March 19, 2013

• Desperate Times

  I have been sick since Saturday. I really thought that by today I’d be noticeably better. I wasn’t. I took a mental inventory of my symptoms and came to the realization that I am not dealing with a cold, but with a full-blown sinus infection. Zinc doesn’t work for that. The cold meds I’ve been taking have been useless. I can’t go to the doctor, and even if I could, I am not interested in taking antibiotics. Antibiotics and I are not friends.

  So, that leaves natural remedies. The only natural remedy I know of that seems to have a lot of evidence behind it is raw garlic. I did a little research online and discovered that apple cider vinegar has also been very helpful for some with sinus infections. I dragged myself to the store and came back with lots of fresh garlic. You would not believe how much garlic I have ingested since this afternoon. I don’t believe it myself. (I put it through my rarely-used garlic press, drizzle it with honey, and wash it down with water.) I alternate the garlic with the apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water and a little honey (as instructed).

  My stomach feels a little funny, I’ve got to tell you. It will be worth it if I start feeling better. The problem is that I haven’t started feeling better yet, and tomorrow is the day that I was going to get to talk about Zambia and take Zambian food for my geography class. Instead, I’m going to have to send a video for the kids to watch so that I can stay home chugging down vinegar and garlic. My Southern Africa class is going to have to wait till next week, by which time I had better be functioning again! (And yes, for those of you who are about to suggest it, I am also irrigating my sinuses with saline solution and hydrogen peroxide.)

  Another miserable result of this ill-timed illness is that we are going to have to withdraw Lucy from her 4H sewing project. I have been too sick to help her, and she was gone all weekend, and now we are just out of time. She will still make her skirt, but it won’t be done in time for the competition. At least she’ll get a pretty skirt out of the deal!

  After supper this evening, once Jasper was done with all his homework, Lucy and I made some Sweet Marie bars for tomorrow’s bake sale. This is the third week in a row that we’ve made something, and I’m glad that it’s the last. It was just one more thing to stress about!

  Before I collapse for a while, I need to go get all the materials together that my friend Tammie will need to substitute for me tomorrow. Here’s hoping that tomorrow at this time I’ll be reeking of garlic but feeling fabulous!

  • 11:55 pm
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