Fire And More

It's Sunday night and I have had quite an eventful weekend. I feel like I need a vacation from it. Here's why:

1) Running With Weirdos: I had a great 8 mile run on Saturday, but why did some random guy who decided to run in my pace group for the first time pick me to run next to? Why do I always attract the weirdos? And why did he want to talk about nothing but sex for the first three miles? It didn't matter what I said. I could've said, "Cheetos sure do taste bad," and his response would've been, "Because religion is set up to suppress a woman's ability to have an orgasm."

Seriously, what was
that all about? Someone clearly has been reading that awful Da Vinci Code book a few too many times. Thank goodness I ditched him during a fake "bathroom break".

2) Fire: The destruction is bad. The air is bad. I feel awful for those who've lost their homes. For those who are gleefully saying that this is what people in Los Angeles get because we're all sinners who live in a place that guzzles up all the water and creates loads of porn, all I can say is that God loves you even though you're an evil bastard. I, on the other hand, would like the chance to slash your tires. Feel free to park in front of my building.

I looked out my window today and could barely make out buildings two blocks away. I went to take out the trash and saw little pieces of gray and white something floating in the air. It took me a minute of staring at it to realize that it was ash. I think breathing it in has made all of us Angelenos totally lose our marbles, especially the folks on TV.

In fact, I saw one guy on TV who recommended that no one go outside and if we did have to go out, that we avoid breathing. I'm not really sure how I'm going to avoid breathing, but if any of you have suggestions, please pass them my way.


3) Blog Launch Party: I also write for the LA Moms Blog and we had a great launch party tonight at a cute place in Hollywood. It was so fun to get out and actually wear a cute party dress and some high heels! Goodness, I think I looked kinda HOT! Or, at least that's what my neighbors said. Sadly though, just in the midst of the stand-up comedy entertainment, I had to skip out early. My friend who was watching my boys called to report that my youngest son had taken a turn for the worse. I could hear him crying in the background so I left the revelry and headed home.

4) I feel like a horrible mother: My boy, T, seemed so much better on Friday, but then there was the hell of yesterday afternoon and most of last night. He woke up at 1 am writhing in pain and crying. I stayed with him, rubbing his stomach till around 6 am when he fell back asleep. Oh, and at some point he vomited on me. It's all just a big blur but let me tell you, THAT was special. Note to self, when your kid is leaning over you and says, "Mommy, I think I'm gonna throw up," don't reply back, "Really? You do?" Just move. Quickly.

That's why I feel like an awful mother. He's sick as I don't know what and here I am, constantly feeling unsure of what to do to make him feel better, other than what the doctor suggested. And I'm so worried about him that I thought my friend was going to tell me he wasn't breathing and she didn't know what to do. I'm so depressed and worried about him that I'm even trying to cheer myself up by making lists of the good things in my life and smiling every chance I can get.

So here I am... typing with one hand, massaging my son's belly with the other, all while watching the Godfather II on AMC for the milionth time. I love this film. I can never get over how every single time I see this movie I yell, "Don't marry that Kay heffa, Michael! She's gonna ruin your life!"

I know. Clearly, I'm exhausted. I can't manage to write a post on a single topic these days. Let's not even get into the total abandonment of my NaNoWriMo novel due to my sick-tending. Can I still finish writing it by the end of November? That remains to be seen.

And now I must go because more crying and writing in pain has commenced. Hope your weekend was fab and that you avoided any and all forms of vomit.


Comments

Liz glad to see you still have your sense of humor even in these stressful times.

Last time I saw the news the fires were in Santa Barbara area. I didn't realize they were closer. I'm going to go to the LA Times website.

It's not a fun feeling breathing in all that smoke. I really feel for the people that have lost their homes.

regarding, feeling like a bad mom...you are doing everything you can and your son know this.

Godfather II is my favorite American film. I have seen it so many times. The whole story line with Fredo and Michael...gets me every times.
Unknown said…
What an eventful weekend! I really hope that your son is doing better. Running and weirdos? That had to be annoying - when I ran I did it alone and I probably would not have been so polite if someone tried to engage me in "witty" banter about sex. The party sounds like a great time, I hope to get some party time in over the Christmas Holidays. Grandma will be taking care of my son and my husband will probably be there to so no worries for me.

I wish you luck with the novel - since your son is sick maybe you can extend the time frame for yourself (I know the point it to do it in a month's time but I think having a sick child gives you a pass).
1969 said…
Awww....I am so hoping your son is feeling better soon. Poor baby and poor YOU!

Yes, when they say they feel like throwing up...get out of the way FAST. You know they wait and tell you right when it's gonna happen. :)

Way to go on your 8 miles!
David Sullivan said…
I bought a new big screen, HD TV this weekend and I watched nothing but football and the Godfather marathon on AMC. Luca Brazi getting strangled in high def is mighty disturbing.
Anonymous said…
What is with these men that they think you're interested in three miles of sexual propositioning? Every feminist utterance in the last four decades must have passed him by.

The wildfires are horrific. I see there's criticism of the planning authorities for allowing houses on hillsides next to acres of tinder-dry vegetation. A catastrophe waiting to happen.

I hope your son recovers real soon. It must be a very worrying time for you, but I'm sure you're doing everything you can to get him better.
Anonymous said…
I guess your running mate was at least good for providing a story for your blog!

Sorry about your son's bellyache.
Liz Dwyer said…
NYC/CR,
You probably saw by now how they broke out in Sylmar and burned that trailer park to the ground. 500 homes lost there... I think I saw that the total is around 840 homes. Or, at least it was last night. That Fredo/Michael story gets me too. It always makes me cry a little at the end. Why couldn't the third movie be as good as the 2nd and 1st?

Renee,
At least he's drinking fluids but he's afraid to eat now because food makes his stomach hurt. I usually run alongside a perfectly nice and normal guy but he was out with a cold this weekend. I hope he's there this coming Saturday for the 18 mile run. And the novel... I am trying to figure out how I can write 38,000 more words in the next 10 days or so. I think I can do it, but you're right, if not, the point is to keep going and keep developing something amazing regardless.

1969,
LOL! I was so out of it, tired from being up for hours rubbing his stomach that I didn't react to his, I'm gonna throw up," statement like I should have. I paid the price for sure! :)

David,
When Sollozzo ice-picks Brazi's hand into the bar top... yeah, I don't know if I'm ready to see that in HD. I think I'm almost sold on HD but I probably won't get one till the TV I have dies.

Nick
That guy was SO weird. It was mind-boggling. It felt like a comedy skit where no matter what anyone else says, the person can only reply, "sex". I've been joking about it since then but it was really offensive. I don't think he would've done it if I was a guy.

I definitely think there needs to be more regulation about where to build, but these Santa Ana winds blow in and it's like a flame thrower. The fire was jumping 8 lane freeways.

I hope my boy recovers soon too. It's very worrying. I'm going to take him back to the doctor tomorrow.
Liz Dwyer said…
Citizen,
It's true. The more he kept yapping, the more I kept thinking, "I'm totally gonna write about this dude!" Thanks for the well wishes. I just want him to be healthy again. He's breaking my heart with his crying.
Anonymous said…
I know you can't make your son feel well and it's frustrating and heartbreaking... But I also know you're making him feel better just by being there and being his mama and caring. (Not that you could ever imagine doing anything different.)
Shiona said…
Oh wow, what a weirdo for sure. I was constantly glued to the television on Saturday. So heartbreaking. So sorry about your son I hope he feels better soon. Glad you got to get out for a little bit anyway. I was just looking up those hepa facemasks online. If you decide to purchase those just make sure they say p95 or N95 or P100 or N100. Also don't get the ones with an exhalation valve. Those protect against particulates as small as .3 microns. They cost 7.75 each but are much better than what you see people wearing on TV and help you get a better seal around your nose and mouth...
Anonymous said…
Personally, I think that you're an awesome mother - the reasons are right here. Why? Because you care about being a mother. You're not too high on crack or unconcerned about your child - you care.

I am sorry this has been such a tough month. I'm exited to read your book! :)
Anonymous said…
Los Angelista,
I wasn't in LA last weekend; and I can prove it! So he wasn't me, honest!
LOL.
S(exua...)W(eir...)D(um...)
Liz Dwyer said…
Anonymous,
Thanks. He's all laid up next to me right now and he's actually sleeping so that's a good thing!

Shiona,
Thanks for the great info about the masks! All the bad air quality has been so hard for me because I'm such a walker/outdoor trekker My neighborhood wanderings have been severely curtailed. When I lived in China, everybody wore masks. Maybe we should do so regularly here in LA.

Claudia,
Claudia, thank you for saying that. It has been a REALLY tough month but so many good things have been happening too. I just have to keep writing. I'm excited about the book too!

Daniel,
Hahaha! Thanks for making me laugh! This guy was like 50-something and Persian so no, not you. I have no idea what you look like but I don't think that's you! Gosh, I even tried to ask him if he knew how to make tadig and he was all, "Because the tadig pot must simmer like an aroused woman." It was insane but very funny in retrospect! :)
Jameil said…
Liztastic, since I can't give you a literal hug, I will give you a virtual one. I hope you and T feel better very soon.
Liz Dwyer said…
Jameil,
Thank you for it! I think he's finally cured because he asked for chocolate yesterday. First time in two weeks. It has been a rough month though. I don't know what is up with it.
Jen said…
I sure hope your baby is all better by now. Obviously, I'm reading backwards and don't know when all this started.

I'm so sorry you had your fun evening snatched, too - we get too few of those as moms. You are NOT a bad mother for wanting a respite for yourself.

I hope the air is clearer now.

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