China Cold

I can't believe we've already been here four weeks! We researched the weather before leaving the states, so the chilly days and down right cold nights were not a surprise. I took up the habit of looking out the windows in the mornings to see what people were wearing...jackets, hats and gloves...or just jackets. Of course I soon realized, it was no help to me...I was cold while inside and outside! I needed to be bundled at all times. Wearing two pairs of socks around the house became common. Dwayne just grinned at me when I fussed about the cold. We have heating units in each room as opposed to central heat. The harwood floors creak constantly because of the chill. Is this on the agenda of 'growing old'? LOL

Bearing all this in mind, I wake up on Tuesday, of our fourth week, with a scratchy throat. OH NO!! THIS CAN'T BE!! Yep...the beginnings of a bad cold. We brought our handy Mucinex along and I immediately took a dose. That stuff has always done the trick. Not this time. I found myself sneezing, coughing, blowing and ultimately crying. How could this happen? I needed to be up and at 'em! I couldn't be lying in that hard thing called a bed for more hours than necessary. I've got to be on top of my game!!

Dwayne was the cutest throughout this entire ordeal. He apologized for not being able to go down to the pharmacy on the corner to get more meds by himself. We walked together on the next day and found a few things that were familiar...and eventually helpful. He made sure that I ate...even tho' he didn't cook...and opted to sleep on the sofa so that I could rest easier. Wasn't that something?

The China cold lasted for another four days. Dwayne continued to go out to work. I wasn't able to see Sarah and Miles for those days...didn't wanna contaminate anybody. We had been spending evenings together while the guys did their thing, so I had some quiet but achy time alone.

That Saturday was a very sunny but still chilly day and I was determined to get myself up and out of the house. I took a stroll with Dwayne to Brown Sugar...a rehearsal was scheduled. It would be the first time for me to actually see the club. It was everything I imagined...and more. When these folk set their minds on having the best...consider it done! We had lunch together and I finally met Sean, the keyboard player and Meachie, the male vocalist. I had met Indeya, the female vocalist, the week before. She provided cough drops during my five-day illness...she's a doll. They were all head over heels with Dwayne and his talents. The conversation went on and on. That made me feel better...all the way around.

After listening to a few tunes, my impression grew huge. The Brown Sugar All Stars were in the house and ready to bring the noise. There were people working already...and this was mid-afternoon. They applauded after every song. I was easily convinced that Dwayne's and Brannen's purposes were sealed. Grand opening was set for next week. Shanghai...get ready...get ready...get ready!

I felt so much better, that I decided to do a little more walking. I left the club and headed to a supermarket we had yet to explore...E-Mart. It was about five long blocks from Xintaindi, but only three from our apartment. The trip home would be a cinch! I dared to venture down another street full of everyday people selling everything known to man. I had to literally walk down the middle of the street because the sidewalks were overtaken by eager vendors. I wished I had the strength to stop and look around, but it WAS my first day out since Monday. I needed to look ahead and stay focused.

E-Mart was quite interesting. Much like Century Mart, it had multiple floors of goods with 99% of them labeled in a Chinese language of some sort. I found my way to the 'imported' goods and was happy to fill my cart with familiar items. While in the meat market, I came across packages of meats that were just scary!! I had to look at the pictures above the cases to know what animal these meats were SUPPOSED to come from, okay? Chicken...yay! Finally. Well...maybe not. Well...maybe...but the head and feet are still attached. Oh my! Can a sistah get some chicken WINGS? That'll be just fine. Whew!!

I pray--Lord, please help me get through this store with food that will digest properly and give us nutrients. Amen.

I left with four bags in hand and was wrapped up as if there was six feet of snow awaiting me. It's now around 6 pm or so and those same people are still selling their goods, however, I am able to stroll a few sidewalks this time. I promise myself that I'll be back down this same street when I'm feeling a little better...and with a little patience. Getting home was a relief. My outing was the best cure for my China cold.