It started with a little tickle... (or was it a little scratch?) in my throat. Ignore it. Within an hour, there was no denying. It was my winter cold 2016.

By the time I gave it the attention it deserved, it had taken over. “Don't respect me? I'll show you!”

What to do? Take zinc. Take vitamin C. Drink plenty of liquids. Starve it. Feed it. Sweat it out. Carry tissues...and use them.

Move on to bigger artillery. Advil, Co-Advil. Need to show ID and pick-up it up at the counter.

To go (to the doctor) or not to go? Is that the question? Wait. See if it turns off the usual course. That's when I'll call the doctor. Until then, it is just a matter of time and how uncomfortable it makes me. Function as best as I can and remember not to kiss anyone.

Try not to fly. I had no choice and learned my lesson. Atmospheric changes and colds don't go well together.

It should be over soon. Perhaps another day or so. Hopefully it will make no turns off course.

Soon to be forgotten. Until 2017.