In Jeopardy

“I’ll take Bellyache’n for $200, Alex.”

Chrissy, the answer is: Bubbles, cramps, a bad feeling in the pit, bitters and soda, and peppermint tea.

“What are…things that can be found in my stomach?”

Correct! You won the Daily (Dilemma) Double!

I have been nauseous and sick to my stomach for most of the day today. I even took a three hour nap, but it didn’t help to soothe the nausea. I’m not sure if I’m coming down with a stomach bug, or if stress and worry are simply getting the best of me. Either way, this dilemma can’t be solved as easily as a game show question in a creatively crafted category. On television, there is only one concrete answer. My tummy woes, I’m very sure of it, are much more complicated.

I’m sitting at St. Mark’s Café on 17th, trying to finish some work that I’ve inevitably been putting off. I’m double- fisting an iced peppermint tea and tall glass of bitters and soda (kindly provided by the accommodating barista) to help me calm the storm. My work? I postponed it a tad bit longer in order to write this post. I see it as a double-dose of effort to soothe the sourness.

Even if the bitters do work tonight, and the tea helps distinguish the bubbling ache, I will still be stuck with the following debilitating dilemma to sort through and deal with:

How long can I continue to be a successful contestant, if I can’t complete the category and move on to the next round?

Will I be left with any winnings to wager for final jeopardy? I’m tempted to travel back in time to the set of Double Dare to see how it all plays out.

My mind, as you’ll find, has had a chance to unwind.
My stomach though, remains tied in knots.
My future, I’m afraid, is in jeopardy.
My potential and passion, however, are not.

-DTL