I just learned a new word: fantastico. According to The Free Dictionary, it means a very bizarre person. Merriam-Webster has it as an ridiculously fantastic individual. But “fantastic” isn’t very wonderful in all the definitions of it.
In any other company, I suppose I would have come across as a bit of a fantastico (Free Dictionary definition) last weekend. Since I was in the company of authors, I was likely just looked upon as introverted. I barely talked to anyone because I was so damned sick. I went out of my way, in fact, to keep out of everyone’s way so I didn’t infect them. I still made it to almost all 12 of the lectures and masterclasses, though. Some I was nodding off during, mostly because I wasn’t sleeping at night for the coughing.
So I have a few regrets, none of which I had any control over. But I still feel bad.
I regret not being able to enjoy myself fully.
I regret not being able to mingle and make friends.
I regret not writing and/or editing more: I was in the ABSOLUTELY perfect location for the book I’m working on, but I couldn’t take advantage of it.
And I regret not participating in SoCS last week. I had the perfect response, because man, could I have used an appointment with an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist). 😛 Saturday night I missed one of the events I had a ticket for: I coughed so much, I made my throat bleed.
I’m still not over it. It’s a nasty one. With really bad timing.
I did get a few pictures, though.
It’s funny. This is the second time I’ve had a reservation at this particular hotel. The first time, in 2016 I think, I got sick before I got there and had to cancel. Maybe the hotel is just unlucky for me.

SoCS badge by Pamela, at https://achronicalofhope.com/
This post is brought to you by Stream of Consciousness Saturday. Click the following link to find all the other posts in the comments, and join in! It’s fun! https://lindaghill.com/2019/10/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-5-19/
October 7, 2019 at 3:41 pm
I’m sorry to hear that you were sick. God job making the best of it.
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October 8, 2019 at 10:31 am
Thanks, Dan. 🙂
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October 6, 2019 at 10:03 pm
so sorry you got so sick linda and couldn’t really enjoy it! I hope your starting to feel better now! Xoxo
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October 7, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Thanks, Carol Anne. I seem to be on the mend, slowly. 🙂
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October 6, 2019 at 4:10 pm
Maybe the third time will be the charm? Hope to see you there in 2020!
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October 7, 2019 at 12:03 pm
I hope so too! 🙂 Thanks, Carol! It was lovely meeting you.
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October 6, 2019 at 11:17 am
The word fantastic sounds Spanish to me.
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October 7, 2019 at 12:03 pm
“Fantastico” is Italian, apparently.
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October 6, 2019 at 9:21 am
Sorry to hear. Being sick is bad enough but somehow being sick in any other place than home is worse. I hope you’re feeling better now.
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October 7, 2019 at 12:04 pm
The bright side was that I didn’t have to worry about getting the kids sick … 😛 Thanks, Jill. I am.
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October 6, 2019 at 7:39 am
What a gorgeous place! (Not the hotel. Bad hotel! No biscuit!) But the water, the stone, the brick, the ironwork, the plants…. I’m so sorry you got sick and couldn’t enjoy the time fully. HUGS
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October 7, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Thanks, Marian. 🙂 It’s a beautiful old city.
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October 6, 2019 at 7:19 am
So sorry you were so unwell, fate often plays nasty tricks like that. I do hope you will be feeling a lot better soon! Lovely photos though 💜💜
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October 7, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Thank you, Willow. 🙂 I am a bit better now.
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October 7, 2019 at 12:14 pm
I am glad to hear that 💜
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October 6, 2019 at 3:43 am
I am so sorry you were so sick, Linda. So horrible for you.
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October 7, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Thanks, Robbie. 🙂
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October 6, 2019 at 3:19 am
So sorry you were and are sick. That is no fun, especially when you have seminars to attend. Feel better!
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October 7, 2019 at 12:07 pm
Thank you, Maggie. 🙂 I’m getting there.
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October 6, 2019 at 3:06 am
Glad you got the pics, Linda! Feel better soon xx
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October 7, 2019 at 12:07 pm
Thanks, Ritu. 🙂
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October 6, 2019 at 2:17 am
love the pictures.
And hope you feel better soon.
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October 7, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Thanks, Tanya. 🙂
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October 7, 2019 at 12:27 pm
My pleasure
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October 6, 2019 at 2:13 am
Hope you feel better soon. Think of things you got done, not those which you weren’t able to do.
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October 6, 2019 at 2:18 am
I love that advice.
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October 6, 2019 at 2:19 am
👍
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October 7, 2019 at 12:09 pm
But it’s so hard not to be frustrated with not getting all I had planned accomplished! 😛 Excellent advice, though. I’m trying. ❤
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October 7, 2019 at 12:20 pm
I know if you’re a bit OCD like me, I can understand your frustration. But I have schooled my self to be lenient towards myself! If I am getting my meaning across.
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October 7, 2019 at 1:41 pm
You are. 🙂 Thanks, Sadje.
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October 7, 2019 at 1:44 pm
👍😉
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October 6, 2019 at 1:58 am
That’s sad, feel better soon
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October 7, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Thank you, my dear. 🙂
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October 6, 2019 at 12:40 am
get well soon Linda and Fantasticos of the world unite! xo 🙂
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October 6, 2019 at 12:45 am
Haha! Indeed! Thank you. 🙂
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