Things To Do When You Have Swine Flu

I was supposed to go home to Philly for Columbus Day weekend. Instead, two days ago I found myself curled up in the fetal position shivering on hospital paper sheets with a fever of 103.5. They swabbed my nose (gross!) and sent me out the fire exit all dolled up in a bendy face mask. On the way home, passer-bys gasped at my twitchy, shaky, sweaty, masky appearance. Kids ran away, visibly upset.

The doc called the next day. H1N1 virus (a.k.a swine flu). Confirmed. Actually, the first case he's seen in Chicago! But the best part? I must stay home for an entire week... thus missing my weekend at home and eating the airfare (thanks a lot American Airlines).

Anyway, this is Day 3 of my week long quarantine. I'm feeling ok. But I'm kinda, well, bored. So to pass the time, I've been:

• Doing jigsaw puzzles. Well, just one. But I've got the border done!
• Catching up on the news. Did you hear the Phillies won the World Series?!
• Looking out the window at my neighbor's TV. It's fun to try and figure out what they're watching. Like a spy.
• Seeing how long I can go not showering, wearing the same pajamas. If no one is allowed to visit you, you can smell however you want! It's great!
• When I get the mail: Wearing my mask in the elevator and facing the wall, totally still. It really freaks people out.
• Wearing my mask around the apartment and taking pictures of myself with my webcam. Surprisingly entertaining.

If you have suggestions for other super-neat things I can do with the next 4 days of my life, send them my way!

-Ryan

Comments

[West]

Hahahaha! I love you.

[cnkeach]

Find a couple of recipes to perfect. Then have a few people over to share it with, after you're out of quarantine.

[RyanB]

Well actually, I DID make an apple pie, from scratch! With a woven lattice top! I'm proud.

[Monique]

Wow you poor thing get better soon. Um to keep yourself busy you could write a story, or read.

[cnkeach]

Write a short story about the first person in Chicago quarantined with H1N1 who believes she spys a murder in the high-rise apartment across the way.

And how was the pie, btw?

[swine flu]

i know exactly how u feel. this is my third day with swine flu. I have been spying on my neighbors dog. It is hillarious. Feel Better Soon

[Nathan]

hahaha i got swine from my gf :( but i dident think it was swine... i am goin to get my "shot" for swine in about 30 minutes from now, how ever i think my mom will be sad to here it got me befor the shot.i hope i dont die... DAY 4 of Swine Flu. Btw i just found out it was swine today, going to confirm with docters. fml Peace...

[RyanB]

Hey Nathan -
I don't think you need the shot if you've already had the flu. You're a survivor with immunity! (I think...)

[aubreyanne]

day 7 with swine and still feeling like shit...this sucks. thanks for the entertainment ideas :)