It's Cold Season

To prevent from catching a cold

1. Wash your hands before eating
2. Use hand santizer if you need to
3. Drink lots of fluids
4. Get enough sleep
5. Keep from overdoing it
6. Take vitamin C and zinc
7. If you feel sick, take a day off work to rest

I got a cold on Sunday 11/30 but I still went to work the next day. I already scheduled for a 5-day vacation and didn't want to appear "lazy". I toughed it out for the week, thinking I could rest & get better on the weekend. My cough was mostly at night, but it woke me up at around 3 am each night. I took OTC medicine but it only worked for a few hours. Finally, I had to see a doctor on Monday 12/7. However, my doctor wasn't in office until Wednesday 12/9. She gave me a cough medicine with codeine and antibiotics if I needed them. Luckily, the medicine worked & I got the much needed sleep.

I learned a lesson the hard way. Hope you'll be smart and take a sick day if you need it.
Have a happy and healthy holidays.

Ingrid

Holiday Giving

I didn't go for Black Friday sales at any retail stores. Instead, I decided to go biking from Venice to Santa Monica.  It was a bit cold, but the sun was out. I got some fresh air and exercise. I gave myself a day off because I already bought most of my gifts and planned to shop online for the rest.

On Saturday, I took a rock climbing, belaying class at Rockreation. I learned to tie a double figure-8 and to belay. I also climbed for a bit and it was harder than it looked. I had fun and got a workout.

On Sunday, I did an hour of yoga. It was just what I needed.

Yesterday, I got my mom a nice cardigan online.

If you're stuck on what to get your friends & loved ones, think of a charity that they support and donate in their name. Here are a few of my favorite non-profits:

No Kid Hungry
SPCALA
Sierra Club

Have a wonderful Christmas and please share this if you believe in the true spirit of the holidays. "Giving is better than receiving."