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Changing Hawaii
TODAY'S column space was supposed to have been devoted to Valentine's Day -- that strictly commercial, very expensive, red- and pink-hued, chocolate-flavored holiday that makes florists and candy-makers rich, men stress out and women heady with anticipation. Getting sick over
holiday of romanceHow can you ignore Feb. 14? For weeks now, stores have geared their displays to exploit this 24-hour period of celebration and merchandising madness.
Prove your love! Buy this, buy that! Show how much you care by opening your wallet!
At least buy a Hallmark, for goodness sake.
Even I began to get caught up in all the hype, until something happened on Friday that reshifted my priorities.
This "something" wasn't unique. Heck, you or your loved ones have probably had the very same experience in the past few months.
It starts with the irritating scratchy throat. Then the recurring cough that won't quit.
You start to feel punk, getting intermittent chills and the cold sweats. The next day, the fever soars and the voice starts to go. Women begin sounding like men.
The body feels like you've either been 1) partying for days or 2) been a survivor in a train wreck.
And all the while, you silently thank Longs Drugs for putting Kleenex on sale the previous week.
Yes, it's true. Despite getting that highly touted flu shot last fall, I've finally succumbed to the dreaded infliction that has felled many a hearty kane, wahine and keiki in Hawaii.
Drats. I had avoided it for so long, I was getting almost smug about it.
Even as I heard the chorus of irritating hacking throughout the newsroom, I stayed snugly ensconced in my little office cubicle, uncontaminated by their germs. Or so I thought.
I had played it so safe -- scrubbing my hands with antiseptic soap and opening doors with paper towels.
Even wearing disposable face masks while visiting a sick relative in the hospital.
By golly, I was going to do it. I wasn't going to get the flu like everybody else.
I am strong. I am invincible. I am...sick.
DON'T bother calling me at the office today because I'll be home, waiting for the wonder flu pill to kick in, trying to sleep between the coughing spells, and spending Valentine's Day with someone I should be nicer to the whole year through. Myself.
It's a revolutionary concept, really, although it shouldn't be. Instead of devoting all this time, money and energy on others today -- or on any day -- we mustn't forget to fete ourselves once in a while.
Think about it. We have special days for parents, grandparents, boys, girls, bosses, secretaries, dead presidents and almost everybody else, but no designated holiday to honor the most important person in our life.
Our boyfriends and girlfriends may become other people's boyfriends and girlfriends. Marriages can end in divorce. Our loved ones sadly go to heaven. But you're always with you, no matter what.
Be nice to yourself.
Diane Yukihiro Chang's column runs Monday and Friday.
She can be reached by phone at 525-8607, via e-mail at
dchang@starbulletin.com, or by fax at 523-7863.