Flu week in review

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(photo: .Bala)

Praise be to God in Heaven, I’m emerging from the flu woods, stepping into the warm sunny meadow of health where I play with the boy, eat normally, and practice headspins like my normal self. Wait, the headspins may have been from someone else’s vision.

Here’s a review of some things that played a role in my flu week.

Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bol

As a joke, I likened my flu to CM’s pregnancy, saying that only certain things sounded good to eat. She graciously supported my quest to get a Chicken Burrito Bol from Chipotle. The fresh distinct flavors of cilantro-lime rice, grilled marinated chicken, and pico de gallo were calling me while all other foods didn’t even bother to write.

This was a stretch for us: $6 for a meal by myself. I justified it as my treat for being sick. It was good except for one glaring drawback. I went around 5:00p, before the dinner crowd, so the meat had probably been warming for a little while. As the chicken sat there and dried a little, I think that the flavor of the marinade grew more intense to the point where some pieces were just too salty and flavored for my liking. Flicking the offending pieces over the railing did the trick, but fresh, even-tasting chicken would’ve been ideal. GRADE: B

Equate (Wal-Mart) Extra Strength Pain Reliever

I avoid taking medicine if I have to. CM’s the same way. Thankfully, we don’t get many headaches or other aches. However, when the fever and aches hit this week, I needed help. CM had a bottle of this laying around, probably for when I go on songwriting kicks. Of course, we wouldn’t buy the name-brand stuff (we call this Tyelonul). The stuff works and at the advice of my mom, the nurse, I’m continuing to take it a little to ward off any future fevers or aches. GRADE: A

Laying around all Monday and Tuesday

To some, spending the day in bed sounds like paradise. It’s like punishment for me. I like to be up and doing things. Fortunately, I had my laptop and a good book to keep me feeling productive. I think forcing myself to get rest (oxymoron?) helped my body fight towards victory. GRADE: B-

Super Bowl XLII

When it all began. I’m not saying the game made me sick — it’s just when the symptoms started hitting. It probably didn’t help that my team missed out on being the Greatest Team Ever because of crappy coaching and uninspired play. It gets a respectable C because it was a good game and I just didn’t care that much anyway. Makes me a crappy Pats fan, I guess. GRADE: C

Bigelow English Breakfast Tea

CM picked this up for me because I needed something hot to drink for my throat. I almost never do hot drinks unless it comes in a packet with marshmallows. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the rich, smooth flavor of the tea. I actually prefer it without any sweetener or milk. And no, this is not kissing up just because Valorie from Bigelow Tea left a comment on an earlier post. GRADE: A

Progresso “Low-Sodium” Chicken Noodle Soup

As we got a good comment from Valorie, I’m afraid this may incur the wrath of Betty Crocker herself. On Wednesday, I heated a bowl of this soup in anticipation of the warm broth and renowned chicken noodle soup to work its magic. Unfortunately, it was near-gag at first bite. The stuff was SAHL-TY. Did they switch labels with the soup for people Too Low on Sodium?? I forget if this soup is flavored with sea salt, but I think they just dumped the seawater right in. Can’t argue with efficiency, I guess.

Betty, I do love your many baked goods and sweet treats! No, not the rolling pin… I have the flu… GRADE: D-

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