It’s now day six since the crud first inhabited my body, attacking it with constant hacking fits. It’s the longest sickness I’ve endured in at least the last 20 years, but I should now be on the road to recovery. Running has been my biggest challenge every day since most of my time has been spent on the couch. I’ve cut back on medication and now actually have some brief periods of motivation. Tonight, we will go to a wine tasting with friends, ending a full week of reclusiveness. We might even go to a movie this afternoon?

Today is a working Monday for most of you, but just another day for me. Traffic was heavier this morning, so I could tell that the weekend was over. The only highlight of this “lost” week was two consecutive I.U. basketball victories to put them back in the hunt for an NCAA Tournament bid. I may even gather some friends for a Buffalo Wild Wings “Leadership Meeting” to watch them face Purdue later this week. Is it really possible to lose seven straight games to our in-state rival? The cold beer will help with any potential frustration, since this feels like an absolute must-win situation for either team to salvage any satisfaction out of an up-and-down season.

Another blue sky day, unusual for this time of year in Portland, should make for a pleasant walk to the theater. After this week, rain and the chance for more crud is once again in the forecast. Getting to the sunshine of Phoenix and Tucson cannot come too soon. I’m more than tired of the hacking, sneezing, and sniffling that has gone on in our house this past week or so. I need to dry out my lungs and feel like living again. The violent hack attacks must finally come to a peaceful end. Please pass the Kleenex.