It’s been a week. There’s always a “manic” period after a long bout of illness when I feel compelled to make up for lost time and try to do more than I can (and should.) While I am definitely feeling better and improving every day, I had a slight misstep last weekend when I prematurely attempted to increase my food intake (both in type of food and amount) so I spent Sunday in quite some discomfort, cursing myself for making bad choices. Thankfully, everything resolved by night fall and I’ve been more cautious (and pain free) since.

I’m on a high dose of Prednisone – not my first time – the harsh P and me are old friends. While it is a wonder drug for resolving Crohn’s flare-ups, it can have some nasty side effects, which I’m experiencing more of this time around, perhaps because I was so depleted for so long; perhaps because I’m a hop, skip, and jump away from 50. Whatever the reason, I’m experiencing random bouts of nausea, irritability, severe appetitive swings (from “ravenous” to “can’t be bothered to eat”) and insomnia. (Which is why I’m writing this post at 3:24am.) Despite all that, the good far outweighs the bad, so I’m powering through, although I’m definitely looking forward to the tapering and eventual discontinuation of the med all together. Mama seriously needs a cocktail, folks (which is, for the most part, a big no-no on the Pred.)

I was able to jump back into work fairly easily this week, and am actually enjoying being productive and working a full day sans pain and discomfort. Upon learning I had been hospitalized, my co-workers sent me a get well gift: a giraffe jigsaw puzzle. It was very thoughtful and appreciated. Unfortunately, I missed out on the chance to interview for a job in another unit (same position and salary as my current job) that I might have been happier in. Because I was so sick, I was unable to sit up and make it through even a video interview, so I had to cancel. Without knowing how long I’d be hospitalized for, or when I’d feel well enough to interview again, I did not request they reschedule my interview, and they did not offer to do so, which probably means they weren’t all that interested in me in the first place. Oh, well. Que Sera Sera, as the lovely Miss Day would sing.

In other news, we’ve been “redecorating” my basement office (which is where I have been working from home for the better part of the year.) When we first had the basement refinished last summer, I set up my office space using whatever mismatched pieces of furniture we had collected over the years to create a makeshift workspace and save a little money. I decided it was time to upgrade, so we purchased 5 new black book cases and a new black desk, every piece of which Jeffrey assembled almost completely by himself. (The man is a frikkin saint, I tell ya.) It looks amazing having all matching sleek new furniture. I have some final organizing and tweaking to do, then I’ll share before and after pictures. I love my “new” basement so much. I could close off the rest of the house and just live in it full time, if it had a bathroom (which we’re actually discussing adding) and a kitchen space. I love it that much.

This weekend the BF, Jim, comes into town to celebrate his 53rd birthday. We were originally planning to go to his place in CT to celebrate with him and his hubby there, but in the midst of my health issues, we cancelled those plans, erring on the side of caution, and agreed if I was feeling well enough by this weekend, he would come here instead. We have a few treats and surprises in store for him. We are birthday people and enjoy celebrating each other’s – as well as our friends’ – birthdays when the opportunity presents itself to do so. It will be a fun weekend, even if I can’t join in on the food consumption and cocktailing.

On a final note, I’m pleased to share that the northeastern cold streak is finally starting to pass and we’re seeing rising temperatures, a sure sign spring is on the way. I will be glad to say good-bye to the snow and bitter cold temps, and once again be able to enjoy my morning coffee on our back porch, basking in the glow of the new morning sun while being serenaded by the songs of the early birds.

It’s the simple things in life, folks.

Stay safe, everyone.