Musings From A Grass Widow

Category: Seasons , Life

'Now you're a grass widow'

Our neighbor Mrs. Aragon, 86 and full of wisdom, had told me this, when my husband and I walked up to her gateless driveway where she was seated by her usual perch, on a rocking chair by her massive narra front door. She being vain, once again apologized for the fact that she couldn't properly have her dentures on, having recently had a bout with Bell's Palsy, which of course we had known from Day 1, many months ago. This was the other day, the last afternoon before my husband left for San Francisco, to live out his lawful residency gig and process our own petitions, for a future brand-new start. Which renders me now as an OFW wife.

Really, the worst punishment of being middle-class is separation. Now I can relate.

Mrs. Aragon being graciosa, who lives almost right across us, probably sensed my puffy eyes from non-stop crying and offered comfort by means of an open invitation to sleep over at at any time. And that was probably the only time I smiled that afternoon. I guess that she cried a little too, when my husband came to say goodbye before he left the following morning. That guy -- he had a way with old ladies. And I miss him terribly.

Dang Dengue

Category: Pain

The worst kind of fever I've ever encountered is the kind that's not mine.

Last week, I've had to look after my husband and youngest, both running the same consistently high in the 40s fever, and both infinitely grouchy, somewhat tearful of their burning foreheads, and with good reason. The dreaded dengue hit home.

I say this only because the hospital episode taught me one thing -- in case of dengue (which by the way is not anymore seasonal but an all-year round occuring epidemic), treatment is only but supportive and comes in the form of dextrose, that's all.

For home care, have patience for a 24-hour on call sponge bath request from your patients, room temperature or cool water is preferred. Also be prepared to force them to take in as much water and Gatorade they can muster, and do away with the hospital. That and tender loving care and the long-sufferingness of a martyr. And you're all set.

Most of all, pray that the tiny little vampire suckers, the dengue mosquitoes, do not ever find breeding ground near where you and your loved ones are, much less allow them anywhere near your skin.

Unbotoxed ... Yet. Thankfully.

Category: Stuff

A few times I have toyed with, but immediately dismissed, the thought of getting myself a few botox injections.

While not totally devoid of vanity, laziness had always been the excuse for me not to be as mindful of a beauty maintenance regimen as I really should be, because I'm already at that age. Also that I want to look good for my husband.

Thankfully the laziness prevails and I find that a decent sunblock and
Olay delivers as promised. Otherwise I would be all alarmed, knowing this. Botox, after all, is botulism + toxin. So, yeah, I got the point. Thank you, Nicole Kidman.