I swear, I'm going to become a hermit!

[Blue in a Red State]

I almost never go to movies, let alone flicks attractive to those young enough to be termed snot-miners, but I just had to see a morning showing of "The Polar Express" in IMAX last week, now didn't I? Of course, I now have a miserable cold. Something I haven't had for years. Pass me a virtual tissue. :-(

[KT2000]

1. Virtual tissue on the way

Yeah - stay away from kids this time of year
I guess the good part is that it should be gone by Christmas

[Blue in a Red State]

7. 'ank 'ou!

[bloodyjack]

2. I'm already a hermit, I just need to get the hell out of this town

I've got some old family property with my name on it where I will break horses for a living 4EVR

[NV Whino]

3. I tried to become a hermit once, but

There was too much red tape involved.

[Gothic Sponge]

4. I'm a bit of a recluse

:hi:

[chookie]

5. Can I come with you?

I am very sorry you caught a cold at the movies. Colds are quite a misery.

I have a virtual business in my home, and simply don't get the exposure that many others do and I think my current circumstance limits my exposure to germs, unlike many other professions.

I hear a lot of stories from friends of mine who are parents, and especially those who are teachers of elementary school kids -- you call them "snot noses"; I call them "germ vectors" -- between being chronically exhausted, they get germ exposure second only to hospitals, I would think. Poor creatures are always run down and catching cold.

Although I am not in the Howard Hughes category yet, I do try to be conscientious about washing my hands after going out into public, and I think it helps some. In the winter, I am also strong believer in the prophylactic properties of occasional whiskey -- after having survived living in Ireland, bronchitis capital of the world, despite a chronic lung condition, I know its value.

But I am especially concerned about exposure this year, because I am caregiver to my elderly Dad and mentally disabled brother who has severe asthma as well -- neither of which were able to get flu shots this year, so this year I am actually worried sick, not just conscientious....I really don't feel safe taking any "risks" -- a simple cold brought into the house could have awful consequences, which makes me very sad.

Don't know if you like to drink, but a traditional Irish remedy (as well as "vaccination") against cold -- pour hot water into a shot of Irish whiskey. Add a bit of sugar, 3 whole cloves, and a slice of lemon. Very comforting "toddy" in the winter cold season.

What's that -- a kitty avatar? So you have a nice kitty who can help nurse you? I also know well the value of a therapeutic "hot cat compress" to the affected areas. Cats seem to enjoy human illness -- the fevers are nice to cuddle against for them, plus they like all the quality nap time with their beloved human companion. Unbeatable companions for viral downtime!

Oddly enough, when I get bad colds, I crave volcanically hot Indian and Thai soups. Those fresh peppers and capsicum take on those nasty snotty bugs and kick their butts out of my body.

I hope you rest well tonight, my dear, and get through this nasty cold quickly. Wishing you all the very best of health and happiness.

[Blue in a Red State]

9. Thanks, chookie

You got that right about hospitals. I almost died in the hospital 4 years ago due to some "bug" they couldn't readily identify that I contracted after a simple surgery. And I was just 40 years old and quite healthy. BTW, I calls the chitlins "germ vectors" as well, but I never know if someone will take offense...

Kitties and hot drinks suit me just fine. Cheers!

[IHeart1993]

6. Me too.

The past few years haven't been that great for me emotionally, and I've become a recluse. I'm hoping once I find a job I'll be more social.

[chookie]

8. I wish you the best

It's been "keeping one step ahead of the Joad Family" for a lot of people.

It's tough. It can take an emotional toll. But feeling lousy in lousy times, and feeling discouraged in bizarre times -- my friend, take some comfort in the fact that you are at least experiencing a normal human response to the crazy times we live in. You feel bad because, well, things are bad.

Pardon my intrusive question, but do you think you might be experiencing a (very normal) situational episode of depression?

Believe me, my dear, I'd be far more concerned about you if you had found some lobotomizing pablum to find a way to think things were okee dokee.

And know you always have lots of friends of DU. We'll see this through, my friend.

My very best wishes to you. :hug:

[Kire]

10. holy cow, I've been sick for a week, and I just realized it started when I

went to see SpongeBob Squarepants in the theater.

Parents: How do you do it?