Wait, should I actually “like” that you’re sick? Theory #6: During my Men’s Health days, we published an article stating that the main reason you get sick on/after vacation is that YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM GOES ON VACATION AT THE SAME TIME! Like, the stress is over, so why not let a few pathogens in? Meanwhile, re taking a break from the rigors of newsletter life: haven’t you ever heard of re-posting? My readers never seem to notice or care!
If 30% read the average post, that leaves 70% who can be thrilled/edified anew. Plus the 30% probably forgot the post, because who can remember everything they read? I once bought a new copy of The Sportswriter by Richard Ford, and got halfway through before I realized I’d already read it. Ooops. But the old words were still fresh!
I hate that you're sick. If it helps any, I already loved your writing and now I love your singing, too. Like you, I'm allergic to cats and all those other critters. Sing on, Sari.
I swear by a homeopathic remedy for cat dander. It really really works. They are pellets. Try them!!! Happy Everything and thank you for all you do. I love it all.
1. I’m so sorry you got sick. That’s happened to me over the years when I’ve been crazy busy and suddenly stopped to take a vacation. Or get a massage. I rarely get massages because I’m afraid I’ll get sick and won’t be able to sing. 2. Loved your song- “furry little fuckers!” 😹
So sorry that happened to you! I was just out with a friend who asked what my #1 dating dealbreaker is and my answer was: cats and dogs (even the hypoallergenic kinds). So I can relate! My allergist thought it was the funniest thing that I asked to go on allergy shots in the hopes it would expand my dating options. That was about 10 yrs ago. Still have allergies, but they are MUCH better. I can now be around pets and people who own them without going into immediate allergic asthmatic fits and my eyes blowing up. Zyrtec works better for me for pet dander than Claritin btw. Benadryl makes me nuts. The allergy-sickness paradigm for me is that for the past 5 or so yrs, almost every time the seasons change I'll get what seems to be allergies: itchy throat, et al, and then it turns into a cold or worse. A healthy holiday season to ya!
I'm so sorry. I got Covid in June during a once in a lifetime trip to Japan and missed everything except for some hotel rooms. Even their OTC meds were weird and had both stimulants and sedatives. Sigh.
Oh gosh, so sorry, Sari and Brian. The frontloading of work ... gah. It'll get you every time. Happy you still had fun in PR ... a lovely place, to my recollection. My last time in San Juan was 1969!
I’m so sorry you got sick! I get allergic bronchitis, and my method is 2 Claritins when exposure to my triggers is high. (I take 1 every day otherwise I have near-constant hives.) fatigue never helps, of course. I hope you’re feeling better!
Thank you, Alicia! I'm 95 percent better now. (Of course, now that I'm back in Kingston.) I think I might be looking at a similar protocol going forward. But I might also get tested for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. It's been suggested that that's also why consuming any amount of alcohol makes me feel as if I've been poisoned.
Oh damn! I'm so sorry you fell ill but glad you salvaged your fun! I do not believe it was the 20 minutes of mask freedom on the plane. I'm surprised no one gave you stink-eye for the tuna! Take care and happy celebrations to you ahead. xN
I've been saving this to read, and offer belated condolences not just for this illness but for a lifetime of vulnerabilities. You are probably the hardest-working writer and publisher I've encountered so far on Substack, and always the quality is high and life-changing for me and many others. Most people have a list of self-healing activities - walks, gardening, pets (never for you my dear!), organic cookery, meditation, acupuncture, massage, yoga - and I'm glad you and your love took a beach vacation. Here's to many more.
Wait, should I actually “like” that you’re sick? Theory #6: During my Men’s Health days, we published an article stating that the main reason you get sick on/after vacation is that YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM GOES ON VACATION AT THE SAME TIME! Like, the stress is over, so why not let a few pathogens in? Meanwhile, re taking a break from the rigors of newsletter life: haven’t you ever heard of re-posting? My readers never seem to notice or care!
Ah, yes, I forgot about that theory! I reposted a couple of older essays at Memoir Land. I probably should have done it across the board...
If 30% read the average post, that leaves 70% who can be thrilled/edified anew. Plus the 30% probably forgot the post, because who can remember everything they read? I once bought a new copy of The Sportswriter by Richard Ford, and got halfway through before I realized I’d already read it. Ooops. But the old words were still fresh!
Ha!!
Reposting is fine with me. Even if I already read something, re-reading it provides more depth. So yeah, Sari! Do it!
I’ve never heard that theory- that makes so much sense to me.
Doesn't it? If only we could sneak off on vacation without notifying our immune systems of our absence.
I hate that you're sick. If it helps any, I already loved your writing and now I love your singing, too. Like you, I'm allergic to cats and all those other critters. Sing on, Sari.
Awww, thank you, Sue. PS I’m all better now. 💕
I swear by a homeopathic remedy for cat dander. It really really works. They are pellets. Try them!!! Happy Everything and thank you for all you do. I love it all.
Ooh! Can you point me toward that? Thank you, Susan!
https://www.boironusa.com/allergycalmga/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAC9Ir_rp_gfZfZW3V-Il8eOf6WjSZ&gclid=CjwKCAiAjp-7BhBZEiwAmh9rBcaX_ADc7m-iqzgpBXfUCrdvYBiq9ViR0ZKmzhxiEXZ1xSx9Rt1nUxoCSU8QAvD_BwE.
And
https://www.drhomeo.com/homeopathic-treatment/pet-allergies-homeopathy/
And
Naturalcare Animal hair Dander
https://naturalcareworks.com/products/pet-allergy-for-people?_pos=1&_sid=0433b8f0b&_ss=r
1. I’m so sorry you got sick. That’s happened to me over the years when I’ve been crazy busy and suddenly stopped to take a vacation. Or get a massage. I rarely get massages because I’m afraid I’ll get sick and won’t be able to sing. 2. Loved your song- “furry little fuckers!” 😹
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed my silly song.
My family is SICK of me saying this (no pun intended, LOL), but the # times you get sick = # of airplane trips you take. It's mathematical. ;-)
So sorry that happened to you! I was just out with a friend who asked what my #1 dating dealbreaker is and my answer was: cats and dogs (even the hypoallergenic kinds). So I can relate! My allergist thought it was the funniest thing that I asked to go on allergy shots in the hopes it would expand my dating options. That was about 10 yrs ago. Still have allergies, but they are MUCH better. I can now be around pets and people who own them without going into immediate allergic asthmatic fits and my eyes blowing up. Zyrtec works better for me for pet dander than Claritin btw. Benadryl makes me nuts. The allergy-sickness paradigm for me is that for the past 5 or so yrs, almost every time the seasons change I'll get what seems to be allergies: itchy throat, et al, and then it turns into a cold or worse. A healthy holiday season to ya!
<3
I'm so sorry. I got Covid in June during a once in a lifetime trip to Japan and missed everything except for some hotel rooms. Even their OTC meds were weird and had both stimulants and sedatives. Sigh.
Oh, that is horrible! So sorry to hear. Gives me perspective on my easier situation!
Not at all. We were both robbed. I hope you are much better now.
I think it’s the plane and the season of circulating snot. Also a bit ill…. Feel better!!
You feel better, too!
Oh gosh, so sorry, Sari and Brian. The frontloading of work ... gah. It'll get you every time. Happy you still had fun in PR ... a lovely place, to my recollection. My last time in San Juan was 1969!
Thank you. 1969 is a long time ago!
Sorry you were sick :(
I am so glad it was fun anyway.
xoxo
Thank you, Steph. Let's see each other in early Jan! xoxo
I’m so sorry you got sick! I get allergic bronchitis, and my method is 2 Claritins when exposure to my triggers is high. (I take 1 every day otherwise I have near-constant hives.) fatigue never helps, of course. I hope you’re feeling better!
Thank you, Alicia! I'm 95 percent better now. (Of course, now that I'm back in Kingston.) I think I might be looking at a similar protocol going forward. But I might also get tested for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. It's been suggested that that's also why consuming any amount of alcohol makes me feel as if I've been poisoned.
Oh damn! I'm so sorry you fell ill but glad you salvaged your fun! I do not believe it was the 20 minutes of mask freedom on the plane. I'm surprised no one gave you stink-eye for the tuna! Take care and happy celebrations to you ahead. xN
Thanks, Natalie! Maybe it was karmic retribution for the tuna...lol.
I've been saving this to read, and offer belated condolences not just for this illness but for a lifetime of vulnerabilities. You are probably the hardest-working writer and publisher I've encountered so far on Substack, and always the quality is high and life-changing for me and many others. Most people have a list of self-healing activities - walks, gardening, pets (never for you my dear!), organic cookery, meditation, acupuncture, massage, yoga - and I'm glad you and your love took a beach vacation. Here's to many more.