The first sick day

What a lovely weekend it was--not that I saw it from a fetal position in bed, but it must have been okay, since we're all still alive...

What shot me down? Food poisoning.

Saturday morning we needed groceries, so went up the street to the University district where there is a diverse shopping area which includes clothing, discount groceries, bakeries, cosmetics, chocolate shops, etc...but as we approached we noticed the bus turning around and people approaching us with helium balloons, so we figured something must be up (sorry for the weak pun). At the traffic circle there was a stage set up with a children's dance troupe doing hula moves, lots of tents selling artisinal crafts, crowds galore, and much to do and see for the entire family. D called it a Brussels "fun fair" as there were bouncy castles, ten-foot clowns, loud music, games of chance and lots of stalls selling BBQ and beverages. We investigated this for a couple of hours as the boys seemed to have a good time, but were getting hungry.

We checked out many of the displays and stalls, then around lunch decided to stop for something to eat. The BBQ right at the stage smelled delicious, so we stopped for chicken brochettes for me and D, mergueze sausages for M. All was fine until I got home, and noticed that the tummy wasn't quite right. I thought it might have been the glass of wine on an almost empty tummy (had before the brochette) and ignored it. By that night, I wasn't ignoring the cramps, multiple trips to the washroom or the body aches. I had something, alright! I stayed in bed all day sunday until dinner when the ibuprofen seemed to finally kick in enough for me to shiver my way downstairs to feed my children.

I wondered if it was a flu until that evening when D started coming down with it too...it must have been the chicken brochettes, since M was just fine. Now its Monday morning and I'm mostly recovered (tenderly drinking tea, eating dry toast and yes, mom, staying away from milk products) but D this morning had a fever, the shivers, didn't eat and has to stay very close to the washroom or laundry will happen. He's a trouper, so I know he'll be fine by evening and ready for school tomorrow. M went to school on his own on his bike, and since I didn't get a report from the local constabulary, he must have made it there safely...this year its not like I can walk to the corner and see him wave from the school yard gate, as we're about 1 km further away.

As for my school today, I was not popular when I called the office administrator and let her know I'd be staying home with a sick kid today...finding a supply teacher isn't easy in the international system, as if someone is qualified or has the proper work permits, they're likely unavailable since they're working already. I hear through email that the kiddies are being taught by someone, but that they'll be happy I'm back tomorrow. So will I--D's lapping up all this one-on-one attention and definitely faster at recovering than I was: "mom, can I have juice? Mom, want to read to me? Mom can I watch t.v. ipod? Mom, what'cha doin'? Can I get on the computer next?...."

(sorry for no photos, but hubby has the camera in Cork...for a look at his blog, click here.)