In Conclusion

Here's what I've decided, and a little bit of the information that led me to my final conclusion.

My sister sent me an article about the differences between the flu (influenza) and the flu (stomach flu).  Namely, that there is the "flu" which is influenza, and then there is gastroentiritis, which people often mistakenly refer to as the "stomach flu" or sometimes just "flu". 

I wish I knew the etymology to explain how both of those illnesses came to be referred to as the "flu" as they are completely different, but that's an investigational quest for another day.  It became clear while reading this article that my family has gone through cycles of both illnesses in the past few weeks (and the stomach flu hit twice, to my sarcastic delight).

Of course I was fascinated and I began reading everything I could about influenza and the stomach flu.  Then I found it: One small note one one of the articles mentioned that after a case of influenza, the patient can feel extreme exhaustion for up to three weeks after all other symptoms have disappeared.

I was extremely exhausted!  And well within my three week range to be so!

Perhaps I was not depressed depressed, merely feeling weak and tired, and irritated and angry that I was feeling so, and stressed and anxious as I watched my house pile higher and higher with clutter.

In the mental arena there are few things do me in so much as clutter.  I cannot function in chaos.  Chaos caused by children running, jumping playing, shouting?  Oh yes, I find that stimulating and energizing.  Chaos caused by little bits of paper everywhere, and kitchen items in the wrong drawer, and laundry that hasn't been put away, so it sits clean and folded but getting rumplier and rumplier with every passing minute, that makes me edgy.

But now! And so!  I am out of that three week range, and I am dancing! And singing! And tidying, and cleaning, and organizing, and spreading little bits of joy wherever clutter is banished.

Ah, it is a truly delicious feeling to be in control of your life once more.

Or, as much in control as you ever were.  Because, much as I like to run around my house cleaning things up, there's not much I can do when Heather pulls my pot off the table and spills dirt everywhere and my vacuum cleaner seems to be broken, and then Hallie decides to get herself cereal and spills the entire contents all over the kitchen floor... but we do what we can!

We do it with a smile!

Most of the time.

You know what I mean.

Also, thank you for all of your comments and emails.  This flu idea I've had may have been the cause, or not, I don't know, maybe I'm feeling better because of all your lovely thoughts you sent my way in comments and emails.  I've always known it, but now I'll let you in on the secret.

I have the best family and friends a girl could ask for.

Also, my pretties bloomed twice in December, so that helps.  Flowers always help.  And yes, that's the one Heather dumped out this morning.