think Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is the most underrated drug of all time. It makes my days of being ill with a cold almost pleasurable. Seriously, this stuff makes the symptoms go away while creating a euphoric feeling.

I remember in my younger, less responsible, stupidity induced party days, I used to take ephedrine all the time as a party drug. Really, it’s just a stronger version of Sudafed, and was commonly referred to by it’s herbal name “Ma Huang”. It was used mostly to reduce nasal congestion (like Sudafed), but was also used in weight loss pills and as a stimulant. It was nicknamed “herbal extacy” because of the similar sensations it would create. Unfortunately, the stuff has the ability to kill you and is generally illegal almost everywhere now (It wasn’t at the time I took it). I even knew the dangers of ephedrine when I took it, but I enjoyed the buzz so much that I didn’t really seem to care.

It amazes me sometimes how much I have changed since those days, to the point that I’m ashamed to admit those days even existed. Fortunately, I came through healthy and not dead. I have become a responsible adult since then. Or at least I like to think so.

So, here I sit with a Sudafed high, watching the morning news and feeling a bit of cabin fever creeping in. I haven’t left the house since Monday and I’m still debating if I’m enjoying that fact or not. I was supposed to be getting so much done this week, but it just isn’t happening. Tuesday I recorded my podcast and then yesterday I just sat around being unexpectedly sick. Perhaps, if I’m feeling better tonight, I will wonder over and get a slurpee from the gas station. It will help my throat.

I still have a lot of studying to do for my next clinical. I have videos to watch, policy and procedure manuals to pour over, and text books to memorize. That will be next weeks diversion I suppose. I can’t wait until June when I start my first nursing job! To finally get paid for what is basically a glorified clinical experience will be incredibly satisfying. And the experience will be priceless.

Ok, it’s time to make some tea (I’ve already had coffee) and perhaps watch a movie. Yesterday I watched “Kinsey,” which I thought was brilliant! I need to find something equally brilliant for today.