A Very Sore Throat

Does anyone please know of any remedy?

I had the H1N1 mist about a week ago, and then, with FULL warning of course, started feeling an exodus of symptoms.  First came the backache, then my finger joints just felt sore, my muscles hurt like crazy, everything was out of whack - I had to ask my husband to give me a good massage right away.  My whole body was on fire, it was unbelievable.  Eventually,  Extra Strength Tylenol quickly got rid of all that.  (I still take it PRN/as necessary.)  But then came this awful, awful sore throat that I can't shake off.


It is so bad I've had to apply Vicks on my neck and wrap a short kind of scarf around it TO and AT work for two nights now.  I've been drinking hot tea, eating nothing but soup, and pumping up on vitamins and pain killers, to no avail.  A friend suggested ginger.  I'll probably have to drink the water I boil it in, I forgot to ask.


My throat feels swollen, (though I don't believe it is), and swallowing is extremely painful.

What a nightmare and a half.

HELP!

'Tis indeed.

I am all geared up to write if only to greet you all a blessed Christmas.  I don't suppose anyone will have the time to sit down in front of the computer on Christmas day, though, what with all the hype and rush, but I am taking my chances.

I think of all the Christmases past, and how they compare with this year's.  I think of the Philippines heated up not only by the Mayon volcano acting up in Albay, but also by the horrendous political goings-on there.  I think of the thousands of Filipinos who are brilliant, capable of making names around the world, whose talents remian untapped because of lack of opportunity.  I think of those to whom opportunity is given, but who happen to be wasteful, arrogant, deceitful, and greedy.  I think of all the blessings laid out before me, and how I have used and (squandered) many.  I think of the friends I made and kept, and those who have betrayed me for personal gain.   I thnk of hearts I have broken, and those who have broken mine.  But I push them all away, clear my mind of cobwebs, and look forward.

This is the Season of Nativity, when the Lord has shown us great mercy through the birth of His Son.  I think and I think deep, of the times I had thought I was not worth redeeming, of my unworthiness in His eyes.  But this Season, I think even more.  Of hope and renewal, of acceptance and forgiveness.  I think of all the hurts I caused because I judged people to be less than I.  I think of my own weaknesses and how I can transcend them and perhaps improve myself.  I think of ways to make this Christmas different from the others - beyond all the cooking and gift-giving, and trimmings and nice clothes.  The smiles will hold.  The hugs will not be mere politeness.  Perhaps that way, I will continue to touch more lives.


This article is for all the family and friends I cherish and keep.  I know we've all been busy one way or another.  But I thank you for always remembering.  Here's to you - for your loyalty, respect, and love.  May your life continue to be full, may the Lord watch and keep you, may you be blessed this Holy Season and always.

'Tis indeed the time to embrace each other and give thanks.

Happy Christmas, one and all!

Trial Post

Hi, friends, I don't know if this will be published, but I did some tweaking because it has been the longest time since I last accessed my blog: couldn't open the dashboard to post new articles. I could and can open the past posts and reply to your comments, but as far as posting a new one, no go.


So let's see.


I miss you, guys. I don't know if I can come back to this site, but we'll see. I can always start a new one. I had been really busy, too. My calendar's full, that without the boys' schedules yet. But I'm here. For now.


I hope you get this. Thanks! Take care!

Sorry

I had been busy, and preoccupied lately.  Still am.  I have you all in mind, and will sit here and serve you coffee, truffles, and whatever you fancy.


But not right now, friends.  Momma's a little busy.


So bear with me, please.  Be good.


And don't forget to wash your hands.

Out of this World!

At  3 o'clock this morning, after I had gruellingly 'fixed' a new site and told everyone about it, this comes right back! 

Well, I am happy.  But, I'll see you on the other site as well, okay, my friends?

I'm bushed.  Good night!

(To those I hadn't informed yet, my other URL is http://uncoveringaculture.blogspot.com/)

Unbankable deliveries

Got a phone call from a bank today.

Me:  Hello.
B:  Hi, may I speak with Cherie De Castro?
Me:  This is she. 
B:  Ma'am, this is (name) from (Very Prominent Bank).  You have  a problem with your account, and ....
Me:  A problem with my account?  What happened?
B: (chuckles) Well, we are about to send you a .... for .... You don't have to commit right now.  Your account shows you have an excellent record...
Me:  Wait a minute.  First of all, you just said that my account shows I have an excellent record, which contradicts your introduction to me.  (I could hear the poor girl sounding embarrassed on the other end of the line.)  Second of all, I have already told somebody from (Very Prominent Bank) that I would contact you if ever I became interested.  And I am not.  Thank you for calling.

And I put the phone down.

Really.

And that's just one of those.  Try this.  It happened about a few months ago.  Also from them.

B: Hello, is Aristotle De Castro there?
A:  This is Aristotle.
B:  My name is (name) from (Very Prominent Bank).  Do you speak English?
A:  Aren't we talking already?

 And Aris continued to entertain.  But reported the rudeness to someone higher up.

Now, I don't know if it's just me, but I think people-oriented jobs require a lot more refinement from the employees, especially so if the company they're working for has a reputation to protect.  Whatever their reasons, the first scenario showed perfect incompetence, and the second one outright idiocy based, we suppose, on records of a not-so-English-sounding last name.

This Side Of Town

turned a hundred posts today.

I truly didn't mean to celebrate.

But my neighbor Carol (of the tamales) chose this night to knock on my door again.

This time, she waved a plateful of delectable roast beef complete with garnishings in front of me. (I seriously MUST work on my Spanish - and quick.)

I took one look at my man. He took one look at me.

Then he went to the kitchen and reached for a bottle of red wine.

Come, let's clink glasses!

(photo source: Google Images bettyboop-a.doop.com)