Did I ever mention I was a drama queen? Although I like to believe I’m over that.
I have a history with swine flu. As a TV reporter I covered the first swine flu episode, which turned out to be a complete bust. Not only as a news story, but as a health scare.
I also have a history with news stories and health scares. Just after 9/11 I cancelled our family trip to my nephew’s bar mitzvah. It was the apex of the anthrax scare, and I couldn’t bring myself to get on a plane to New York.
You have to factor in cancer, too. In some ways, you play that card for the rest of your life. Not just the reality that bad things DO happen. But also the reality that since I had chemo, my immune system is weaker—when it comes to fighting off things like…. swine flu.
My dormant drama queen resurfaced when I heard the flu hit Mexico. Obviously, California would be next, and I was kind of relieved to be leaving for a few days. Even though I wasn’t thrilled about sitting for 5 hours in the germ incubator otherwise known as a commercial airliner.
So I’m already whining about swine when I arrive at the airport. Even before I check in and look up at the TV screen and see that the first cases of swine flu are now confirmed in the United States. In Queens, New York. Did I mention where I’m headed?
It’s anthrax anxiety all over again. I mentally award myself a personal purple heart just for getting on the plane to JFK.
On the way into Manhattan I think about holding my breath when we drive through Queens. In Manhattan there is no sign of a pandemic or epidemic or any demic at all. Everyone strides around taking everything in stride. No sign of swine. You’d never know there is anything going on. Unless you happened to be with me.
Did I mention I was a drama queen?
Hi Darryle! I’m sorry I didn’t get in touch with you while I was home–things got totally crazy. If you’re still in NY, call me!
-Rachel
I’m safe at home— sans mask. Sorry to miss you!
You are not the only concerned human. I now have the most incredibly chapped hands. If you get my drift. Touch the elevator button, use a wipe, open the door to a coffee shop, follow up with a wipe… The local cafe I walk to serves incredible food and cheap. On my LAST visit I saw the girl take my turkey with her hands and fluff it up. She worked it like pizza dough. I freaked out. Being famished, I tempted fate and snuck a bite, then came to my sense and realized it wasn’t worth getting swine flu over $5.00. So i took it home for my dog.
P.S. you need to get a special painter’s mask for true protection. And you might want to ask our President to forgo being too PC and stop flights in and out of Mexico until this clears . As much as i like Obama and think he is a very smart man i do not think he did well on math problems. His statement re: borders and the example of letting horses out of the barn made no sense. -Maybe he also had a tough time with analogies.
Hey Darryl-
If you are still in NYC and have time, let me know. Sid and I would love to see you.
Elisa
Thank you, I wish I had time on this trip for more wine–and less swine. Seriously–it was too fast for friends—but I’ll be back. Without the mask.