Running around frantic and stressed will wear one down, that's for sure. I have been absent from work for the last four days, and am off for the next two: six days away from a place that stresses me out will be good, very good. (And thank god for paid time off.)

I am afflicted with the common cold. Nothing can be done except down-time, which I've been doing, if I could just keep Ros off my back for a moment or two. I blow my nose and sleep away the hours, and though I'm in misery with this malady, I am also relaxed for the first time in a long time.