I didn't know this benefit came with the package (Catching your students' illnesses).

Day 45

Wednesday


It’s been awhile since I mentioned the hills of Alora. My calves tell me it’s time to revisit that theme. I’m sure that some with weaker constitutions think Lombardi St. in San Francisco is steep. That’s cute. After they’re done ‘climbing’ that flat, I encourage them to come to Alora for some hills. The streets are so steep that bending down to crawl up the roads wouldn’t draw any attention; I’m surprised I haven’t seen anyone doing it yet, you’re bent over so far already, might as well throw your hands into the equation. I’m glad I don’t live there not just because it’s a pain in the butt to make a vertical hike to go visit a neighbor and repel down the street to go home afterwards, but because my calves would be jacked if I made that walk everyday. Growing up I was lucky to have such great friends and such outspoken strangers on hand to remind me of “Whoa! Look how big your calves are!” Yes, thank you, I’m quite well aware. They ARE my legs. I tend to see them every time I put my pants on. And yes, yes, I run. Yes, I bike. If it weren’t for such honest and spontaneous reminders I might just forget, which would really do wonders for my self-esteem. Because no you idiot, I don’t do calf raises everyday to ‘tone them.’ go away. Well after walking down hill my legs are on fire, bracing for each step, preventing a huge slide downwards on my ass.

Despite my best efforts I did have a huge downfall. Not on the hills of Alora unfortunately. The flu came around back and drop kicked me. I was out like a light the minute I finished teaching class.

And there is no worse feeling than sitting on a bench a long way from home knowing you don’t have anyone to call to take you home and help get you to bed. It was a sad shuffle in the rain back to my igloo. Luckily exhaustion tends to make involuntary decisions for you before you can argue. Passing out on my bed was what my body wanted to do, so I had my earliest bed time since my first day in Spain (when I fell asleep at 8pm because of jet leg).

So much for my Spartan immune system. And my kilo of oranges. Where’d all that vitamin C go to??

And back to noticing odd peculiarities. A woman passed me today walking her dog. She was walking her dog. As in the dog was not walking. It sat in a child’s carriage. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure that defeats the whole purpose of walking the dog.

Glad my germs are far away, quarantined in my room, hoping you all are happy and HEALTHY!


Good news...the turkey I made with my kids is done! (The plume of tail feathers is made of their hands, that they traced, colored, and wrote what they are thankful for).