In the past 10 days, we have started a small pharmacy in our apartment. An entire section of our kitchen counter has held the following: Cough syrup, honey, lemons, tea, Nyquil, Tylenol, Zinc, Sinus Rinse (first time I did this; it was quite the experience! anyone else try it?), cough drops, tissues, face mask (which I reluctantly wore on a plane over the weekend to not spread this to anyone else), thermometer, vapor rub and eye drops.
I was willing to try any and everything to get rid of this sickness (don’t worry, I didn’t try them all at the same time) and did follow doctor’s orders!
However, more than the sore throat and occasional headaches, the worst part of it all to me was losing my voice. This has never happened to me before.
Do you know what I learned? I talk. A lot.
I would whisper to my husband at home. When I tried whispering when he was in the next room there was no response. So I tried to whisper louder. Yeah, that doesn’t work. That meant I basically had to follow him around as I realized how often I talk while I’m cooking dinner, checking my email, brushing my teeth, and doing just about everything else. My other option was to wait until he came back in the room, which usually meant I by then I forget what I wanted to say (and I like to think everything I say is very important). I’m not sure if he prefers my ability to talk or following him around like a small puppy.
As we were out with friends and family, I stayed quiet and was literally forced to listen more than speak. If I did want to say something, my husband, who never left my side (and unfortunately, is now also coughing), was often forced to speak for me so that people could actually hear. You learn a lot about people when the only communication you can provide are head nods and smiles.
During this time, I still wanted to eat fresh foods, but also craved convenience and meals that provided time to rest. This simple stir-fry was absolutely perfect. I used fresh peas from our CSA; this was my first time de-seeding fresh peas- it was fun! I threw these in a stir-fry with red pepper, broccoli, onions, soy sauce, oil, ginger and cilantro. Serve with brown rice and vegetable gyoza (from Trader Joe’s), this was a fast, east and delicious dinner!
And I wanted to THANK YOU again for all your well-wishes on my health! I am happy to report that I am feeling MUCH better today and no longer have to whisper (although I hope to still choose my words wisely and listen more)!
Another food that satisfied my craving for something fresh and convenient? Orchard Bars! I was sent the 5 flavors pictured below, courtesy of Orchard Bar.
Based out of Washington State, these bars are vegan, kosher, all-natural, and gluten-free. They are also FILLED with fruits, nuts and seeds and I love the different combination of flavors they offer!
I have been very impressed with the burst of flavor from each bar and they really make me feel full! To see where to find Orchard Bars, click here!
~Have you ever lost your voice?
