Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

Thinking, writing, business ideas … You’re only a stranger once.

March 18, 2008

The Mic Is On All Day: Reflecting on Being Too Sick to Be Here

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 11:56 am

It’s Like Open Mic Only Different

The Mic Is On

Here’s how it works.

It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.

There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.

I Won’t Be Here, But the Mic Will be. . .

As soon as I write this, it’s back under five blankets for me.

Sometimes the fact that no one died of the common cold is no consolation at all.

Feel free to leave . . .

RIP


And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)

Oh, and bring example links to share a link about every disease and cure that you know.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?





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78 Comments to “The Mic Is On All Day: Reflecting on Being Too Sick to Be Here”

  1. March 18th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
    Derrick Kwa said

    First time I’m taking part in this. =). And I’m lucky enough to get the first comment! Haha. Hm. Hope you get better soon.

  2. March 18th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
    Becky McCray said

    Liz, so sorry you are sick! (I didn’t mean to give you a cold!) That’s what you get for staying up late in deep conversation.

    It’s just not the same without you here.

  3. March 18th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
    Deb Ng said

    I just want to offer my best wishes for a speedy recovery. Is this that SXSW flu I’ve been hearing so much about.

    Sometimes it’s great to take a sick day and relax and get well needed rest. Hope you’re luxuriating.

    - Deb

  4. March 18th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
    Joanna Young said

    Oh Liz what a shame!

    Here’s a poem for you, by English poet Pam Ayers

    It’s called “oh no, I got a cold”

    http://www.itsbullfrog.com/guests/ayres/cold.htm

    This is how it ends:

    Now I’m not a fussy woman,
    There’s no malice in me eye
    But I wish that they could cure
    the common cold. That’s all. Goodbye.

    Hope you feel better soon :-)

    Joanna

  5. March 18th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
    jen knoedl said

    i am so sorry you are sick, liz! i was SO looking forward to meeting you for coffee! i am always looking for the “silver lining” but your cold is making that extremely difficult! :)

    hmm… “thinking cap” time…

    so the “take away” for you may be that you are reminded how cared for and valued you are by your friends. that’s a great knowledge even when you are uber-healthy-feeling!

    and for me… that i got to see a little more of chicago, which solidifies my decision to move AND serves as an additional reason to get here asap. (it’s a stretch but it kinda works)

    i do hope you are feeling better soon.

  6. March 18th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
    Alina Popescu said

    Liz, I so feel your pain :) I’ve been fighting with a cold since Wednesday last week. Spend the whole weekend in bed, got a little better, got to work on Monday to open windows and AC and it got worse. At least I have the next 3 days off!

    The thing I hate most is sounding like Woody the Woodpecker and not being able to breathe :) And given certain stories, I am afraid of getting addicted to Olynth or other nasal stuff.

  7. March 18th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
    Alina Popescu said

    BTW, we should have a contest! If you manage to feel better soon, say in 3 days, I’ll send you something really, really pretty ;)

  8. March 18th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
    Shashi Bellamkonda said

    Liz,

    Get well soon. It was wonderful to spend some time with you at SXSW. Looking forward to Chicago.

    Shashi

  9. March 18th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
    Joe said

    Hey Liz,
    Sorry to hear you don’t feel well. I know you’re not one to overlook a conversation and you’ll be looking in, so…
    Why didn’t you ask one of us to monitor tonight?
    You know there are bunches of us who would be glad to help out.
    I’ll be back a little later, gotta go eat and keep up my strength, don’t wanna get sick ya know!

  10. March 18th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
    amypalko said

    So sorry you’ve been laid low, Liz. Maybe it’s your body’s way of telling you that you need to take a rest from the frantic pace of 21st century life?
    I’ve been teaching poetry this evening, so whilst I’m in that frame of mind, here’s a poem I think you might enjoy:

    Voices
    Voices in my head,
    Chanting, ‘Kisses. Bread.
    Prove yourself. Fight. Shove.
    Learn. Earn. Looks for love,’

    Drown a lesser voice,
    Silent now of choice:
    ‘Breathe in peace, and be
    Still, for once, like me.’

    Vikram Seth

    Hugs and best wishes for a swift recovery!
    Amy
    xx

  11. March 18th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
    Erica Ross-Krieger said

    Hi Liz, I’m so sorry you aren’t feeling well. Hope the cozy covers are providing some comfort.

    And and all else who are here –

    Wanna hear about the “Wet Socks” hydrotherapy my naturopath uses to treat colds? I’m glad to share if anyone is out there??????

  12. March 18th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
    Erica Ross-Krieger said

    Hmm. Guess no one is sticking around? Can I tempt you with a Klondike Bar? or maybe chicken soup?

  13. March 18th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
    Erica Ross-Krieger said

    I’m just thinking it would be nice to leave a big fat batch of comments for Liz when she re-enters the world of the living. You know, something to cheer her up. Something to let her knkow she taught us well about being conversational. Are you SURE you don’t want to hang out? Anyone?

  14. March 18th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
    Joe said

    Hey Erica,
    I was hoping that someone else would share the Klondikes with me.

  15. March 18th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
    Erica Ross-Krieger said

    whew. I thought I was gonna hafta eat the whole box myself! Hi Joe.

  16. March 18th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
    Joe said

    Maybe it will pick up if we toss some Klondikes or CHOCOLATE in the Air, that always attracts Liz’s crew!

  17. March 18th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Back away from the Klondikes! But not before you toss me one. Sorry I’m late. Erica, if your’e still out there I want to hear every detail about the wet socks hydrotherapy.

    That is sooo California.

  18. March 18th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
    Kelly said

    Oh Liz, feel better!

  19. March 18th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
    Erica Ross-Krieger said

    Or how about starting a list of the top 10 things to help get over a cold?

  20. March 18th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
    Erica Ross-Krieger said

    And I still think the Wet Socks need to be on the list. I swear the technique works!

  21. March 18th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
    Joe said

    See, offer Chocolate and Klondikes and they will come.

  22. March 18th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
    Marti said

    Dear Liz,
    Spry to hear you’re not feeling well. I’ve missed you so! I’ve been scarce due to grandma’s health problems, and we’ve been fighting the flu at home too. Sending you a warm cup of cyber-chicken-soup along with good wishes for you to heal quickly. {{HUGS}} to you!

    Greetings to fellow commenters!

  23. March 18th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
    Marti said

    Gads, sicker than I thought here when I can’t even spell the word “Sorry”. Sorry.

    :-)

    Get well soon!

  24. March 18th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
    Liz Williams said

    I like your idea, Erica. Here we go Liz, a top ten list just for you.

    I’ll give you my how to facilitate a 2-day meeting while feeling like the living dead list:

    1. Force fluids. The last time I had to work sick (Dec ‘07), I drank 2 gallons of water in one day. Yes, this means I was up most of the night, waiting for the fever to break. This was also the night that some whacked guy called my room hoping to entice me out for a drink, but I digress. Unless I hallucinated the whole episode. It was quite a high fever.

    2. Eat. It’s not as though you’ll be sleeping and the energy has to come from somewhere.

    3. Breathe steam up to 3x day. So soothing!

    4. Snort water up to 2x day. Not at all soothing, but effective at, uh, taking out the garbage.

  25. March 18th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Joe, there is chocolate?

    Marti - I *liked* Spry.

    Liz - are you feeling better yet?

  26. March 18th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
    Erica Ross-Krieger said

    Hey Liz W!
    Yes the Wet Socks things sure fits with CA…don’t tell though the naturopath that told me to do it is from Oregon — same thing I guess. It goes like this:

    1)wet a thin pair cotton socks with very cold water, wring them out and set aside.
    2) get a pair of very thick wool socks and set those aside too
    3) fill the bathtub with enough very hot water to cover your feet, about ankle-deep.
    4) soak feet in that hot water for 10 minutes (don’t burn yourself but get the feet quite warm/hot)
    5) immediately take hot feet out of tub, put on the ice cold thin cotton socks, pull the thick dry wool ones over that and get into bed.
    6) stay that way for an hour or just go to bed for the night.
    7) wake up and the socks will be dry, your feet will have been toasty all night, and the cold heads south much faster. kid you not:)

  27. March 18th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
    Erica Ross-Krieger said

    Liz W., we can make the wet socks be on the list with your tips and with a Klondike Bar and chocolate from Joe.

  28. March 18th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Erica, I’m speechless. Just speechless - and I’m a native Californian.

    But you’ve done this and it works? Your feet are warm and dry in the morning? You know, ‘cuz my feet - always cold. The mind stretches…

    Any idea why it works?

  29. March 18th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
    Joe said

    Don’t worry, Liz made sure the Sidebar was stocked full with Klondikes, Chocolate, OJ, Wet Socks and Steam.
    Plus many other tasty treats for those who feel like digging through the Fridge.

  30. March 18th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Sorry you’re so sick, Liz. Hope you feel better soon.

  31. March 18th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Now that’s one stocked sidebar!

    Any tequila?

  32. March 18th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
    Erica Ross-Krieger said

    Liz, I only know that it is considered a form of hydrotherapy and that the darn thing works. Next time I talk to the ND, I can get the science behind it — when I was really sick tho I only cared that it worked so I never went farther than that. The trick is keeping the thin pair cold and well wrung out, and quickly getting them onto the hot feet and into the wool socks and into bed, or reclined. I usually recruit help in getting the cold ones from a sink of ice water to be wrung out and onto my feet:)

  33. March 18th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
    Suzie Cheel said

    Hi Liz,
    Sending you healing angels, rainbows and love, all necessary for getting healthy fast.

    You need to get some positive vibes going from under those covers.

    Imagine yourself lying in the sun, swimming with the dolphins that should bring a smile to your face. They are also great healers.

  34. March 18th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
    Erica Ross-Krieger said

    Liz W, Suzie, Glenda, & Joe,
    Thinkin that I’ll head on out to the kitchen to start dinner and say adieu. Giving thanks I don’t need to use the top 10 list myself and that colds don’t travel across the computer waves. Thanks for hanging out. See ya all next time.

    Liz S., sure hope you are back to your perky self soon! Rest up.

  35. March 18th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
    Joe said

    Liz W,
    I think it is next to the Flat Tire Beer and all those fruit flavored drinks that run so freely on Tuesday nights. :-)

  36. March 18th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Joe, any Klondikes left? Could use a really strong one.

  37. March 18th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Erica, I wonder if it has something to do with the chinese idea that toxins accumulate in the feet and need to be flushed out. I know contrast baths are good for increasing circulation…hmmm.

    Not that I’m planning on getting a cold, but I’ll definitely give this a try if I ever catch a cold again.

    I’m starting to really wonder about the poem you sign off with, Joe. What will it be like tonight?

  38. March 18th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Any quick cures for gall bladder surgery?

  39. March 18th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
    Joe said

    Catch Glenda, hope I got the right flavor for ya.
    @Liz W, no idea yet. That just seems to happen.

  40. March 18th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
    Char said

    Liz - I hope you are feeling better soon! I am just stopping in quickly tonight as well - not feeling 100% either.

  41. March 18th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Thanks Joe! How are you doing tonight?

  42. March 18th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
    Joe said

    Glenda, I seem to be one of the few that’s not feeling under the weather.
    I WAS sick last week for a couple of days, but nothing like what seems to be going around now.

  43. March 18th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Glenda, I got nuthin’ Except sympathy - zowie.

    Joe, waiting for the muse, eh? Or the alien…

  44. March 18th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
    Brooke said

    That stinks Liz…I hope you feel better soon!

    I don’t have much time tonight but I wanted to say hi to everyone!

    HI!!!

  45. March 18th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
    Joe said

    Yeah LizW, that’s it the muse and alien get together to tag my mind with the most obscure thoughts of the conversation that preceded the poem. ;-)

  46. March 18th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Hi Brooke. Didja hear the one about the wet socks? It’s a keeper.

  47. March 18th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Yeah, something is going around. I have a touch of mother-in-law-itis.

    Thanks Liz W.

  48. March 18th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
    Brooke said

    No - that’s an interesting cure though Liz W. I will have to try that next time I have a cold. But I have to say that it sounds awful putting nice warm feet in ice cold socks.

  49. March 18th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Joe - I knew it!

    Glenda - #26

  50. March 18th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
    Brooke said

    Well - thanks for the interesting cold cure! This was a quick visit but VERY informative!

    Everyone have a great night - and I will talk with you later!

  51. March 18th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Liz W, cold wet socks cure mother-in-law-itis?? If only it was that simple.

  52. March 18th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Brooke, I meant Brooke #26, not Glenda. This is what happens when you cook and type.

    Good you’re so resourceful, Brooke.

    Comforting too, that we’ll all recognize each other when we meet: we’ll be the ones in the damp cotton socks.

  53. March 18th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    lol ok Liz, I was beginning to wonder what I had been missing all of these years!

  54. March 18th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Liz - sorry you’re under the weather… was rather green myself late last week so I feel your pain. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

    (Greetings to all other open mic participants)

  55. March 18th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Glenda - rotflol

    It’s time to apply fire to all the stuff I’ve been chopping, so I’m signing off. Good to hang to with you all, as always.

    Liz, I missed you tonight. Feel better soon.

  56. March 18th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
    Joe said

    Hey Tim,
    Want a Klondike, a bit of Chocolate, a Wet Sock?

  57. March 18th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hey Mr T, soooo glad to see you tonight!

  58. March 18th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Hi Joe… a pepto flavored Klondike would fit my stomach just fine tonight.

    Howdy Ms. Glenda… slow dance tonight?

  59. March 18th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
    Joe said

    How about a Strawberry Flavored (with Pepto in it) Klondike. I’m sure it would taste better and still be Ok on your stomache.

  60. March 18th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Thanks Joe

  61. March 18th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Wow… slow night tonight… we need some kind of conversation starter

    For those still tracking the open mic comments, what has been the most INCONVENIENT time you’ve ever taken ill?

  62. March 18th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    a slow dance would be nice Mr T. It has been a hellish ten days or whatever it has been.

  63. March 18th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    I hear ya Glenda. The past two months for me have been brutal.

  64. March 18th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    why has it been brutal for you Mr T?

  65. March 18th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Combination of teaching, consulting, speaking, and writing (not to mention … um… family time). I’m not a natural multi-tasker. I can do it in short bursts, but two straight months of continuous multi-tasking is short-circuiting me. :)

  66. March 18th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    just be sure to take care of yourself

  67. March 18th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
    Joe said

    Liz W asked about my poem
    I can’t think of anything
    I feel like a drone

    There seems to be a lot of people sick
    I hear that hot feet and cold socks
    Might just do the trick

    But when all else seem to fail
    Best wishes from friends who have been
    Through the same sickness will prevail

    Hopefully, Liz will feel better tomorrow
    And bring her wisdom back to us all
    A day without her just brings us great sorrow

    So Liz get better sooner not later
    We need you to help us through
    We’re not the same old motely crew

    Berma Shave

    Nite Liz (feel better soon)
    Nite All

  68. March 18th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    As always, well put Joe.

    G’night, you poetry stud

  69. March 18th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Don’t worry Glenda… I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Classes are on spring break this week, and I’m getting caught up on a lot.

  70. March 18th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    here’s the pg-13 version of my hellish time http://www.disaboom.com/Blogs/left_thumb_blogger/archive/2008/03/18/when-life-takes-an-unexpected-detour.aspx

  71. March 18th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
    Jeremy Steele said

    Just thought I’d stop in and say hi real quick. Now back to programming work… content management systems take to long to make… *sigh*

  72. March 18th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Ugh… you win… (not that it’s a contest, but that beats client demands and grading student journals any day). I hope he’s feeling better. And thanks for putting things in perspective for me. While I wouldn’t wish what you’re going through on anyone, it does help guys like me who forget from time to time what’s REALLY important.

  73. March 18th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Quick “hi” to Jeremy…

    Glenda… gonna have to be running. Keep me posted on the hubby. Hope all turns out well. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.

  74. March 19th, 2008 at 12:36 am
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Thanks Mr T. Do I have your email? G’night.

    Liz, hope you feel better very soon.

  75. March 19th, 2008 at 6:33 am
    Rick Cockrum said

    Here I am, the day after and the party’s over. Take the time the body needs to get well, Liz.

    Get better soon.

  76. March 19th, 2008 at 7:28 am
    davetiye said

    Thanks Mr T. Do I have your email? G’night.

    Liz, hope you feel better very soon.
    thank you

  77. March 19th, 2008 at 10:17 am
    Ken D said

    We are only strangers once.
    An invitation

    Why do I sit alone?
    Restive spirit, anxious heart.
    Why do I wait
    For Nature’s course
    To act upon my soul?
    By pausing here,
    You glimpse into my world.
    Since you have paused,
    We do not need to remain strangers.
    You may pass this way, but once.
    So in this time, say “Hello”
    Then we shall not be alone.
    –FinePickens

  78. March 19th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thank you, everyone who stopped by. I want you to know that I read every comment. The recovery is going far slower than I had hoped, but . . . hey abundance comes in lots of ways — as this comment thread shows. :)

    I’m grateful to have all of you!

    Sleepy swell Joe!

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