I came home from the Ottawa Woodworking Show with an unwelcome souvenir – a yucky flu that has knocked me flat on my back for most of the week. I’ve affectionately dubbed it the Wood Show Wrath.

In the grand scheme of things, I’m not totally surprised that I would come down with something following three days at a trade show. I shook countless hands, swiped a multitude of credit and debit cards, and handled money of all sorts. Hand sanitizer was non-existent (ok, my fault for not bringing it) and we were often so busy that I couldn’t always grab a quick washroom break to wash my hands.

I’ve also had a punishing schedule over the last few months that has left me run down, tired and not at my flu-fighting best. So, again, I’m not surprised.

But the good news is that I’m now on Day 5 and things are looking up. I no longer need to sleep sitting up to make it easier to breathe and I can make it from one room to the next without having to stop and blow my nose. Speaking of, said nose is awfully read and sore – not one of my more attractive moments – but my joints no longer ache and I’ve thankfully left the hot and cold shivers behind.

And in the spirit of looking for the silver lining, if I had to get sick, at least it didn’t happen before I had to spend long days working at a trade show in a drafty exhibit hall…!