Recently I had a couple good days from this long covid and made good use of them. I cleaned my apartment, did some online shopping, wrote a new blog, had lunch at the Senior Center (my second time back since February). What you’re looking at is that lunch, broccoli & cheese stuffed chicken, orzo with spinach, green beans and fruit.
When I arrived and hugged Courtney (the young woman who manages the center), someone asked me if she felt like the old Courtney. I said “Well, her back felt a bit more stout…” The other ladies laughed and said “She’s 4 months pregnant!” I asked her for a side view and saw a cute baby bump.
And then, being the dork that I am, asked if someone could take a picture since I left my phone at home. Not of Courtney which would’ve been nice to share here, but my lunch.
I got to spend a couple hours with some lovely friends, and when I realized I didn’t have enough in me to make the walk back home, my friend Evvie gave me a ride.
Since then, I’ve had a relapse (inflammation, pain in my head & face) that continue still. I know I’m past the halfway point on this so-called road to recovery, but these setbacks make it difficult to see an end sometimes. At least I’m starting to get out of the house again.
This past Saturday I had a couple text exchanges with my (very political) friend Anna, who asked in a half-joking way why I was writing about Baby Boomers and the Brady Bunch on my blog. Hadn’t I heard about Morning Joe at Mar-a-Lago? I know she was just pulling my chain, but I felt a little guilty just the same. I guess those last 2 blogs were my way of burying my head in the sand.
The truth is, between the long covid this year and this “red wave” on Election Day, I’ve never felt so despondent. The night of the debate between Trump & Kamala Harris, the choice was so obvious (to me and 40 million other Democrats) I was elated.
She was awesome, he was a dipshit and I was a fool, thinking half this country had learned it’s lesson after Trump’s first reign of terror in 2017. Back then, I really did try to see things from his supporter’s perspective.
Now… I’m just going to do my best to steer clear of them.
The other night I was sitting here at my computer with the tv on and volume turned down. I looked up to see a middle-aged woman in distress, with a caption underneath that read TRUMP SUPPORTER WISHES SHE COULD TAKE BACK VOTE.
(It turned out she has a grandchild with special needs who receives funding from the Dept of Education—the department Trump wants to scrap.)
They went on to report that more of these “voter regret” stories were coming in, and Trump hasn’t even taken office yet. I didn’t want to hear another word.
I said I was taking a break from the news after the election, but also from shows like SNL and Jimmy Kimmel, and their “we’re screwed now, folks” skits and monologues. There’s nothing funny about any of this. I’m tired of it already and worried what lies ahead.
Well, I said I was looking for the right words at the top and I’m still not sure I found them. I’m sorry for not ending this on a more positive note, but thanks as always for listening. And Happy Thanksgiving everyone, including you turkeys out there.
I thought I saw a downward trend after the debate, but my friends tried to convince me I was wrong. I worked at the election and saw what was going on in my precinct. I refused to watch any election coverage and I still am not watching the news. I have decided to take the "batten down the hatches" stance and am stockpiling medicine and groceries. I remember what happened last time. We are trying to purchase all big ticket items before tariffs hit, which explains the mad rush to fill our garage with construction materials for our bathroom remodel. When I woke up that Wednesday I delete any Facebook "friends" that mentioned the new prez, including family members. I am completely over it and in a mean and nasty way, my stance is - I told you so.
ReplyDeleteMEANWHILE - I am so happy you were able to visit the Senior Center! You lunch looks delicious! And I am glad to hear you were able to have a long visit and that friends are available to drive you home. I am sorry that the stinking side effects are back but hopefully step by step they will lessen and finally leave. Good to hear from you!
Miss Merry, thanks so much for your comment here. I feel a lot less alone and you are a kindred spirit.
DeleteHi Doug. I'm glad you were able to get out and socialize a bit, but the price you paid with worsening symptoms must be awfully discouraging. Chronic illness is often not understood by those who haven't experienced it. And in your case, it's a reminder that in spite of all the medical advancements we've made over the years, there is still much we don't know.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's important to not be dismissive of those who are suffering, just because medical science can't fully explain or treat it.
I'm still going out of my way to avoid reading/listening to much of the political news. It's too depressing, and it is now out of our control.
Hang in there Doug; your blogosphere friends are here for you, and are rooting for you.
Carole
Carole, thank you. You are very understanding.
DeleteGood for you, going to lunch! I'm sorry that you've had a relapse, and hope it will be short lived.
ReplyDeleteI am also "off" late night comedians (sob) and go online to WaPo and NYT only to do their games daily (I admit to glancing at the headlines, just in case something urgent is in there). I agree with Miss Merry and have noticed that my normal sympathy is in short supply. Oh, so NOW you're concerned because the programs someone YOU love will be cut? Shrug. Shoulda thought of that before you voted. That is not at all my normal reaction. Don't know how I'm gonna make it through these coming years. I hope to make a couple of trips to Canada, just to breathe non-Trump air.
Nina
My gosh we are on the same page. Thank you Nina, and I hope you enjoy those trips. I'd love to join you. 🙂
DeleteAw, it's only for 4 years! Meanwhile, enjoy the great food at the Center and the camaraderie.
ReplyDeleteThere are several Republicans on my Blogroll, who are truly decent people. I like them. Not all Trump supporters are evil. They just happen to be conservative, that's all. Don't let politics divide and sicken people. It's democracy.