Multi-packs of Jello

After accusing someone rather angrily of having a "bullshit argument," I decided to stop taking telephone calls for the day. An unfed Katie brain is an unhappy Katie brain, apparently. Pouting - arms crossed and everything! - I fell into a restless nap.

Upon awakening, I lamented the fact that when I'm supine and comfortable, I'm starving. The commercials of food are so intensely appealing that I'm beginning to lean longingly toward the television when they appear. But, motivated as I am for nourishment, I come downstairs in search of snacks and inevitably grow sick on the short trip. Disappointed, I reach for a cracker and nibble sadly.

"What can I bring you?" Sibling asked. She was the third call of the day and I repeated my answer that I was fine - there was nothing I needed. "I'm coming over and bringing you stuff," she said calmly. "Please decide what you'd like to have."

"Jello, please," I requested, growing a bit weepy at her insistent kindness. "The little individual servings - any flavor."

I told her I had soda and she said she'd get me juice instead. I mentioned I had crackers and heard her scribble a note to get me more.

"Hi," she said when she stopped by. "I brought things you could eat without getting up. Bananas. Little bottles of juice. More crackers - these are the buttery kind. I'll put them upstairs."

"I can take them," I called weakly, scooping up my Jello eagerly and placing the cartons in the refrigerator after removing one. Wincing when I recalled the linens were dirty and rumpled, there were towels that may have vomit on them tossed in corners and I'd been piling pajamas up as I continued to take showers.

Unfazed, she nodded with satisfaction when seeing me hold my tiny plastic container of red Jello. "Rest," she ordered, gave me a sympathetic smile when I nodded obediently and left me with my treat.

I feel a little crampy after eating it. I'm planning to do little but sleep this weekend - no waking up to take calls. No guilt-induced trudges to write presentations and respond to urgent email. I shall focus all my energies on nibbling crackers, drinking juice and spooning up Jello. And feeling rather blessed that I manage to find myself in the company of extraordinary women wherever I'm living at the time.