So here I sit on day three of feeling the effects of the swine flu. It started with a cough that was far too consistent to be ignored. Then congestion and muscle cramps hit, which is hardly a big deal. Today I add low grade fever and diarrhea to the list. And no, I did not get the vaccine.

I would have, though. The vaccine was released here in Calgary a while before I became symptomatic and it occurred to me that I should go get it, but the altruist in me decided to hold off until those more needy received it. Then there was the threat of not having enough vaccine, and then I developed my symptoms. It was the right decision and despite the gross feelingI’m enjoying right now, I’m glad I didn’t try to get it earlier. I’m sick, but I’m still an altruistic bastard.

My brain’s been a bit foggier than I’d like, which has made posting on here a little harder than one might suspect. Fortunately, Boy Infidel has lept in to fill the void with his NASA replicator post, and we’re both very pleased to announce that a new contributor will be joining our ranks.

Fortunately, I’ve had lots of good TV to fill the void. I had tried to read more of The Selfish Gene, but tragically my foggy brain is just not interested in letting me keep my thoughts together for so heady a book. Maybe if I read some Hardy Boys…

Don’t pray for me, there’s no God to hear you. I’ll be better in no time despite any magical spirits liking or disliking the way you grovel to them. I’ve been lucky enough to have a very mild set of symptoms, and for that I’m very happy. Friends of mine are in much worse shape, though nobody that I’m aware of is at death’s door. Hardly a surprise, given that fatality really isn’t the biggest threat with this virus.

At any rate, this is just me saying hi, letting you know that I’m doing well despite the little piggy flu, and that I’ll be back to an even better Meddling Kids.

Jim