Friday, March 27, 2009

The Body Knows, Somehow

Last fall, when I was scrambling to get the book done, there was a horrendous flu going around the department. For the two weeks leading up to all my deadlines, I held my breath (metaphorically, mind you), and my mantra was: I will not get sick. I will not get sick. I don't have time to be sick. Sure enough, I got the book MS off (Tuesday), the tenure file submitted (Thursday), and a conference paper delivered (Friday). Saturday, however, the first day that I had everything done, I got sick as a dog for about a week.

And now, here it is, the first day of spring break after a grueling month, and guess what?

Yep: Sick as a dog. Again. Somehow, my body seems to know when the crisis is over, and it waits patiently for me to have time to be done in. I suppose I should be grateful, but I have to travel for a week, beginning Monday. So I'm pushing fluids, eating oranges, taking zinc lozenges, and sleeping as much as possible, because I do not want to fly with a stuffed-up head.

5 comments:

The History Enthusiast said...

I swear by Airborne. It works wonders. The best in the pink grapefruit flavor, but lemon is okay too. Just don't do the orange; it tastes like feet.

Anonymous said...

My body did that, too! I was freaking out over having my proposal written by Feb. 26th, and on Feb 19th I came down with a monster flu that kept me in bed for about a week. All I could do was stay in bed and write, ergo I got everything done with no other distractions. I ran a 100+ fever for 4 days, but it was damn near worth it!

Feel better soon! Herbal tea, soup, and ginger ale always do wonders for me.

Belle said...

Doesn't this happen to most of us in grad school? The whole time, I never had even a short break when I was healthy. I'd stave off whatever bug was going around, and the minute body realized a break was coming? Bang. Sick. I still haven't been able to retrain brain/body.

V said...

Your adventures are indeed very exciting

Notorious Ph.D. said...

I make my own fun.

To the other commenters: today's perscription is Tom Yum. Known to me as "Thai pennicillin." Clear hot/sour broth that includes chilis, ginger, and lemongrass, among other things.