You know that little cough I didn’t complain about yesterday? It turned into a big deal overnight. Every twenty minutes, just as I was falling asleep, I’d get wracked by a coughing spell and then I’d have to try to wind down again. It’s a miserable way to spend eight hours, but by early morning I had found a position that aggravated the cough a little less. Unfortunately, it was face down into the pillow, and I couldn’t breathe when I did it.

I was hoping to feel better today, but mostly I just didn’t. Mostly I felt lousy. I choose to call it a cold, for a couple of reasons. First, so I don’t have to call the doctor, because there’s nothing the doctor can do for a cold. And second, I think it’s prudent to be extra cautious about being around babies. If I have a cold, even if it’s not a real one, I won’t be tempted to expose anyone to possible nasty germs. Because I’d feel awful if anyone else felt as awful as I feel because of something I did.

The only time I didn’t cough was while I was eating chicken noodle soup tonight. Sadly, it was the worst chicken noodle soup I’ve ever had, but the therapeutic effects still worked despite the rancid taste. I had to check the label, and sure enough, it was something called “Healthy Request.” I don’t know if it made me any healthier, but I’d like to request a little flavor.

I’ve been sucking on Ricola drops for two days, so I have to get to the pharmacy tomorrow (or at least the grocery store; there’s nothing on my side of the freeway, so I’ll have to drive in my weakened condition). I’m going to pick up one of every cold medicine they have, and then take them all at once. Anything to avoid the doctor.