Cursed with a Cold

Last Tuesday night, after I was leaving volleyball practice, one of my teammates called out, "Don't catch a cold! Take a warm bath!"

I laughed and said "OK" as I pedaled back to my place. I was drenched in sweat and the quick ride home in the cold mountain air really gave me a chill. However, it was 10 p.m. and time for the evening news program and I never miss that!

After the news, I took a warm shower and got ready for bed. Of course, I went to bed with wet hair. And thin pajamas. And no socks.

The next day was Culture Day - one of the many national holidays here - so I didn't have to go to work. I did, however, promise to be a judge at the Rotary Club English speech contest so I had to get up early anyway.

As soon as I woke up, I knew something was funny. My throat just didn't feel right. All day at the contest, and afterward at the lunch and karaoke party, I knew I was coming down with a cold. Why did my teammate jinx me?!

So far, it's just been a sore throat and bad cough but no runny nose or headaches. Thank goodness I've still got a small stash of Tylenol P.M. with me!

In Japan, everyone goes to work and school sick. Usually, the sickies wear a white cloth mask over their mouth to prevent spreading germs. (Yes, a white cloth mask like Michael Jackson.)
It's considered bad form to blow your nose loudly, but there is nothing wrong with sniffling up the snot dripping from your nose and sucking up all the mucus from the back of your throat and, naturally, swallowing it.