Pariah of the Week

Last week at work I was given the most honorable title Star of the Week, which entitled me to a generous cup of dunkin donuts finest and hand soap from bath and body works (but this place isn't cheap, noooo way). I then received a wonderful cold from the sniffly coughing babies that has progressed into a full fledged case of laringitis (however you spell that). Thus, I have called out sick. I don't think that in all my years of working I have yet to call out; I feel like I'm playing hookey. Unfortunately, it doesn't stop there. I have also been exposed to shingles (twice, possibly three times) and have to cancel plans with my aunt (who is pregnant) for a long weekend we were supposed to have together this weekend. Thus, I have adapted my title and renamed myself: Pariah of the Week. Just ask Rose. I got her sick, too.

Luckily, I have been very productive today without using my voice. I even bought a huge picture frame so that I can make the big collage I've always wanted of all our pictures. And other than the recent sickness things have been good. My twelve year old cousin is safe at home, fighting with her mother instead of us. It was a trying three weeks, though the two of us did have some fun.

We also had another cousin (30 years old) and her boyfriend and his friend (both men were German) staying for two eventful nights. We had long dinners and heard all about German food, German healthcare, German welfare, the German job force, Oktoberfest. We debated issues of welfare reform and sweatshop labor. But what was most amusing was the way my little, soft spoken mother treated these men, one in particular. Picture this: Sylvan at least 6'4", big, burly, German guy. My mother 5' and oftentimes overly sweet (though always sincere). She asks Sylvan to chop up basil for our salad, which he does more than willingly. A few minutes later he prouldy presents her with his finished product: a very nicely garnished salad. "Oh Sylvan! Oh honey! That's so beautiful. Everybody, look at what Sylvan did. What a wonderful job." And she went on. So, I don't know what was funnier, some of their antics or my mother babying someone twice her size.

Alas, I should continue to use this speechless day productively, but considering this is probably as vocal as I will get all day, thanks for listening.

Lots of love and adventure--a