Do you remember when you were younger and had to stay home from school because you had a high temperature or because your mother said so (you might or might not have been sick, but she said that she heard you coughing!)? Do you remember sitting at your window, watching the OTHER kids play outside while your runny nose did what it does best?
That's how I felt on Friday last week.
I have a beautiful window seat in my very small (375 sq foot) apartment, and it points right downtown to where I can see -everything-. Before, I loved that fact; the lights, the people, the sounds of traffic... am I a city girl or what? On that window seat, I sat (and slept) for most of Friday after someone came into the office sick during the week and apparently gave me an early birthday gift -- my first bought of respiratory illness for the year.
I learned some interesting things about this city while sitting there, though:
- Seattle drivers freak out when water hits their windshield. This makes driving in the rain (and thus, Seattle) difficult.
- Those policemen who direct traffic around construction get yelled at far more than anyone else I've ever seen for doing their job, which simply involves waving their hands and stopping traffic in various directions.
- No one likes the girl with the red nose. She's apparently infected. Seattlites have a weird radar about this, for some reason.
- When I'm out of the office, I get WAY fewer emails than when I'm in it. I also check way more often.
- Taking five days off from reading your Google Reader is a bad idea when you subscribe to nearly 1000 feeds. Ugh.
- The clog-dancers who live in the apartment above me must sleep during the day, because it was blissful silence all day long.
- My cat is unafraid of a multi-story drop into a gulley when it comes to catching the seagulls that perch on the neighbor-building's windowsills.
- Everyone smiles much more when the sun comes out; when it's hidden, there is a large portion of the population who forgets how to be nice to their fellow man when passing them on the street.
- There is an overwhelming number of Seattlites who eat sushi at lunch. That, and the owner of the sushi restaraunt three blocks from my house must seriously be raking it in. Maybe I should become a waitress.
- The meter maid (still) hates me. I'm sure she must have a vendetta against anyone who parks on my street.
That said, this is a PSA to remind everyone to take their vitamin C this flu season! I, myself, can't have the flu shot, but if you can and it helps you, get that done ASAP. It's almost winter! With all the hours lost to illness, goodness knows many of us don't have that time to waste lollygagging about in bed with runny noses.
Take care of yourselves and stay well!
Claire - First, i hope you are feeling better. I was sick for a few days 2 weeks ago and barely got out of bed. It's almost odd how out of touch you can get when you turn off the computer and tv for a couple of days.
Claire,
I totally enjoyed that blog! I hope you feel better soon! If I am home sick my day looks soooo different than that. lol It would start with a 3 year old saying mommy I am hungry. It would probably end with teenagers and a husband saying Whats for dinner..... We are hungry. lol In the middle would be no time to think of all those wonderful insightful things you did. Well.... unless I locked my bedroom door and then there would just be a lot of knocking. Feel better soon!!!!!
At least you didn't have the stomach flu bug. That one tore through my house three weeks ago. A baby with the stomach flu has to be the strongest cause for pity. Not being able to hold down one sip of water for days causes the worst feeling of dehydration and thirst. It was miserable!
I need a vacation so bad, your sequestered observations sound kind of good!
I hope this is the beginning of a new, healthy, happy week!
A day in the life of a sick girl..:-( I enjoyed your View from a Window - I could actually visualize it all with your description!
As soon as I feel the first inkling of a cold/flu I start taking Echinicea Drops......I heard Oil of Oregano is supposed to be even better!
And the Sushi story is so true, its the same here..........and my daughter works as a waitress in a Restaurant.....and the tips are big time........Saturday 180/in tips.......Hmmm now that gives one pause doesn't it?
I want a window seat overlooking the city too! :-)
Claire, AWE! I hope you feel better really soon...take advantage of this "down" time...get caught up on much needed rest (remember THAT'S why you were attacked so easily...being tired is never good) and watch a good movie...(reading a book takes too much effort when you're sick!) lol
If I could I'd cook you something really good and comforting...anything you'd want! Get well soon!
Claire, I hope you feel better soon. I was home Friday too - but I'm not contagious I need a root canal (role on Tuesday, I can't wait). Also, take echinacea (sp?) to boost your immune system - seriously it works and I really like that Airborne stuff too!!
Glad you are feeling better Claire. Don't forget to Lysol all the door handles and faucets at home and the office. The number of people I see leave a restroom without washing their hands is absolutely DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Claire - Sorry you were under the weather...which is pretty easy since it is rainy Seattle. You really should have the AR staff move their headquarters to beautiful Phoenix,AZ. Welcome to Paradise -- Palm Trees, Swimming Pools and Sunny Weather (320 days -- literally -- out of the year). Sure the summers get a little toasty, but the other nine months out of the year are fantastic.
To everyone wishing me well - I'm feeling SO much better today, thank you. Send your regards to Rich and John Conner, who both managed to get sick as well.
Erik - it was weird! I listen to AM Radio in the mornings on my way to work to get my news, and being out of the news link for 3 days was really kind of weird. I missed the Veep debate and the stock market issues and everything!
Sherie - I'm sure being a mother has its benefits, even if they don't display themselves in the worst of times. As for knocking, clearly, we need to invent the forcefield (the SOUNDPROOF forcefield) so that little ones cannot knock!
Rebecca (Skane) - Babies with the stomach flu are most certainly pitiful. I just want to snuggle the poor dears, but that generally doesn't help their dry, scratchy throats or upset tummies.
Rob & Jeannie - Sounds like Thanksgiving can't come too soon.
Amanda - things are looking up! I came in this morning, and the A/C was on (grr) but the monthly bank statement was here, wahoo! It means I get TONS done today!
Liz - You're becoming one of my favorite commenters! (Can I say that here? Oh well, just did.) Saturday's $180 is definitely enviable. My sister works as a hostess at a hotel restaraunt and she has more in cash at her place than I have EVER carried on me. You're welcome to sit on my windowseat if you're ever in town, woman ;)
Rebecca (@ Schrader) - How did you know that I was tired? Lol. Is it obvious? Can you see the circles under my eyes? Hrmmmm. I made alfredo last night with rockfish and scallops - OMG so good. It's definitely going in the next cookbook that I sell.
June - I'm so sorry to hear about your root canal. I'm almost 25 and I've had 3 thanks to soft enamel and genetics (woot! Thanks, Mom!). You have my utmost sympathies.
Lewis - Don't get me started about the evils of public bathrooms. I could go on for hours and hours and hours about how dirty and disgusting they are.
Kevin - 'Lo again! Haven't you seen my picture? Honey, I would BURN so bad in Arizona! And, plus, you guys have really big bugs down there and I just can't deal with anything that moves with more than four legs. *shudder*
Claire:
A photo of your street would ahve been nice.. I'm glad that you're feeling better. I'll be sure to buy some Vitamin C.
Thanks
Hey, haven't you seen my pic? I am blue eyed, Irish guy here. But that doesn't stop me. I told my dermatologist my philosophy -- "Hey, if I die in the next ten years, I will have wished I sat out in the sun MORE. Now if i live another twenty years, I will probably regret I didn't stay out of the sun. --- I don't think she liked my philosophy. I also won't tell you about the orange scorpion I found just sitting on my wall of my bedroom the other day. He was hoping I didn't notice him, but I did introduce my shoe to him.
Thankfully it happened to you when you were at work. Three years ago I was skiing Snowbird Utah. I had finished my first run down the mountain. On the way up the lift, I passed out. When I regained consciousness I was about 10 yards from the top. I started my second run and collapsed less than one minute into my run. I suddenly became so weak I could not even stand. I took the next flight home. Long story short. I had bronchitis and spent New Year's Eve in bed.
AJ
Hi Claire, I lived in Kirkland for a year and I know what it is like to not see the sun for weeks ... just drizzle!
pippa
Claire... I hope you get better soon, being sick is not fun. You've learned alot about your town since you've been home, and you never had to venture out the door. I feel like people here in CT live in Seattle... It has done nothing but rain for a good 4 to 5 days a week.
I hope you are feeling better now. I got sick a couple of weeks ago and it kept me down for almost a week!!!
Sorry to hear that you were cooped up under the weather, but it surely sounds like you had some enlightening moments :-)
You just gave me a nudge to get my flu & pnuemonia shot. Thanks.
I soooo know what you mean Claire. This summer I ended up in the hospital with a weird syndrome I had never heard of. It does change your perspective a lot. -Charles
Claire - Hope you are feeling better now. Being sick is a bummer! Holy cow 1000 thousand feeds? How do you find the time?
Mott - perhaps I'll find a time of day when it's not dark outside to take a picture for you!
Kevin - I haven't! I guess I should have checked, eh? And ICK, orange scorpion! (run away!) It's bad enough with the dang wolf spiders around here... *shudder*
AJ - I'm so sorry to hear about that! Spending New Years all on your lonesome AND sick sucks... especially when you not only sleep through the ball drop but you're too sick to imbibe.
Pippa - Gotta love the PNW ;) Yey for rain!
Valerie - I feel much better now, thanks! Just be glad CT is getting rained on and not snowed on!!
Emily - Thank you, yes, much better! Jerry owned up to being Patient Zero this morning (dang him!)
Kris - you are very welcome. Goodness knows that we all could use a reminder now and again.
Jacqulyn - I got strep THREE TIMES last year (including once that didn't turn up positive on any test they did)! I'm sorry to hear about your summer sickness; trust me, I feel your pain.
Bill - Google Reader is my hero. Without it, I'd go absolutely insane. I'm a frugality, debt, and political blogger on various other sites, so I pay attention to a LOT of news. If I hit it every day, I only have to go through about 120 posts.
Noooooo!!! Keep those flu shots away from me. Give me my vitimin C.
Leave the meat at the store. Fill my basket with apples, broccoli and more.
Make the rice brown. Lead me to milk without BHT.
Leave the meds at the CVS and you'll live long and flu free.
hi Claire, sorry to hear you're sick, you're too far from Montreal for me to send over chicken soup so...
Claire- yes, give us a photo of your view! Praying that you feel much better!
Hi Claire! Glad you're feeling better--keep getting that rest and take YOUR Vitamin C to get you through the Seattle winter!
Gotta LOVE Marti's creation above!?
I am sick and have been since last week. It stinks!! Feel better......
Stacey~
Loved the blog and thoughts...I played in a golf tournament on Saturday and got rained on for 4 hours straight.......I'll probably be feeling about the same as you here in a couple days but hell it was worth it!
Logan Utah Real Estate
But was you missed? Tht the true sign of sickness. Washington must be nice but I have always heard ot does nothing but rain in Seattle. I couldn't handle that. Well here's to getting back to work.
Hi Claire, feel better soon
I do remember sitting in the window..;o)
Thanks
Rich
Charlotte NC
Hi Claire...
I wish you lived near me. If you did I would bring you some of my neighbors home made chicken soup. I don't know how my lovely neighbor figured it out but her soup cures the flu, the common cold, ear aches and a myriad of other ailments. Every time I have her soup I try to convince to market it.
Okay. So I'm get a little off track. Allow me to close by wishing you well and letting you know that Marti's soup probably isn't chicken. I suspect he's found a way to make chocolate soup :)
TLW...ROAR!
I know I'm one of the few, but your descriptions of a nice rainy sidewalk in Seattle actually make me want to go there - to live. The heat of SoCal can get very oppressive in the summer (which lasts until late November, it seems).
OOOOO! I love TLW's idea--how about, "Chocolate Soup for the Soul"! Now THAT could cure ANYTHING!
Claire.. Hope you are feeling much better....I know being cooped up is not a good thing.. at least for me, espically in 375 SF.
Hi Claire, I hope you are feeling better. I've been slacking on my vitamins lately - thanks for the reminder. The guys must be lost without you! Happy Birthday :)
Claire, I HATE being sick! I hope you are feeling better and it's sad to think flu season is starting already! I loved reading the views from your window and your observations about your city--and the people in it. Feel better soon!!
you sound like me.Please check my new blog.Daring David's Excellent Adventures.
Clare, I've been in bed since Wed last week with the respitory thingy. Gee, must be going around all over. Me, Mom is never sick so it has been a challenge, taken 4 1000 Vitamin C's every 4 hours.
Got up today, had a closing and listed two houses. But, it was nice to lay in bed now that I have wirelss and a lap top.
Glad your better.
Flu shot, pnuemonia shot and vitimin C... I will be doing all of them. Get better. And if Seattle drivers can't handle rain, there is a problem.
Oil of Oregano is good -- also get some of the product called Airborne. All the best. Get well soon.
Claire,
Don't be depressed, it was a good day, think of how you turned a sick day into a learning experience.. That makes it a good day.
You wrote alot about the negative things you saw out the window, keep up your spirits, what about the positive things you saw. The man who helped the old lady across the street. The lady that picked up so trash from the street and threw it in the trash can? What about the guy who shared his umbrella with the lady pushing the baby carriage.
In Real Estate, every closet is a walk in closet and every home has a good side.
Keep on the positive side, life will be up beat and your business will increase.
God Bless
Pete
Claire - I certainly hope you soon become well. At the beginning of Summer, I came down with Sciatica, which flattened me for awhile. Yet, somehow, I began to believe it wasn't such a bad thing that I was being provided with a "time out." It can be amazing the insights and plans that can be conjured when the body can't move!
Claire, get well soon. I've been sick the last couple of days too and feel miserable. Watching Dr. Phil hasn't helped LOL (he just makes things sound so much worse than they actually are (my opinion)).
I'm taking the extra Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Bs, Omega3s and everything else. I think I'll take a Tylenol too... it won't hurt.
And as far as it being almost Winter, it was already -2 C in some places around here, last night. Winter got here way too fast. :(
I will pass on sushi and hope someone brings me some chicken soup. I'll send some your way too.
Get well soon.
Claire...
Watch out for Sylvie...I'm pretty sure she has stock in all the companies that sell Omega3 :)
Sylvie...
Now see...I know you missed me :)
TLW...ROAR!
Damn...
I wish I could send my neighbor by to visit the two of you. Her soup would have you back on your feet in no time.
Lenn - I'm with you; healthy eating is good eating! And it gives you a TON of the nutrients that you need.
Marti - thank you for the coffee! You know I <3 my coffee ;)
JB - I'll see what I can do for you all this weekend.
Debe - isn't that mug just adorable? I'm on top of the Vitamin C ;) Whew!
Stacey - So sorry to hear that you've been sick. Maybe you should give us a view from YOUR window!
Kaleb - Oh no! Buff up on your vitamins and maybe you can stave it off until the next round in the rain.
Charles - I don't think I was missed; nothing exploded, so I guess it's a sure sign that I'm doing my job well. When you can miss for a day and everything is A-Okay, life is good.
Rich - Thanks for the well-wishes :)
TLW - Great to see you back in action! I'm down for chocolate soup - that sounds like the creation you used to make out of melty ice cream ;)
January - Perhaps you're one of the few, but Seattlites by and large are "one of the few" among many who can live happily in this climate. Kind of like those crazy people who live down in Arizona where it's sunny ALL the time.
Roland - Meh, my apartment's like a large hotel room. I have my own (huge) kitchen, bathroom, storage... Too much furniture, though! I need to sell my table and couch.
Kara - Lost? I think they'd wander just fine, but it helps to have someone riding herd. Happy birthday? It's...not my bday YET!
Carole - I think EVERYONE should do a view from their window. That would be SO MUCH FUN.
Missy - you're a stronger woman than I. I checked my mail eighty gazillion times, but I really did little work beyond that.
Lane - There IS a problem! I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds that ironic.
Bob & Carolin - LOVE Airborne. They came out with a version recently where you don't even need the water. It's something like a pixie stick.
Pete - If you can walk into a closet, surely, it can be called a walk-in closet. And that moat in the back yard? Consider it a ...donut shaped swimming pool. (The last owner was a little crazy!)
Myrl - I did a lot of writing and plotted out my novel from November's National Novel Writing Month. We'll see if the book's actually as good as the ideas.
Sylvie - Brr, -2 C is WAY too cold, thankyouverymuch. My lilies shudder at the thought.
I may just take you up on your raincheck, rain check........check rain! Yep I might! :)