Monday, May 4, 2009

On Being Sick

Did you guys hear about how Lisa Rinna (the weird Muppet-looking lady who was Billie on Days of our Lives) claimed that her family had swine flu first?  I'd directly quote it, but I don't want to bother.  She was basically saying that she was swine-flu before swine-flu was cool.  Like an emo kid, but with more vomiting.  Lisa Rinna is a pig.

I noticed that a lot of people left facebook updates on how sick they are feeling*.  And every single time, somebody made a joke about swine flu.  I'm guilty of a comment or two.  Swine flu has a certain ring to it, and it's easy to make fun of how crazy the media gets.  I'm pretty sure we all made the same jokes about bird flu.  And I bet the early half of the previous century was ripe with polio jokes.   

Guy:  *Achoo!*
Doll: HAHA!  You probably have POLIO! 
Guy:  I can't feel my legs...

It's hard not to make fun of something that might be kind of scary.  I have to admit, I took extra precautions when going anywhere with my kids.  And you better believe I made Eric wash his hands when he came home from work.  Because swine flu, any flu, is funny only as long as it stays out of my house.  

My sister-in-law Heather, who is a nurse and has dealt with sick people Crazy way more than anyone should have to, made a good point the other night in saying that some people are just happier being sick.  That may be part of the reason swine flu gets so much attention.  I'll buy that, because I think I'm guilty of it, to some extent.  My mom used to treat us like princesses when we were sick.  New sheets on the bed, blanket on the couch, with all-day television and overflowing glasses of juice and sprite.  Warm bath at night.  She would play with our hair until we fell asleep, and when we'd wake up, she would give us an extra day just to recover.  Being sick, as long as we weren't really all that sick, was kind of awesome.  I don't want anyone to get swine flu, and if it hits pandemic status, I'm not going to going around licking faces to up my chances of getting it, but if I DO get it, I bet my mom will come over and bring me juice.  That's all I'm saying.

I think I should probably start putting snakes in my kids' beds when they get feverish, so they never associate sickness with those good feelings.  The last thing this world needs is a couple more Lisa Rinnas.

*Those facebookers who were sick never once claimed swine flu.  Please don't misinterpret this post as me calling you out on feeling like crap this weekend.  

10 comments:

Lisa Rinna said...

FRIST!!!

Renee said...

^ I am hilarious.

Kristin said...

The difference in how your mom treated sick kids and how my mom handled it is a study in complete opposites. No wonder I just want to be left alone when I'm sick and really get annoyed with adults who want to be babied if they have a cold/flu.

Renee said...

Sometimes it's like Stranger Among Bears with Eric when he's sick. I'll be like, "I'm going to ask him if he needs water" and my kids are like, "MOM, don't do anything crazy!!" and then they just shake their heads and say, "She gets what she deserves, going in there like that...."

You guys like to be left alone. I get that now.

Scarlet said...

I haven't been allowed to be sick since I gave birth for the first time 3 and a half years ago. I did have a bout with Pink Eye and I have had a couple of yucky feeling kinds of days but as far as anyone taking care of me or at least caring for my kids while I mended that has not happened. So I definitely don't want the swine flu oinking up my tree. I just haven't the time for it or the patience to care for any patients in my house.

mrsmouthy said...

Ever since all this swine flu stuff came out all I've had enormous pregnancy cravings for pork. We've eaten it 3 nights in a row now.

Cassandra said...

You know, now that you mention it, Lisa Rinna DOES look like a muppet! How did I miss that comparison?

Heidi said...

What? Mom never did that stuff for me when I was sick. My memories from her was telling me "to get over it". Did I cry wolf too many times that she didn't believe I was sick when I was sick? I know I was a bit dramatic, but I dont recall those same memories of being sick and mom taking care of us like that.

Renee said...

Are you serious Heidi? Mom was the best when it came to us getting sick. Did you get chicken pox when Erik and I did? That was my favorite. Geez, I even got the royal treatment once a month just for being on my period. Hot tea, dark, cool room, face tickles... none of that rings a bell?

I guess mom wasn't joking when she told me she didn't love you as much as she loved me. *shrug*

Heidi said...

Though I do admit since its Mothers Day and all, she would get my special tea and still makes it to this day if I have cramps. So hats off to you Mom! Happy Mothers Day!