A [Quiet] Shout Out

I would like to start off this post by wishing my Grandpa Tiemens a very happy (78th?) birthday. He and I spoke on the phone today for a good while, just catching up a bit, but mostly me wishing him the very best. My Uncle Myron and Aunt Rezza are visiting my grandparents this week/weekend, and it sounds like everyone is having a great time.

As a general update, I have been pretty sick the last few days. It started on Sunday when I woke up with what felt like a marble stuck inside my throat. Since then, the swelling has spread, and it has become very difficult to swallow. Since my exercise routine has had to be put on hold, Challenge: 100 leaves a lot to be desired these days. It's been a little lonely lately, mostly because I have sequestered myself in my room so as not to get my roommates or friends sick. I also look and feel pretty gross -- no need to subject the public to that. Tomorrow I may beg one of my friends to go to the yogurt shop and bring me a cup of frozen yogurt - that sounds REALLY good right now.

I'm talking as little as possible, hoping that resting my throat will help everything heal faster. I get this distinct feeling like Sam and Brianna don't quite get what's up, (they do know I'm sick), but neither of them care to ask so silence it is.

I have been taking a lot of Advil and Ny Quill and Mucinex and other stuff - and it makes me a bit spacey. I mean - it makes my throat hurt less, which is why I take them, but at the same time, I have caught myself sitting alone staring out my window at trees for several minutes at a time. I just zone out. It probably doesn't help that I'm sleep deprived (I'm pretty sure I woke up every hour last night), but I tried to balace that out with by 10:00 AM nap today. (I mean honestly, who naps at 10 AM, normally I'm not even awake yet). Crazy town. That's where I am. I'll be leaving soon, though. Let's all cross our fingers for a speedy recovery.

Oh, and have you all noticed my cluster map? It's over on the right hand side of this screen and has little red dots where the US is. Anyway, I am super excited/anxious to get my first international hit. So if you know anyone out there and could send them a link to here, I just want one spec that is not state-side. Sorry, that was my little selfish plug. :)