Dear readers,

TGIF to you all!  I hope that your weekends are filled with delightful plans, rest, and at least one hour of "me time."  And, if you don't live in the NYC area, some sunshine and warm temperatures... 

Isn't it funny how the weather forecast can sometimes mimic the way you're feeling?  For example, here's what The Big Apple has in store for Saturday and Sunday:  rain and 48-hours' worth of daytime highs in the 40's.  Gross.  And, speaking of gross, that's exactly how I feel.  My throat is scratchy.  I have a rattling cough.  My glands are the size of golf balls.  And I'm tired.  Oh, and I'm also pissed.  Pissed off at the culprit who got me sick; likely one of my coworkers who never covers his mouth upon coughing and sneezing.  I mean, geez, have my passive-aggressive sighs, grunts, and audible "Ewwww!!" and "Cover your f-ing mouth!" not worked?  Clearly, otherwise I wouldn't be in this predicament. 

Now, besides the fact that I haven't been sick in like 2-years, here's why I'm so bitter:  tonight, I'm supposed to have dinner with my most favorite couple at Chinatown Brasserie.  Tomorrow, I have my girlfriend, Miki's, birthday dinner and drinks.  Sunday, Amanda wanted to do an "April Fool's Day Sunday Funday."  And I also have a date.  Plus - and this is going to sound so lame and narcissistic - I need to workout.  Bad.

So, my first question is this:  Can I stick with my scheduled plans?  

I saw the doctor this a.m. and he told me that I have a viral infection (which is just code for, "Sorry, I can't give you any drugs...") and that, while I *am* contagious, I don't have much of a fever.  He also said that, as long as I'm not shaking anyone's hands (which I hate doing, anyways), the likelihood of me infecting anyone is low.  But is sticking to my plans while I'm sick selfish?  The good thing is, since I'm not taking medicine, I don't have to monitor my alcohol intake. 

Second question:  Besides boring chicken soup, what is your favorite/recommended "sick food?" 

Be it a spicy Korean stew, pho, or something as simple as a grilled cheese sandwich, feel free to be as exotic with your answers as you wish.  Because remember, folks, I live in NYC, the magical land of plenty where pretty much anything can be delivered to my doorstep, 24/7.

Third question:  Can I still get my "gym on?" 

My friend, Hollywood, seems to think so.  She always says that it's a good idea to sweat out all of the germs.  And she certainly practices what she preaches.  What do you think?

Thanks for your advice/recommendations, in advance.  Cough, cough...

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Until we eat again,

Lindsay, The Lunch Belle