5 Reasons Why the Flu Rocks.

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you may have heard…we both got the flu. and not just the “ohhh i feel a little sick so i better not go into work because i feel sort of icky” flu…no, this…KNOCKED. US. OUT. you may not realize this about me…but i used to be a very negative person. i still have to work on trying to see the positive in situations so here is my attempt at letting you know just how great it has been to have the flu (going on the 5th day) as i lay in bed, typing with my eyes closed in between coughing fits and the brink of insanity.

1) you get to escape reality

i mean, we areΒ alwaysΒ a part of reality so who doesn’t love a good break every now and then. when your fever hits 102 degrees, life gets interesting. there was a time where i felt like i was back in my childhood homes in colorado then the next set of chills i would feel like i was at work trying to inspire girls to change the world by doing science experiments. i also would have bet you $50 that i lived in storybrooke, maine…the setting of the television show “once upon a time” about a ton of fairytale characters that now live in this world and have no memory of their previous lives of story book characters. i’m obviously snow white and my prince charming is next to me just as delirious. this leads nicely into reason number 2.

once_upon_a_time__snow_white_and_prince_charming_by_deathdealer409-d5351i9

2) you can watch TV without feeling guilty

yes. we made it through all 22 episodes available to us via netflix of “once upon a time” in a day and half. we don’t really watch much TV anymore (which is kind of a bummer because i love TV but now we have 2307 things going on and TV isn’t at the top of the list). it’s also a good show to watch because even if you pass out during every other episode, you get the gist of what’s going on or you can just rewatch it while your prince charming is taking his turn passing out. this picture was basically us except a) our tv placement to couch is way better b) replace with popcorn with tissues and trashcans c) we were seated at complete opposite ends of the couch and d) we were not wearing jeans nor did we look human.

NetFlixWTF

 

3) you get in some great workouts

for the first day and half, my chills were so intense that i honestly thought the whole world must be shaking because it was so violent. i wouldn’t be surprised if i have a chipped tooth somewhere in my mouth too. i didn’t care about that then because i thought someone had cursed me (please refer to reason #1). i’ve seen those vibrating elastic band workouts. essentially the same. i also have a really sexy cough that i know is working to harden my abdominal muscles because they hurt every time i cough.

belt

 

4) you have to keep your focus (because you can’t turn your head)

the flu really makes you consider what’s important. is it important enough to turn your head for? it better be otherwise you will get so light headed that you will simply have to close your eyes and pretend the spinning will stop soon. no owl business for you.

barn owl turning head

5) you will feel like a freakin’ superhero once you get a little strength back

that’s right, a superhero. guess what i did today folks…i stood up the whole time while i heated up some water in the microwave. yup a whole minute and thirty seconds-didn’t even sit down. i can also open those damn tyloenal severe cold and flu pouches in less than 5 minutes now. don’t act like you’re not impressed. here’s what i found when i searched “healthy superheroes”

superkids

there you have it. my attempt at making the flu positive experience. really it just sucks and i’m going to pass out again. stay healthy and wash you hands!

life lesson: try to eventually see the humor in even the roughest of times.

questions:

1) do you have any flu remedies you always fall back on?

2) favorite fairytale?

3) which healthy superhero do you want to be?

4) tell me about your exciting upcoming weekend so i can live vicariously through you.

19 Comments

  1. Stephen Lozano

    January 18, 2013 at 1:56 pm

    1. my dad told me to suck it up, so that’s what i tell mace and will in 4+ months tell my brand new son thorin as well
    2. im not to sure about what normal fairy tale I like, but I do enjoy the Disney movie beauty and the beast.
    3. brocco
    4. I will be watching a lot of the west wing on netflix

    • chelsea

      January 18, 2013 at 2:22 pm

      ahhh suck it up?! no special anything?! jeeeeez πŸ™‚ congrats on another son! yay! i really like beauty and the beast too…probably top 3. i would have also dubbed you brocco-i could see it. enjoy west wing…maybe i need to ‘queue’ that up next!

      • Stephen Lozano

        January 19, 2013 at 11:24 am

        My grandpa Alejandro used to say if you role full soda cans under your feet it will cure a flu or a cold

        • chelsea

          January 19, 2013 at 3:09 pm

          brrrrr.

  2. Molly

    January 18, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    Chels- you are so freaking funny, even at death’s door. I’m so sorry you and the Rave have the flu. I have it too, but a milder version. It appears to be endless. I’ve lost count of what day I’m on, maybe 7 or 8?

    1. Sweating. No seriously. Take a warm bath. Drink some hot tea. Sweating helps flush it out. Stay hydrated though.

    2. The Little Mermaid. Is that a fairy tale?

    3. Um, Bam-Nana. Duh.

    4. Maybe trying to go for a walk outside somewhere on flat ground? And watching a lot of “Charmed” on Netflix.

    XO, get well soon!
    Molly D.

    • chelsea

      January 18, 2013 at 2:28 pm

      ohhhh no molly you have the curse of the flu too!!!! i hope you get better soon and the term ‘endless’ is so fitting. ugh. thanks for reading annnnnd commenting. you’re awesome.

      i like where you’re going with the whole sweat and flush it out. i woke up in a few cold sweats last night so hopefully that helps but maybe i’ll try tea in a hot bath (i’m perspiring just thinking of that but hey if it helps). yes little mermaid is a fairy tale and a dang good one too! also in my top 3.

      charmed is on netflix now too?! i hope it’s the older one with meany shannen doherty. you feel better too!

  3. chuckmen

    January 18, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    First off, I hope the two of you get better REAL soon. The flu is not fun!!

    1. No flu remedies to give since I haven’t had the flu in over 20 years. I’m not sure why, but I have faithfully gotten a flu shot as soon as their available for the last 20 years.
    2. I’m not sure if their really considered a fairy tale, but my wife and I are saps for any of the movies on “The Hallmark Channel”. They always come out perfectly in the end.
    3. Bam-Nana ROCKS!
    4. Attending a Toastmasters Leadership Open House and Marketing Workshop for more of the day on Saturday.

    Get well, we’re all pulling for the two of you!

    • chelsea

      January 19, 2013 at 11:41 am

      why thank you chuckmen! thankfully we are feeling a little better each day. i am also happy to hear you have not gotten the flu in over 20 years…impressive. i just got my flu shot monday…a little too late unfortunately. those dang hallmark channel movies always do come out perfectly in the end, don’t they?? i hope you had fun at your open house today with toastmasters!

  4. syrena

    January 18, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    1. when i start feeling sick, i like to sip a double shot of drambuie or other spicy liqueur. i’m also a fan of chicken soup, though i really don’t like it much unless i’m sick.
    2. i don’t know if i have a favorite fairy tale. i always liked rikki tikki tavi from the just so stories, but does it qualify as a “fairy tale”?
    3. i’d have to say bluebrainy. i bought three or four pounds of fresh blueberries yesterday. it’s an addiction!
    4. between watching relatively random shows on netflix or hbo go, i plan on going to the d7 event on saturday and donating platelets on sunday afternoon.

    • chelsea

      January 19, 2013 at 11:48 am

      ohhh next time i should stock up on spicy liqueur-i like the way you think! chicken noodle soup also makes me feel better and i feel the same way about 7up. i would neeeever drink that unless sick. i will also need to read rikki tikki tavi (i really like to say that) because i’ve never heard of it-now i’m curious! i am also jealous of your pounds of blueberry-yum! ah yes, we were supposed at the d7 event in eugene…hope it was fun! good luck with the platelets tomorrow-yikes!

  5. Sydney Rendon

    January 18, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    1. When I had the flu just a short time ago…..I had no choice but to get well soon due to the fact that I have a 3 month old who need smy round the clock care so I basically drank so much water I thought I would float away. It seemed to work better than any other remedy I’ve tried in the past.
    2. Rumplestilskin
    3. Power pine…she’s foxy.
    4. I work retail and don’t know the meaning of the weekend but I was off today and me and peanut went to the library…very exciting!
    Feel better!

    • chelsea

      January 19, 2013 at 11:53 am

      ohhhh no so sorry you had the flu too sydney! ravery and i were just talking about how this would be 9508392 times worse if we had children that we had to care for OR they were sick too! that’s rough. so glad you got better-i am currently slamming water! power pine is foxy…fitting for you syd πŸ™‚ love that you got to spend time at the library with your little one- love seeing pictures of her adorableness. here’s to good health and getting that out of the way early in the year!

  6. Amber Blazek

    January 18, 2013 at 5:26 pm

    Me and mine had the flu simultaneously recently as well. No. Bueno. We just got over it completely and back to living a somewhat normal life about 3 days ago. I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve had the flu before, and it wasn’t nearly as bad as it was this time. This was like some advanced, evolved strain or something. So, I totally understand what you mean about feeling like a superhero. When I finally got over mine, I was like, “BAM!!!! Take that flu!! Not so super-human after all now, are we?!?!” Hope you guys feel better soon though. Hang in there. The end will come eventually πŸ™‚

    • chelsea

      January 19, 2013 at 11:57 am

      yikes, sorry you all had it too but happy to hear ou are getting back to normal. i soooo agree with you that this was the absolute worst flu i’ve ever experienced. horrible. but we are at least feeling better each day and on the verge of superheroes in no time! thanks for your well wishes and stay healthy amber!

  7. Paula Howley

    January 19, 2013 at 12:22 am

    So sorry you guys have been hit by a double whammy! I can think of another positive thing: You’re having the flu NOW instead of Feb. 22-23 when you guys are in Vancouver! I also have to agree that you are hilarious even when you are dying of the flu. don’t die.

    1. Neo Citran. It doesn’t really help but it gives me a little buzz and makes me fall asleep which makes me feel better. I also take echanacia but I think it’s just a scam.
    2.I like the fairy tale that is my life. πŸ™‚
    3. I’d like to be brocco with a feminine form.
    4. My daughter is away with girl guides, brownies and pathfinders from across the Sunshine Coast. they are staying at a little A frame right on the ocean for 2 nights with beautiful weather to boot!
    So while the MOUSE is away, this cat is gonna play.
    I stayed out late tonight and went to my new friend’s house. We have agreed to be accountability partners and are going to meet every other Friday for a walk and a talk. I had a great time at her house drinking coffee, laughing, chatting and just feeling really good about making such an awesome new friend.
    Tomorrow I will have the house all to myself and I just can’t tell you how excited I am about this. My plan is to start actually writing The Big Speech tomorrow.

    • chelsea

      January 19, 2013 at 12:04 pm

      thanks for your well wishes paula…luckily we aren’t dead. i 100% agree that i’m so thankful it happened now because my mom is coming next week and then our travel plans get craaazy. we are sooooo ready for canada in february (seriously really looking forward to it!). aww yay for sweetest answer about the fairytale of your life-that made my heart feel all warm and fuzzy and i liked it. i am sure your total is having a total and complete blast this weekend, what a fun adventure it sounds like she’s on! in addition to that, what a fun time it sounds like you had with your accountability partner! friends are the best. i hope “the big speech” writing is going excellent as we speak….how exciting (and a myriad of about 17 other feelings). i also had to google neo citran…which apparently the canadian version of our theraflu! learn something new every day πŸ™‚

  8. Vivien

    January 20, 2013 at 9:41 pm

    Sorry to hear both yourself and Ryan came down with the flu! I heard it’s quite a bad one this year…shudder. Get better soon!

    1) I usually resort to herbal flu remedies. I say this because I got hit with the great flu of 2003 or 2004 (when it made the rounds in our high school). I felt like death for a week and a half straight until my parents got fed up and took me to the Chinese doctor whom prescribed me herbal remedies. It tasted awful but by the second round of tea/soup I was feeling 90% like my old self.

    An easier one I like (when you feel like you’re on the verge of a cold and/or have the sniffles) is hot ginger and cinnamon tea (how much you boil for tea depends on your liking, or how much you can handle haha). It burns, but I find it really effective in the battle for keeping the sniffles away. Unfortunately does not work if you are feeling dead from the flu πŸ™

    2) I like Beauty and the Beast too, does that count?

    3) Powerpine! Just cause I like pineapples.

    4) Oops, weekend passed. But I will say I went to the local restaurant Dine Out festival, then went to a friends’ house to watch the hockey game (our team lost very badly) and I proceeded to fall asleep and likely drool on his couch.

    P.S. Much like Paula, very excited to be seeing you guys pay Vancouver a visit in February!

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