A Pessimist: Cheesy Pizza, Cheesy Post

It's easy to be negative when you feel physically rubbish. Unfortunately yetserday morning I woke up feeling worse for wear. If you’re a dedicated reader of this blog, or know me in person, you may immediately suspect that the illness was self-inflicted. Well, not this time. No, this time I was genuinely ill, though the symptoms were similar to a hangover. My throat and my head hurt, my voice was coarse, my body ached and I felt generally very weak.

Now, I like to think that under normal circumstances I’m a bit of a trooper, but yesterday, I seriously could not face going in to my 9-5 practical Broadcast Newsday. I felt my body would collapse under the weight of a camera and tri-pod and my brain was in no mood for story collecting.
Although she had nothing to do with my decision not to go in, Dolly Parton doesn't exactly do much to promote enthusiasm for the 9-5!

Before you start accusing me of being a bit of a ‘wet lettuce’ please note that I had perfect attendance throughout Primary school, exceptional attendance throughout secondary school (and have a certificate somewhere to prove it!) I’ve never once called in sick to my part time job, (and you should know I put in rather a lot of hours) and it is very VERY rare that I miss a lecture.

I notified my tutor and Newsday editors that I wouldn’t be in, and began my day of feeling sorry for myself- wondering all the time what could be kicking off in the newsroom.  

My housemate Nelly interrupted my misery when she came into my room and announced she was taking me for Subway. Whilst I claimed I was too ill to leave the house and getting dressed seemed like rather a lot of effort for not much reward- she was insistent I join her for a sandwich. Too ill to put up much of a fight I pulled on some joggers and a hoody and moped out to her car.

Granted, the sandwich probably did me good as by mid afternoon I started to perk up. This is where I ditched the negativity and started to feel good about life. (I know this isn’t really in keeping with my challenge but it’s hard to be pessimistic when your life is on the up!)

Now, pay close attention, as these are the events which triggered an epiphany.

A couple of my course friends came knocking on my door. Apparently they had missed me throughout the day and wanted to check I was doing ok. Bless them. They kept me entertained with talesof the day, it really is a giggle a minute with them, and I was so glad they called in.

An hour later I was invited to go round to another friend’s for dinner, but given I had already had Subway, I declined. She persuaded me to go round anyway though, for the sake of social interaction. I’m glad she did, because again, I realised just how funny my friends are.

Having watched them eat I was feeling rather peckish myself. By this stage in the day I was feeling well enough for ice cream, and, conscience of the fact I hadn’t done ANYTHING all day, I persuaded the gang to take an evening stroll round the park whilst we enjoyed our edible treats.

Whilst we walked we had the type of conversation that is the norm between really good friends. Old tales, and current antics, complete with witty banter throughout, really made for a pleasant evening.

I had scheduled a phone call with an old friend of mine from home. So, bang on 9.30pm, we began a much needed catch up. Once again, it made me appreciate the very special people I have in my life, who always raise a smile. Rachael Walker, if you’re reading this, you’re not in my life enough!!

Me and Rach: Four years on, we're still the best of friends!

Later that evening, Nelly, who was ‘studying’ in the library posted on my Facebook wall that her tummy was talking to her. Having eaten at the same time, she figured I may be hungry too. She was right. Now, you regular readers will remember from previous posts that I can NOT resist Dominoes Pizza. Given it was ‘Two for Tuesday’ (Buy one, get one Free pizza) we decided to put an order in, at 11:25pm! Nelly, aware of how much work she still had to do was reluctant to leave the library so, like the good friend (and bad student) I am, I suggested we eat there! The library security guard looked less than impressed when the Dominoes man appeared at the entrance with two 14 inch pizzas- but I dishonestly assured him we’d eat them in the designated ‘canteen’ area.

Sitting amongst the books with Nelly, and her study buddy Emma, eating forbidden pizza and having a laugh over the lack of work they had got done, was the day’s final instalment of terrific company.

As I drifted off to sleep, I thought about everyone I had spent some time with/talked to throughout the day, and remembered how much each of them had me smile. I’m so lucky to have friends like them, and this realisation/reminder left me feeling only positive thoughts.

Sorry negativity, although you looked like you may rule the day, my amazing friends ensured it wasn’t to be!