tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54018151107564227662024-03-13T17:09:43.962-04:00BSW--books, shoes, writingThis blog is all about my life as a lover of Books, Shoes and Writing. I like to think of myself as a diva; if only in my own mind!Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.comBlogger294125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-86313646903686459702023-01-08T09:00:00.001-05:002023-01-08T09:00:00.210-05:00JOURNALING IS NOT JUST FOR PLANNING<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Journaling isn't just for kids or teenage girls.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's for adults who need to get their thoughts out, who needs to vent and who needs motivation to keep going.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4fvGyc--zFXnzyod6DZuVUtYmOytkQjP71VOQr7rp-YJd6s-c_UDcSIiQYBSYwdnTjfzHr_sbXe12jGSGs4Bl6NrMYoT_-WEYLycZAwVCtMb0aD2U0-CheDWYZ24UVC7fSQPoCjtEDugWFXs0mtcnV_hbZnFpyRHB8tlyNsCGj0tMYgLNWR-KEtY-w/s510/writing-2317766__340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="510" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4fvGyc--zFXnzyod6DZuVUtYmOytkQjP71VOQr7rp-YJd6s-c_UDcSIiQYBSYwdnTjfzHr_sbXe12jGSGs4Bl6NrMYoT_-WEYLycZAwVCtMb0aD2U0-CheDWYZ24UVC7fSQPoCjtEDugWFXs0mtcnV_hbZnFpyRHB8tlyNsCGj0tMYgLNWR-KEtY-w/s320/writing-2317766__340.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Journaling is the new form of therapy for some people. Journaling is the new form to help us keep our thoughts on track.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Using a calendar is a form of journaling. If we write on it every day, we can see what we need to accomplish. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But how about using it at the END of the day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Write on your calendar what you actually accomplished that day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then at the end of the year, you can look back at all that you have done. You will feel much better than looking back at what you didn't do.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Try this and let me know how it works for you. </span></p><br /><p><br /></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-63711661124684242292023-01-01T09:00:00.001-05:002023-01-01T09:00:00.227-05:00IT'S NOT JUST A NEW YEAR; ITS A NEW BEGINNING<p><span style="font-size: large;">Every year we begin by saying: This year I am going to....</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Instead of saying that, why not just new.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Every day is a day for something new. Every day we get 24 new hours to do something different. Every day we get a new beginning.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This year; instead of saying what you are going to do, just do it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Don't set goals that you know you might not reach. Like, this year I am going to lose 40 lbs. Instead, say, this year I will eat a little more healthy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Instead of saying, this year I plan on opening a business. Try saying, this year I am going to work on my goal of owning my own business.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Stop putting those obstacles in your way. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So this year, it's a new beginning; what do you want to begin with?</span></p><p><br /></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-29619013572680189072022-12-19T09:00:00.001-05:002022-12-19T09:00:00.234-05:00DEPRESSION DOESN'T LOOK SAD<p><span style="font-size: medium;">With the sudden death of Stephen Twitch Boss, people are searching for answers. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Some are posting about what depression looks like. Some are posting that they are always there and if you need an ear; they are there.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, depression looks like you. It looks like me and it looks like your son, your daughters, your grandchildren and your co-workers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When you ''sense'' that something is off with them, it is. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When you ask them, are they ok and they say, "yeah, I'm just in a mood". that's depression. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When you husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend asks you why you "look like that" , that's depression.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We cry when things seem to be going great. We cry when things are overwhelming us. We cry when we have no reason to cry. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Depression hits at times that no one expects it. It happens at parties, at work, at birthday parties and when we are alone. It happens when we paste that smile on our face and "keep it moving" because there are lots to do and not enough time to do it in.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Depression doesn't have a face or a time to appear. It appears when we don't want it to.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Depression is something that can't be helped or gotten over. It is a chemical reaction in our brains that we fight with every day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Depression hurts our plans of going out. It makes us stay in the house, even when we want to go outside. It makes us sad even though we 'feel' happy. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Depression is not something we can prevent but it is something you can help us with.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When we are quiet and say, "oh, I just need a minute" Sometimes that means, we just need a hug. Physical touch helps us when we are depressed. Stop giving us space, space is our enemy. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Stop saying, "call me anytime" because when depression hits; we WILL NOT pick up the phone. Instead, CALL US .</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Depression can't be cured but it can be managed. Medication helps our moods but sometimes we don't know that we need medication. If your doctor isn't listening to you, CHANGE doctors. You need someone that listens, not just writes (a Rx) . </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Depression is all around us, Depression looks like this:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MK4kTM0ahKbGMEyy8WURA6241FAG685ITcHjks2pb-8EithvkJiFiwB0eonrFLtzOJ2uAWknb3fgHRTka5004APEyNZB9cHc6YVS8TEHhbDREcZ1PdyVmOh_iMkTqxIWZ9_XVSOwNacxy2N-S3NSeMTSRFeOAXp92rznWXX_bUL1kch9n5unA-uYKw/s3264/20221203_204552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1836" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MK4kTM0ahKbGMEyy8WURA6241FAG685ITcHjks2pb-8EithvkJiFiwB0eonrFLtzOJ2uAWknb3fgHRTka5004APEyNZB9cHc6YVS8TEHhbDREcZ1PdyVmOh_iMkTqxIWZ9_XVSOwNacxy2N-S3NSeMTSRFeOAXp92rznWXX_bUL1kch9n5unA-uYKw/w113-h200/20221203_204552.jpg" width="113" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><br /></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-20920553879592417922022-03-01T10:00:00.001-05:002022-03-01T10:00:00.209-05:00WE ARE BACK!!!<p><br /> Welcome to the We B Swangin Show. We hope you enjoy!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxXFVuDzYpfKro2jICUQzlgQMi-I5nqVzMebNkJsZZU6XNcnkK-Zp8YikzNSch0XnKYFwLjDEGKkEQN53KlVw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-39204769676687981752022-01-13T12:22:00.002-05:002022-01-13T12:22:37.922-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR<p> I can still say that, right?</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuRUR51C3DsfdWYp-kuRQvS2jX0-aZvhFvk7ck2ptYZfxOjZS-Jpvz4WkBoqV7EDr7PGkG9quZfPHpHRg18fFWsjyFsKiVzTT-jB_HUu-tlGX9YQVAJnwfmhohhJlgcE7nmOoR9qoG2nUlm68CfI1OAqJWnklwcvKgNvvxQLPH_y4e6Zhfi99GcYKYSg=s4000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuRUR51C3DsfdWYp-kuRQvS2jX0-aZvhFvk7ck2ptYZfxOjZS-Jpvz4WkBoqV7EDr7PGkG9quZfPHpHRg18fFWsjyFsKiVzTT-jB_HUu-tlGX9YQVAJnwfmhohhJlgcE7nmOoR9qoG2nUlm68CfI1OAqJWnklwcvKgNvvxQLPH_y4e6Zhfi99GcYKYSg=w150-h200" width="150" /></a>I had the BEST Christmas ever!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJstJEJNDFUc7bfrCDCgKfbrJFwKYLyzPiYqBNgOHo12Yf0qQZqtUabhC3WOdZteDajplYQVobDH7aDvdkodMbAUeknQCEBU1uBqFW06AgS5q1I_noWzNJrEWiD_6eecY3eJw2kHVixfY5JpTe3acJQCS6SHbij7VKSe5M-iqfl_nYoQQRcWTHRabAdQ=s1040" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1040" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJstJEJNDFUc7bfrCDCgKfbrJFwKYLyzPiYqBNgOHo12Yf0qQZqtUabhC3WOdZteDajplYQVobDH7aDvdkodMbAUeknQCEBU1uBqFW06AgS5q1I_noWzNJrEWiD_6eecY3eJw2kHVixfY5JpTe3acJQCS6SHbij7VKSe5M-iqfl_nYoQQRcWTHRabAdQ=w200-h138" width="200" /></a></div>I spent it in Georgia with my daughter and her three children and my son, from Las Vegas, was also there with his wife and children. Even the dogs wanted to be in the picture. Well, the little one; Nero; was over the entire thing but Harley was there for every single picture! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhESvPAnzvZdrBzkg6yFv2eyovcm7PZFMgBFcVPB-U_vQ3roK_LS0z6yabFgfwDLSZoT4Ek4YwyMr-JZMYcl7qsH5eTNkp1wleGThE3LJ88R3A3w98q3tgzTzdyBuEhgYnQ2KXUtB7wEjcoy_0eULPXDnnVMzoPOA2bAzKzeBJVWHhA4_2wvJAY5hY3dQ=s4624" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhESvPAnzvZdrBzkg6yFv2eyovcm7PZFMgBFcVPB-U_vQ3roK_LS0z6yabFgfwDLSZoT4Ek4YwyMr-JZMYcl7qsH5eTNkp1wleGThE3LJ88R3A3w98q3tgzTzdyBuEhgYnQ2KXUtB7wEjcoy_0eULPXDnnVMzoPOA2bAzKzeBJVWHhA4_2wvJAY5hY3dQ=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><p></p><p>I got to actually spend Christmas with five of my 11 grandchildren and couldn't imagine the joy of seeing their faces when they woke up on Christmas morning and saw all of the gifts under the tree. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPr2GWt3jG-iA-iVuGsj1_pH85gI8uqy-RvEn3PPfnSfX34ewR1yueE3fvQhVj1s_qjjxqk3Wj8opr5IA85vnic75stNLAZUukNtC6YJgAlpnGtC7KLJn83Mfz3d0a6sEqGZXAgX8tDhVia24YvgqAk7uiL5_Kp2BzZsljeGKKFTQb1sfNk8hqiPUdLg=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPr2GWt3jG-iA-iVuGsj1_pH85gI8uqy-RvEn3PPfnSfX34ewR1yueE3fvQhVj1s_qjjxqk3Wj8opr5IA85vnic75stNLAZUukNtC6YJgAlpnGtC7KLJn83Mfz3d0a6sEqGZXAgX8tDhVia24YvgqAk7uiL5_Kp2BzZsljeGKKFTQb1sfNk8hqiPUdLg=w158-h211" width="158" /></a><br /></div><p></p><p>Yes, they still believe!</p><p>I hope you enjoyed your holiday as much as I enjoyed mine. Here is just a few of the photos that I took. </p><p>Yes, I did enjoy and get some amazing cigars as gifts!</p><p>My children and my guy understood their assignment and I love them all so much.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg13KwTvnYkCqdqD9-V2D54kar4atiaoOAq6M9A7ImiwrE9CWfuLgOg5dNa7AdW5icfSz3T7LTykhgr0R81OtHelZs-29GKS2EreL70VURJGb-fZTdl2nixeN1ChCMfouSysg9s3wxct8k1r4WpjlZYRX880_c0RR3PSY0qysuQcLos2WDvm4fqjOvPTA=s4000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg13KwTvnYkCqdqD9-V2D54kar4atiaoOAq6M9A7ImiwrE9CWfuLgOg5dNa7AdW5icfSz3T7LTykhgr0R81OtHelZs-29GKS2EreL70VURJGb-fZTdl2nixeN1ChCMfouSysg9s3wxct8k1r4WpjlZYRX880_c0RR3PSY0qysuQcLos2WDvm4fqjOvPTA=w172-h229" width="172" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0Kathleen, GA 31047, USA32.4959812 -83.6076834.1857473638211573 -118.763933 60.806215036178848 -48.451432999999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-43686450162164525132021-12-29T09:43:00.003-05:002021-12-29T09:43:46.848-05:00I AM SO IN LOVE<p> Do you remember when you felt those butterflies in the pit of your stomach when you first saw him/her?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGg7IMxmIOLsnT9JVfNR__GRsLkNv0q4bBqS5tJE6vfktHc7HgXsppZnNtGbQqDzqmwRfsvezwLIvU8-SLvqdJY-1NUmYW8uL7Mv3ZZeI0rPYG-HkK4G-4EhrRiMchq6jsNqpSD_l22Wptoyki_LPZiiuCiCt82K25KAtMEeY5-qpX0Zl86kx8NlKXnQ=s880" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGg7IMxmIOLsnT9JVfNR__GRsLkNv0q4bBqS5tJE6vfktHc7HgXsppZnNtGbQqDzqmwRfsvezwLIvU8-SLvqdJY-1NUmYW8uL7Mv3ZZeI0rPYG-HkK4G-4EhrRiMchq6jsNqpSD_l22Wptoyki_LPZiiuCiCt82K25KAtMEeY5-qpX0Zl86kx8NlKXnQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Do you remember when you couldn't wait to be in his/her presence again?<p></p><p>Do you remember when you couldn't stop thinking about him/her?</p><p>I have the feeling now and I can't stop smiling about it.</p><p>He arrived on November 30th and has been in my life since then.</p><p>To soon for love, you say? No way. It was love at first sight. Hey if they can make an entire show about it, then I can find it too, right.</p><p>He came in and made himself at home and has never left. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6lF-_-ZXmFHAmp9vsURoo3n6Emndo3iXCDu_46n_nI2VbXVQLE29JJ6bgapB7fVwA8rBMsxIS685FujGg073m5wPCzAeboGuy4_HQo5fYhwXTEhETwT7d04usefgqv0NsSb10OvbmF24mxGwfio81U6n9FxZdBUdQ2LPWdFl2EaxOghQQGJQHDnW9Ag=s880" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6lF-_-ZXmFHAmp9vsURoo3n6Emndo3iXCDu_46n_nI2VbXVQLE29JJ6bgapB7fVwA8rBMsxIS685FujGg073m5wPCzAeboGuy4_HQo5fYhwXTEhETwT7d04usefgqv0NsSb10OvbmF24mxGwfio81U6n9FxZdBUdQ2LPWdFl2EaxOghQQGJQHDnW9Ag=s320" width="240" /></a></p><p>He makes me so comfortable and he actually allows me to rest. He comforts me when I need it most and for that I am the MOST grateful.</p><p>He lets me sit on him for hours, sometimes having to move a little to get more comfortable; but he never complains.</p><p>He can be a little hard to move but I manage to get him right where I need him.</p><p>I have bought new PJ's for him and spruced up my bedroom for him.</p><p>He is the BEST thing in my life right now; well right behind my kids, grandchildren, parents and cigars...but he is right up there.</p><p>I don't really like calling his name out because people look at me funny when I refer to him. </p><p>Most time I just call him Cee but his real name is Sleep Number QC4</p><p>Wait...did you think I was talking or referring to something else. </p><p>Since QC4 has come into my life, my insomnia has gotten slightly better. According to my sleep therapist, I have gotten more REST since having the bed. Not sleep but rest. There is a difference.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9FmmBOYQ6D08lEQB9eLsvqO9UsGTh7fbyFTedZl0EJv1AxO5rbbji52oATAEI2mfmWJZfpSWXbeu7glPWIwWNwXr56LsPdy9t8GyewloV9EQc_p2P_MfRcjP73Fm3RO-rE4JiJrsltdR5ct2keJqZzIln67Vxb-fpdWaf0Y7NKHd8LDOEU_fETFR8Mg=s937" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="703" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9FmmBOYQ6D08lEQB9eLsvqO9UsGTh7fbyFTedZl0EJv1AxO5rbbji52oATAEI2mfmWJZfpSWXbeu7glPWIwWNwXr56LsPdy9t8GyewloV9EQc_p2P_MfRcjP73Fm3RO-rE4JiJrsltdR5ct2keJqZzIln67Vxb-fpdWaf0Y7NKHd8LDOEU_fETFR8Mg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>And for that I will be forever grateful to QC4. He has made my life better and now I must go back online to buy him some more sheets and PJ's. He appreciates that I make this effort to make him feel at home.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTOOKbrEZVlmJ7rZtujT9t1GQnWuaM_QyGbccMmKQVWNKJ_kAt2Enhns2zxdfCya_hvNDIRF6qhu6qkCSi0wBabKM8N-CI9u589fBTlMHoKMXXVMDcaR8lbjbSR-nnfeUZlX_GEYXN9JRcGtkgJSW7XMpo-H0-BxOplFKt4rmF0EF8H6EhqosPI0jhPg=s880" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTOOKbrEZVlmJ7rZtujT9t1GQnWuaM_QyGbccMmKQVWNKJ_kAt2Enhns2zxdfCya_hvNDIRF6qhu6qkCSi0wBabKM8N-CI9u589fBTlMHoKMXXVMDcaR8lbjbSR-nnfeUZlX_GEYXN9JRcGtkgJSW7XMpo-H0-BxOplFKt4rmF0EF8H6EhqosPI0jhPg=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Is there something that you received for Christmas that has you instantly in love. Leave me a comment on FB or Instagram and let me know. Feel free to post a picture with it as well, because well, who doesn't like a good photo.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0Oxon Hill, MD, USA38.803317799999988 -76.98972780000001110.493083963821142 -112.14597780000001 67.11355163617884 -41.833477800000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-61043005334794150932021-12-01T06:00:00.013-05:002021-12-01T06:00:00.224-05:00WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD?<p><span style="font-size: large;">To get a good cigar! I just had an amazing cigar recently and the name...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Living The Dream by Drunk Chicken Cigar.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfFyN2NGKvylPi2TUgxZB_FGFrkjTia4xl5sqB3aPcLg5W3870CP4l7wXdTjmvbDcyzQUyTV6ukO10vgidbuotIfAyT8jBphsrDu-Kk2uSqCCJDJ32mk-rhN46YsMvP9_Di7ZQ2OuDRKt/s600/des-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfFyN2NGKvylPi2TUgxZB_FGFrkjTia4xl5sqB3aPcLg5W3870CP4l7wXdTjmvbDcyzQUyTV6ukO10vgidbuotIfAyT8jBphsrDu-Kk2uSqCCJDJ32mk-rhN46YsMvP9_Di7ZQ2OuDRKt/s320/des-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Drunk Chicken Cigar is owned by Desiree Sylver, PHD. It's a minority owned, woman owned, veteran owned, small business right here in DC.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The birth of Drunk Chicken Cigars started with friends and family hanging out in the family backyard; living the dream and sharing cigars. This backyard oasis includes over a dozen chickens, dogs and local wildlife. The "Drunk Chicken' name was established one evening as they were enjoying the typical Saturday night festivities and the chickens were "going home to roost" and seemed to stumble as if they were drunk. The Drunk Chicken events grew and became a regular, safe place to hang out. The "entry fee", if you want to call it that, was that you had to bring a cigar to smoke and one to share. That evolved into a quest of finding unique cigars that none of us had previously smoked.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-4D1Kb8d0FJ3o1EK9btF6v5kmTORV2YjgsMH303rvUTt5uVtOsoxbY8wmY7AkZkaUIGy0JMkD-BMUOoPckXC2Jp9x-29COEmG5BDjUjvv4mjHkH7-jeDM2PPQWATieJKaaaV6RgoGr2X/s949/DCC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-4D1Kb8d0FJ3o1EK9btF6v5kmTORV2YjgsMH303rvUTt5uVtOsoxbY8wmY7AkZkaUIGy0JMkD-BMUOoPckXC2Jp9x-29COEmG5BDjUjvv4mjHkH7-jeDM2PPQWATieJKaaaV6RgoGr2X/s320/DCC.jpg" width="202" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">After traveling to various cigar bars and shops and meeting many cigar aficionados including shop owners and cigar diplomats, Cuban hand rollers, cigar junkies and lovers like Desiree and her friends. They decided to impress their friends and have their favorite tobacco leaves blended and hand rolled to share at the "coop". The cigars were instant hits and Drunk Chicken Cigars was born...or hatched.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Ms. Sylver has a great team behind her and each of them has a roll in helping the company grown. Erick Story, Tanya Pritchett, Armando Gutturize and Cle Johnson. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When asked who her biggest supporter, while trying to get started was; she responded, "Bobby, the owner of Aphelion in Gambrills, Md. and Don Weldon, the owner of Cigar Room in Madison, AL. They both loved the cigar but both said to change the band".</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While the path is clear, the road has not been easy. There is a real learning curve coming from smoking cigars to actually selling/manufacturing your own brand. Learning all of the state laws, distribution and ensuring the cigars are of good quality and consistent, is some of the ways the Ms. Sylver handles the business. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Interviewing Ms. Sylver was a great pleasure of mine and I also had the Living the Dream cigar. I can't wait to try them all.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Make sure you follow Drunk Chicken Cigars on FB and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drunkchickencigars/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you want more information on this local cigar, check out her website at <a href="https://drunkchickencigars.com/" target="_blank">Drunk Chicken Cigars</a></span></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-19488041368472944882021-10-13T07:00:00.005-04:002021-10-13T07:00:00.208-04:00IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN<p><span style="font-size: large;">The time where the leaves begin to change and the stores have started putting out the Christmas decorations.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3S0ECqndv7b252Jg3k7YDkaf82b_sId3SPX4XjuBviG79K1vHobAyqUmEOlEaMCXZvRr_ERV1IpMDRJiwUcv4wly5hoBXTDh7u5JQqUYEuu1z6oFJp_IFEY6sPiDEa8DkQiYIyykTuyr/s2048/christmas+stockings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3S0ECqndv7b252Jg3k7YDkaf82b_sId3SPX4XjuBviG79K1vHobAyqUmEOlEaMCXZvRr_ERV1IpMDRJiwUcv4wly5hoBXTDh7u5JQqUYEuu1z6oFJp_IFEY6sPiDEa8DkQiYIyykTuyr/s320/christmas+stockings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">For authors, new and old, it is the time to either, dust off their old novels and begin selling them again or publishing their first novel and getting it into the hands of readers.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Either way, it is an authors most busy time of the year.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We want to make sells for Christmas, just like Wal-Mart and Target. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We don't have the million dollar budget that those stores have. Instead we have friends and readers to spread the word.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BUT how do we get to those people?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's called networking.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Although 2020 put a lot of authors in a bind, it also made us sit down and write or come up with marketing plans for the time when outside was open again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I decided that I will no longer wait for people to ask what I do. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I am introduced to someone, I immediately tell them I am an author. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It leads to many more questions and just this summer, led to 6 book sales while I was camping.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Side note: I am the toast of the campground now because those that read the book just can't help seeking me out to ask more questions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So if you are an author, be like Wal-Mart and Target; start your Christmas sales now. Start promoting a buy one get one sale. Promote your novels like that is your ONLY job!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After all, its the most wonderful time of the year, right?</span></p><p><br /></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-90767975713695802862021-10-06T07:00:00.013-04:002021-10-06T07:00:00.200-04:00LET ME JUST SAY THIS...AGAIN<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoAF6rnCrlQ5pd5bIY7prJNdeZXx9FrdDYiMwcRshz2K6CkRXEKPIoL6LhvxdJoEi4qjYNAvuEdoG-eCqcXz8tJk_gWOcdY6oSrueJXyjX03QgBwbklF-oymdvEqFobnSCffGEv7lI-wH/s500/let+me+just+say+this+again+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoAF6rnCrlQ5pd5bIY7prJNdeZXx9FrdDYiMwcRshz2K6CkRXEKPIoL6LhvxdJoEi4qjYNAvuEdoG-eCqcXz8tJk_gWOcdY6oSrueJXyjX03QgBwbklF-oymdvEqFobnSCffGEv7lI-wH/s320/let+me+just+say+this+again+book+cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Have you read my second novel, Let Me Just Say This, Again.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, if you have then you know that the main character, Matthew, smokes cigars.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Who knew that when I wrote that book almost 10 years ago; that I would actually be indulging in his favorite form of relaxation.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I see why he built the humidor in his home. I see why he chooses the longer gauge cigars and I see why Cheryl finds him so mesmerizing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, what's that? You haven't read my second novel. Well, click this link---> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EBDKYHU/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0" target="_blank">Buy The Book</a> and see why I choose Matthew and why he smokes cigars.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There is something sext about a man smoking a cigar. Truth be told, there is something sexy and sophisticated about a woman smoking a cigar.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now, don't get me wrong.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I never thought I would be that person but now I am that person.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I feel sexy smoking the cigars that I like.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It has been a long road finding the ones that I enjoy but I have found them and I have also been able to pull out some of those sexy stiletto heels that I love so much.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Granted, with the ankle injury, I can't walk in them all day but I can walk in them long enough to get into the cigar lounge and into the humidor to get my favorite cigars.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">More on my favorite cigars at a later date.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What do you think about men or women smoking cigars?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Is it sexy or is it disgusting?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Let me know by commenting on my FB or Instagram pages.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">@Bswanginwebster on Instagram or Facebook.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I look forward to seeing your feedback.</span></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-49266568539702346882021-09-29T08:00:00.008-04:002021-09-29T08:00:00.267-04:00CIGAR SOMMELIER<p><span style="font-size: large;">Ever heard of a cigar sommelier?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Me neither.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are about 250 master cigar sommeliers in the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That is because there is a very rigorous training and certification process. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BGsKp5e57ROAwcNOlAWajqWQIDp28mv0Se5vjF_Xv6cL_-iPwUkmjtEj0txduOkxhdKcPAaHbu_IZOay-lVC8nsPxMXqoWy0eO50PmyyBkRbwsAlNyHF9ZisaZCtcneTmT_VBATrhdKY/s4160/20210917_131643.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BGsKp5e57ROAwcNOlAWajqWQIDp28mv0Se5vjF_Xv6cL_-iPwUkmjtEj0txduOkxhdKcPAaHbu_IZOay-lVC8nsPxMXqoWy0eO50PmyyBkRbwsAlNyHF9ZisaZCtcneTmT_VBATrhdKY/s320/20210917_131643.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">This course is not for the novice. It is mainly for the cigar industry professionals; who open their own shops or lounges and want to better serve their community with their knowledge.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I met one of these cigar sommeliers online recently. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">His Instagram name is cigars_andcoffee but in real life his name is Bradley.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A young man, who lives in Perth, Australia.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here is our interview:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: Good afternoon Bradley, thank you so much for sitting down and chatting for a bit. <br />Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: No problem, I'm originally from Scotland and I'm part Scottish and part African. I live in Perth, Australia and I'm 30. I was born with mild Cerebral Palsy and I moved to Australia when I was five years old. My mom has S.A.D, which means, Seasonal Affectedness Disorder) so we have to live in a warmer climate because of it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: I see you brought a cigar with you. What are you going to smoke?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: I have a Crowned Heads Mil Dias.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: Can you describe it for me?: </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: It is a medium-bodied cigar which will go very well with the Latte that you are drinking. It is sweet and has a rich complex flavor profile.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: Well I am going to have to try that one. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: What are you smoking on?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: I am smoking on Monte Cristo White.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: That's a nice one.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: So let's get right to it. Why did you decide to start smoking cigars?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: I started smoking cigars because i was fascinated about the history and culture of the cigar industry. I also wanted to know how the cigars were made.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: What do you get out of smoking a cigar?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: Relaxation. Time for myself and also I get to find like minded people. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: So it's 11 am here in Australia and moving into the early afternoon. What time do you normally like to enjoy a cigar?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: Generally around this time. I like it around 10 am and 10:30; with breakfast. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: So let's talk about being a sommelier. Was it hard and how did you decide that you wanted to do this?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: The reason I became a cigar sommelier is because of my passion and my interest in the cigar industry and the culture as a whole. Having this on my resume would benefit me greatly in finding work within the cigar industry. Whether brick and mortar or at a restaurant, where smoking is allowed. The course was very intense but interesting at the same time. I specifically took my time with the course because I wanted to get it right. I found that it drew me in more as I was learning about the industry and the tobacco itself. Plus the benefits are that I can work in the cigar retail business or the hospitality business.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: When did you decide to launch the Instagram page and why?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: At first my IG page was built around bartending and as I got into the cigars I transitioned it to the cigar page. I founds that when I did that, I got more and more contacts and people reaching out to me because they liked my posts and the knowledge I gained as I progressed in smoking cigars. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: How is the cigar culture in Australia?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: ?There is a very limited cigar culture here in Perth because where I live, it isn't a very heavy presence. It's hard to find people of the same mind as me. For instance, here in Perth, we only have one cigar lounge and it is extremely hard to get approved to build cigar lounges because of the anti smoking laws.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: Wow, that makes it very difficult for people to enjoy cigars. I guess that is why you smoke mainly at home. What is your favorite cigar?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: My favorites are Viva La Vida Jester by Tabacalera A.J Fernandez Cigars De Nicaragua and S.A & Drew Estate Undercrown Maduro.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: I see I'm going to have to try those. Do you have one that you don't like?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: There isn't one that I don't like, per se. It might not fit my palate or flavor profile that I enjoy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: Give me the process for smoking a cigar.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CaC: It's really quite simple. You have to learn how to smoke a cigar before you even try to do it because there is a significant difference in the way to smoke a cigar and how to light it. It's not like lighting a cigarettes. There is a science to it but once you learn how to cut, light and smoke it; it's one of the simple pleasure's that you will enjoy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BSW: Wow, has it already been an hour. My cigar is almost done and so is yours; so I guess that means that our time is done. I thank you so much for sitting down with me and telling my readers all about this cigar life. We are now, BOTL and SOTL. (brothers of the leaf and sisters of the leaf) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There you have it! Next week we will get more into the world of cigar smoking with another interview.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Stay reading and stay with me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-33932776473917087512021-09-22T10:00:00.000-04:002021-09-23T10:10:36.165-04:00THE APPEAL OF CIGARS<p><span style="font-size: large;">When I decided to try a cigar, I was blown away at how ''creamy'' it felt in my mouth. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Since that first puff, I had to learn all I needed to know about cigars and why people love them so much.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Surprisingly, I have found a lot of women are enjoying a great stick (cigar) and it has really opened my eyes to what people think and why people indulge in cigars.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Cigars are not a habit; it's a hobby. A hobby that takes time </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Cigars are not something for the faint of heart. It is for the person who wants a new level of relaxation.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is for the person who wants to enjoy at least 45 minutes of quiet time, alone with their thoughts. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have the dedication to unwind, unplug and just BE?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Why 45 minutes?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Cigars are different sizes. They are:</span></p><table border="1" style="color: #3f3c3c; font-family: Akkurat, sans-serif; width: 548px;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Petit Corona</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">4 1/2</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">40 to 42</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Corona</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">5 1/2 to 6</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">42 to 44</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Panatela</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">5 1/2 to 6 1/2</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">34 to 38</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lonsdale</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">6 1/2</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">40 to 42</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lancero</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">7 to 7 1/2</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">38 to 40</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Churchill</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">6 1/2 to 7</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">46 to 48</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Robusto</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">4 1/2 to 5 1/2</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">48 to 52</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Toro</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">6 to 6 1/2</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">48 to 50</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Presidente</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">7 to 8 1/2</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">52 to 60</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gigante</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">>6</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">>60</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">The smaller ones are about 45 minutes in smoke time. The larger, anything over 5.5, is about an hour to an hour in a half. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In the times we live in; who can actually put their phone down for 5 minutes; let alone 45 minutes. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After smoking my first cigar, which was actually a cigarillo. Yes, that is actually the name of it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A cigarillo is a smaller cigar; about an inch in diameter and only takes about 15 minutes to smoke, but it is the same concept. Unplug, Unwind and Just Be.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">More about cigarillo's in another post. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Getting to know all that I can about cigars, I began what I normally do. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I hit the internet and YouTube. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Boy did I find out a lot of information. There are some amazing women who own cigar lounges, cigar products and who have taken on the male driven industry and come up with a cigar line.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This ride that I am on right now is amazing, won't you join me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Please follow this journey and you will know more about the cigar industry and the people who are in in.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0719 Caroline St suite a, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3014457 -77.4579483999999929.9912118638211567 -112.61419839999999 66.611679536178855 -42.301698399999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-71466824004338444412021-09-22T08:00:00.000-04:002021-09-22T08:00:00.224-04:00New past time<p><span style="font-size: large;"> In recent months, I began smoking cigars.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, women smoke cigars.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After having Covid-19 and not having any sense of taste or smell for 6 months, (my smell still has not come back) a friend of mine introduced me to the 'art' of cigar smoking.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have always enjoyed the smell of a nice cigar but since I didn't smoke, I never tried it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, it is not like smoking cigarettes'. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Cigars are not inhaled; they are only puffed on. Yes, there is a difference. Puffing a cigar is like sucking through a straw without swallowing. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You fill your mouth with the smoke and then you simply blow it out. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is about the enjoyment and the relaxation. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Smoking a cigar has also helped with my writing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In my next novel; Matthew smokes cigars. He has a humidor in his home and with my new found love of cigars; I am patterning his favorite cigar to smoke after someone that I have met who is a Cigar Sommelier. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, there are sommelier's for cigars just like there is for wine. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I will go into this more next week. I hope you take this journey with me and who knows; maybe I will convince some of you women and or men to give it a try.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until next week, keep writing and keep reading. </span></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3031837 -77.46053999.9929498638211527 -112.6167899 66.613417536178844 -42.3042899tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-66823599671641256252021-09-13T12:18:00.000-04:002021-09-13T12:18:02.399-04:00LIFE CHANGES AND LOVING THEM<p><span style="font-size: large;">Since April, I have been dealing with being a ''long hauler''. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Since having Covid-19, I still cant smell, my taste came back about three weeks ago but I continue to suffer with fatigue and the massive headache.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm a long hauler.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One thing that has gotten me through is my friends. The other thing that has gotten me through are books and the last thing that has gotten me through is cigars.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, you read that right. CIGARS.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I camp a lot and some friends was telling me of the soothing effect that cigars have on their moods and how it just makes everything going on seem less important.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Expressing an interest, that I have always had, Walter and his wife Pam began telling me about the joy they experience when smoking cigars.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After they told me all of this; I told them that I wasn't sure I would be able to smoke it because I don't like inhaling.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That is when they told me that you don't inhale, you only puff. As in suck in a little then blow out. Even showed me and then they gifted me with my very first cigar. +TheStogieCo. Grape was the one they gave me and I loved it. I couldn't taste it, I felt it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, you feel the creamy, silky smooth vapor in your mouth. It feels like cold vanilla ice cream. Not that store brand ice cream, +HaagenDazs Vanilla. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have been in heaven ever since. Cigar heaven. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It has helped me deal with the headaches and it has helped me deal with no smell. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In the coming weeks, I will be talking to some people who smoke cigars and why they do, how they started and what it does for them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Stay with me cause this ride has just started.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This life change happened and oh, so did retiring after 27 years in the Charles County Public School System.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, my life has changed and I am living my BEST LIFE.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What about you?</span></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-75610053039560706322021-04-13T07:00:00.001-04:002021-04-13T07:00:00.199-04:00COVID KITS AND DAILY LIFE <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Sq14jhtTv7Xcrl1AJ6jKY1yPlzZOfdrIIGZXmWUD56XwW3889aV4xtMzgpPHE9H02_D1I7u5NpNvpSIwkKASZ9vhNJ74w9ztcLlSF0FOKqVRhE32xOnGl-1UytSx8pmYpeev4QghmGV3/s4160/20210210_130912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Sq14jhtTv7Xcrl1AJ6jKY1yPlzZOfdrIIGZXmWUD56XwW3889aV4xtMzgpPHE9H02_D1I7u5NpNvpSIwkKASZ9vhNJ74w9ztcLlSF0FOKqVRhE32xOnGl-1UytSx8pmYpeev4QghmGV3/w150-h200/20210210_130912.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOwdbmy2Sm0giWr0yN-yv_NvsZFQwAc3bFV5k3q9kSZq2UP1juvKP7R6Ypmfc6z1EihOAVHaYfa5Xg39-TIk6hsT31jDebcfc78FraQrnAAo1eaZcp89EDcAvsrBDWG74Ji303Ts8wAjP/s4160/20210210_131013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOwdbmy2Sm0giWr0yN-yv_NvsZFQwAc3bFV5k3q9kSZq2UP1juvKP7R6Ypmfc6z1EihOAVHaYfa5Xg39-TIk6hsT31jDebcfc78FraQrnAAo1eaZcp89EDcAvsrBDWG74Ji303Ts8wAjP/w150-h200/20210210_131013.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>These pictures represent what my life has become. This box arrived and when I opened it; I was shocked. Bottles of hand sanitizer, bottles of shampoo and body wash. Bottles of hospital grade disinfectant. More thermometers and oxygen reader. Oh, what's this; paper plates, forks, knives, spoons, cups and what is this? Blue bags...wait! There are hospital grade trash bags! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGIVNgidRg9un6qR7eVXLQPzyum_fjW2mYtx951d0vZenB3tM9GF-30wmFQ1xNILoy8WTcfQJRKQZQSOZMnf4x4dFN77BonPyaEyGCbMhSj9JvBSFAwZy0IIY72re6VlOA8cDdTFhSA6A/s4160/20210210_131019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGIVNgidRg9un6qR7eVXLQPzyum_fjW2mYtx951d0vZenB3tM9GF-30wmFQ1xNILoy8WTcfQJRKQZQSOZMnf4x4dFN77BonPyaEyGCbMhSj9JvBSFAwZy0IIY72re6VlOA8cDdTFhSA6A/w150-h200/20210210_131019.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><p></p><p>Oh if this doesn't make you understand the seriousness of having Covid, I don't know what will.</p><p>Daily life won't be the same for a while because what the news doesn't tell you is that your life will be different.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhCp82lbWBRzhZst_jPT1P3lf_br3JZg4f7ZzLHFnEZdtYnCvgXBMevbtg-hapctd-ptXra1Ckm8-9pseCDeaoTg2NAq9u6xZSuEb2ye5NLjmg00f6GA8NbUPOS_rFYOJCGYdkoHBhfAj/s4160/20210210_130944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhCp82lbWBRzhZst_jPT1P3lf_br3JZg4f7ZzLHFnEZdtYnCvgXBMevbtg-hapctd-ptXra1Ckm8-9pseCDeaoTg2NAq9u6xZSuEb2ye5NLjmg00f6GA8NbUPOS_rFYOJCGYdkoHBhfAj/w150-h200/20210210_130944.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>You can't use your regular dishes because even though you will wash them, you will contaminate them once you put them away or take them from the dishwasher. You can't share a bathroom with ANYONE because you will infect them if they use the bathroom after you. You must wear gloves when you decide to cook because you can infect the pots and pans. Check your oxygen because you don't want to go below 95%. Check your temperature because you don't want to go an higher than 100.4. Use the shampoo and body wash because it will help with the irritation you feel when you get that Covid rash.<p></p><p>Oh this is insane. I never heard of any of this on the news and I guess it will make for boring television to share all of these details. </p><p><br /></p><p>The nurse tells me that when I run out of these supplies that I need to IMMEDIATELY call for more. </p><p>I don't want to make that call but this is day 30 of what I thought would only be 14 days. </p><p>Wrong! 14 days is a "on the low end" the range is 14-21 and longer depending on when you get the other symptoms. Yeah, they don't announce that on the news either. </p><p>I'm such an over achiever that I have 14 different symptoms. It's no wonder they haven't found some that they didn't think were symptoms. </p><p>I can take the chills and the heaviness. What I can't take is not being able to smell or taste. I have burned up at least three pots because I'm so tired that I fall asleep while cooking and since I am not smelling the burning of food; I only know that the food is burned when the smoke alarms start going off. Tasting food is out as well. So all I feel is hot and cold in my mouth. I know what it should taste like and I try to remember but it is no use.</p><p>Even though I have no taste; I still put sugar in my coffee and add cream. Why? Habit....I sit and try and enjoy the coffee but it's no use but I continue to drink coffee every day. One cup in the morning followed by two or three cups of teas during the day to knock off the chills.</p><p>I shower at least three times a day because my body hurts and the water makes it feel a little better. The steam from it helps open up my nose from the congestion. </p><p>I was sent elderberry for tea and it helps. My FB friends are the best! I was able to type all of these blogs during moments of energy. </p><p>You have to take the small things when they come because being in isolation is the loneliest feeling.</p><p> </p><p>Covid is not something I would ever wish on anyone. </p><p><br /><br /> </p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-61682935204305940742021-04-06T07:00:00.055-04:002021-04-06T07:00:00.393-04:00COVID RESPONSE TEAM<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJT1MFS9sNoXbvXSs70x6CujYcRf2cDSvmUvR3RhqIKdPLBo6PN28NTm_ifjXuFmhWG-aH06MOvepNJ72rvF6crDN0j7rzPOY6rcAxSbL4dYOt5ijwGyS4G-YmYkh92IB0UO4W6go6CLN/s2576/20210210_131129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJT1MFS9sNoXbvXSs70x6CujYcRf2cDSvmUvR3RhqIKdPLBo6PN28NTm_ifjXuFmhWG-aH06MOvepNJ72rvF6crDN0j7rzPOY6rcAxSbL4dYOt5ijwGyS4G-YmYkh92IB0UO4W6go6CLN/w150-h200/20210210_131129.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />A couple of weeks ago, I talked about having a Covid Response Team.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">They are a team of nurses that check in with you when you have Covid-19.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xv2nNbYN05unDkSAJGdv-dtdzA2wZIm9bGf93gwQPG62LRDmnYZbKDz6x-MZiSzyyG85JWFIDg3LRgTAr2stGK9epujX6GnHkBE6n7TKS9TfYD6N1ve_U-e5wQfnwOAsoAehqOxLb5qp/s4160/20210210_130912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xv2nNbYN05unDkSAJGdv-dtdzA2wZIm9bGf93gwQPG62LRDmnYZbKDz6x-MZiSzyyG85JWFIDg3LRgTAr2stGK9epujX6GnHkBE6n7TKS9TfYD6N1ve_U-e5wQfnwOAsoAehqOxLb5qp/w150-h200/20210210_130912.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>They make sure you are checking your oxygen levels, your temperature, eating, and resting when necessary.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdEhD0OikClsMjZsOqLD3r3iE5W7M0OQ_DLtZwNZVc3BALnIF59UoYCZRAudRZ2ylhUQZS_lSwa4H5c3KfBF9lKw9yoQeXCvpG_jh9aQXp8wGdbc9pmWkxd_STyudmd-wflO1eRXitJm5/s4160/20210210_131019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-size: x-large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdEhD0OikClsMjZsOqLD3r3iE5W7M0OQ_DLtZwNZVc3BALnIF59UoYCZRAudRZ2ylhUQZS_lSwa4H5c3KfBF9lKw9yoQeXCvpG_jh9aQXp8wGdbc9pmWkxd_STyudmd-wflO1eRXitJm5/w150-h200/20210210_131019.jpg" width="150" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTG7CkwmTek0GDJjfznBrNHcJEy2D3LxZ2wxdF4iin8rFyvQqNSAvR7cmDpSyq6iSxaBEW0rm-XUrr3yuL54SC5HNQj9LJiO8dfYE7MXY9uSigYYtw-A9nyWMdc8Ip8FPvYMZPuBlh5jjv/s4160/20210210_130944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTG7CkwmTek0GDJjfznBrNHcJEy2D3LxZ2wxdF4iin8rFyvQqNSAvR7cmDpSyq6iSxaBEW0rm-XUrr3yuL54SC5HNQj9LJiO8dfYE7MXY9uSigYYtw-A9nyWMdc8Ip8FPvYMZPuBlh5jjv/w150-h200/20210210_130944.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNiEAp5yNxKkTzmfkkqOpet9tH7zLCswzornTOidSzVPUPUKU1Gpk_h7iIapkyc6Vi_vdGW1DwBvwSp_Hy5GFXPoiVhQJPktKzYAgHkx0naI5CJryWB7JuXAFwBESUts6mElUxOWyCc_a/s4160/20210210_131013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNiEAp5yNxKkTzmfkkqOpet9tH7zLCswzornTOidSzVPUPUKU1Gpk_h7iIapkyc6Vi_vdGW1DwBvwSp_Hy5GFXPoiVhQJPktKzYAgHkx0naI5CJryWB7JuXAFwBESUts6mElUxOWyCc_a/w150-h200/20210210_131013.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>They sent a box to containing my "Covid Kit".</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yep; they came up with a ''survival" kit for Covid-19.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It was delivered by FedEx a day after being diagnosed. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The box was huge. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It had flash cards with everything from how to wash your hands to how to disinfect. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know that if you have Covid-19, they recommend that you wipe down surfaces that you come into contact with but that you don't deep clean until AFTER all of your symptoms have gone away. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It also contained the following: 150 masks, 1 bottle of disinfectant, 6 small bottles of body wash, 2 bottles of hand sanitizer, another thermometer, alcohol swaps, 50 hot/cold cups with lids, 50 biodegradable paper plates, 50 spoons, knives and forks and 6 blue trash bags. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Yep blue trash bags. The kind they use in the hospital. The kind that has tape attached that says "biohazardous material"</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know that you aren't supposed to use regular dishes while having Covid-19? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I didn't. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It's because even though you are washing your dishes, you still have to touch them once they are clean. You are contaminating them again before using them. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You must put your trash in the blue bags because everything you touch will still be infected with the Covid virus after you use them. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Now that they are saying you have to double mask, I have enough masks to last at least two months. That is if I go outside every day; which I don't.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">My Covid Response Team, or someone from my team, calls every day. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Without fail. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">My phone rings at 9am every day and I am on the phone with them for at least 30 minutes. I have had a nurse come by to check since I'm an "over achiever" and have so many symptoms.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It's good to know that someone is looking out for the ones of us that are not hospitalized. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I just wonder; if you don't have insurance; do you still get this level of care?</span></div>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-32281256032332533312021-03-30T07:05:00.001-04:002021-03-30T07:05:04.548-04:00WHY CAN'T I TASTE MY FOOD<p><span style="font-size: large;">Why does my mouth feel like this?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It feels like my taste buds have become swollen at the same time. My mouth is watering like I'm about to vomit. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have a blister on the inside of my mouth but I'm sure it's because I have been drinking so much orange juice that it's from the acid.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I make myself dinner and although I'm a pretty good cook, I burned the oil I was going to use to fry the chicken in. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hmmm, why don't I smell that? I guess I'm spraying way to much LYSOL.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I outdid myself today. Even though I'm sick it doesn't mean he can't eat well.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I make fried chicken, asparagus and sweet potatoes. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am not hungry but I try and eat anyway.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hmm, that's strange.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I take another bite. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I say out loud, to no one, funny I don't smell the fried chicken smell.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then I take a bite.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hot and nothing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Wait, I can't taste the chicken. WTH! I can't taste the chicken. I CAN'T TASTE THE CHICKEN OR THE SWEET POTATOES OR THE ASPARAGUS. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sweet baby food Jesus!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've lost my taste and my sense of smell. No wonder I didn't smell the oil burning. No wonder I didn't smell the chicken cooking. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Ahhh Lawd! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is horrible. No wonder my coffee tasted funny this morning. Or maybe the lack of flavor. I kept adding sugar and cream. I thought maybe I forgot how to make it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Geezus! Of all things that is happening to me; this is the absolute worse! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">How can you eat when you can't taste food/ </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Eating is pure torture. Drinking is even worse. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I tried having a glass of wine...yep; can't taste it. I can't enjoy food. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This has to be the BEST DIET EVER!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Said NO ONE!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-30107707315819068092021-03-23T07:00:00.003-04:002021-03-23T07:00:04.918-04:00WHY AM I STILL FEELING LIKE THIS<p><span style="font-size: large;">Today is February 11 and I feel like crap.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I can barely sleep. I'm exhausted. My body feels heavy and I am sweating like its 100 degrees. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I don't have a fever but the damn cough and sneezing has come back. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Shouldn't I be feeling better now?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am boiling water with ginger, lemon and orange peels. I'm standing over this pot like it's my life line. I am still trying to NOT go to the hospital but today, I have no choice.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It has to be better than this.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I dress, which takes almost an hour. Not because I am trying to be cute but because I have to keep stopping to get more energy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">WTF!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Man, they don't tell you about this. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As I dress I just hope this is not the last time I will see my house. I hope it's not the last time I will chat with my kids or my friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yeah, people that don't wear masks don't understand that the people who do everything to protect themselves and still end up with; have to deal with this.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Ask me if it's a hoax! Ask me if it is fake news!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Dehydration is the cause of this. I try and eat but I really can't without having an upset stomach. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I cook but still can't eat.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What's the use of eating when you can't taste the food?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Oh I didn't tell you about that?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, next week I will.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for hanging in here with me and this journey. </span></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-59910967063446674082021-03-16T09:00:00.003-04:002021-03-16T09:00:05.209-04:00WHAT DOES COVID LOOK LIKE?<span style="font-size: large;">Our lives are now dictated by this little machine and a thermometer.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We have to take our temps and our levels four times a day.</span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7P6MbHCpJBVx52yZ14cemXhUdsSM81Cm2E-zRXbtt3wnaT2Krlu0o77T388Gj-Ffo0dOQ959iyczy_lvMBCh5NZEotuBi1w0Ki6LO6lD7QX8UIVeOSNtTpJTMbdIJ_2E9rEORve_nnGUI/s4160/20210209_200033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7P6MbHCpJBVx52yZ14cemXhUdsSM81Cm2E-zRXbtt3wnaT2Krlu0o77T388Gj-Ffo0dOQ959iyczy_lvMBCh5NZEotuBi1w0Ki6LO6lD7QX8UIVeOSNtTpJTMbdIJ_2E9rEORve_nnGUI/w150-h200/20210209_200033.jpg" width="150" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He has no symptoms so he has to do it as a precaution.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Me on the other hand, I have so many symptoms that my nurse has said I'm on "over achiever".</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">What symptoms do I have? I will try and go down the list and describe when I actually got them. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Jan. 23, I got a monster headache. The headache continues even today, Feb. 10. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzaCKo_e2AU8uMgqdzYSVVEAvP9Dqg1Z2tO5RDs3qPpfQbFhIZtVfL0z0IBr4aADfoXvbsjXxbGWxPiolyjdPvyP0OQUKjULGZnklBlEzHawwq9kW_5WlwonUe8IGVVsI9D7U9XXkFoqb/s4160/20210209_200226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzaCKo_e2AU8uMgqdzYSVVEAvP9Dqg1Z2tO5RDs3qPpfQbFhIZtVfL0z0IBr4aADfoXvbsjXxbGWxPiolyjdPvyP0OQUKjULGZnklBlEzHawwq9kW_5WlwonUe8IGVVsI9D7U9XXkFoqb/w150-h200/20210209_200226.jpg" width="150" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Jan. 24th, I began to sneeze but as long as it wasn't back to back sneezing, I wasn't concerned</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Jan. 28th, I got a sore throat and began to cough uncontrollably. I still have this cough on Feb. 10.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Jan. 30th, the sneezing got worse. Is that even possible? Yes, I would sneeze at least 10 times in a row and become so stuffy that I was now breathing with my mouth open.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Feb. 1st, I am now feeling like I dragging around an extra 200 pounds. I can barely walk 25 steps without almost falling down. My legs feel like I have walked up 100 steps. My breathing is ragged and I'm feeling like I'm coming down with the flu.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">For two days, the heavy feeling stays with me. Lying down is not helping. It makes it worst. I feel like I'm drowning by weight. I can't get comfortable. I can't lie on my back or on my side. I can't take it but I push on and try and get some sleep. Thank goodness this goes away by Feb. 5th.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I wake up on the 5th to a snotty nose, chest congestion and new rashes on my back and face. What in the entire world is happening? Is this cold taking a different form and causing this new reaction on my skin. My hands are so dry that I have used an entire bottle of NIVEA lotion (16 ounces) in two days. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">My hair is now brittle and dry. Dry like I have been sitting under a dryer for hours with no moisture. Dry to the point that I am scared to brush it. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Wait, what's this. A damn cold sore! Yep; that's just what I need! This huge bump is sitting in the middle of my top lip like a trophy. Blistex aint helping this so I apply a warm cloth and hope that it helps it dry up. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">And if it couldn't get any worse....just wait until next weeks update. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-84367189423100825392021-03-09T08:00:00.049-05:002021-03-09T08:00:00.231-05:00A DAY LIKE NO OTHER<p><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Monday, February 8th was like no other.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Our phones never stopped ringing. The minute the results were known, his doctor called him. My doctors called me.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbvLfuKdVZEFP3jglLfFrpAxF6IopUeqMfjcDHsM4RarOI3Z8FZyvZMzQngT3SPoKzmVEhtWLdQkb94qsNMGx53D4wB_caLDAoRCV5qHaeoTORhJnY8RjvI52ZL-NDMaG6K39xessOlZF/s880/door+spray.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="660" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbvLfuKdVZEFP3jglLfFrpAxF6IopUeqMfjcDHsM4RarOI3Z8FZyvZMzQngT3SPoKzmVEhtWLdQkb94qsNMGx53D4wB_caLDAoRCV5qHaeoTORhJnY8RjvI52ZL-NDMaG6K39xessOlZF/w150-h200/door+spray.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Covid Response Teams are at our beck and call. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Covid Care Kits arrived within hours. Oxygen monitors, thermometers, wipes, hand sanitizer, masks. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We have all of that. We have more than enough of that. Do you see our stockpile? </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocVUzrtOO8VTtA-2BG4CEA6vr6p6HsbdhqHM0o8yvlN6uIAZ0CWZO-aRtT4A8yAV5Ns8TsMx9F0dlwPAIAZFPQdmjt7WImbEkzi27YYjIEvaVzajTOMugT_ufVGkMp41yzJhjdO7i1GMN/s880/wipes.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="660" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocVUzrtOO8VTtA-2BG4CEA6vr6p6HsbdhqHM0o8yvlN6uIAZ0CWZO-aRtT4A8yAV5Ns8TsMx9F0dlwPAIAZFPQdmjt7WImbEkzi27YYjIEvaVzajTOMugT_ufVGkMp41yzJhjdO7i1GMN/w150-h200/wipes.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We were ready? So how is this possible. How can WE have Covid-19?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We went into the store with masks and gloves on. We made sure to keep Germ-X in our cars and used it like lotion. We wiped our food down when we brought it home. Every package was wiped with a disinfecting wipe. We took it out of the original package when possible. We made sure to spray LYSOL on all packages coming from AMAZON. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFqXHRyvWRyX3dW3fZsMU_EswTkAhC2w90CA60DjduGlWSbXQn9LZ7HbbEyFTx2J1r5jgr82rbCiS5kVt3PWwccodSX9OVbJr3sARZfbP6oVVQv3D8MAm9rB9aAKRR68bFY9Zifee62gu/s937/lysol.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="703" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFqXHRyvWRyX3dW3fZsMU_EswTkAhC2w90CA60DjduGlWSbXQn9LZ7HbbEyFTx2J1r5jgr82rbCiS5kVt3PWwccodSX9OVbJr3sARZfbP6oVVQv3D8MAm9rB9aAKRR68bFY9Zifee62gu/w150-h200/lysol.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We made sure that anything that came into contact with us; was wiped, sprayed and sanitized. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I felt like we were being judged. I felt like we did something wrong. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Wait a minute; I know I did everything right. It was the people at the store; with no masks that did this. It could have been the gas pump that I touched before I remembered my plastic gloves. Hell, it could have been the keypad that touched my credit card at the store. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Lawd, now I need to wipe down everything in my purse. It's not enough to change my purse every time I go out. I need to now wipe down everything that was in that purse when I was out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I need a bubble. That's what I need. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There is nothing more that I could have done but now here we are. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We need food for at least a week. Because he doesn't have any symptoms, he is allowed to go back to work on Tuesday, Feb. 16. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Me on the other hand, I have to be symptom free for 24 hours and then my quarantine will begin. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yep; they don't tell you that on the news. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Lucky for us, his niece calls and says she will go to the store. Lucky for us, my daughter calls and says she will go to the store. Yay! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We feel bad about it but at the end of the day we are thankful.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">His niece calls, comes to the door; masked up and he hands her the card. She leaves for the store and we are happy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My daughter calls. "I'm outside with your food. DON'T open the door. I'm going to bring the food, leave it at your door and leave. Open the door once I'm back outside." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm just happy, I comply and then I run to the window like a little kid. I knock. She sees me, she waves, I wave and I wait. I hear the knock on the door; I look back out the window and see her and then I know I can open the door. There is our food and water. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Wait, let me wave goodbye but she is already pulling off. I stand at the window, looking like a little puppy who got left at home. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then I laugh. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Because hey, if I don't, I'm going to start to cry.</span></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-13786560520501565492021-03-02T08:00:00.007-05:002021-03-02T08:00:00.890-05:00THE RESULTS ARE IN<span style="font-size: large;">It's Monday, February 8th and the test results are in.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Recap.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I've been dealing with this nasty cold for over a week and finally gave in and called my doctor on a Friday night. I took my Covid test on Saturday, February 6 and here we are.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">All caught up? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It's now 9am and my phone dings, signaling that I have an incoming text. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I check and see that my Covid results are in.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I open my email and see the large bright red exclamation point and the words CRITICAL in the corner.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">This can't be good.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I read the words, "You have a POSITIVE Covid-19 test result"</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Nope, I couldn't have read that right. So I re-read it. Over and over and over and over.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The words never changed. I couldn't believe it. I'm positive. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Then my phone rang. MD COVID it said and so it began.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">"You will be assigned a Covid response team. You will be sent a Covid Kit. You will have a nurse checking in on you every day. Do you have a way to check your oxygen level? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Wait What. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a way to check your oxygen levels?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Sure, I have that just lying around the house. No, no I don't have a way to do that. Should I? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">"We will send you one" </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">That phone call lasted two hours. Two hours set my world upside down. Turned everything into a rush.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You need to have someone get your food for you. Do you need food? We can send you some. Do you need meds? Well not yet but we will send that to you as well. Do you need transportation? We can arrange that as well. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I was sick enough that when I did my first oxygen check, within 2 minutes of uploading it, a nurse called and told me to immediately call 911. Instead I had him take me to the ER. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I felt like I was in a movie. I had to go because I have asthma and because my breathing was labored. They wanted to keep me. I can't do it. I can't be alone for days at at time. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">That is where my mind went. I told my children and they started calling and sending messages, via our family chat on FB. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Why didn't you stay? You need to go back. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">They didn't understand the terror that I felt. I wouldn't even get to see them. I couldn't have my phone because they will take it. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">No, I will go home. I want to be around things that I love and people that I love. At least I would be able to say goodbye. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Truth be told, if I was going to die; I wanted to die at home. Not in a hospital, alone with strangers.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0Suitland, Suitland-Silver Hill, MD 20746, USA38.8485264 -76.924042210.538292563821152 -112.0802922 67.158760236178836 -41.7677922tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-23257886565408440632021-02-23T08:00:00.008-05:002021-02-23T08:00:00.833-05:00COVID TESTING <p><span style="font-size: large;">My doctor wants me tested ASAP. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's a Friday night and his office is closed but he tells me to get a test done at CVS. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So I make the appointment and I have one for Saturday morning.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have so much to do because I got a flat tire and need to get that fixed but I am still coughing and wheezing and sneezing like it's the middle of allergy season. I've gone through 2 full sized boxes of tissues and 4 small purse sized packages of tissues. I'm now resorting to the McDonald's napkins stuffed in my glovebox because I've run out. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I manage to get all of the things done that I need to and make it to my appointment at CVS at 11am.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They give me the little brown bag containing my test kit. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It consists of a long swab, a vial of some sort of liquid and a large gallon sized baggie with a sanitizing wipe in it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The pharmacist gives me the directions on taking it and I'm terrified of sticking this thing in my nose.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Make sure you push it up and not back." he says. "Make sure you go far enough that you bring a tear to your eye." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Are you serious? Hmmm, how can I be sure that I am doing this right? Make my eyes water? If it's uncomfortable to do; won't I just stop SHORT of making my eyes water? Seems only natural that I wouldn't purposefully make myself cry.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It takes me about 5 minutes to decide to do this.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I take a deep breath and go in. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Go in as far as the scored line on the swab, Ms. Bowman" he says through the intercom. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Wait, scored line? What scored line? How in the hell am I supposed to see a scored line with this swab up my nose. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm panicking now and just as I am about to pull out that swab he says, "That's good. Now leave it there for 15 seconds." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Wait what! 15 whole seconds. He's got to be kidding but he isn't because he holds up a timer. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">15 seconds is a helluva long time. Then his voice again, "Now turn the swab...roll it between your fingers 4 or 5 times. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This has GOT TO BE a joke! But I do it and then he says, pull it out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I do...well let's just say, I swear I pulled some of my brain out. Well, I didn't really but I pulled something out of my nose and then he says, "Now insert the swab into your other nostril."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I swear I gagged, I really did. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now I have to put this nasty swab in my other nostril and do the same thing. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Clearly I do because I look over and he is holding up the timer again. What I would like to do with that timer!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">He then tells me to put the swab into the vial and to break it off at the score mark. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm more than happy to do that. This torture is almost over. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I catch a glimpse of him and he looks pretty disgusted too. Maybe he got a look at that stuff hanging off of my swab. Yeah..it was totally gross!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I put it in the baggie and then he LOUDLY says, "Put it in the bin and MAKE SURE YOU WIPE IT DOWN AFTER YOU DO."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Like dude...really. I felt just like a leper at that point. Good thing I was in my car and my windows are tinted. I wouldn't want anyone being able to identify that leper driving away.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">He says it will take 2 days to get my results. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So now...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I wait.</span></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-51969393601831410642021-02-16T08:06:00.007-05:002021-02-16T08:06:00.258-05:00IT'S JUST A COLD....OR IS IT<p><span style="font-size: large;"> January 28th, I wake up with a stuffy nose. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing major; just a stuffy nose. I cough a couple of times but it's the tiredness that I can't shake.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I go about my day and decide to go to the grocery store. After getting dressed, I am to tired to go outside. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Literally, I can't bring myself to walk about 20 steps out of my house to get into the car. I try at least three times and then I give up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is stupid I think but I figure I have more things to do in the house and decide to clean. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I clean the blinds, drapes and then begin to re-arrange the living room. Halfway through I'm to tired to go on. I lay down.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That is major because I never, ever, ever lie down in the middle of the day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Before long, I wake up and see that three hours have passed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What in the entire world is going on? I NEVER sleep during the day like that. But I'm glad because I feel slightly better and have just enough energy to go to the store.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Right?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Wrong? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I get into the grocery store and my legs feel like they have been weighed down by 200 lb weights.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Is this is what it feels like when the mob gets ahold of you? Lawd, I feel sorry for those men back in the 50's.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The day progresses but now I'm sneezing more and the cough is becoming pretty aggravating. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Damn, I'm coming down with a cold. That's the last thing I need. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I blame him...but I'm joking so I push on but the next few hours become pure torture.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's January 31st and I am not feeling any better. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I decide to call my doctor and he tells me to take a Covid-19 test. I make the appointment and things begin to go downhill pretty quickly.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><br /></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-29394361820608247562021-02-12T07:00:00.069-05:002021-02-12T07:00:01.536-05:00IT BEGAN AS A HEADACHE<p><span style="font-size: large;"> On January 18, I believe that it when it all started. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Due to the fact that I barely sleep because of insomnia, I rarely sleep. However, when I was kept up because of a headache; I couldn't understand it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My boyfriend comes home, kisses me and says, "I have a little tickle in my throat". Jokingly I say, "is that a corona virus symptom?" We both laugh and I make him some tea.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Because he never gets sick, it concerns me but I don't really say anything. After drinking his tea, he says he has the chills. But he always has some sort of chills; it's just how his body works. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">He gets into bed around 7pm and I decide to take his temperature. It reads 100.1. Since I used to work at a school; I know this is a low grade fever but he never listens to me. He says he's ok and goes to sleep. He sleeps all night. I wake him up one time and take his temperature again and it reads; 100.9. I tell him he has a fever and he drinks some water and goes back to sleep. I'm worried because it's a fever but he doesn't want to admit it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I go about my evening and decide to write. After about two hours, I couldn't come up with anything, which never happens and I put my computer down because my headache was back. It was if someone was squeezing my brain from the inside and it was pushing out through my ears. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My ears became clogged and then the headache went away after I blew my nose. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Why is a headache keeping me up? I did what most people did. I took an ALEVE and waited. Four hours later, I was still waiting. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So I then took two Advil and waited again. Four more hours went by so I gave up and just used ice compresses, which by the way, didn't work either!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">He gets up at 4:30 am and says he feels much better and goes to work. I tell him to take his temperature and it is 98.7. I'm satisfied that he is better but I'm up too because the headache just won't let me sleep and I find a new comedy on Hallmark, REBA. Who knew that country singer was so funny AND that she had a show! I digress.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So the day moves on and the headache finally leaves. He is fine and all is right with the world until Jan. 26th.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm exhausted. I mean, like can barely move exhausted. I am talking to a friend and tell him that I'm tired and he says, "stop being superwoman and just stay in bed. Relax and do nothing today." I tell him I will but I get up and do laundry. Normally it takes just a couple of hours but it literally took me about 5 hours to do two loads of clothes. Between every load, I had to lay down. When I heard the buzzer go off, it took me another hour just to get the energy to get up from the couch and take them from the washer. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My boyfriend comes home and notices how tired "I look" and suggests I just rest. Nope; can't do that because there is dinner to cook and clothes to fold and put away. I continue to drag myself around, secretly wishing that I had a maid to do all this but pushing myself to continue. I ask him how he is feeling and he says, "never felt better. I guess I had a 24 hour bug or something". He asks how I'm feeling and I tell him that I just can't seem to find the energy and he tells me the same thing my friend says; stop getting up so early and just rest tomorrow. Stay in bed and get some rest because you do look tired. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If only it was that simple.</span></p><p><br /></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-29701409299675832172021-02-10T07:15:00.001-05:002021-02-11T11:19:35.231-05:00LIFE HAS CHANGED<p><span style="font-size: large;">What began as a cold, well what I thought was a cold, is actually Covid-19. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">During the coming weeks, I will blog about how I think I contracted it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It started with a headache and sore throat and went downhill from there. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That date was January 18, 2021.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I will also blog about what life is like when you have Covid-19.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you think it is as simple as being in isolation; you are so wrong.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is my journey and not everyone's journey is the same with this dreaded disease. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Every week I will blog about the ups and the downs. The good, the bad and the very ugly.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Please take a look, read, share and offer suggestions on how to best deal with boredom.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sure as an author; you would think I could use this time to write but in the coming weeks, you will see why that is not really possible.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For example; It has taken me four days to write this small blog. Why? Your memory, or at least mine, is totally trashed.</span></p><p><br /></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5401815110756422766.post-28700407615977696482021-01-14T14:42:00.000-05:002021-01-14T14:42:10.161-05:00BACK TO LIFE<p><span style="font-size: large;">I suffered the loss of my brother on November 6. He died alone in a hospital in NC because Covid regulations didn't allow anyone to visit. He died hours after me telling him that I was on my way. He died and left a hole in my life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My world was turned upside down and my life was forever changed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My brother and I didn't have the normal sister/brother relationship.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What we had was special to no one but us.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We didn't speak every day or every week. However, when we spoke, it was as if we had never missed a day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">He teased me and I teased him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">He was the typical big brother.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My life has been changed without him in it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving came and I was awaiting my call. The call that would start off with, "what did you cook baby girl." and end with, "next year you need to be here so you can have some of my good cooking." That call never came.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas came and again, I was awaiting my call. "The call that began with, "did you mail my gift" and would end with me saying, "next year you need to be here." That call never came.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was angry.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Angry that my boyfriend could see all of his sisters and brothers. I was angry that my brother was not here and that my sister was of no help to me in this time of need.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was feeling alone and I was in need of the kind of emotional help that my family could give me; however that wasn't happening.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And then came my girlfriend. Brenda. She texted me and we talked for almost two hours. Two hours of crying, laughing, being angry and being told that it was ok. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">She let me know that it was ok that I was angry. It was ok to feel alone and it was certainly ok to want just one more day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Brenda came to my rescue. Brenda was my savior and Brenda was the ONLY person who bothered to listen to me. Who didn't rush me off of the phone when I began crying. Didn't rush me to push past my grief. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Brenda was my savior. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Not the women that I thought were my friends. Not the people I had been a shoulder to in the past. Not the people that I would do anything for to make them feel better. But Brenda, the woman I met though my ex husband. Brenda the woman who became my sister. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I thank Brenda for the calls, texts and the listening ear. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I also thank Brenda for showing me what real friendship is. I thank for her showing me who I needed to cut off and who could remain in my small circle of acquaintance's.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm back to life and I am living each day with my brother as my angel. I am back to life and I am living my life like I want to and I am living each day like it's my last. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My brother taught me to live each day to it's full enjoyment. He may have died alone but he lived around his friends who are missing him dearly and who feel his absence every single day. </span></p>Author B Swangin Websterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12166972216859979865noreply@blogger.com0