Have You Been Vaccinated?

No, not really a poll or even a soapbox. But I did get my influenza ("flu") vaccine this afternoon. Now my left arm is sore and it's not because of my coworker's ability. It's because I didn't follow the advice that I give patients. I didn't use my arm or massage the muscle. I sat in front of the computer and used my right hand to click the mouse as I browsed online.

Really though, I'm more bothered by the anticipation of feeling sick for two days. At least that's what I expect is going to happen sometime tomorrow or the next day based on experience from the past two years of getting the flu shot. That's part of the reason why I put off the immunization. The other part of my delay (and it's a toss up as to which was a bigger factor) is due to an announcement a couple weeks ago by administration at work that all employees had to get the flu vaccine by October 1st. No options or explanations given. And I objected on principle. I was planning on getting the vaccine anyway (because let's face it, with my immune system I'd be stupid not to) but what gives them the right to tell me what to do with my body?

And if any coworkers read this - don't rat on me.

P.S. Coincidentally, a local newspaper ran an article about this topic just last week. Read it on Utah County's Daily Herald.

Bad Computah Dae

Bad n-ght fo- me computah hestahdae.One, bent USB connectah on flash d--ve. Can't use at all. Next, spclled watah on keeboa-d. Thwee lettahs don't wo-k. Oh, and no numbahs except '2'.

Good luck makeng sense of thes. We'll talk agaen aftev shoppcng at Best Bun/Offcce Depot /Offcce Max  ugh ... STAPLES

I Hate Hot Weather (or Swamp Coolers Are Stupid)

Our current apartment/condo unit, while far less ghetto than our last apartment, is really irritating right now because it has a swamp "cooler" instead of an air conditioner. (And that reminds me that the radiant heating used here is dumb too - but that's a topic for a colder day.) More than once I have told Nathan that the person who thought up swamp coolers was stupid (and should be shot/erased from history/or otherwise severely punished). Even worse, people in Utah continue to install them instead of using central air!

So I sit in my home with a fan blowing on me, the swamp cooler off because it does squat in high-for-Utah humidity, wishing that I at least had windows that open up and down (traditional sash windows) instead of sideways (horizontal sliding) because then I could use my very effective window air conditioner. I envy my neighbors who own their place and took out the big living room window and installed two Normal (up-and-down) windows and . . . have an air conditioner!

Yes, I feel strongly about this. I believe in being comfortable in my home. Come on people, use our modern inventions!

The upside? I look forward to going to work because, well, the building has AC.

DITTO

Laura is one of my coworkers and I completely agree with her post today. I really wish there was a way I could tactfully have the kid's parent clean up that mess. Of course, the medical field is also a type of customer service so I imagine that a person who would stand/sit by and watch another clean up your kid's puke is the same person who would complain to my boss if I didn't do it.

At work I recently had a cleaning-up-ick experience where I wasn't overly annoyed that the mom was the one doing it... because she was busy holding her little girl over the trash as she was sick some more. AND the child wasn't vomiting before she was brought to the office. I repeat, the doctor does not have a magic fix for throwing up. Sip soda, don't try to eat just after you've ralphed, and wait it out AT HOME.

And everything else Laura wrote - it's true.

At Work Today...

Three young siblings were being rather teary and dramatic after my coworker had just given them some immunizations. I overheard the father saying things to try to get the children to quiet down and leave the office. The one that really did the trick (and made me chuckle) was "hurry up before she comes back and gives you more shots". This was said in a kind and teasing tone but must have seemed like the ultimate threat to those who didn't know better.