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.
Hope you have a nice Thanksgiving Gigi.
DeleteI am sick about things too, and shamefully, I cannot bring myself to watch the news. Still. I will read about it, headlines mostly, but I avoid anything in depth, and I will do just about anything to avoid hearing that voice. We can't change the big picture, Doug. Elon Musk is saying that America will suffer for the next two years as his budget cuts take effect. He also says that America needs to suffer. (That's a quote, btw). I have a feeling there will be many people that come to regret their vote. All we can do is make the best plans we can to ride out the next four years.
ReplyDeleteSomething that I will caution America about (and no one will listen) is RAGE. Ranting and raving and posting clever little zingers at MAGA folks and the defiant 'WE WILL FIGHT'. People have to realize that Russia meddled in our election by using social media to enrage and divide Americans. The election is over and Putin got the puppet he wanted. But, they are still manipulating social media, for the express purpose of inciting anger and division. They would love nothing more than to see a civil war.
Anger isn't going to fix our country.
Thanks for sharing Debby. That first part... pretty scary. Well, I'm more fatigued than anything. Just going to try and ride things out.
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving, Doug! Wish I had one of those platters myself. Well here I am, only a northern neighbour but I still wake up each morning and think, "I can't believe that felon was re-elected!!!" Like you, for the sake of my sanity have cut back on political viewing. Sorry about your health relapse but better days ahead.
ReplyDeleteThanks Florence, your words here meant a lot. Much appreciated my friend. ❤️
DeleteSo sorry about the relapse, Doug! It seems like this nightmare of yours should have been over long ago. I'm glad you managed to get out a couple times and had fun! I can't bring myself to think too much about what has happened (sickening) and what will probably occur (terrifying) nor can I feel one iota of sympathy for those who would like to change their votes. I do feel bad for those of us who will also have to suffer the consequences of those low-information or easily duped MAGAs.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Margaret, agreed this has gone on far too long but I know this has to be ending soon. As for everything else you said, well said (sadly), my thoughts exactly.
DeleteI read a short headline recently that TENS units are being used successfully in long Covid treatment. Sadly I didn't read to understand. Maybe you can ask. Have a nice Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joanne, and I actually have a TENS unit (when I had TMJ back in 2019-2020). Not sure how it would help my issues though. But thank you for your input and I hope you have a nice Thanksgiving too.
DeleteHey Doug! Glad you got out, even with the setbacks. And glad to hear from you. The people voted, and I assume this is what they wanted. OK then… Have a lovely Thanksgiving, and continued healing. Olivia in the PNW.
ReplyDeleteHi Olivia, thanks so much--and yep, in regards to the people, you said it. I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving too and thanks again for the good wishes.
DeleteDug, so glad you were able to have lunch with your friends at the Senior Center. Getting out may be hard on you physically, but sharing times with friends has to be good for you mentally. As for the rest, I still don't watch the news anymore. Few things have truly shocked me in this life... as the outcome of this election has. But I refuse to dwell on it. We've been through difficult times before... hopefully we will come through this too.
ReplyDeleteRian, thanks so much. And what you said about few things have shocked you like this... gave me a chill. I'm sure you've seen a lot. Right now I'm glad to have friends like yourself. I hope you have a nice Thanksgiving and we hear more from you soon.
DeleteNow that I am a volunteer at the Senior Center for Thursday lunches, I have noticed how so many people rely on that service for a good meal. Glad you got out but also sorry you are still hurting after all this time.
ReplyDeleteThanks DJan, I'm hoping to get back to the center soon--but I enjoy the camaraderie even more than the food. :^) I hope you have a nice Thanksgiving.
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving! I love thanksgiving. I hope you shake the covid for good.
ReplyDeleteBeth
Thank you Beth, Happy Thanksgiving to you too.
DeleteSo glad you got out to see your friends and have a warm meal with them. Good stuff that helps a soul feel better.
ReplyDeleteThanks dkzody, was supposed to see them again today but had to bow out. Hope you and your family have a nice holiday.
DeleteSuch a shame you had a flare-up, but wonderful you were able to get out to the center for a good lunch and a visit with friends.
ReplyDeleteThe latest news of the tariffs will likely bring more people out regretting their votes, especially those who work in manufacturing and agriculture. We'll be feeling pain here in Canada too, as the US is a major trading partner. It's going to be a difficult time for many.
Thanks very much Maebeme, the setbacks are tiresome but I know I'm headed in the right direction. As for those tariffs, what a sad joke. I can't believe our entire country (and Canada as well) is being held hostage by a convicted felon. One day at a time...
DeleteOh Doug, I am so sorry about your relapse. I am glad you were able to get to the Centre. As Maebeme says in the comment above we all will suffer with his latest tariff announcement.We have friends in Illinois who were crowing up til now of his win. Now since the announcement nothing.
ReplyDeleteTake care Doug.❤️
Robin
Thank you Robin, really hoping to be done with this in a couple more months. As for your Illionois friends, I''m glad they stopped crowing!
DeleteDoug, I'm still amazed at how long your 'long Covid' has held on and I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteAnd your comments about the election and the aftermath are precisely the way I've been feeling.
I guess we'll just have to hang in there.
Thank you Marty, and it's good to know a kindred spirit. Hope you have a nice holiday with your family.
DeleteSo glad you are getting out a little. That sure must help your spirits. I am so sorry to hear you’ve experienced some tough relapse symptoms. That must be awful. I too was shocked at the election results. It’s too painful to watch the news or talk to my friends who voted for him. How can kind people support such a dreadfully lacking pitiful individual? God help us. Sure enjoy your blog!
ReplyDeleteThis sure made my day, thank you Anon much appreciated. I hope you have a nice Thanksgiving. 🙂
DeleteHope you're having a good Thanksgiving. I'm still pondering why so many people thought voting red was a good idea. I heard today that suddenly the surveys are showing that people think the economy is good again. Say what? I have voter regret too---I regret that so many uninformed people were allowed to vote. :-(
ReplyDeleteThank you Bobi. I had a good dinner (thanks to Stouffers, haha--couldn't go anywhere this year) but I hope you're having a nice holiday too. I loved your comment here, I just keep reading again & again. :^)
DeleteAt this stage, the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. I’ve heard about long covid….yet there are people who think covid isn’t “real”. Hide from all the bad news if that helps you get better.
ReplyDeleteThank you Neena, your good words are appreciated.
Delete