Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The Sick Card (Go Big or Go Home)


It’s finally happened.

I’ve fought off countless attempts to subdue me.

But mark this day, February 25, 2013, I, Marissa Kaye Watson became a shadow of my former self.

And by former self I mean who I was yesterday.

What what what!? You ask?

Sickness.

And in my life, I can’t just get sick on my own private time, no, it has to be semi public.
To give some background to this story—my lovely roommate A-dog gets sick an average of every 2 weeks; from the common cold to the flu, she’s had it all! However, I have managed to protect myself in a variety of ways.

The 819 must haves:
            -Kleenex
            -Hand sanitizer
            -Halls cough drops
            -Vitamins
            -Cold medication

Yet, my amazing immune system collapsed suddenly and wretchedly today. The morning started out beautifully, I was wearing boots, and a scarf (other clothes too) but that’s pretty classy I feel, not to mention the fact that it was a MONDAY. So, class number one goes well, taking notes, doing my thang. My first class is at 10, and then at 11 I have a break till noon, so that’s when I eat lunch. Usually I do some type of bible study, check my email, and eat, ya know typical college-y stuff.

I was excited because they had baked potato soup yesterday (the reason for my excitement is unknown, I have baked potato soup about twice a week, but it’s YUMMY) I’m not sure where things went so wrong…I ate and it was delicious, then I packed up and headed to Health Comm.

Now I feel this is where my stomach started to turn. All of yesterday’s class was spent reading birthing stories. WHAT. WHAT IS THAT. I don’t know, but I’m a little completely scarred for life. As I was reading these stories I began to feel a little queasy, I just figured it was the extremely graphic accounts of different births, but alas it appears I may have been wrong.

I have this issue with being stubborn, and in the most ridiculous ways. I’d skip class if I stubbed my toe—but if I’m actually feeling terrible NO I MUST PRESS ON. So I attended my next class, thinking ‘hey! It’s my last class, I’ll be fine!’ However, the longer I sat the worse I felt.
I was completely miserable.
And then that thing that happens happened. When all the blood drains from your head and your mouth goes supper dry and your stomach starts to rumble.

Yea. That happened. And with 15 minutes left of class I grabbed all my stuff scribbled on my class folder took notes, left early—SICK. And ran. This is always awkward—but it’s even more awkward when you’re literally sitting in the farthest chair from the door. But nonetheless, I made it out and well…I’ll leave that bit out.

The next hour or so was spent texting people that ‘I’m dying’ and calling my mother to ask for a diagnosis. (I’m big on pity parties when I feel under the weather).

And as I lay in my cozy little bed I was blessed to realize how I’ve been so blessed with the people in my life, mama Hitchcock texted her condolences and wished me well, G-swag brought me soup and stayed with me for most of the day—beating me miserably in chess, until I forced him to watch duck dynasty instead. And later that evening some lovely ladies came to look after me (even though I felt fine by then). But hey—when I play the sick card I play it big.  

Monday, February 18, 2013

Marissa, why are your eyes closed?


There are a few things I know to be true about myself.

For starters I was born to be a ginger—it’s a fact.
Second, in another life I’m convinced I was Xena, warrior princess of the Amazon.
And third, I have squinty eyes.

Now, my friends, I’ve always had these squinty eyes, it’s a Watson trait I’m pretty sure, my older brother Josh’s in-laws often say they know when he’s up to something, because he starts to smile with his eyes before his mouth. I’d say in my family Josh and I have the squintiest of the eyes. And you know what, It has been a trait I’ve always loved about myself—because it’s different! Sure it comes with some hassle, like school pictures—I always have to take them multiple times because it LOOKS like my eyes are closed (As an fyi, they’re OPEN).

In my 18 years of living I’ve had probably about 5 comments total about my eyes, generally it’s the ‘you look Asian when you smile’ comment, or ‘your squinty eyes are cute’ (Thank you Emily) but, since coming to college something new has arisen.

What’s that Marissa?

BULLYING. Yes, bullying mean bullies.
Sadly these bullies happen to be my close friends. The bullying comments I often receive are so mind-boggling clever it’s amazing no one thought of them before.

Two of my personal favorites:

“Marissa sees less of life.”

“Marissa why are your eyes closed?”

I can’t help it guys! I HAVE SQUINTY EYES. And I smile a lot! Maybe I DO see less of life, but ya know what? If the reason I ‘see less’ is because my eyes are squinted in a smile—I’m okay with that.

And I know this is a silly way of leading into this, but I just want anyone reading this to know, if there’s anything you don’t feel confident in, God made you just the way you are—and he delights in you, so find your delight in Him.

Peace my brethren.

p.s. I’m not offended in the least by those comments, if you have any more clever ones than these, I’d love to know. J

My biggest obstacle in life, overcoming the closed-eye look.