winter preparation

aw, i am so late in posting this as it really didn't dawn on me that winter was actually here already.  is it almost christmas????  better late than never!

avoid the flu

i've been really fortunate to avoid the flu so far esp. since the husband has been sick during the last few weeks.   while i had 2nd false alarm last week (nose congestion which went away after a day), i am so far a-ok (crossing fingers).  knock on wood!

• eat well.  for the past month, i've been cooking at home every week so i know what i'm eating.  i also consume a piece of fruit two to three times daily: oranges, apples, bananas, and red grapes.
• lay off of sweets and dairy. dairy tends to build up more congestion.
• drink plenty of fluids as you should every day.  
• exercise.  it keeps your body healthy.  because of the cold weather, i've skipping out running outside and been going to the gym.  as always i wash my hands thoroughly before i leave the gym and shower as soon as i get home to avoid catching germs.  
• dress warmly and sleep.  duh, no brainer!  lack of warmth and rest means weakened defenses.
• stay away from work when you're sick.   no one wants to share your germs.
• after you dry your hands in the public restroom, take your used paper towel and treat it as a glove as you touch the restroom door knob, avoiding the germs on the knob.
• clean your work area, esp. keyboard and mouse weekly during the winter
• avoid touching nose, eyes, and mouth with your hands.  you can easily transmit viruses.
• don't get the flu shot.  actually, i don't know about this but i've never gotten a flu shot (to my knowledge) and i have never gotten the full blown flu.   colds, yes. stomach flu, yes. full blown flu, no.  my husband, on the other hand, had gotten the flu shot and got the flu not long after the shot.  

prepare the house for winter

excellent tips here:  http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/92607_WinterHom.htm

the bad news is that our heater just went out.  it was working fine until last night. neither the heater or ac is working.  (sigh)   it looks like we need to have the repairman come and visit hopefully before christmas.  at we have a space heater and we moved our sleeping quarters into the living room (the bedroom is FREEZING) to conserve heat.