Fade to black....
Work has not been bad. I only have one course to finish then I start three in January. Sadly, there are other "tasks" in my job description that never go away. For example, one of my duties is to fill the incoming class with students each January which means I have to interview all qualified applicants and determine whether he or she can succeed in my program.
I rarely turn qualified people down unless I see a few red flags, which I have in the past. When my decision is overturned, which the admissions committee can and will do, I watch the now-student fail because they cannot handle the rigors or the pressure of the major. It's sad, because the ill-equipped student is now in debt and does not have a degree to show for it. The committee believes that people should be given an opportunity. However, after a few "misses", they now see the wisdom of my denial letters. By the way, I still have two more spots to fill, so I continue to interview.
Next, the big leftie's experimental drug was finally approved by insurance, so he has infusions every Monday. I am around for those days and sit with him in the chemo infusion lab. This therapy is an unproven chemotherapeutic drug which purportedly causes remission of his MG. It has worked on a group of patients, so he is now part of a study and collection of data. Praying for success....Amen.....
Now, we are closing in on Thanksgiving. It is always my pleasure to host family and friends in my home. I have the room, so, let's get together and celebrate. Turkey Day is one of my favorite holidays since there are no gifts, just the presence of the people who matter the most...and so.....
I had a list the length of my arm. Incrementally, I began to whittle away at the chores. The table was set a week in advance. Crystal and china were washed and placed with care at each place. The napkins matched the table cloth (which I ironed....yep, I know how to use an iron) and I placed them in holiday napkin rings.
I went to the grocery store, Costco, the liquor store, dollar store, and Amish Market. The Amish roasted my turkeys, so I had one less worry on Thanksgiving. Now all I had to do is make my sides and desserts. Life was good!
Or so I thought...remember, this is BP mom reporting activities.....I never go through a holiday or big event without issues....ever.....remember the year that I was hosting Cookie fest and walked into the grocery store three days before the event with $12.00 in my pocket? Yeah, that was a good one....
Ok, Thanksgiving is now here. I got up early, chopped some veggies, and headed to the holiday boot camp at the gym. After all, I read somewhere that the average person consumes over 4000 calories on Thanksgiving, so I was ready...mind, body, and spirit.
After the workout, I arrived at the house ready to finish the sides...chop, saute, roast, salt, pepper, bake....yippee....it's two o'clock, time for a shower, glass of wine with guests arriving at 4 pm for apps and holiday cheer....I am ready for 22 people....let the festivities begin!
Then it hit.....
Hard....
Real hard....
The room spun....I was light headed....queasy.....hot flashes.....
Huh? What? Not today???
I begged my body to feel better. "Come on....BPM...this is your day....you love this. You live for this...what the heck!!"
And....
Down I went.....there was no coming back...as soon as the guests arrived, I ran to the bathroom and lost my holiday cookies.....
There was no coming back. Yep, 22 people in my home ready for a great dinner and gathering and I was.......
a no show.....
What happened BPM? Did you send them home? To Denny's? IHOP?
Nope...
They stayed and dad, Tink and the big leftie took over.
From my bedroom, as the room spun, I could hear laughter, some singing, and lots of cheer. This make me weakly smile as I was happy that they were still able to celebrate. BP Grandmom and Tink were the only ones who were brave enough to venture into my bedroom. I have to get them something special for Christmas and not the stomach flu....
Back to the party.....everything went well. Food was consumed. Wine was flowing,...kids laughed....this was good, I thought.
The only glitch was that dad forgot to pull the ice cream out of the freezer for the pie. I would have tried to help, but no one wanted to catch what I had....so I stayed away.
Here is what I learned....this is my silver lining....
Thanksgiving lessons:
1. You don't need a big fancy meal and ice cream to have fun with the people that you love (and like)
2. I am not needed to make the holiday successful. There are others who are happy to step up and create a special day.
3. I am blessed to have a terrific group of people surround me who did not care that they did not have ice cream for their pie.
4. I really like Thanksgiving and missed being there, even without ice cream.
And so, the nausea is over....and I am back...sort of....the next post.....
Christmas lights....yep, never without a glitch.....
Peace!
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