It happens at least once a year. I’m striving along with lots of work on my plate, a happy rhythm, a slight tendency to forget to sleep and eat, and WHAM! The common cold virus comes out of nowhere and wallops me upside the head with a force heretofore unexperienced by humankind. But instead a concussion, I end with a sore throat, blocked ears, and the most intense pressure somewhere around the inside of my forehead.In the past, I’ve battled colds head-on. With a sword in hand, I ran forward into it, charging toward my life-as-usual and refusing to accept my enemy as a valid presence. The cold, of course, won. It celebrated its success by lasting weeks — even months — on end. Time and time again I lamented my pain, blaming the cold for its fury. It usually takes several months before I realize this is my body’s way of saying, “Slow down. You do too much, girl. Give it a break.” But by then I’m too battle-wounded to stand. It happened today. I immediately paged my secretary in a hazy stupor and mumbled, “Cancel my next week of appointments, Janet. I have a date with Nyquil.” I lie, of course. Today, I prefer the guerilla warfare of holistic remedies to being taken prisoner by Nyquil… and also, well, Janet quit last week. She left me for a creative professional who remembers the importance of eating and sleeping. Can you believe that?I did cancel my appointments for the next day, but only to spend that time relaxing, undrugged by Western pharmaceuticals. I took echinacea and vitamin C for my immune system, as well as a Chinese herbal remedy for luck. I’ve had about 15 cups of tea today, mostly with honey and lemon. I relaxed, set my work aside, and curled up on the couch with a good movie. I must emphasize the significance of this move. I never drop my responsibilities at the first sign of a cold. Let’s consider this a test. I’ll be back with the results. If I’m missing for a few days, check my bed.* If this entry was a little incoherent or rambly (new word), I blame it on the hazy pressure writhing beneath my forehead. It wasn’t me.
On dealing with colds…*
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September 21st, 2005 at 4:51 pm
HI Sarah! I didn’t know you speak Chinese. That’s neat. I speak it too and my boy-friend was learning for a while. Anyways, nice site.
September 22nd, 2005 at 10:09 pm
Hey Rachel Su Su,
I’ve been studying Chinese for awhile now, although I’m still at the early intermediate levels. It’s exciting, but hard. I love the tones and characters. Memorizing is tough.
Did you learn Chinese in Burma or study it in the US?
September 27th, 2005 at 5:21 pm
I learned Chinese in Singapore where I grew up. It is a very hard language to learn, already was when I was young and my brain was still growing, so I imagine it must be harder for adult learners. What got you into Chinese?
September 29th, 2005 at 12:05 pm
Yes, I imagine it’s much easier to learn as a kid. I studied it very lightly in fourth grade from a neighbor, and a college class rekindled my interest. Practically speaking, it will be a very useful language in business in the coming years.
If only I could learn those darned characters…
我必须多学习。