What should have been a minor illness, a bout of the flu, has turned into an epic recovery that Peter Jackson could make a three part saga about. Along with the temperature, which I’ve now had for nearly two weeks, every day can bring a new interesting symptom. The past couple of days have included feelings of nausea and lack of appetite. Thankfully my symptoms seem to be mainly physical now so I can finally get back to reading books and doing things that require mental energy. Watching a constant flow of DVDs was beginning to get incredibly boring.

The doctor has prescribed me another week off work and some antibiotics. The new symptoms may or may not be a secondary infection so I’m taking medication three times a day just in case. The last thing I want is a repeat of the chest infection I had back in March. I need lots of rest, but I also need to not lie down 24 hours a day so I’m trying to punctuate my resting with short bursts of activity, which just serve to remind me how tired my body is. I’m not a big fan of laundry I must admit, but it is rare that I’m so overcome I need to sit down and rest after hanging it out. At least the sun is now shining and I may even bundle myself up later and attempt a walk around the block.

My sister has been a god send. She’s ferried me to and from the doctors and turned up with bits of shopping as and when I need them. But I desperately want a Christmas Tree to decorate and bring some festive cheer to my flat. I think after all Lizzie has done for me, sending her on errands to pick me up frivolous things is taking it a bit too far. Luckily my brain decided to engage again I had a lightbulb moment. These days you can tell people you want things via the internet and they bring them right to your front door. No need to leave your house. The internet is a saviour for ill people with no energy to shop.

So after I had ordered the Christmas tree from Argos I got on with the present shopping at Amazon, eBay, Oxfam Unwrapped, Photobox and Vistaprint (is it just me or is it no longer acceptable to celebrate Christmas without giving at least one customised photo item?)

They say lightening doesn’t strike twice, but lo and behold I had a second bright internet-based idea (two in one day, surely a sign I’m on the mend.) I didn’t need to send my sister to the shops anymore, I could get Tesco to come to me. Something I had completely forgotten they do. I’m still amazed that for a delivery charge of only £3.50 someone else will battle the supermarket crowds for me and bring the shopping to my door within a two hour time slot I specify.

After quite an accomplished 24 hours I’ve realised there is a flaw in my plan. I have just ordered lots of food and I don’t have much of an appetite. I’m hoping that the excitement of fresh fruit and veg will set my hunger off again.