One weak week

That's how long it's been since my last post. I apologize for not checking in before now, and I appreciate your good wishes and kind inquiries about my health. I've tried to keep up with reading my favorite blogs but haven't been energetic or clear-headed enough to leave coherent comments.

I don't know whether this is a cold or the flu. Three people at work now have the exact same symptoms, which would make me think this is flu, except that one of the symptoms is lower-than-normal temperature. I would have thought the flu would include a fever. Whatever it is, we've all felt well enough to go to work this week -- but just barely.

It's the sleep deprivation that's the killer. The cough that subsides substantially during daylight hours returns at bedtime and jackhammers my chest and head until well past bedtime. Then, when the cough finally subsides, the more subtle respiratory noises take over. With every exhaled breath, a little tea-kettle whistles to get my attention. When I can't stand the whistles anymore, I roll over on my other side, and the noise changes: now I'm exhaling the snap-crackle-pop sound of Rice Krispies. There is no peace.

For the most part, my week has consisted of going to work, then coming home and going to bed early, with very little in between. Fortunately, I slept well last night. If I can make it two nights in a row, then maybe I'll feel like tackling some items on my "things I've neglected" list. It's a long list, but blogging is near the top of it.

Thanks again for your concern.