I think I jinxed myself in my last entry. I said I’d be quite happy to sit in with my snivelling boyfriend and watch videos. Well I did stay in, but it was a little more traumatic then I’d expected. I was blissfully unaware of Luke’s deteriorating condition as I made champagne toasts with my neighbours and parents, early in the evening of NYE. I left at seven-thirty, thinking that Luke would probably tell me off for being late.
But when I arrived at his house, I got a bit of a shock: there was Luke, huddled on the sofa in a big duvet, shivering all over and sweating like a marathon runner. He could barely talk, blood was coming out of his nose where he’d been blowing it so much and the veins on his temples pumped wildly whenever I touched his head. I was seriously worried, I’d never seen Luke ill before. It was obvious he had a fever, but I didn’t know what to do – I’d make a terrible nurse.
So I phoned the NHS emergency hotline, and spoke to a nurse who asked what his symptoms were. She was very calm and efficient, talking me through all the things I could do to lower his temperature. Luke wasn’t being cooperative; I kept saying ‘but the nurse said…’ which seemed to work eventually. I put frozen peas on his head, wrapped wet cloths around his hands, made him eat ice cream and replaced his duvet with a thin sheet. It was amazing how quickly his temperature dropped – I felt quite proud of myself, until Luke puked up the ice cream.
Aside from that the nurse arranged an appointment for Luke at the local hospital. This was at ten-thirty, and although his condition seemed to have stabilised, we still thought we’d better get him checked over. So we spent about an hour waiting to see the doctor for an appointment that lasted no more than five minutes. I got the impression that the doctor had seen more than enough flu sufferers for one day, but he suggested a few good tips to alleviate Luke’s condition.
We were both exhausted by the time we got back, and Luke was ready to sleep off his ailment. So, as he drifted off into a troubled, turbulent slumber, I watched the NY fireworks from the living room window, and then went to sleep. At least I didn’t see the New Year in with a fatal headache! I felt fresh and ready to face a NY’s day with extended family – I was even able to partake in in-depth conversations about my course and drink bubbly at lunch (simultaneously.)
And now, four days in, I’m ready to disclose my resolutions:
1) Get hold of some money to have fun without worrying about the holes in my pockets and to pay for the rest of my course.
2) Make some money from my writing, even if it’s just a few tiny-weenie words. Or, preferably, enough to pay my course fees.
3) Go on holiday. There are still another two months worth of winter left – I need some sunshine. Now.
4) Stop eating chocolate. I weighed myself at the gym today – I’ve put on a few pounds (OK, maybe five) in just three weeks. How is that possible? I went walking nearly every day at home!
5) Promote myself – it’s time I employed a ruthless advertising strategy to create some serious self –branding. I’ve already begun constructing my business cards, which include a black & white photo of moi on the back! Well, they say that people remember images more than words, so I might as well test this notion.
6) Get up earlier. I have to admit that I slipped into my old ways over Xmas, lying in till ten or eleven most days. Eekk! If it’s any consolation, I did feel very guilty for doing so. I am slowly getting back into my routine though. Ten-to-nine yesterday, half-past-eight today. I’ll be ready for seven-thirty by Monday!
7) Look after my body. By this I mean, the usual health treats and tortures needed to ensure good posture and complexion. Working out, eating like a Chinese woman and nourishing my skin.
I’m sure there are many more, but these are the most important. Life’s too short to write lists longer than seven items any way.
