Today I celebrate a milestone. I sat up. And I stood. Who knew sitting and standing would warrant such jubilation, but after four days of back muscle spasms, the pain relief I feel makes me want to jump for joy. Of course, doing that would hurt like hell so I'll restrict my celebration to walking to the bathroom on my own.
I took three days off to simply lay flat. I did many crosswords, played boggle, read a book, planned my trip to Thailand for spring break and pursued other scholarly pursuits, but did nothing that required movement of the torso. Finally, this morning, I was able to get out of bed, shower, and dress without wincing. But after sitting up for an hour or so, the pain returned and I had to lay down again. I'm taking Advil and a muscle relaxant prescribed by the doctor and they are effective for a few hours at a time.
Meanwhile, school's been canceled for Monday. A strike has been called against the government. Banks will be closed and demonstrations are scheduled. The disruption has caused the school board to meet in New York and discuss possible make up days. Our spring break may be in danger, but we won't know anything until Tuesday. I've already paid for some domestic flights and hope I can get a refund.
Marcey has been taking good care of me. She fetches my meals, the phone, the remote control, the laptop, pills, water, pillows, pens-anything I need. Not a bad life, if I wasn't in so much pain. And it's nice outside. Blue sky, warm temperatures and I can't negotiate stairs. Bummer.
Ironic, isn't it? I finally have lots of time to write updates about my life in Beirut, but I have nothing to write about because I'm sitting on my butt watching bad TV. Another Survivor (Goodbye Ashley). Another American Idol (Go Ashley!). Another episode of Punk'd (Poor Ashley.) Lots of Discovery Channel documentaries (do crocodiles name their offspring?) Thank goodness I have the first season of "Arrested Development" on DVD. Funny show.
I'll write about my Turkey trip next. But first I must visit the bathroom.
That could take a while.