Oni wa soto!

On February 3rd, all across Japan you'll hear cries of "Oni wa soto.  Fuku wa uchi", or "Demons out, good luck in".  It's part of the yearly Setsubun festival and is believed to "drive away disease bringing evil spirits for the year to come." (taken from Wikipedia)

Today I've been doing my own "Oni wa soto" chants.

Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!, originally uploaded by hippoPAPA +mum (Bento~Life).

Ironically, just hours after my last post about all the food I wanted to eat, The Man and I were struck down with a nasty stomach bug.  The little one had come down with it the day before and was still suffering so we had the three of us very ill at the same time.  Most of the last 36 hours is a blur, but there is a moment that just seems surreal.  I'd called the after hours doctor's service, concerned what the bug was doing to The post-transplant Man, and so found myself letting a complete stranger into the house at 3am because he was going stab us with needles.

Today we're all starting to feel human again and I'm in my post-sickness washing frenzy.  The moment I start feeling the tiniest bit better, I need to strip all the beds, gather all the towels, load up any clothes that have been worn during the state of unwellness and wash.  I know that all the germs have most likely gone but it's physical need I have to clean, no cleaning of bathrooms or kitchen, no vacuuming, just washing.  No matter the weather, all windows and doors also need to be opened and today I've been almost trying to push the air out while calling "Oni wa soto!".

How about you?  Is there something you feel the need to do to expel the "evil spirits"?


***Update - I've just realised that in my sick haze, I completely missed yesterday's Bookcase Tour and to announce the winner of the giveaway!  I will try to do that either tonight or tomorrow.  I'm so sorry! ***

Blogging in Bed

Germs. Damn germs. Damn cold and 'flu season germs. Damn student germs. Damn make-you-stay-in-bed-for-days germs. Damn make-you-feel-just-awful germs. Damn give-you-a-fever-even-though-it's-not-too-high-it's-high-enough-to-scare-you-when-you're-pregnant (though all is fine, went to the doctor to check) germs.

I hate germs.

Yesterday, I had to practically crawl to even get to the bathroom, but today I can sit up, so brought the computer to bed for a bit of entertainment between naps.

And just so that I could complain.

About damn germs.

Slowing Down and Kimono Colours

At the time of year when I feel I should be, I need to be, speeding things up, my body is forcing me to slow down. Everything is OK and it will pass with time and then I'll be back on my feet.

As a result, I've stopped listing eBay actions for the moment. Getting parcels packed and off to the post office of an evening after a full day of work is more than I can manage right now and I hate to have anything less than fabulous service in my stores. So I've stripped it down to just Etsy for a while.

One thing I did get done today was to photograph some kimonos for a wholesale client of mine. I just loved the colours, they really brightened my day.

I'm off to Tokyo again tomorrow. I know that sounds exciting, but to be honest, I don't really want to go. I'm hoping this will be the last time I will have to make that trip to see my specialist. I only have four months until I move back to Australia so would like to have medication and stuff sorted for the rest of my stay, or for her to give my regular doctor instructions of how to manage my thyroid.

I am though, determined to conjure up some energy to do a spot of fabric and Christmas shopping while I'm there. I want to go to Nippori Textile Town, to Kincado (I'll be staying in that part of town) and off to a couple of bookshops (one, a full floor of craft books!), maybe an electronics store, maybe a department store, and hopefully to a place I saw a gorgeous present for my new niece that I regret not picking up last time.

While a bit frustrated at not feeling so well, I have also being enjoying some aspects of taking life at a slower pace for a while. Wayne and I had a picnic lunch yesterday and a lovely wander in the park, something we haven't done since... well actually I can't remember. There have been lots of early nights, perfect in this weather with lots of lovely cuddles from dh. If I don't watch out.... I could get used to this!

Hit By a Bus

At least, that's how I feel. Have a nasty, nasty virus. Every inch of my body is throbbing in pain, have a nice fever going on and can't keep down food. Hubby is being wonderful and caring.

Excuse me while I feel sorry for myself.

The Silly Woman's Disease

Before I start, I do want to apologise for this self-pitying post. I've written bits over the months and deleted them each time. I'm getting to breaking point now and just need to rant.

I've mentioned a few times that I haven't been well for a while now. Since mid-November actually. For a long time I avoided going to a doctor as I haven't had good experiences with the ones here. For months I put up with the extreme fatigue, dizziness and nausea 24-7. I kept telling myself that it would all go away soon.

About two or three months ago, the tingling began. Just a strange little sensation in my toes to start with. It quickly spread and had been up to my knees for a while now. It's become really quite painful and often sleeping or walking is difficult. After a day of standing in class (luckily only three a day) I'm almost crying from the pain. About a month ago, the tingling began in my fingertips, that's now spread up as far as my elbows, a few weeks ago, it began in my face. On top of this, breathing is becoming more difficult and I get the occassional chest pain. With all of this, other symptoms have been getting worse and I can no longer make it through a whole day. Luckily my work has been really supportive and I've been able to cut down my hours a little every day.

But what gets me really upset with all of this, is the %^$#@*) doctor's here. The first one was just horrible, you can read about some of the appointment here. A couple of weeks ago I found another doctor and had some hope. Things were done at a snail's pace however, one or two tests done at a time, then a week's wait to see the results and then another one or two tests after that. All the while he'd mumble that it looked to be autoimmune, but not testing or referring me to anyone else for tests.

At this week's appointment, in my frustration about the lack of answers, I made the mistake of telling him that I was getting really down about it all. He got excited, "That's it! That's the problem! You're depressed!" He'd set his mind to it and I could not convince him that I was depressed BECAUSE of the pain and inability to do things. In Japan, women are often considered to be silly hypochondriacs, so of course, (male) doctor knows best. He's now decided on my diagnosis but has indulged me with one last test.

After I get those results next week, I have to look at trying to find another doctor and go through it all again, in the hope that someone will listen to me and to get me back to my usual self.

Of course, while some positive results are scary, the not knowing can be much, much scarier.