On New Years Eve, I think I can finally say this, but...

Let's review:

March 2007 - Mom dies, FUCK 2007
April 2007 - Government wants $2,000 in taxes, FUCK 2007
May 2007 - Douche scratches my car in parking lot, has temporary plate so police have no chance of tracking him down. FUCK 2007
November 2007 - Friend from Dragon*Con dies, FUCK 2007
December 2007 - First Christmas without mom AND I get the worst stomach bug I've ever had, seriously, it was disgusting and horrible, ON Christmas EVE. FUCK 2007.

Yeah, 2007 can suck it. Let me say though, through it all K has been by my side and helped me through this year, I'm eternally grateful for her.

It's day five of the digestive meltdown that began rather, explosively on Christmas Eve. The family was playing poker when I felt an unusual burble in my gut. At that point I regretted not bringing my antacids since I use them ever day to try and lessen my gassiness. A few minutes later the burble went to a gargle which was soon followed by an ominous rumble. I got dealt out of the game and minutes later I was in the bathroom puking my guts out. That's right, my body decided to have the worst digestive breakdown I've ever had, this year, this Christmas, such that I hardly slept during the night when Santa was supposed to be working down the chimney.

There is one thing which really warmed my heart. I was in my brother's home, along with his wife, my other brother, my younger sister, and my dad. When I went down for the count and they saw I was in need, my family mobilized. And when I say mobilized, I mean that in the most military of senses. Word was sent out, and family was notified. Another went off to the store to fetch supplies. Another handled me and making sure I kept hydrating.

The worst part though is that as I laid on the couch, dearly wishing for my gut to unknot, I just wanted mom. Her touch, her kiss on my forehead, and I had to know she wasn't going to be there. I think it was a major part of why the family mobilized in such a way, we were all keenly aware of who would have been in the lead had she been there. Eventually the night came and it all settled. Mostly. I grabbed a few Zs, awoken several times by the run to the bathroom.

Then on Christmas I was feverish and in and out of consciousness as family hugged and passed presents, I laid among them on the couch huddled under the covers and watching disjointed segments of The Christmas Story whenever I woke up. Not exactly ideal. Though I did get a vacuum during the family white-elephant.

The next day my stomach was a little better but still not processing food, it just ran through me. But at least I could interact with family and share in the good times. Still not 100% but I thought was on my way to healing. Then, for some unknown reason, I couldn't sleep that night and I end up only managing 3 hours.

That's three hours of sleep before waking at *ahem* 4:45am to get on the road at 5am, to get dad to the airport for his international flight, and then my sister J and I would take his Durango to head home, by way of Grand Ma's, approximately 11 hours on the road. Thank God my sister did the brunt of the driving. I managed to catch up on some sleep, though I should have slept more.

Today's been a bit more rocky. I started off strong, still having digestive issues but I felt better. Then the wind left my sails and I got a little woozy. K has fallen into nurse mode and we called her mom to get some input on what I should eat. Immodium, chicken soup, saltines, gatorade. And off K went to the grocery store. And here I am, to blog and watch CSI.

So we're back from Manhatten, we arrived late-ish on Sunday and yesterday I took to recover and return to the real world. K and I had a list of errands to run and then we decide to go to the humane society and look at dogs since they're normally closed by the time I get off work. Sure enough we fall in love with this girl:

We think she's a Cock-a-poo that is a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, the Humane Society had her marked as a Cocker Spaniel. She's a bit overweight and her fur is horribly matted (to the point we expect the groomers to just have to shave her tomorrow.) She's darling though, very loving, though I did have to get up at 3:30 this morning to walk her. And as grumpy as I was about it, I was glad she was insistent enough to wake us up rather than piddle on the carpet.

Her name, "Mattie" is short for Manhattan since it is where we just returned from, and she's got a glitz-glamour personality. In fact, her full name is "Manhattan Mix-a-lot" because baby's got back. She's quite overweight, we can only guess that her previous owners stuffed her full of treats and didn't walk her nearly enough. K and I agreed on the rules, no doggie treats though she does seem to interpret ice as a treat which is good. We're going to feed her in the morning, and give her 3+ walks a day. We were told about the "Green bean" diet which is supposed to help dogs lose weight, so I'm investigating that as well.

K and I sat on the couch last night, catching up on the DVR, and Mattie laid between us just happy to be with people I think. Yes, we're thoroughly enamored with her, eager to train her and to take her to the dog park.

Stories and photos to come, this trip has been quite memorable and very exciting! I return home tomorrow though and I think I'll be ready, and tired. Thankfully I have Monday off to recover and catch up on things from life.