You don't know how truly alone in the world you are until you become too sick to care for yourself. For the most part, being single suits me. I do what I want, when I want, with whomever I choose. Or, more often than not, by myself. It's taken some time, but I enjoy the freedom that comes with this lifestyle. Still, there are moments when being single sucks huge donkey balls; like, any time I have to deal with anything automotive related, whenever there's a thunder storm, and when I get sick. So, when I got the flu last week, not only was I violently ill, but I had the added bonus of feeling utterly alone.
I've never had the flu before. I hope I never have it again. There was coughing and vomiting, a fever and the chills, and the worst migraine I've ever had in my life! I didn't eat at all for four days, and it was another two before I managed to actually hold anything down. By the end of it, I was so weak with hunger, I couldn't stand for more than a few minutes at a time. I would have given my left boob for someone to make me soup and brush my hair. Still, I survived.
So, the Year of the Monkey continues ...
Garth Brooks was the highlight of this month, but the rest of March was supposed to be spent putting my ducks in a row; writing a will, making sure I'm setting aside enough for retirement, establishing a budget, filing my taxes -- that stuff. I didn't do any of those things. I could blame it on being sick, but the truth is, I was just too busy. I definitely over booked myself. April was supposed to be my month, filled with hair appointments, massages, and manicures. It looks like I'll have to forgo those, so I can focus on those ducks I neglected.
On Thursday, I leave for London. Wait -- I have to type that again. I'm leaving for London on Thursday! I could scream, I'm so excited! Even though YA is my scene now, I started with historical romance. So, the idea of visiting merry old England and seeing all the places I've read about so many times is thrilling, to say the least.
I can't wait to see a new part of the world, to try new foods, and meet new people. I've made no secret of my wanderlust. I keep a lid on it. Loving the Littles means staying in one place. It's a sacrifice I make gladly, but it is a sacrifice. Of course, when I began planning this year, I had to make concessions for travel. The longer I stay in one place, the harder it becomes. So, I decided to see more of the world, even if it's just one weekend at a time.
After I return from England, I'll have a little over a month before I fly to Boston with the Big Little. In August, I'm taking the Little Little to New York. And, in October, the Boss Little and I are going to Philadelphia. I'm already trying to decide where to go next year!
I still have a ton of things to do before I leave on Thursday. I was ahead of the game until the flu laid me up. Now, I'll be pushing to wrap up loose ends before I go. At the end of the day, I'll be on that plane no matter what, but I'd like to take off with peace of mind. So, I guess I'd better get to work.
