Typically, when people say they have the flu.. they don't.

The flu will often knock you flat on your back, making you tremendously sick in a way that you are not likely to forget anytime soon.

I haven't had the flu for about 10 years now and I intend to keep it that way by getting my annual flu shot.

I'll never forget getting the flu, either. I had just gotten a job as a waitress to help pay for college. The day I was supposed to start work I came down with an illness I thought would probably kill me I felt so bad. I have never whined more in my life. The doctor just smiled, patted me on the shoulder and told me I had the flu and all I could do was wait it out. Took a week, too. Yes, the restaurant let me keep my job (amazingly enough, I mean who calls in sick for a week before they ever start working??)

Sure, sometimes the flu shot doesn't protect against what's currently circulating, but it is often the best line of defense besides washing your hands (which I also do religiously).

Here is the state hotline if you'd like to know about flu shot clinics near you:

Another good resource: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (AKA the CDC): http://www.cdc.gov

Here's a direct link to the flu page: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

On an unrelated note: Jennifer sent me this picture of her new puppy Koda. He's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and I bet he rules the roost!!

And Linda wrote about the SAD story from the other days and says while she doesn't mind the rain what she really wants is SNOW!!

Update 5:50pm

Yay to Jennifer for emailing me the first picture of a non-dog!!
Here is her little fuzzball Tobey who she says is an absolute sweetheart!

Tobey reminds me of Matt Zaffino and Lisa's cat: Velcro. Velcro has taken to regularly bringing Lisa pine cones as a gift (that's what you see in the picture below). Trust me, it's better than mice. Again: this is with my camera phone so the quality is not that great.

Drop me a line: sstricklen@kgw.com