So I started writing this whole post about my weekend and wondered if anyone really gives a rat's ass about what I did with my weekend (apple picking, puking, and urgent care - in that order). Then I wondered what else I could write about. Then work handed the post to me on a silver platter.
As you may recall, I work in a medical office. All clinical staff are strongly urged to get the flu shot. I don't think our new hospital group requires it but our old group did. As always, I declined the shot. I have to fill out and sign a declination form and state my reasons. I don't want the shot. Why do I have to explain my reasons?
But some of the reasons are amusing. Scared of needles. Afraid you will get the flu. Have never taken the flu shot. I just checked "Other" and stated that I don't believe in the effectiveness of the shot. And I really don't. The flu shot is only effective if they get the correct strains in the shot. Even then it's only 70-90% effective. Not 100%. So you are just taking a chance that they'll have it right this year and you'll be protected. But chances are they won't have it right and you'll still get some strain of the flu. And even if they DO have it right, you still have a 10-30% chance of getting the flu. What's the point?
I found an article on Slate by Robert Bazelle urging us all to get our flu shots. Per the article, "According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, the virus kills on average 36,000 Americans annually, a terrible toll—almost as many as die from auto accidents." 36,000 people killed annually. Yes, that is a lot, but in a nation of 310,216,319 people, that's a very small portion of the population. And most of those people that did die had some sort of underlying condition. Normal, healthy people aren't just keeling over from the flu. The CDC even says that you are still more likely to die in a auto accident than from the flu. Perhaps they can come up with a shot to vaccinate against idiots on the road instead.
I read some other comments where people feel it should be mandatory for health care workers to get the shot. "You could be walking around infected with the flu and dealing with patients before your symptoms appear!" Um, ok, did we not just discuss how the flu shot is not 100%? So if people get the shot they are to assume they are free and clear and not continue to use the basic precautions to prevent the transmission of germs? What's the difference?
Now of course my stance is based on the fact that I am a fairly healthy 36 year old. If you're elderly or have some sort of chronic or severe illness, then yes, maybe the flu shot is a good idea. But again, it's not a fail-safe. My father had the flu shot and the pneumonia shot (he had a severe chronic illness) yet he STLL got pneumonia and died. Maybe I should mark that as my reason for declining the vaccine?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Love/Hate
I thought I would list out 10 things that I love and 10 things that I hate. Why not?
Things I love:
1. Fall - it's almost fall and I love the cool air and the changing leaves. Just beautiful
2. Vacation/Travel - As my dad always told me "If you don't get away at least one a year, you're gonna go crazy." How right he was!
3. Sweets - I LOVE cake especially, but cookies, or any sweet treat will do. I must have at least one sweet thing a day.
4. Reading - Reading is just such a great escape for me. I love to get lost in a book.
5. Water - More specifically, the ocean. I'm actually terrified of swimming in the ocean (I always think I'll be swept away by the current), but I love just sitting on a boat or in a cafe by the beach just staring out at the water. It really makes you feel like you're at the end of the world.
6. The Top Gay - What can I say? He's listened to me laugh, cry and everything in between. He doesn't judge me (to my face at least) and he always puts me in a good mood. He stands by me and defends me and is just all around a wonderful guy.
7. The Kid - She makes me laugh out loud every day. She dramatic and smart and charming and fun. I'm a lucky girl.
8. The Husband - I guess I should put him in here too? :-)
9. Photography - I like to dream that some day I will know enough to do this as a profession, but in the meantime, I'll just keep striving to take the perfect photo.
10. The stars - I have always loved to stare up at the night sky and think about how far away the stars are and how little we are in the grand scheme of things. A dark night full of stars is the perfect ending to any day.
Things I hate:
1. Flip flops - these are not shoes people. If you're using a public shower or going to the beach, fine. Otherwise, WEAR SHOES!
2. Mayo - I'm gagging just typing that word.
3. Feet - this should go along with the whole flip flop issue. Feet are nasty and I don't want to see your mangled, dirty toes. Disgusting.
4. Stupid People - to clarify, I'm not talking about people with learning disabilities, but rather people that don't use common sense. People that waste your time because they are worried about which air freshener to buy, or people that try to spread hatred through their own fears.
5. Screaming kids - I never allowed the kid to scream. Even when she talks loudly now, I tell her to tone it down.
6. Not having my Dad anymore - he passed away 3 years ago.
7. Never feeling satisfied with myself - I could always lose a few more pounds, or run more, or read more, or, or, or......
8. Roller coasters - they make me puke. End of story.
9. Winter - especially bitterly cold, blizzard-like winters.
10. Religion - it's just brainwashing at it's best.
Things I love:
1. Fall - it's almost fall and I love the cool air and the changing leaves. Just beautiful
2. Vacation/Travel - As my dad always told me "If you don't get away at least one a year, you're gonna go crazy." How right he was!
3. Sweets - I LOVE cake especially, but cookies, or any sweet treat will do. I must have at least one sweet thing a day.
4. Reading - Reading is just such a great escape for me. I love to get lost in a book.
5. Water - More specifically, the ocean. I'm actually terrified of swimming in the ocean (I always think I'll be swept away by the current), but I love just sitting on a boat or in a cafe by the beach just staring out at the water. It really makes you feel like you're at the end of the world.
6. The Top Gay - What can I say? He's listened to me laugh, cry and everything in between. He doesn't judge me (to my face at least) and he always puts me in a good mood. He stands by me and defends me and is just all around a wonderful guy.
7. The Kid - She makes me laugh out loud every day. She dramatic and smart and charming and fun. I'm a lucky girl.
8. The Husband - I guess I should put him in here too? :-)
9. Photography - I like to dream that some day I will know enough to do this as a profession, but in the meantime, I'll just keep striving to take the perfect photo.
10. The stars - I have always loved to stare up at the night sky and think about how far away the stars are and how little we are in the grand scheme of things. A dark night full of stars is the perfect ending to any day.
Things I hate:
1. Flip flops - these are not shoes people. If you're using a public shower or going to the beach, fine. Otherwise, WEAR SHOES!
2. Mayo - I'm gagging just typing that word.
3. Feet - this should go along with the whole flip flop issue. Feet are nasty and I don't want to see your mangled, dirty toes. Disgusting.
4. Stupid People - to clarify, I'm not talking about people with learning disabilities, but rather people that don't use common sense. People that waste your time because they are worried about which air freshener to buy, or people that try to spread hatred through their own fears.
5. Screaming kids - I never allowed the kid to scream. Even when she talks loudly now, I tell her to tone it down.
6. Not having my Dad anymore - he passed away 3 years ago.
7. Never feeling satisfied with myself - I could always lose a few more pounds, or run more, or read more, or, or, or......
8. Roller coasters - they make me puke. End of story.
9. Winter - especially bitterly cold, blizzard-like winters.
10. Religion - it's just brainwashing at it's best.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Driving
I tend to drive like a maniac. I know this. It's like I'm in a race against myself every time I get behind the wheel. I have to see how fast I can get to my destination even if I'm not in a hurry. And when I'm in a hurry, it's a thousand times worse.
This morning I putzed around way too long in deciding what to wear to work. All of a sudden I realize it's almost ten after eight and I have to be at work at 8:30. It takes me 25 minutes to drive there. So I run out the door and start my Mario Andretti drive to work. First I get stuck behind a mini van. What IS it with mini vans? It's like as soon as someone purchases one, their driving skills automatically decrease by half. Why must they stop half a mile behind the car in front of them? I understand keeping a safe distance, but that's a little ridiculous. Then they also must drive 10 miles below the speed limit. You know what I'm talking about. When was the last time you saw a mini van speeding? Anywhere? They don't.
And what is with people that must come to a complete stop on a major road before the make a turn. YOU CANNOT DO THIS! The flow of traffic is still moving at a good pace. You cannot stop in the middle of the road to make a turn. Or to avoid a biker as was the case for me over the weekend. We were literally doing 75 on the highway and the guy in front of me literally came TO A STOP on the highway because there was a biker on the side of the road. First of all, WHY IS THERE A BIKER ON THE HIGHWAY?! Like man on a bicycle. Not a motorcycle, a BICYCLE. Secondly, I don't care how fast or slow you are driving, you cannot stop in the middle of a highway because there is someone on the side of the road. Pull over into the other lane or pull off the highway to assist the person, but for god's sake, do not stop!
I spent a good chunk of my life in DC and I rode the metro quite a bit. The rule on the escalators was "stand right, walk left." People would literally just shout those four words as they were coming up the escalator. The same rule needs to apply to driving. If you're going to take a leisurely drive, stay in the right hand lane. If you're going the speed limit or under, you belong in the right lane. Which means you have no right to give me dirty looks in your rear view mirror when I ride your ass in the left lane (I'm looking at you gray Prius).
Look, I know I need to calm down or leave earlier or SOMETHING, but until that happens, everyone better get out of my way.
This morning I putzed around way too long in deciding what to wear to work. All of a sudden I realize it's almost ten after eight and I have to be at work at 8:30. It takes me 25 minutes to drive there. So I run out the door and start my Mario Andretti drive to work. First I get stuck behind a mini van. What IS it with mini vans? It's like as soon as someone purchases one, their driving skills automatically decrease by half. Why must they stop half a mile behind the car in front of them? I understand keeping a safe distance, but that's a little ridiculous. Then they also must drive 10 miles below the speed limit. You know what I'm talking about. When was the last time you saw a mini van speeding? Anywhere? They don't.
And what is with people that must come to a complete stop on a major road before the make a turn. YOU CANNOT DO THIS! The flow of traffic is still moving at a good pace. You cannot stop in the middle of the road to make a turn. Or to avoid a biker as was the case for me over the weekend. We were literally doing 75 on the highway and the guy in front of me literally came TO A STOP on the highway because there was a biker on the side of the road. First of all, WHY IS THERE A BIKER ON THE HIGHWAY?! Like man on a bicycle. Not a motorcycle, a BICYCLE. Secondly, I don't care how fast or slow you are driving, you cannot stop in the middle of a highway because there is someone on the side of the road. Pull over into the other lane or pull off the highway to assist the person, but for god's sake, do not stop!
I spent a good chunk of my life in DC and I rode the metro quite a bit. The rule on the escalators was "stand right, walk left." People would literally just shout those four words as they were coming up the escalator. The same rule needs to apply to driving. If you're going to take a leisurely drive, stay in the right hand lane. If you're going the speed limit or under, you belong in the right lane. Which means you have no right to give me dirty looks in your rear view mirror when I ride your ass in the left lane (I'm looking at you gray Prius).
Look, I know I need to calm down or leave earlier or SOMETHING, but until that happens, everyone better get out of my way.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Flying
Overall, I'm not afraid of flying. I have done a lot of it in my lifetime so it's very much second nature to me. Every once in awhile though, I get a twinge of nervousness. What makes me nervous you ask? Well, first of all, the people that actually read the emergency evacuation pamphlet. I know there are always first time flyers, but in an emergency, you should still instinctively know what to do. Move toward and exit, open the door, evacuate. I mean, it's pretty basic. And, the majority of the other people on the plane will know what to do so worse case, you just follow their lead.
Secondly, a new flight attendant on a small aircraft also makes me nervous. I had this situation just this weekend. It was a prop plane with only 10 rows of seats. The flight attendant was nervously pacing the aisle and writing stuff down. She stopped between me and the kid quite a few times and was jotting stuff down. Then she looked at the man next to me and wrote more stuff down. She was in and out of her purse in the overhead bin and you could see her hands shaking. When she did her announcements, she had to turn her back to us while she read word for word out of her little flight attendant handbook. Even then, she messed up. Like she couldn't remember where we were flying to (Atlanta) or what the pilot's name was (Corey). So yeah, I got a little freaked out. I hate those prop planes to begin with but then to have your "leader" in an emergency freaking out before we even take off? Not so great for the nerves.
Secondly, a new flight attendant on a small aircraft also makes me nervous. I had this situation just this weekend. It was a prop plane with only 10 rows of seats. The flight attendant was nervously pacing the aisle and writing stuff down. She stopped between me and the kid quite a few times and was jotting stuff down. Then she looked at the man next to me and wrote more stuff down. She was in and out of her purse in the overhead bin and you could see her hands shaking. When she did her announcements, she had to turn her back to us while she read word for word out of her little flight attendant handbook. Even then, she messed up. Like she couldn't remember where we were flying to (Atlanta) or what the pilot's name was (Corey). So yeah, I got a little freaked out. I hate those prop planes to begin with but then to have your "leader" in an emergency freaking out before we even take off? Not so great for the nerves.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Long Weekend
It's Labor Day weekend and clearly the beginning of fall. The temps only got up to about 65 and there was a constant breeze blowing all day. We were finally able to turn off the A/C and throw open all the windows and doors. What a nice change of pace! It also helped to air out the house since I still have a germy one. Her fever was up and down all day today. She said she felt ok otherwise and seemed to be full of energy. I kept her tied down (not literally - although some days it's a possibility) as much as I could but did let her play with her friends for about an hour just to get out of the house.
I ran to the library to get a new book that I had requested. The Tower, The Zoo and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart. I read somewhere that it was a sleeper hit of the summer. So far so good.
I also picked up these:
Our local floral wholesaler was having a one day only 50% off sale. I randomly came across the sale on Facebook so I swung by and got myself a treat. There is just something about white roses. So pure and elegant. Love them!
Then, since the weather was just right, I made this:
It looks much better in person and tastes even better than it looks. Chocolate chip cake. Mmmm..... Guess it's time to get out my fat pants.
I ran to the library to get a new book that I had requested. The Tower, The Zoo and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart. I read somewhere that it was a sleeper hit of the summer. So far so good.
I also picked up these:
Our local floral wholesaler was having a one day only 50% off sale. I randomly came across the sale on Facebook so I swung by and got myself a treat. There is just something about white roses. So pure and elegant. Love them!
Then, since the weather was just right, I made this:
It looks much better in person and tastes even better than it looks. Chocolate chip cake. Mmmm..... Guess it's time to get out my fat pants.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Friday Night
So it's 10:30pm on Friday and I'm sitting in my dark bedroom listening to my sickly six year old sleep next to me.
When I got home from work everything was fine. I walked the dog (who would not stop barking and jumping until I took her out) and chatted with the husband. The kid was playing with her friend and complained of a cough. I gave her some cough medicine and sent her on her way. Less than an hour later she sent her friend home (!!!) and told me her throat hurt from coughing.
I was about to head out for my weekly Wal-Mart run and the kid wanted to come with me. As we were pulling into the parking lot, she zonked out. We drove around for a bit and then just headed home. I got her into our bed and got the tv turned on. When I kissed her forehead to test her temp she was burning up. 102.3. Ouch. So I gave her some Motrin and sat with her for a bit. About a half out later I went back to Wal-Mart by myself to stock up on Powerade, Motrin and crackers. When I got home she seemed better so we finished up Camp Rock 2: the Final Jam and now she's sleeping. Hopefully soundly for the night.
But in all of this, I'm grateful. In my random blog reading this week I found a woman in Utah who was in a terrible plane crash 2 years ago and was burned on over 80% of her body. As I read her blog, I am reminded of how good I have it. While there are a lot of things that make me unhappy in my life right now, all of those things are pretty superfluous. I have a job, a family, and good health for all of us. I don't struggle with intense pain just trying to get out of bed every day. I don't have to endure surgeries and long hospital stays. I am lucky. And thankful.
And now I'm off to sleep because I feel a bit sick myself. Not sure if it's sympathy nausea or the real deal. And I'm not sure how much sleep we'll get tonight. But this too shall pass. I just hope it passes without any major puking.
When I got home from work everything was fine. I walked the dog (who would not stop barking and jumping until I took her out) and chatted with the husband. The kid was playing with her friend and complained of a cough. I gave her some cough medicine and sent her on her way. Less than an hour later she sent her friend home (!!!) and told me her throat hurt from coughing.
I was about to head out for my weekly Wal-Mart run and the kid wanted to come with me. As we were pulling into the parking lot, she zonked out. We drove around for a bit and then just headed home. I got her into our bed and got the tv turned on. When I kissed her forehead to test her temp she was burning up. 102.3. Ouch. So I gave her some Motrin and sat with her for a bit. About a half out later I went back to Wal-Mart by myself to stock up on Powerade, Motrin and crackers. When I got home she seemed better so we finished up Camp Rock 2: the Final Jam and now she's sleeping. Hopefully soundly for the night.
But in all of this, I'm grateful. In my random blog reading this week I found a woman in Utah who was in a terrible plane crash 2 years ago and was burned on over 80% of her body. As I read her blog, I am reminded of how good I have it. While there are a lot of things that make me unhappy in my life right now, all of those things are pretty superfluous. I have a job, a family, and good health for all of us. I don't struggle with intense pain just trying to get out of bed every day. I don't have to endure surgeries and long hospital stays. I am lucky. And thankful.
And now I'm off to sleep because I feel a bit sick myself. Not sure if it's sympathy nausea or the real deal. And I'm not sure how much sleep we'll get tonight. But this too shall pass. I just hope it passes without any major puking.
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