strep

um..
so i have strep.

"penicillin is your friend," said my young, blonde, lincoln park doctor. really? is it though? did penicillin bring me a present on my birthday? i'll take it because i know it works, because i know it's sort of a big deal. but i'm not sure that i'll start calling him (her?) my friend.

and three days out of work doesn't feel good. i imagine my kindergarteners walking (running) into the music room to a stranger. they worry when i'm out. i missed a day once earlier this year and they spotted me in the hall the next day while they were filing out of art class and they said the funniest things. "i missed you so much!" said diego with a big hug around my knees. the "so much" part really put it over the edge. "i missed you too, diego!" i said. "ms. levine, you look beautiful today!" said one girl. "thank you!" i said, and when the others caught onto my enthusiastic response they followed suit. "ms. levine, you look beautiful today!" said mario. "ms. levine, you look beautiful today" said vanessa. "ms. levine, you look beautiful today!" said grecia. i said thank you to every one of them as if i'd heard it for the first time. they especially love when i wear dresses.

i saw saman from pars cove on my way back from the doctor today. he had just gotten a haircut. he told me michael and katie are engaged. i don't think there's any way for me to put into words how strange that is. saman called me a stranger for not visiting more often. i will. soon.

anyway, my buddy penicillin is calling. and so are my pillow and blanket.