Houston, The Pig Has Landed

Have you ever heard the expression, When Pigs Fly? Well, I can tell you that they do and one has landed at the Tiki Hut!

First, let me thank all of you for your comments and emails. They made me feel better, knowing that all of you cared enough to respond just did my heart good.

I thought I would be feeling better long before now, but alas, that is not the case. From the symptoms it appears I have contracted the dreaded H1N1 flu, commonly known as the Swine Flu. Since this is the only flu virus outbreak currently in my county, I guess I have it. I wasn't feeling good, then I started feeling better and then it came back. I've been in contact with both my state and local health department. There really isn't anything you can do except let it run its course. I was told by the health department that if I feel my symptoms become life-threatening I should go to the emergency room.

From FLU.gov I learned the Emergency Warning Signs for Adults:

Anyone with the following emergency warning signs needs urgent medical attention and should seek comment right away:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Obviously after this long I don't have a mild case, but on a good note, I don't have a severe case. I think I was just run-down and it has decided to linger on. I did improve and then it returned, but I don't have a fever and my cough is the same as before.

I'm very lethargic and really don't feel like doing anything, but I can't sleep either. I made it through an extremely tough deadline that had me at my computer for 17 hours straight on the last day. I mean no breaks, eating at the computer and wondering why I ever wanted to become a freelance graphic designer.

On the heels of that deadline, I had another project that I'm very passionate about and that is what I'm trying to muddle through now. It has turned out to be much more time-consuming than I ever imagined, but when I tell you about it, you'll know why I need to persevere and get it done. Basically, I work on this project and watch television. Dinner is now a can of soup over a bowl of plain white rice. The rest of the day is bananas, applesauce and toast. This is known as the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) diet and helps control one of the not-so-fun aspects of the flu.

Last night my daughter brought me a chocolate-glazed donut and I managed to get it down. I love donuts! Chocolate cake and donuts are my downfall, but I have to say, I didn't really enjoy my donut like I normally would. You know — looking to see if there was another one.

I miss blogging. I miss posting and I miss reading all of your blogs, but most of all I miss all of you. I feel so isolated and left out of all the fun. Right now, the beach for me is a distant memory that is waiting for my return. I just hope it is soon. I took a quick walk on the shore last week, thinking it would rejuvenate me. Didn't take long for me to find my way back to the comforts of home and that is where I will stay for now.

Be well and be careful, I wouldn't wish this on anyone.