One day you’re feeling fine, and the next, you test positive for the flu. Things start to get a bit blurry after that. Getting sick is always frustrating, but when it’s something more serious than a mild cold, you can’t just push through it. I was out for a few days, mostly just resting. I definitely didn’t drink enough water—lesson learned—but I did manage to get a lot of sleep. The good thing is, my parents didn’t catch the flu. I had them test repeatedly after I came back positive—just to be safe. Grateful for small favors.
The worst part about the flu is definitely the chills. The first night, I had them pretty badly. Since I can’t sleep in my bed unless I’m clean, I dreaded taking a shower, but I had to do it. I stood under the hot water for at least 20 minutes, trying to stay warm and wondering how long I could stay before it was absolutely necessary to get out and start freezing all over again.
I had a fever on and off for about two days. Somewhere in the middle of the second night, it finally broke for good. Since then, I’ve been feeling a lot better, though my appetite still isn’t fully back. A sushi reel on Instagram got me craving sushi, so I went ahead and ordered some for delivery. I ended up spending way too much money on it, and within five minutes of placing the order, I already knew I wasn’t really interested in eating it anymore. When it arrived, I barely ate any. Note to self: when you’re sick, don’t let yourself get influenced into ordering food until you’re really ready. It’s a very costly mistake.
The only thing I really wanted to eat was instant ramen—but not just any kind. It had to be Myojo Chukazanmai ramen, which you can only find at an Asian grocery store. Although lately, I’ve only seen it at the Japanese grocery store. The broth is light, and the noodles have this nice, chewy texture. Unfortunately, I ran out, so I had to just dream about it until I could get more. Fortunately, my sister kindly picked up a bunch for me, so now I’m all set.
So far, I’ve had a bad cold and now the flu in just the past two months. I think I’m definitely due for some good health. Don’t you think?
Anyway, the neighbors who live behind me dropped off a plumeria plant they propagated from their own tree. I had been telling my friend HJ how we’ve had four plumeria plants in the past and none of them survived. So she gave me a piece of their tree—the one they brought back from Hawaii a few years ago. It was such a kind gesture and a really lovely post-flu surprise. I absolutely cannot let this plant die. It would be terrible having to tell HJ that yet another plumeria has perished under my watch.
Another neighbor even brought me back some honey from their vacation in Mexico. Can you believe how thoughtful they are? I’m seriously lucky—my neighbors are the best!
– C
