Tuesday, March 28, 2006

overcoming the "reluctance"

You're getting a two-for-the-price-of-one this week, and since I know you aren't expecting it I'll go ahead and warn you -- if you missed out on yesterday's posting, read it before you continue with this one or you'll be a bit lost.

So, I didn't want to go to the doctor, but I knew I needed to. The doctor that is covered under my insurance here is only open from 11:30-12:30 M-F and I couldn't decide if I should ask off one job (at the school) to go there, or ask off the other (at home) to go to an emergency clinic and beg Isaac to come with me so I wouldn't be alone.

When I got to school this morning, I decided I would ask what I needed to do if I wanted to go to the doctor (i.e. get permission from the Principal, sign a form... who knows). However (I'll admit the weakness), I was so stressed and worried about it that I started bawling. My coworker/supervisor, Sandra, pulled me aside and was like "are you OK?" I explained that I was nervous about going to the doctor... and she offered to go with me!! I felt really bad, but she said she didn't mind.

We left after my first class and she was very understanding. The doctor was a very nice, older gentleman. He explained that the normal cold virus has been accompanied by a bacteria this year, making it harder to fight. He prescribed me an antibiotic (thanks to Sandra I explained that I am allergic to Penicillin) and Paracetamol, which apparently is Tylenol (yeah for doing internet research). He also recommended some "home remedies" like eating a spoonful of honey with a few drops of lemon, gargling salt water, and boiling Eucalyptus leaves to breathe the air better or something.

Overall, I am glad Sandra came with me, although I probably could have handled it by myself. She served as a "mom-figure" for a scared little girl who was apparently so nervous that she turned to her right when the doctor said to make a left at the end of the hall :) It was nice to have an extra set of ears, and to have her be able to explain some things to me better after we left. Apparently she had warned their teacher that we would miss English class due to a doctor visit, so when we went in to Science this afternoon, all my cute kiddos asked if I felt better. It was precious.

The best part is that I ended the day having spent less than 8€... amazing difference from all the co-pays I would've been charged in the States. Of course, that doesn't include all the money I dropped shopping to celebrate my victory, but that's a story for another day...

Soli Deo Gloria..

Monday, March 27, 2006

post-Sevilla snot

I was gently reminded by a faithful friend that I forgot to post last week. For anyone who happened to be worried... relax! I'm fine :) It just so happens that Isaac and I spent last weekend in Sevilla with his brother's family and we didn't arrive back to Madrid until very late Monday night (otherwise known as Tuesday morning). I usually write from his house and I didn't have time on Tuesday morning before heading off to work.

We had a good time in Sevilla, although it rained most of the weekend and Isaac's adorably niece had a sore throat and was fairly fussy all weekend. Oh well, at least we got to breathe air that wasn't from Madrid, get to know his family better, and get to experience long-distance bus travel. Of those 3 things, the only one I'm NOT interested in doing again is the part about the bus travel. We left at 4pm on Monday. The "6-hour" bus trip didn't get us home until 1am on Tuesday morning due to incredible traffic on the highway. At least I wasn't alone...

Last week went fast, since it was short. And then I didn't even have to work at the house on Friday afternoon because the family left town to celebrate their grandfather's 90th birthday. A bunch of us went to Hard Rock on Friday night to celebrate Kelley, Joy and Virginia's birthdays. We had fun, but remind me not to go there again... the music is too loud :)

Saturday was relaxing... around the house cleaning and such. Saturday evening, we got to see our friend Liz for a few short hours after Bible study. I wasn't feeling so hot, but seeing her at least distracted me. Sunday evening I started feeling pooey again and had a low-grade fever. This morning I woke up with no fever, but a super-congested nose. I went to work, and really have felt fine all day... except for that raw-nose feeling you get after blowing it so much.

Isaac keeps telling me I should go to the doctor, but I really dread the idea. I haven't been to the doctor for anything other than a regular check-up in years, and this one won't even speak my language! The irrational fear that most people have of dentists, I think I have of doctors. Although I prefer the term "reluctance" -- it's just not practical to go. I mean, I have to get time off work and everything. Skipping class was so much easier... you didn't have to ask for favors from anyone but yourself. So anyway, he's practically threatened me to go tomorrow, so we'll see what happens.

Soli Deo Gloria...

Thursday, March 09, 2006

internet at home!

I realize that I'm writing at an odd time and on an odd day. You probably think it's just another holiday that us crazy spaniards have (and I can say "us" because I live here and because I'm dating one), but it's not. The fact of the matter is that I have internet in my house now! Thanks to my wonderful spaniard of a boyfriend, who has graciously lent me his laptop and has come to the house to install the router. Unfortunately, it appears the family bought a rather cheap router so I get cut off quite frequently, but it's still an improvement from before.

These last two weeks have gone well and smoothly, both here at home and at school. I have recently been tied up with a few tasks (which certainly make me appreciate even more the internet access) which include applying to UNC Charlotte's MA in Spanish program, and planning part of the trip for us when my parents come to visit over Spring Break/ Easter.

My health has been a little sketchy... I think I already told you about the Monday evening that I spent completely in bed? I have definitely improved since then, but still have a bit of a cough and a stuffy nose. Hasn't really limited me in any way (I'm back to going to the gym, and haven't missed any work), but I'm not gonna lie that it's starting to get on my nerves.

The weather is improving a bit, although they say that Spring here is a bit wacky and practically means some nice days mixed in with really cold days which eventually turns into a blooming-hot summer by May. Maybe I'll complain later, but for now I'm very happy to have been able to leave my heavy coat at home for the last two days.

Isaac is doing well, although he did end up staying home on Monday 'cuz he was really congested and his eyes were red from sneezing quite a bit. But he was back to routine by Tuesday and is almost back to 100% by now. He and I are hoping to go to Sevilla next weekend to see Pablo and family, but we'll have to see about that.

I think that's all I've got for you now. Prayers are greatly appreciated as I'm attempting not to stress about things. Oh yeah - and I just put up a few pics that you may (or may not) enjoy checking out. Not exactly current, but the new house is included, and some of Isaac's niece from when they visited a few weekends ago.

Soli Deo Gloria...