Robyn’s Nest

Why is it that colds only strike when you least want them to? They seem to know about birthdays, holidays and Christmas and leave it until the last minute to wriggle their way into your immune system and make you feel grotty.

I am two days away from a birthday, 12 days away from a holiday and 13 days away from Christmas, so it couldn’t be worse timing that my nose has started running, is bright red and I sneeze at regular intervals. Generally, I’m feeling a bit sorry for myself.

I’m off work tomorrow and maybe I did want to spend the day in bed- although not with a massive supply of tissues, a hot water bottle and a Lemsip. More likely with a latte, good book and a hunky man (any volunteers? Brad? George?).

Well, I won’t be spending the day in my pit of slumber (well, maybe Brad could persuade me should he come knocking on my door) ‘cos I’ll be shopping. Yes, I have done the majority of my Chrimbo shopping already - not to be efficient - but so I can indulge in a day of splashing the cash on myself.

This cold will not beat me. And what better cure than a pair of new knee-high boots, a few spangly tops, and a vat of mulled wine on my return. In fact, I’m feeling better already.

Trying to predict the British weather is about as successful as boiling a chocolate kettle.

As I stepped out of the front door this morning, almost slipping over on an iced puddle, I grimaced as the cold air found its way into every gap in my clothing. Brrrr.

Luckily I’d dressed accordingly - big coat and scarf - but that’s only ‘cos I know October is supposed to be cold. But it hasn’t been. Just last week I was swanning around in short sleeves as the sun shone down on Milton Keynes, temperatures rising to 20 degrees.

Now, I don’t mind the cold, as long as I know it’s going to be cold. But in this country you could step out in ski gear on a frosty morning and be stripped down to your bikini by the afternoon. What’s that all about?

I think this is a touchy subject today because the heating’s playing up at work. And I’m cold. The MD at my last place of work didn’t believe in heating and once sent round a memo stating that staff were expected to wear appropriate clothing in winter months due to expensive heating bills. Yes pal, but fingerless gloves, a woolly hat and tartan rug over your knees is hardly appropriate office wear is it? Surely it’s better to invest in heating than lose staff because their fingers have got cold, turned black and dropped off? Obviously this didn’t really happen, I just felt like being dramatic.

Maybe the cold - which I can’t prepare for succssfuly because of this country’s unpredictable climate - is just not for me and I should move to sunnier climes. Good job I’m off to Dubai next week. But I’ll be back…. Maybe.