Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Wheezing like a chain smoker

Those who know me have heard me tell the story of how I once tried smoking.
Back in Alabama, spring break in my day was called "AEA week," even at private schools. (I attended private school growing up then graduated from a public high school.) AEA stands for the Alabama Education Association and spring break usually coincided with AEA's annual convention. I think now most schools and districts just pick a week at random in the latter part of March.
Anyway, I think it was the spring of either '82 or '83. I was at home, Mom and Dad were at work. Dad smoked Pall-Malls and I decided I would try it. (I already messed around with chewing tobacco and snuff to "fit in" with a group of kids at the private school.)
I did not see the attraction, but I'm sure it's probably a habit he picked up in the military and never could shake.
I don't remember how many I tried - probably just one. He didn't miss it (them), or if he did, he didn't say anything.
As you are well aware from my wife's blog, she was sick last week. This week, it was my turn, and whatever I have has me wheezing like I'm a lifetime chain smoker.
So far, the baby's been coughing a little today but hopefully she hasn't picked up any of our crud. I didn't like having to stay out an extra day after taking some comp days from work, but I don't think I could function in the shape I was in this morning.
Hopefully the meds our wonderful nurse practitioner gave me will start to work. (Thanks to our friend Amy for hooking us up with the CNP.)
I think I'm going to re-joining the family nap time already in progress after posting something quick on Jadyn's blog.
Post script: I slept in another room to keep from waking everybody up with the coughing. And, I forgot to mention I got my first dose of medicine from a breathing machine. I forgot what they gave me, but it was kind of strange to see the smoky stuff come out of the end of the tube. I'm using an albuterol inhaler too. First time for everything.

No comments: