Exterminating Bugs

by Heather Horrocks

What is it about the change in the weather that drives the bugs inside?

The common cold bugs, I mean. Inside our bodies. Inside mine, at least. This week. Sniffle, sniffle. Blow. Sniffle, sniffle. Blow. Ad nauseam. Plus I’ve got a really sore nose now.

Can those scientists really not come up for a cure for the common cold? I mean, really. They can put a man on the moon, yada, yada, but we have to sniffle for days here on earth.

Okay, I’ll quit complaining. (Ha! Did you believe that?) I know it’s not a horrible thing like those that can happen suddenly – no deaths in the family, or accidents, or diseases. And I know other people are dealing with those big, horrible things (and I’m praying for you, if I know about it).

I do identify with those of you who have lost a loved one. I lost my father two years ago and my mother-in-law (second mother) last August, and I still have a very hard time attending funerals. But the sniffle, sniffle seems to muffle all that stuff, and my world has narrowed down to just me and my tissues. Sad, isn't it? What's the phrase from Miss Congeniality? 'Both pathetic and grotesque.' Yup, that probably describes it. Me, with my irritating sniffle. Sniffle. Excuse me, I have to go grab a tissue.

Okay, I’m back. I wonder just how many varieties of cold bugs there are. And would they survive a nuclear blast like the cockroaches? And then will the cockroaches catch colds?

Speaking of cockroaches (hey, my head is all fuzzy and tangents are all I can manage this week), we lived in South America, where they are huge and gross. I’m glad I don’t have them here in the Western United States.

Where will my mind wander next? It’s like a great adventure. My mind has caught the Common Cold Express. Off we go!

Because this is just a weird day, and because I absolutely love movies (I even owned a video store for five years), I’m going to list a few of my favorite movies (feel free to join in on your next blog : ) ... Star Wars (the original, not the dreadful Episode I), Steel Magnolias (‘Hit this!’), National Treasure, Groundhog Day, Three Men and a Little Lady, Undercover Blues, Miss Congeniality, and my new favorite, Enchanted.

Now I think I’d better take some medicine and tuck myself into bed. (If I’m naughty, will someone send me to my room?)

I hope this blog finds all of you healthy. And that those of you who are dealing with a real crisis are able to find comfort and peace throughout it.