check back soon!
take care
Meredith
Hi, Meredith. I do hope your home continues to be swine-free. Yes, a sick family is the absolute worst. Been there. (Oh, I like the phrase “on the horn.” I might have to steal it.) Happy 2010!
How awful. I’m so sorry!! I really think that being sick makes for some of the hardest day-to-day times of parenthood…it’s so difficult to just be able to think of yourself and rest. Here’s hoping you’re on the mend pronto to welcome in the New Year in proper form.
Andrea – welcome to the comment box. Make yourself at home
I fully agree that sickness makes parenthood 800X harder. I am certainly on the mend and have high hopes for this year and this decade. Happy 2010!
I am so glad you are back!!! But I am very sorry that you feel craptastic and were not able to partake in the holiday and birthday festivities. I am sure you will find ways to spend time with those people soon however
Rest up and get better soon!
Hello, you.
I can see from the overwhelming response here that I am not the only one who missed you while you were away being present.
I am very sorry to hear that you have been felled by H1N1, but heartened to see that your voice and your humor are as fresh as ever. I too am not so good at being sick. Bed rest with both pregnancies nearly did me in.
Be well, drink up.
I’m so sorry to hear you’re sick! I wish it were me instead of you, not that I like being sick but I think I AM pretty good at lying down still. Having no kids and a serious reading and watching DVR addiction I found myself wishing I had an excuse to miss work. Isn’t that awful? You probably want to kill me and I’ve blown all chances of winning this book I now so desperately wish to read!
Really, though, it’s heartbreaking that you missed Toddler’s birthday. I can’t imagine. Just think of all the birthdays in the future you will be able to be a part of!
I hope you feel better, I’ll stay tuned in to attempt to win and keep updated on your health!
Oh no Aidan, you got swined! I had it in early November and feel your (feverish) pain… Make sure to rest, rest, rest and let me know if I can lend a hand in any way. Gatorade was definitely my go-to beverage of choice. Why does it taste so good when you’re sick?
awww being sick sucks! the swine flu is the worst apparently! at least you’re well enough to get up and write a bit even in bed. My friend had it and she couldn’t walk or get up to do anything! I hope you have a speedy recovery!!
Winner!
Am so glad you are giving away Gretchen Rubin’s book — did not put it down for two days, and even reread a chapter when I woke up in the middle of the night last night (severe Sunday night post-vacation anxiety — aren’t you glad you don’t work at a law firm anymore?) and couldn’t go back to sleep. When I get organized enough (January resolutions!) I hope to write about it a bit myself, and hope you will, too. It seems that you and I have convinced our mutual friend Lindsey to read it stat, as well. Feel better — H1N1 has been my biggest fear this winter!
Kebmurphy – Glad to hear you loved the book too. Though your anecdote of reading a chapter in the night does not make me pine for Mr. BigLaw… I look forward to hearing what you have to say about Gretchen’s book (and other topics.) H1N1 – for all the hype – has not been too too terrible. Then again, I say this now that I am feeling a whole lot better. Was signing an entirely different tune a few days ago. Welcome!
OK, “Mr. BigLaw” had me laughing out loud at work, so much so that I’m taking a break from my billables to respond. (Is this a NY-firm phrase I should have heard before but have somehow missed?) I am going to blantantly steal it and claim credit, as I think it has not caught on here in Boston! Cheers…
I have the sneaking suspicion that you are not familiar with my heralded love letter to my ex? (A crime indeed.) http://www.ivyleagueinsecurities.com/2009/09/missing-an-ex/ Steal away!
Oops, didn’t mean to leave my email on the first comment in lieu of my name — can you take it off, if possible? Thanks!
Hope you are feeling better!
This is my frst time here and I am loving it! Just found your blog and I must admit, I was intrigued by the tag line. I am an Ivy League Graduate myself, but the “title” I am most proud of in my life is that of mother.
I also have found this blogosphere “world” to be an amazing place. I love to write and never thought I would make as many connections as I have.
So glad to have stumbled on your blog! I look forward to blogging with you!
So glad you stumbled upon my site! Welcome. I too am most proud of my title as mom. And I have also been overwhelmed and amazed at the connections and community in this blog world. I look forward to blogging with you as well. Happy 2010!
Eek, so when I saw your swine tweet I confess I thought you were simply describing your regular flu as bad enough to be swiney. Feel better soon!
welcome back! and, please, feel better soon! i know that i can speak for most of your readers when i say that a swiney post is better than no post at all.
i too would check your website daily just in case you snuck a post up there before year’s end.
Welcome to the comment box, Abby. It means a lot to know that you were popping by here in my absence. My pause was just what I needed, but it really is great to be back. Thanks for commenting on my swiney post!
Oh yuck, what a way to ring in the new year! Feel better soon … AND … I see I missed the giveaway deadline for today. Will definitely be entering tomorrow. I think we could all use a little more happy in our lives, right?
No, you are good for the giveaway today! Ends tonight (11pm). But feel free to enter tomorrow too. I have no problem sending two books to one person. I think it makes a great gift. (Especially during this season of resolutions!)
(And, yes. We can all use a little more happy in our lives. Always!)
I’m pretty good at being sick… and my hubby is a pretty good coddler, I’m lucky!
Welcome. You are a lucky girl indeed. Coddling is a lost art. I can see it now. A future post entitled “The Fine Art of Coddling…” Happy 2010!
Get well soon, Aidan!
I’m not good at getting sick. My mother in law has planned out all my vacation days, so I can’t afford to take time off. I got sick last month and it was antibiotics, definitely not rest, that got me through. The funny thing is I was looking into where to get H1N1 vaccinated before I read this post…
I’m glad I got the vaccine… even though I had to schlepp all the way to the Bronx for it. I haven’t been sick in a long time (probably just jinxed it) so I really don’t look forward to the next time — I’m really terrible at it.
I hope you feel better very soon!
Ugh, that sounds terrible. I hope you are feeling better soon.
That pizza and pajama party sounds like a blast, though. I have to take notes for my own toddler’s birthday! His firehouse party got cancelled due to the stomach flu. Yuck!
Welcome to ILI. Yes, the pajamas were a big hit! Apparently kids will have more fun doing just about everything if decked in sleepwear. Who knew? Sorry your son’s party got canceled. If only we could eradicate sickness from our lives. Happy 2010!
The flu sounds miserable, but I’m glad you’re on the mend!
Sounds like a neat book!
Feel better A!!! So sad about missing the birthday party and birthday hug
, you can have your own little twosome sleepover once you are better to make up for lost time.
I used to be great at being sick – green gatorade, mac and cheese and stacks of magazines and romantic comedies and I was a happy camper. Now being a mom though I don’t know, I don’t think it would be the same! Hopefully I won’t find out too soon, and hopefully you won’t have to go through finding out again for a long time.
I do hope you feel better soon! How sad that it had to happen over New Years… But try to get some rest.
I’d love to enter the drawing as well, if I’m not too late!
Hi, Karin. No, it wasn’t an ideal time to get sick, but ’tis life I guess. Happy 2010!
Gosh no, no good at being sick at all! I’m a single mom!! If I’m sick, NOTHING happens!
Sounds like things are looking up! And I do LOVE the Happiness Project. Something else to smile about, right?!
Glad you’re back. Happy 2010 Aidan.
Yay! You’re back! I’ve missed you! But so, so sorry to hear you’re under the weather. That stinks. But yay! You’re back! I’m doing a happy dance — and if I don’t win the book, that’s ok….’cause you’re back! Yay!
The last time I was sick was when I had wisdom-teeth surgery, and I was GREAT at it; mainly because I popped painkillers every few hours and slept the day away, so although my face was puffed up like a chipmunk’s, I wasn’t awake long enough to care. Sleep–that’s my prescription for you. Sending you good wishes for a speedy recovery.
Anne, welcome to my little corner of this odd world. Yes, sleep seems to be the answer. To many things. As Gretchen says, “Sleep is the new sex.” Happy New Year!
Glad you’re back but so sorry you’re sick! Take your time, and get well – and don’t push too hard. I know, I know – is there a mother (or a Type A) who can do that? Not so much…
Good at being sick? Actually, yes. In other words, I keep going, even if I continue directly my little world from bed – I do so. When you are a solo parent, you must, so you do. And you don’t think about it much.
Meanwhile – I loved that first scene of comfy pillows and breakfast in (an untangled) bed! Ah… the stuff of dreams, but such nice dreams – a spa, a beach, no flu!
Now close your eyes, and let your consciousness drift until that’s exactly where you are… an exotic locale, a warming sun on your shoulders, a masseuse at your beck and call, plush pillows for your lounge chair along a tropical beach…
Eww…eww..the flu…I’ve not had it but I had the pleasure of taking care of my 6 year old as she suffered through it in Sept. What’s worse? Being sick or watching your kids be sick?? I think watching is hard. I hope you are on the way to complete recovery.
I used to be good at being sick…just laying there on the sofa w/ the remote & a book alternating between really horrible daytime tv shows and trashy stories…but w/ the gradual accumulation of blackberry & various technology based devises – texting, emailing, calling – I never rest. My mind never stops wondering what is going on! Aye, aye, aye…
Get better!
Kara, welcome to ILI. Watching a kid be sick is the worst. It is so hard not to be able to help. I am just like you; I have a very hard time stopping my constant brain buzz. Happy 2010!
Thanks Aidan – 1st time reader and love it…! Happy 2010…
Hi Aidan, sorry to hear you’re sick and you missed out on some big fun, but it’s great to read your work again. You were missed.
It’s impossible to get that much needed rest when you’re sick and a mom and a wife full of love and life and lots of exciting things going on.
I just picked up The Happiness Project myself — one of half a dozen books I splurged on the other day. Your glowing review makes me want to bump it up higher on the reading list.
Take care of yourself and hey, this is the year I get to read YOUR book.
Happy new year!
Hey, sorry you’re ill. I had it last week for about four days. I think the flu shot helped made it shorter in duration, but it was intense for a day or so. Would love to read The Happiness Project.
So sorry you went through this last week. It is absolutely everywhere. Welcome to ILI! And happy 2010!
Yes, missed you!
Sorry it took the swine flu to get you back on the blog:)
Looks like 2010 is full of promise!
I’ve been checking in each and every day to see if you’re back and FINALLY – here you are! But not quite in the shape I’d hoped to see you in! I’m so sorry that you ended up with the flu. I hope at least the bronchitis is gone? Ugh. I’m horrendous at being sick. I feel like I’m missing out. Tim always tells me to give in to it when I’m sick but it’s just impossible for me. But it looks like you’re doing just what the doctor ordered… hopefully you’ll be back to your normal self soon.
so glad you’re back… happy happy happy new year and be sure to have a glass of champagne and give that husband a big smooch as soon as you’re better!
xx
I would love to read that book… I’ll add it to my list if I don’t happen to win it
I am so so so sorry you’ve been sick. Honestly. I’ve been petrified of H1N1 also… so glad to hear you’re surviving! You have been very missed in the bloggy world (though I only started reading you a little while ago, I’ve missed your posts!)
Be well. Wish I could bring you a big container of chicken soup…
The flu sucks, swine or otherwise. So sorry you had to miss out on some big events and hope you feel better soon! I’ve missed your posts over the past week or so!
Aidan, that totally sounds like my kind of sick bed – pillows strewn everywhere, all the phones, everything lost in the covers! Sorry you missed things you wanted to be there for but I am happy you’re on the mend. I’ve had a sick kid for 5 days who insists that she has the swine flu – she doesn’t!
Kindred sick beds! Welcome to my humble abode… Yes, definitely on the mend. So funny that your kid insists she has the swine! Happy 2010!
You are a brilliant writer even when sick! That’s when you know the passion is truly present, when you can hack out your lungs and blow out your nose and cry out your eyes and still want to write. Get well soon!
ugh! sick?! so sorry. i had a mild flu earlier in the year and it is just horrible. i hope you feel better soon!
darn central standard time; looks like i missed the give away, but maybe another day.
glad you’re back–feel better soon!
I’m glad you’re back. Yours has become one of my new favorite blogs. Feel better soon!