Day…what is this?…nine?….Nine – sounds about right.

I managed to get into the flight doc yesterday where he promptly prescribed me Imitrex for migraines.

Side Note: Who the hell came up with the packaging for that stuff? Did they not realize that migraine sufferers on the brink of homicidal rampages would be frustratingly trying to open it in a desperate attempt to find the sweet relief of a life without pain? Really?…a double paper-punch seal just to get to the freakin’ foil seal?

That’s the good news.

The bad news is that it’s not really working – it’s managed to make a dent after 36 hours…but the non-stop barking of the neighbor’s dogs has cranked everything right back up.

They’re going on hour 3 tonight – and that’s not an exaggeration.

But here’ what I know about being sick in Korea….and some advice for any other wives living off-post.

1. When you call the CARE line & ask to be seen, expect to be given an appointment that requires you to show-up in 20 minutes or less.
2. Nevermind the fact that you live off post, your husband has the car & is already at work – take it. It’s the only appointment they can get you for the rest of the week.
3. Then immediately call your husband while you scrounge for clean clothes to throw on.
4. When he’s not able to answer at that exact moment, check to see if you have any American cash on hand.
5. If you do, call the on-post taxi service to come get you – you’ll get there in time.
6. If, like me, you do not have any cash on hand, call your husband another 2 – 3 times & repeat ‘please pick-up, please pick-up’ after every ring.
7. When he’s still not able to answer, suck it up & put on your walking shoes.
8. Don’t forget to bundle up because it’s cold & rainy outside.
9. GET MOVING! It’s a long walk just to get to the walk-in gate….and getting back to the TMC is another trek entirely.
10. Breathe a deep sigh when your husband calls back, fussing at you for walking to get to your appointment & promises to race from the air field to come get you.
11. Make sure to keep an eye out for him & wave him down otherwise he’ll speed right past you.

But should your husband not get the call at all or be able to call you back, if you can make it to the walk-in gate there’s an ATM right across the street. Make one last mad dash for the taxi stand back on the other side & you should be good.

Don’t try to rely on the on-post shuttle buses. It can be 20 minutes before another one comes around & it may be heading in the opposite direction of where you need to go.