This morning’s effort to run was brutal, given all the chest congestion that had settled overnight. I’ve been on Alka-Seltzer cold medicine since yesterday’s shortened route following a sleepless night. I barely got in 5,000 steps for the day since most of it was spent on the couch underneath the warmth of my Cubs blanket, binge watching Narcos Mexico. At least, I did the full 3.1 miles today, although at a much slower pace and interrupted by a couple of coughing fits. I hope to stay on my feet most of the day and not have to cancel any appointments. All in all, I’m feeling better but nowhere near 100%. In fact, I’m struggling with what to even write about. 

I’m certainly not looking forward to visiting the Portland Social Security offices, but it should expedite the delivery of my Medicare Part B application. I’m worried about long lines and hours of waiting just to turn in a form that they should have received in the mail already. To add to the hassle, I also have to stop by my wife’s former employer for a signature. I’ll drive my car for the first time in a week and try to enjoy the rare blue skies and sunshine. I’d rather be going to a “Leadership Meeting” that used to be a Friday noon tradition. I had to skip a rare Thursday get-together because of this crippling cold. 

I’m getting reports from friends who are attending the first games of Spring Training in Florida and Arizona. I’ll be in Scottsdale myself in a couple of weeks to watch the White Sox and Cubs. It signals the end of winter, with warmer temperatures soon on the way. I’ve had it with foul weather, coughs, and colds. In the meantime, I only have my security “Blankie” to keep me warm and safe.

I was concerned on the drive into town, especially when I saw the “Congestion Ahead” signs.  I already had head and chest congestion as a result of the cold. The last thing I needed was more congestion! When I finally arrived at the Social Security offices, the screening procedures were worse than at the airport. I even had to take off my watch in addition to my belt. The clerks were all hidden behind security glass with a pass-through window. I had to question the necessity for all this precaution as I waited for my number to be called. There were different categories of numbers issued, depending on your reason to be there. Like the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, it seemed to move very inefficiently, and I was angry to even be there, considering they had misplaced my paperwork. For awhile, I wondered if the “R” category of numbers was the best choice? I was also worried about getting a parking ticket since it was taking so long. Finally, I was summoned to a window and surprised to find out that they could process it right there. I should have gone there in the first place rather than trusting the U.S.Mail to get my package to the right place. He entered me directly into the system and provided me with a Medicare Part B processing number to submit to a supplemental insurer. 

In the next 10 days, I should be good to go, so it wasn’t nearly the hassle or congestion that I anticipated. It was just like me to expect the worst and get all stressed out for nothing. I was actually back home within an hour-and-a-half, including a drive-thru stop at McDonald’s for a Diet Coke reward. However, the entire ordeal did take a lot out of me, so I’m glad to be back home writing again. Also, this nagging cough and the violent sneezes are exhausting. I obviously still don’t feel well and the Cubs blanket on the couch is once again calling me. “I Want My Blankie!”