Breathe Easy

I recently suffered, yes suffered from a sinus infection.  This was the first infection of my sinuses I had ever encountered, and it was not fun.  (Again, I suffered.)  I couldn’t breathe through my nose, my m’s turned to b’s and I ate so many Ricola cough drops my cheek has a permanent square indentation next to my molars.  Being on a ship while inflicted with ailments can be quite frustrating as the medical supplies for crew members are limited to the H1N1 vaccine (which seemed to help my sprained ankle) and Actifed, a daytime Day-quil rip off that causes extreme drowsiness if swallowed with water.

Thankfully my sickness only lasted about 5 days, which 2 of those were days off, so my voice didn’t suffer as much as my husband did cleaning up the mountains of Kleenex I would lovingly leave everywhere.  I attempted to put myself on vocal rest, which lasted all of 20 minutes, but I’m happy to report I’m now at 99% health. 

Through those five days, I decided to re-connect with television shows past, and came across Arrested Development.  The fact that this show only lasted three seasons before it was cancelled still amazes me.  I admit it’s not a knee slapping “will Ross & Rachel finally get together?” kind of comedy, but that’s what makes it so great.  The Bluth’s are a family that, while trying to do what’s best for the family, inadvertently end up sabotaging themselves.  I think it paved the way for 30 Rock and The Office, and followed The Simpsons and Frasier, comedies that make you think and appreciate sarcasm & wit.

My family is sarcastic.  Well, everyone but my Mom.  My Mom is more ha-ha funny, but she’s learning.  A few years ago we were all gathered around the table (a rare occurrence since I’m usually sailing the high seas) and as usual we were laughing about jokes from 10 years ago and making sarcastic comments back and forth to each other.  My Mom had had enough, and as she sat down she said “This family is way too sarcastic with each other and it has to stop!”  We thought she was kidding.  I believe it was my brother Dennis who mentioned that after almost 40 years it was unlikely our comedic family would change it’s ways, my Mom gave up and we went back to quoting National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

So, Buckley’s and various other lotions and potions brought me back to health while the Bluth’s helped me laugh away my few days of solitude.  I think it’s a better prescription then anything the medical facility would hand out to me.  Incidentally, I still have 6 Actifeds left so if anyone needs a nice 7 hour nap, send me a self addressed stamped envelope and I’ll be happy to send one along.  It’ll clear you right up.