Subject: Weekend Update: Bad Times Virus (Feb 11-15)

My weekend was so full of things I never got to do because the flu hit
me broadside on Thursday of last week.  My bones feel like cartilage
and I feel as if I've run the marathon today, but I'm only putting in
a few "maintenance" hours at work today.

I missed the pine car derby on Friday and had to send in a proxy to
race the car I'd spenty so much energy in grooming.  I was unable to
make those final last-minute adjustments that would have assured me
victory and glory.

I missed two dinner dates with couples that we had set way in advance
and I hope I can reschedule when I'm feeling back to normal.

Emily was to have her already-postponed birthday sleepover on Monday
night but she was drooping worse and worse herself.  We took her 103.4
temperature Monday morning and informed her intensely disappointed
heart that she would have to postpone her sleepover yet again.  She
was trying desparately to ignore her illness but she on Day 2 of what
I have just come through, and the panic is swelling among those who
haven't been struck by the dreaded flu virus.

Another thing that particularly stings is Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) and
my final day of drinking Coca-Cola for the Lenten season - only
because the flu leaves a terrible taste in one's mouth such that
nothing tastes as it should; so in essence, my Lenten fast began last
week!

Speaking of Lent, my 10-year old boy approached me announcing that he
had decided what he was giving up for Lent.  I half expected to hear
some food he doesn't much like anyway, but when he said, "playing
Nintendo" I was very suprised.  Now, that's a sacrifice!

The flu is a major bummer.  Avoid it if you can!

Mark
Mark Metcalfe            /\             Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
metcalfe@cadence.com    /  \            270 Billerica Road MA04
,                       \   \__         Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824
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