So, for those of you who read the first installment and then wandered off to do healthy things like, oh, I don't know, living your lives or getting stinking drunk on New Year's…the short and sweet version is that I discovered the cult of Nordstrom.

I did my errands, and bought my tea, and on the way back, I let the solid, I-paid-good-money-for-these tapping noises of my new shoes lead me over to the sale rack. I'd always wondered what 'designer' shoes would look like; they just weren't a part of my world. I thought oh, I'd look, and probably giggle, and drive on.

But see, there's back story. There's always back story, because that's what life is, a continuing series of ever-embellished back stories.

* * * * *

We are nearly prepared. Yes, PHE 2006 is just about to land on us, and land on us with this sickening, alcoholic *thump*.The RSVP list currently stands somewhere around 40. There will be thirteen people staying in our house alone. I have a fridge full of food, and I'm not done yet.

I have a sweater to finish knitting for Saturday—if I'm diligent, I will finish tonight.

Current temp is 102°F. I am currently incubating some nonspecific virus—that is not influenza—which currently thinks I am teh hawtness.

Or it's making me that. Whatever.

Jeff is tending me, all but putting the ibuprofen in my mouth every six hours, and bringing me things like Gatorade and cool washcloths for my neck.

Note to self. Keep spouse.

At least PHE is over. I can take as long as I need to get well. There's no timetable.

If I can cough, I can breathe, and if I can breathe, I'm still here. 'Here' is a relative term, though, and one whose definition will change a few times in the coming weeks. More so than I'd planned even a month ago, and more so than I've said publicly.I have a plane ticket with my name on it, a ticket that will send me away for a week for a trip that's been delayed since October for various reasons. Instead of an exciting, action-packed Vacation!™ I think I will be … escaping. Resting. I will be gone for a week, and I have zero plans for that week.