Is It Just Me?
— Susan Rigby, Guest Columnist
Join Wimberley humorist Susan Rigby as she attempts to navigate “the small stuff.”
I have lived in Texas for the majority of my life. Previously, I don’t remember having allergies, but now allergy season is from January 1 through December 31. To be honest, I think there are two or three days during the year when I can actually breathe and my sinuses are happy. Otherwise, I am always on the lookout for the best allergy medicine. I don’t know if you have noticed, but the best medicine is usually hidden behind the pharmacy counter. I decided to try one of those extra-special allergy remedies that I can only see from a distance.
To get them, you have to show your driver’s license, sign something important and watch the pharmacy tech eye you up. I know they are looking for terrorist- looking people who need the pills to build something bad. I just need relief.
I try to look as normal as possible with my runny, downward turned eyes (looking up hurts), the heavy breathing (my lungs sound like a party of mice in there), messy hair (looking in the mirror means I have to look up, and, as I said before, that hurts, and wrinkled day-old clothes (it hurts my chest to lift my arms to change my clothes).
I croak “Another hot one, huh? Is that the largest box you can sell me? I am just asking because I have these allergies, really.” I see the pharmacy tech look over at the phone so I back off with the pleading look.
I choose the 42-pack of 24-hour pills and head to the car with my stash. I am sick and need my drugs. Opening the stapled bag, I read the box that says “Non-drowsy extended relief.” l guess the manufacturers know what they are doing. I take two and drive home.
Eighteen hours later, I am still sneezing, wheezing and runny, but I’m wide awake. At least the “non-drowsy” part is working. Maybe it’s so we allergy sufferers can make it to a late hour pharmacy to purchase another kind of medicine. Smart folks, those drug manufacturers.
