Tremors

One of the effects I experienced with West Nile is that I totally lost my cool when it came to driving in inclement weather. As I live in Utah, where the weather changes on a dime, being unnerved by Mother Nature's tempestuous displays of power is debilitating.

I first made this discovery back in October, while I was still in the attractive throes of the illness. Going stir-crazy from being in the house too long, I had decided to invite my mother for a ride up the mountains. The drive up was relaxing and rejuvenating. I almost felt like a human being again.

The ride down, however, was an altogether different scene entirely. The weather changed while we were driving around the upper-class neighborhood of Promontory Point, jaws agape and gasping in wonder at the multi-million dollar mansions owned by celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone and the Hiltons. Everything was super until I hit the freeway to head out of Parley's Canyon. This canyon, even in good weather, is a tad terrifying and requires the utmost concentration as vehicles racing above the set speed limit of 65mph weave in and out of the lanes.

This day it was raining. I had no idea that I was going to freak out. Why would I? I had driven this road more times than I can remember and had never freaked out, even in the worst conditions. However, as soon as I got up to the required speed limit and then the clouds opened and the downpour began, I knew I was done for.

I started breathing shallowly, unable to get my lungs full as the panic set in. My hands clutched the steering wheel in a death grip, as if grasping it tightly was going to keep us on the road. I began to sweat from every pore. My heart was racing. My eyes bugged out of my head. Although I have never had one, I was able to recognize that I was in the middle of a full-on panic attack.

"Ummmm..." I said breathily, aware that my mother had been staring at me the whole time, watching my meltdown. "Ummmmmm.... yeah...... I am completely freaked out!"

I am happy to report that we made it down the mountain in one piece, although it was the longest drive of my life.

Now, it's winter here. It is snowing. There is about nine inches of snow outside right now and I have to drive across town to a family Christmas party. There have been a couple other snow storms this season, but I have been blessed to only be out in the beginning of the flurries. Today I will be in the thick of it.

I can already feel the tremors beginning...