I’m writing this with streaming eyes, a blocked nose and the odd sensation of having no sense of taste or smell. I’m getting through tissues like there’s no tomorrow and every time I bend down a splitting pain shoots through my head. It’s taken me three days to work out the solution is simply not to bend down but that’s hard when you’re a bit of a bender.
Nothing serious though I’m glad to say. I’ve just got a bad head cold although this is the first time I’ve been unwell for years and I’d forgotten how tedious it can be.
If you’re like me, on the rare occasion I do get ill I do wonder how being HIV+ affects the recovery process. For example, would I have been better sooner had I not been positive or would it make no difference? These thoughts are fleeting but they’re there nonetheless. No one I’ve spoken to seems to know the answer to this so I’d better just get on with it and reach for another lemsip.
Of course being under the weather has meant I can’t run or go to the gym which has put me behind on my marathon training. I’m literally climbing the walls to get back out and run the miles especially as I bought myself a snazzy new pair of running shoes.
I didn’t realise there was such a science behind it. I went into the local running shop and chose a pair whose colour I really liked which apparently isn’t the best way to select your footwear. After an hour of trying on various footwear (some of which were a very dodgy colour, I mean orange and grey!) I was sold a pair that although were not my first choice would in fact complement the colour of my shorts and running top. You may laugh but you got to feel good when running 26.2miles and for me, that means looking good.
A fact I’d temporarily overlooked as I’d forgotten that I am wearing fancy dress this year with the aim of raising more money for CHIVA. I’m letting the kids at school decide what I wear out of four possible outfits. The votes will be in shortly and I’ll let you know next month with a little sneaky peek.
Finally, I’ve read a book this month which I’d like to share with you. ‘The Velvet Rage’ by Alan Downs is about overcoming the pain of growing up gay in a straight man’s world. It’s an incredibly empowering book that I believe will positively change the lives of gay men who read it. It was certainly a light bulb moment for me and I met myself throughout the book many times. An Oscar winning short film called ‘Trevor’ directed by Peggy Rajski is also worth checking out although make sure you have some tissues to hand.
Have a great month!
xx
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