Writing to You Live from a Hospital Bed

So I'm in the hospital. Alas, Jarrod and I talked it over a lot last night and decided it best for me to finally check myself in. I've been contemplating the need to come in the hospital for well over a month now, as you may recall that one blog I wrote back in November when I was almost sure I would have to come back in soon after my previous visit. Well, I made it another month and a half or so, but I've also had to deal with two colds since that time. I am feeling 'okay' but I've been below my baseline for some time now. I'm hoping to get back to my baseline and feeling better.

Jarrod and I stopped for some hot toasty sandwiches at Pickleman's on the way in, and it was everything I hoped it would be (as a side note, Washington REALLY needs a hot sandwich place like Pickleman's or Firehouse.) Whenever I head home, I hope I get a chance to eat at Zaxby's on the way out, because I always forget they have one here—Zaxby's is a southern chicken chain with delicious chicken, and I can only assume they expanded up this way now that Mizzou is part of the SEC.

I didn't bring any crochet projects with me this time, but brought along three books—Jim Henson biography, a book about a Cairn terrier, and my study bible—and a puzzle book, plus I'll be able to watch things online on Netflix if I want to. I usually bring more than enough to do, then end up sleeping (or at least trying to) most of the time and it was all a wasted effort. So I tried to cut back a little this time.

So I ask for your prayers that I get to feeling better, back to baseline, but I really need your prayers for something else. By being here, I am most definitely at a heightened risk for catching the flu. Apparently, here they have had sooooooo many cases of the H3 flu (the strain that mutated and isn't much affected by the flu shot) and I am planning on taking even more precautions than normal. I always wear a mask outside of my room, when I walk down the hall for a snack or to treadmill, but this time I am also going to wear gloves, and maybe even a gown. We are also trying to limit how many people come to my room, and that is why I am also not wanting visitors this time. It sucks, but I just don't want to risk anyone coming here, potentially exposing themselves to something, or unknowingly expose me to something, or catch something and bring it home, and then when I come home... you get the idea. It's just for the best, and I'm just trying to be as proactive as possible.