Rocky Mountain High? Nah--just Mucinex.

by Liz Flaherty

I will admit at the outset that I took a selfie to show you just how I looked this week and scared myself to death, so, no, I'm not putting it here. Just think Medusa on steroids and you've got it. Then let me assure you that other than borrowing a few prescription diet pills from a friend once (God, they were great--I didn't lose any weight, but I caught up on ALL the family ironing. I think they were speed.), I've never taken an illegal drug. I've never even smoked pot. I am such a cheap drunk that no one ever asks me if I want another drink--the first one's already done its foggy-eyes, slurred speech job.

I'm not jumping on this soapbox to tell you how good (and how boring) I am--it's to tell you amoxicillin and Mucinex with a portion of arthritis-strength Tylenol on the side can create an unbelievable high. I have been so pathetically ill on my third trip through this bronchitis / ear infection / common cold maze that the most articulate thing I've said is, "Did I take my 6:30 meds?"

So what does this mean to a writer? Well, it means when I've been well enough, I've come to the office and sat at the desk. I've opened my manuscript file, smiled vaguely at it, and proceeded to play 273 game of solitaire. 

Since I couldn't write I thought maybe I could sew. 

I couldn't. One shouldn't do things with needles when she is soaked in Mucinex.

Read?

Not exactly. I did read an entire book the other day, sitting in my recliner in fuzzy socks with tea at my side. I think I liked the book. Maybe. I don't actually recall what it was.

Which is why it's so strange...yes, I know, this whole post has been strange, but really, it's just so weird that I sat down this morning with my tea and Kleenex and finished the synopsis that has been driving me crazy for weeks now. (Just as I'd rather have a baby than an earache, I'd rather write a book than a synopsis.) It's finished and all ready to send to my editor accompanied by a note saying, "Please...please...I'll send chocolate...please..."

It was that last line that made me think the synopsis should rest for a day or two before I send it off. Because I've never once offered chocolate in exchange for a contract offer. Sadly enough, I probably would if I thought it would work, and I'm afraid one more dose of Mucinex might convince me so...no, it's going to rest.

It will be interesting to see if it's even readable, much less saleable.

I have no ending for this post, other than to say it's 6:30 and you know what that means. Have a great week. I'm not sure what Nan has in mind for you tomorrow--she's on a Z-pack and Mucinex and hasn't come down long enough to tell us.


Comments

  1. Oh no. I'm sorry you're feeling so bad. I'm fighting a cold myself and it's so not fun. It's going around I'm told. I'm sure your synopsis is much better than you think. Here's something to cheer you up. I will be finishing your delightful book, Back to McGuffey's, today. It's been a joy reading it. I hope you feel better soon, especially that earache. I HATE those!!

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    1. Hi, Laurie! Thanks for coming by. Actually, I am getting a little better each day. The earache, though short-lived, was the very worst part. I'm glad you're liking McGuffey's!

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  2. Sorry you're feeling poorly! I recommend a brew of pine, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, rosemary, lavender, and peppermint in a personal steamer. It helps break up the crud and maybe kills a few germs. Plus, it smells like Christmas!

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    1. Oh, that sounds heavenly. I know I feel better when I have my wax melts...er...melting. Thanks, Cheryl!

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  3. Ugh, I so feel your pain, Liz. I've been high on Dayquil Severe for about ... 2 weeks now. On the plus side I don't feel bad (that's totally because of the DayQuil), on the minus side, I have no voice (I scared RadioMan last night because I came into the living room and he didn't see me and I said something and he thought I might've been a burglar), and I can't stop coughing.

    Good luck with the synopsis...and I hope you kick the crud quickly!

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    1. Oh, no, poor RadioMan! Lol. Thanks, Kristi, and I hope you kick it, too.

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  4. Oh, I know you feel bad. I'm been there with bronchitis, etc. That's why I felt a tad guilty for chuckling along with your comments. Feel better fast.

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    1. Thanks, Barb. We HAVE to laugh--so much better than crying, which I must admit I did when my ear hurt.

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  5. Liz, so sorry you are under the weather. I have been sick with the same thing, caught it from my three-year-old grandson in Nashville. Mucinex does make you high but it also helps the cough. Good idea to hold onto that synopsis and look at it later. Glad you are on the mend.

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    1. Thanks, Carolyn. I like Mucinex and have great faith in it--it's just that I've taken so much! If I'd drunk that much actual booze, I'd be out flat. :-) Hope you're doing well by now.

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  6. Ugh! I'm so right there with you! If Duane and Jim were smart, they put us up in a hotel or better, a state park inn and let us just be sick together! Although, all the texting has been quite curative! Get better! Don't overdo! <>

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    1. Actually, we're spending a couple of days at Clifty here pretty soon...

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  7. I'm so sorry you've got the crud. OG gave me his cold in the middle of December, it evolved into a sinus infection, and I was sick for 3 weeks--unheard of for me. I finally beat it into submission, but this morning I've got that little cough starting to come back. Arrgh! I'm glad you finished your dreaded synopsis and hope you get well soon!

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    1. Thanks, Alison. It's going. I'm a little better each day. It's the KEEPing it gone that's been a problem. I hope your cough subsides quietly.

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  8. 'Tis the season ... I'm on the second round of antibiotics, and don't get me started on the antibiotic shots. Hope you're feeling better!

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    1. Hi, Mark. Still doing the two steps forward, one step back. I haven't had shots yet and hope it doesn't come to that--I'm such a coward!

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    2. They work ... but they're not much fun!

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  9. My heart breaks for you. Feel better soon, my friend.

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