Rudolph Nose

The Rudolph Nose (another one of my own vernacular creations) occurs when you blow your nose so often, the skin becomes irritated and red, a tell tale sign that you have a cold. I haven't quite gotten to that point yet, but my nose is runny and I'm hocking up stuff that isn't pleasant. I'm certain that you all wanted to know that.

In short, I am experiencing my first health issue in Bratislava. I'm not sure how it started, but I think it has to do with involuntary smoke inhalation, and old radiator, and the cold weather. I bundle up everyday with a coat, boots, scarf, gloves and hat, and even go to bed around 10 or 10:30 on the weekdays (and not much later than that on the weekends...I like to be boring to preserve my vitality in the long run) so I don't think it has to do with exhaustion. However, I am thoroughly annoyed. Being sick is not something I am accustomed to, and I was never the type to get "colds" until college, aka: the world's #1 breeding ground for germs. I'm toughing it out with tea, high nutrient meals and sleep. I'm defnitely not the surrendering type, so I plan on beating the crap out of this thing until it decides that I am an unfavorable host. Right now I could go for some Shitaki Mushroom Soup a la Stu and a Chamomile Concoction via Kim. A blanket from Bunny and a nap with Nanners would be pretty great too. (I'm so glad I haven't lost my anecdotal creativity, Thank You Perry School for overemphasizing the importance of Literary Devices, although some of it could be attributed to Dr. Seuss)

That reminds me, I should probably reread Oh the Places You'll Go...

In other news, Sherisse, the trainee before me at the Chamber, is coming for a visit today! She is from Aberdeen, Scotland. She will be hanging out with us for awhile, and then we're heading out to the High Tatras to ski! I'm a bit nervous to ski here, because I know it will be a completely different experience. Everyone keeps saying "snow is snow", but as someone who grew up in the snow belt, I know that is NOT true. I'm excited though, and will spend lots of time on the bunny hill to warm up (at least, I hope they have one of those!).

NEWSFLASH!!! Wow. I just had a HUGE flashback to Dance Camp when I was in Drill Team. The song "Freestyler" just came on the radio. I don't know if any of my old teammates read this, but they will understand. I still remember some of the dance...weird. Definitely wouldn't be earning the coveted blue ribbon right now though.

Ok, I'm going to contemplate the meaning of life now, because there is a lack of other pressing matters to address.