Mono-logues

So I decided that my update yesterday could have been called vague....and that is surely not ever my goal.  I prefer to be clear, pointed and transparent.  So, let me seriously give you the lowdown.  

• I am tracking along with this illness.  (If you're just learning of my mono issues, you can see the old news here.)
• I can expect another 2-3 weeks of feeling bad....but hopefully will make the turn soon and be able to join the living again.
• For the next 6-9 weeks I will be especially susceptible to pneumonia, bronchitis, strep, colds and have the increased risk of hepatitis so my liver functions will be tested regularly.
• I have an ear infection so he gave me antibiotics for that, which of course go great with anyone's tummy right?  (Blah!!)
• Since I have a "weakened immune system", I am to limit exposure to known sick individuals and to go to the doctor if I have the teeny tiny beginning signs of a cold, sore throat or any fever.
• I am normal.  Several symptoms made me wonder if I was...and I am.  Not sure if I'm happy or sad about that!!!  
• The dizziness should get better over the next few weeks.  He is hopeful that it will not last the duration of this illness (which is about 12 weeks total).
• I should not be taking anything for sleep.  I asked because I am so off on my sleep patterns.  He wants me to sleep when I am sleepy and not worry about when that is.  

That's all, folks!  I seriously want to thank those of you who ask about me daily, who have called, emailed, texted to check on me, those who've sent things, those who have prayed.  I appreciate you all so much.  This has been more than I ever could have imagined so I truly am most grateful for one thing - PATIENCE.  I'm not really good at it....but I've learned more than ever who is...my husband has been so loving and patient through this, I can't even express how much of a difference that makes.  My sweet  mother has been especially kind and helpful.  My kids have been totally understanding and have seemed to enjoy doing little things for me and I have to tell you that their handmade cards are the most treasured.  My boss has been amazing and easy on me.  My colleagues have been absolutely wonderful and have picked up where I left off in a big way.  My employees have been receptive to the changes that they have had to endure and have stepped up to make sure things didn't fall through the cracks.  My friends and family have been sweet to check on me.  I have had cupcakes, spaghetti, lemon pound cake and flowers delivered....(ohhh thank you to my sweet cousin Diane Thomas for that spaghetti...it was timely and so so so so good!)...and I am so very humbled by the kindness of my loved ones and of strangers as well.  From people who have contacted me privately through my blog or people who have found other ways...I just can't say enough how much it means to me.  This has been a hard thing for me  for which I've had no control.  (Possibly that's the hardest part.)  Thanks to you guys for making it a little easier on me.  Love you all!!!

Mono Teachings

Mono has taught me a few things.  I have listed some here.  I honestly could do one of these a DAY!!!  (Maybe there are more than a few here.  The rest are free, too, y'all!)

• You can actually feel like you've rested TOO MUCH.
• Beds are actually kinda boring after a few weeks in them.
• Online retail therapy is actually as satisfying as being in public.
• You can spend more than you make in a day on a down comforter.
• My hubby loves me more than I realize.  He has taken SUCH good care of me!
• Buying hairspray online is cheaper than in real life.
• I say "in real life" a lot, like the internet is FAKE.
• I really do depend on social interaction.
• Mono is worse than you think.
• Sometimes when friends/family say, "call me if you need something", they actually do mean it.
• Lowes Foods to go is the best thing everrrr.  (Okay, already knew that.)
• Short term disability is not just for pregnancy. (I didn't wanna. Nurse at Pentair said I should.)
• My boss is one of the most compassionate, understanding people I know!
• My employees are so capable of stepping up and taking on more in my absence.  Thought it probably but know for SURE now.
• Cards are really seriously one of my fave things.  I have gotten a few and I treasure them so much!!!
• Reading the Bible is so much better in a Bible study format.  I like instant reassurance that I know what the Bible is saying.

I am who I am (From May 10, 2008)

So I found this journal nugget in my email.  I wrote it on Saturday, May 10, 2008.  Very interesting!!

The truth about the truth I am what am I.  And I'm finding that fact more and more hard to swallow at times.  If you asked me my strengths, certainly I'd mention the fact that I try to make everyone happy.....however, I'm finding, more and more, that it's a weakness too.  Who ever thought that trying to be sweet and kind and likeable would be a bad thing?  However, I believe it's led to many dismal relationships and several dysfunctional friendships.  I am that friend who tells you want you want to hear.  I listen without prejudice...I cry with my friends, I laugh with them, and I always let them know that I am there for them.  That sounds good, right?  Ha.  I've learned that maybe when I said, "hmm I don't know", I should have said, "ARE YOU CRAZY?"  That sometimes, when I said, "well, I understand that" I should have responded with a slight, "I can't believe you said that."  And overwhelmingly, when asked the question, "did I do the right thing?"  I should have been brutally honest.  I am just not that person.  I cannot be mean or cynical or "tell it like it is"....there are so many people that do that so well, but I am just not built that way.  I'm the nice girl.  The one who listens and smiles and takes you to lunch because you're having a bad day.  I take pride in the fact that I am that person, but I'm starting to feel like I've done a disservice to my friends and family.  There have been some major things that my friends have done that I totally did NOT agree with.  But what did I say?  Nothing.  I am obviously just so fearful that I'll make someone mad, I just let it go.  And what am I proving by that?  When someone does something that is SO SO SO against every piece of my being, and I say nothing, am I not appearing to agree with it??  That's what concerns me.  I'm really just trying to feel good in my own skin.  I absolutely have a wonderful life, a great family and so much to be thankful for.  So, to be quite honest, I am trying to be sure that I am being the best person that I can be.  The Lord has blessed ME with so much......I feel that the least I can do is be sure that I'm living my life to the fullest.  It's caused me to pray a lot, read His word more, and to evaluate all of my friendships.  I have really been thinking about this so much.  And I have talked to a few people about it.  My boss (also a great friend) has convinced me that I'm doing the best I can, that I am not the one to judge (which yes I agree with) and that I don't need to change.  But, my hubby sees the actual situations that I've dealt with and says, "why didn't you say this" or "why didn't you tell her what you think" and feels like I need to speak my mind, even when it runs the risk of hurting someone, just to be honest.  I really just don't know if it's worth it.  I hate hurting anyone's feelings....but then again, what if they just need a gut check and they would question a bad decision if I did open my mouth?  Hmm.