George Carlin once said “just before you get really sick, there’s that period when you just don’t feel right.” Well for me that period has been going on for more than two weeks. For me it always starts with a feeling that someone has put a blow torch to the back of my mouth. That’s when I start with the rationale…maybe it’s just allergies. Then suddenly this unwelcome little guest decides it’s time to take up residence in my sinuses. From there it’s just a quick trip to my bronchial tubes where the little villain will hang on like an obnoxious relative on holiday! Once there, my voice takes on a weird resonance and every time I cough everybody in the room winches. Then come the comments…”well you sound terrible.” My virus ridden body can barely thank them for the support. I went to see my doctor (who I refer to as the terminator) and she promptly prescribed the strongest anti biotic available. Then it’s a trip to the drug store where the final price tag (with insurance) nearly sent me into cardiac arrest! Then it’s home where I turn into the biggest baby imaginable. I mope around my apartment feeling sorry for myself and when I sick, I only want the soft, fluffy blankets around me. Yeah, I need a life! The good news is that my chest congestion is clearing up and I think I should be safe…at least until next spring. Then I’ll turn into a big baby all over again.