I'm just sick of it!

I'm sick of you, and I'm sick of everything. I'm just SICK!

And tired.

Remember that funny bit from Bill Cosby? I believe the video is Bill Cosby: Himself. Now available on Beta and VHS, only at your local video rental shop. Ha! Remember those? Now our videos come in the mail, or out of a giant red box, aptly named RedBox, or on our glowing flat screens. That video is so old, the Cos was probably wearing one of those crazy sweaters with the multi-color cable knit, and it was in style, baby.

Anyway, I've been sick since about Tuesday. Not as sick as Zoey, who had a hacking cough for several nights and played hooky with me on Thursday, and not as sick as Preston was yesterday when he ralphed all over the kitchen floor, for no good reason at all. But I'm sick (and tired) of not being able to breathe! No daytime remedies, sinus tabs, nasal mists, herbal remedies created by a schoolteacher, or effervescent drinks are helping. Nor is whining to the wife. Open mouth sleeping and phenylephrine-induced hallucinations are totally wearing me out. But I think I'm turning the corner. I haven't had to mist since this morning, and, fingers crossed, will get a good night's sleep tonight.

As an unexpected aide, 2001: A Space Odyssey just came on one of the Encore channels - now that'll put me to sleep! (rim shot)

I love doing this sometimes. I haven't written much lately, and I just popped this open to see what would happen. What did happen? A) Cosby reference B) Joking about outdated technology C) Used the word "ralphed", which used to make my sisters and I laugh hysterically until my Mom couldn't help but think it was funny, too. So this was good.

And good night.

Reading is fun-da-mental!

I tried reviewing some books in a post last year, and it wasn't my favorite thing to do. If I started and finished a book, that means I generally enjoyed it. It's hard for me to put in to words why or what exactly I liked best. Sort of like the way I communicate about life and love-- right, honey? Clear as mud.

But I just finished a book whose main character is now in my top three of book characters. The book is A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I had not previously read anything by Irving, and this was a weighty piece. It takes a while to trudge through some of the early setting and discussion of the narrator's experiences with various religious denominations (episcopalian vs. congregationalist vs. catholic vs. whatever... sorry for not capitalizing), but if you make it, the story is memorable. I finished the book laying in bed the other night, and I felt like Owen Meany's life was a part of my memory, not just my memory of the book about Owen Meany. Does that make sense?

Anyway, thanks Mom for a great book! I already bought Irving's The World According To Garp, which is apparently his signature novel. I also purchased Closing Time, the sequel to Catch-22, a book I thoroughly enjoyed and a movie I recently rented. Who doesn't love Alan Arkin? He's great in everything I've seen him in! If you haven't read Catch-22, the movie won't mean as much but it's worth watching due to a formidable ensemble cast.