It’s been a strange week. I’ve been uncharacteristically unmotivated. Even an associate commented on the phone the other day that I sounded tired. I said, “no, I’m fine.”

My computer keeps crashing. There’s a lot of stress at work. Sometimes I get as tired of the struggle as anyone else. Maybe I was just emotionally tired?

Yesterday, a call came in. Our other assistant manager has pneumonia. Now that’s on top of the stress of a pending corporate visit early next week. Which is another whole can of worms, let me tell you.

The last time I had pneumonia, I gave it to both of my grandparents and my sister. She took it home to Connecticut and gave it to her family. My grandparents were both hospitalized. My grandfather died. So I take this very seriously.

Hmmm, I wonder if that’s why I thought of them earlier this week. Was my subconscious trying to tell me something?

It was one of those situations where I had to be there. My sister was having surgery and I was the one taking her in. She was staying at my grandparent’s house. I knew I was sick, but I didn’t know that it was pneumonia. No hugs, no kisses, I’m in and out. By that night, I was bedridden.

And because I’ve had pneumonia a couple of times, I guess I’m more susceptible to it.

But here’s the real problem –

Pneumonia is highly contagious – and we work in retail.

With the other assistant out, the rest of us will have to cover her hours. Everyone will get more run down.

The store has been really cold, so our systems are compromised already.

On top of that, our staff has been covering another sister store where they never seem to have enough people willing to work. So we can infect 2 stores.

Not to mention all of the people we come in contact with.

OK, maybe a little alarmist, but I know first hand how this can affect people.

Last night, out of the blue – I got a stiff neck. As soon as I got home, I started preventative attack. Take vitamins, drink orange juice, baking soda mouth rinse, hot shower, sleep.

This morning, I had that little interior chill. You know, where you feel cold inside your body rather than outside? I know I have the virus, but can I beat it?

And again, it’s one of those situations where I can’t stay home. There is no one else to work. What do you do? Close the store? I’m scheduled to close tonight, and then open tomorrow and work at least 10 hours. Not good.

I’m going on Vitamin C every 4 hours, and lots of fruits and vegetables and orange juice, and green tea. I will dress warmly. Fortunately, I won’t look too weird. We’re having a sweater sale and we’re supposed to wear sweaters anyway. I’d better stock up on chicken soup too.

I’ve already called my friend who gave her kidney to her husband and told her she is not allowed to come here.

I know even if I lose the battle, I will survive it. I hate that I have to put others at risk. Even if I don’t fully come down with it, I’m a carrier. It really stinks. I don’t know what else I can do.

Keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best… We’ll see how well my healthy eating theories hold up under this challenge!

Wish me luck. I’ll let you know how it all comes out.

Carole

P.S. Antibiotics won’t help – even though that’s the first thing most doctors will do. It’s a viral infection.