Last night, after a BBQ at my mom’s house, Matt and I went back to his apartment. I was standing in the hallway when he noticed all these tiny red bumps on my neck and chest. I looked in the mirror and was horrified. I looked terrible! It looked like chicken pocks (which I’ve never had), but about 10 times worst. It was close to 11 p.m., and I didn’t want to wait until morning, so we went to the ER at Methodist Hospital, which is just a few blocks from Matt’s apartment.

After I was admitted, given a name bracelet and told to put one of those funky gowns on, they drew some blood and ran some tests. Two hours later, it turns out I’m allergic to penicillin! Obviously, this is an allergic reaction to the pills I’m taking for my strep throat. The doctor took the pills from me and said not to take any more. She gave me a prescription for Allegra, some kind of allergy medication to stop the itching. (After talking with my mom this morning, I learned she’s allergic to penicillin, too.)

This morning, more of these icky bumps have surfaced on my upper thighs and arms. I just hope they stay off my face. I’m literally covered neck to ankle in this weird rash. Oy.

(I have to say, sitting in the ER at midnight on a Friday is awful. But, thankfully, my room had cable, so Matt and I watched “What Not To Wear” on TLC.)

I’m at Nu-Trend now, watching the Husker game. I feel fine, but I may head home early just to relax.

Extra points to Matthew for staying with me at the hospital, even when he had to work this morning at 5:30. He’s my buddy and I love him!

Poking fun @ Jadakiss. I love that.

Thank you, TLC, for the marathon you broadcast yesterday of “What Not To Wear.” Your show has become one of my favorites. I don’t watch much TV, but I always try to make time for “What Not To Wear.”

Here’s to you, Stacy and Clinton :-)

http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/whatnottowear/whatnottowear.html

An aside: After watching five or six consecutive episodes yesterday, I found myself identifying candidates for the show much more than usual. I don’t know how it is elsewhere, but there are boatloads of people here in Omaha who could use a makeover.

I’ve risen from my bed after being out a few days with strep throat. You read that right. The girl who rarely gets sick contracted strep throat. Don’t ask me how or where. I can’t say. All’s I know is my throat started hurting Thursday morning. Friday, my glands were swollen in my neck. A trip to the doctor Friday evening confirmed what I feared. I’m on antibiotics and am feeling a tad better. I’m nowhere near 100 percent, but I’m getting there. My fever is gone and my throat isn’t as sore. It just hurts when I yawn or try to eat crackers, granola bars, etc.

Today, Nu-Trend is closed for the Labor Day holiday. Yippee! I need to find my sister a birthday present today, as she turns 21 Sept. 12. That and laundry are on today’s To Do list.

http://www.macworld.com/news/2004/08/31/g5imac/index.php

It’s officially day three of my exercise regimen. This morning, I managed to shave 20 minutes off my time, which means I walked/jogged an even longer distance than I did Sunday morning. I feel great, and I’m surprised at how much energy I have to do other things: grocery shop, clean, etc. I’m happy to have finally made the decision to exercise.

I think one of my wisdom teeth is pushing through. The back of my mouth hurts. I’m getting a cavity filled later this month. Let’s hope it won’t be time to pull those wisdom teeth. Ouch.

My dad and his wife arrive in Omaha tomorrow. They’re staying with me through Sunday, so I’ve been running around my house cleaning like a madwoman. They tend to take over my house, so I just stand back and get out of the way until they leave. I think the basement and basement bathroom look nice, though. Perfect for guests from out of town.

P.S. My new favorite band: Kings of Convenience. Heard ’em today for the first time, thanks to Jason. They certainly sound like Simon and Garfunkel, although I’m not complaining. I love ’em.

For the second consecutive morning, I got out of bed, into my tennis shoes and iPod, and hit the streets around my neighborhood. I’ve been meaning to get active for several months, but didn’t get the motivation until this weekend. I’m not sure what got me going, but I’m going. My goal is to walk/jog for 40 minutes, three or four times a week. I spent Saturday and Sunday morning walking, and I imagine I’ll do the same on Tuesday or Wednesday morning. For added motivation, I created a Get Moving! playlist on my iPod. My legs are sore this afternoon, but the slight discomfort is worth knowing I’m doing something good for myself.

Rebate checks are the best. It’s “free” money you forgot about. When Matthew and I painted my bedroom last month, I qualified for a $20 rebate through Lowe’s and American Tradition paint. Today, that sweet, sweet check arrived. Rather than blowing it on crap I don’t need, it’s going into my savings account for next year’s property taxes.

Blogger or LiveJournal?

I can’t tell for sure, but it appears a full moon has taken to the sky this night. Trees obstruct the view outside my orange office at home. I’ll take a closer look when I leave to see “The Bourne Supremacy” in a few hours. I never saw the first “Bourne” movie and am hoping I won’t be completely confused.

P.S. My lack of updates certainly haven’t been conscious or planned. I simply haven’t had much to say.