Random Tuesday Thoughts: coughs, cars, volcanic ash

I've had an unexpected week off from work, one that I can ill (haha) afford.  My nephew, Marty had a graduation party this past Saturday and I decided not to attend because I took off for Tim's graduation and another day for something I can t remember, and really couldn't ask for yet another Saturday..  Then last Tuesday I start in with a cold or flu or something that I just couldn't shake!  I've been home from work since Thursday (Wednesday is my day off) and won't be back to work until This Thursday.  

I FINALLY broke down and went to the doctor.  Every time I get a cold I think I can treat it myself.  Why see a doc when all I need is Dayquil, Nyquil, hot tea, some rest, throat lozenges.. right?  For most people, that's true.  Me?  Not so much.  Every time I end up with bronchitis and am wheezing so bad, I can barely breathe.  And I wait until it's this bad before calling the doctor.  So now I'm on an antibiotic, steroids, an inhaler med and a decongestant.  And Wal-mart is a little bit richer for it.  You think I'd learn.

To top it all off, I lost my voice!!!  Ever try to make a phone call with laryngitis and not sound like a prank call?  I woke up yesterday with no voice whatsoever.  Throughout the day, it went from a whisper to a croak and back again.  I just tried it and I'm back to the croak.  I'm waiting for frogs to camp outside my door.  

So I think my daughter will be able to fly home tomorrow from Ireland.  She's been "stuck" there since Sunday.  Poor kid.  Stuck on the Emerald Isle, the land of my ancestors, with her best friend from college.  Actually, she's having the time of her life!   

My younger daughter's boyfriend is supposed to come here for a visit this weekend.  He lives in Pittsburgh, we live outside of Philly.  It's a 5 to 6 hour drive.  His parents are afraid to let him drive here, alone.  sigh.  Dani makes the trip, alone, several times a year, going back and forth to school.  Maybe I'm a more lenient mom (well, I know for a fact that I am), but I don't see what the big deal is.  

Tim's moving home today.  He and his dad rented a truck last Friday and brought his bed and other junk belongings home.  Today he's here permanently until he can find a job and get on his feet to get a place of his own. 

Today is the 15th Anniversary of my brother's wife death.  She left us at the early age of 37 from a cerebral hemorrhage.  It's hard to believe that 15 years have gone by so quickly.   We still miss you, Pammy.  Rest in peace.

Tomorrow oops... next Wednesday actually, we're supposed to pick up Dani's newest vehicle.  Her dad finally got smart and purchased a car NOT on Ebay.   She's getting a 2008 Hyundai Elantra.    This one better make it to graduation in 3 years, at least!  So far, she's had a Honda Accord (that lasted 2 years, not sure how), a Saturn (engine seized on the PA Turnpike, coming home for Christmas break), her brother's Bronco (inherited when he got a newer used car for graduation... it was leaking transmission fluid like mad) and now the Elantra.

Now that I think about it, my kids have had a shitload of cars!  Gina's had 6 cars, Tim's had 4 cars and Dani's getting her 4th car.  I've been driving for 27 years ( I was just shy of my 28th birthday when I got my license) and I've had  8 cars in all.  I used to get a new car every 3 or 4 years (we leased a few times).  I've had my Vibe for 7 1/2 years now.  I love my little Vibe, but I do miss that perk my marriage allowed... getting a new car every few years.  Do you think he'd...?  never mind.

**Sue Ann in NM didn't know what a Vibe was, so here is a photo of exactly what my little 2003 Pontiac Vibe looks like (minus the dings and scratches)!  The color is SALSA!!  I love it!

Ah, well... that's enough randomness for now.   

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