Happy Spring!

On this Spring day Mother Nature decided to bless us with snow this morning...

Battling the Bug (and a gross blog)

This weekend left me ill. And, I was miserable! Blah! Well, the good side to it all is that it rained through the weekend so I didn't miss out on letterboxing and on the brighter side I lost 5 pounds! But, it wasn't fun.

This year's flu virus may be confused by some folks as food poisoning, as many I've talked to and what I've experienced is that a couple hours after eating you start vomitting. But, like any other type of flue it presents itself with vomit/diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, fever, muscle aches. It lasts 1-3 days. 
So how do I know that I had the flu? 

COLD VS. FLU symptoms:

*You have the flu

~headache, fever, muscle/body aches, chills, weakness/fatigue (coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat, chest discomfort can accompany sometimes)

*You have the common cold

~coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat, chest discomfort

MY THOUGHTS ON VACCINATION

I don't get the flu vaccine due to personal opinions about vaccination: 1. I believe that flu shots are why we have new variant strains of influenza virus every year, thus needing a new vaccine every year; 2. I believe in allowing my natural immunity to fight the virus. Of coures, I am a healthy individual with a healthy immune system.

As a registered nurse I do advocate the flu vaccination for others especially if they could greatly benefit from vaccination. Always consult your physician.

Flu shots are usually given between September and November. And given to children 6 months to 18 years and adults over 50. And anyone with health risks.

Remember the best way to avoid the WASH YOUR HANDS, get the vaccine, and boost your immunity with Vit. C., zinc, ecchinacea, and other natural immunity boosters! Don't pass your germs! WASH YOUR HANDS, sneeze into your sleeve-NOT YOUR HANDS. And, if you feel sick don't be around people stay home and quarantine! Ok, so you don't have to go that far...

Know the facts! 

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

Bargains and Rainy Day Past-time

What does Puggietail do outside of letterboxing? I have many interests but one that I am becoming more and more devoted to is coupon clipping. With gas prices sky-rocketing beyond what one makes in a day, something's got to change in the Pryor household. We just spent over $100.00 at Walmart yesterday! So, coupon clipping has been a lifesaver as well as a penny-saver.

Go to these links to save your pennies:

www.coupons.com 

www.dealigg.com

www.groupon.com

Also, if you have Facebook "like" your favorite brands, companies for some good deals as well.

Just today my son and I enjoyed a free dinner with purchase of an adult dinner and 2 beverages at Hometown Buffet for less than $15.00. 

Also, another way to get more bang for your buck is stop going to the mall and start hitting the bargain stores like Goodwill, St. Vincent DePaul, and outlet stores. I refuse to pay more than $20.00 on new clothing. I find brand new pants (with the original tags still attached) at the Goodwill for $5.00. You have to know what to look for and you can save, save, save!

JoJo My Boxing Buddy!

Jo's First Bath

 JoJo is 31/2 year old Brindle Pug. He was the last of his brothers and sisters when I brought him home. As in the movie “Marley and Me” he, too, was a clearance puppy.

He loves hiking with me, going for rides in the car, and playing with his friends at the dog park. He also loves to lick things: he licks the walls, the carpet, himself, me and everybody he encounters. And, he loves to go to Washington to visit his cousins Lolo and Sarebear. He is the inspiration for my letterbox trailname. His curly tail is one of the cutest things about him.

Like any other pug, he snores, chortles, and snorts all day long.

Everyone asks me if he is a full pug breed. And, I say I am not sure because I believe he is part Pug and part French Bulldog. If you meet him, you will notice that his legs are longer than a Pug's legs and he has a fuller chest. But, he is full pug to me!

A New Adventure

This is my Trailname: Puggietail

 This past year an acquaintance had introduced me to a new past-time. It keeps me and the pug active and happy. We go on adventures looking for letterboxes - It's similar to geocaching, but creative. I love it! Why?Because I love to hike and see nature at it's finest! Along with my workouts I can stay in shape in a fun way. Also, you can witness the talent and artistry of many fellow letterboxers as they carve their creations into exquisite stamps. 

My "logbook" to record my finds

For more information about letterboxing go here:

www.atlasquest.com