Category Archives: cold

This is Normal…

I have been coughing for well over a month now. This happens almost every year. Needless to say, everyone asks why I don’t just go to a doctor. Again, this happens nearly every year, and has been since I was very young. I have been to the doctor for this almost two dozen times. But, after numerous coworkers and friends endlessly urged that I see a doctor “for the love of God!” I decided to go. I went, and what did the doctor do? The same thing he does (or she does, depending which doctor I go to) every time.
Doctor: You are coughing.
NOTE: Very perceptive.
Me: Yes… and I have been for a while.
Doctor: Have you taken cough syrup?
Me: Yes. I think I am on my third bottle.
Doctor: What about cough drops?
Me: Yes, I keep some in my purse.
Doctor: Cold medication?
Me: Well, I no longer have a cold. But when I did, I took some DayQuil, and I got better.
Doctor: I am going to have you take some x-rays.
*** I let them take some x-rays of my chest***
Doctor: Your lungs seem fine.
Me: So, more cough syrup?
Doctor: You can keep taking the cough syrup, if you like.
NOTE: Who likes cough syrup?? Seriously? I practically gag each time I have to take it.
Me: Do you have any suggestions?
Doctor: Would you like an inhaler?
Me: Will it help?
Doctor: Um… probably not.
NOTE: This right here folks, is why I don’t go to the doctor every time I cough endlessly. This is what happens every time. Every time!
In conclusion, there is nothing wrong with me. Except the whole coughing my lungs out bit. I asked him, and he said my coughing sounds normal. I am going to interpret this as being how I am supposed to sound. Does that mean there is something wrong when I am not coughing? Should I be coughing year round? Is there something wrong with the rest of you because you are not coughing? Should you be?
I went to the doctor with one question and came back with five. And I don’t think my original one was answered either. So, six?

Ten Fun Winter Activities

Last weekend it rained. Hard. Which meant all outdoor activities were nixed off the list. Now, try explaining that to a hyper two year old who wants nothing but to run around outside. She spent most of the day in front of the patio door, pointing and making sad (albeit cute) pouty faces. This was Saturday. By Sunday, I had a plan. While you debate letting your little one splash in the puddles outside, and contemplate the giant mess you will have to clean up, here are ten fun tips for keeping her active, entertained, and most importantly, warm and dry.

1. Go to the toy store

I know this sounds completely counterintuitive to your sanity, and probably your check book too, but it can actually be quite productive and fun. I am not suggesting buying anything. Spend several hours letting your child experience the toys. Get an idea of which items she likes more than others. See how she interacts with the toys, and gage how much use and benefit she would get from them. This helps you solidify your Christmas list. When it is time to go, explain to her she will receive something special at Christmas time.

2. Play hide and seek

But remember to keep it simple so your wee one doesn’t get too frustrated, or worse, scared. She may not yet understand the concept of hiding, but she can definitely seek.

3. Dance

Put on some music and let loose. If you don’t know how to dance, don’t worry, your kid doesn’t either, so just bounce around have fun.

4. Put on a fashion show

At this age kids grow an inch a second. They will outgrow their clothes before you can finish doing the week’s laundry. Use this opportunity to have some fun with your kid (toddlers love trying to learn how to dress and undress themselves) while also figuring out what items in their wardrobe are no longer viable options.

5. Build a fort

Use your couch, some sheets and throw pillows. Throw in a few dining room chairs. You now have the perfect castle, fort, tent, etc. Let your imagination guide you.

6. Go to the park

If it is not raining or snowing, but it is still cold outside don’t rule out going to the park. Bundle up and you can still have a blast. Just think of the yummy hot cocoa you both can enjoy when you get back. Don’t forget the marshmallows.

7. Move

Put a bunch of toys in a pile, and then the both of you pick some up and move them across the house. Go back for more, until the entire pile is moved over. Repeat as many times as your kid has energy. Feel free to skip the gym tonight.

8. Go for a walk

Don’t set a destination. Don’t plan. Just take a stroll through your neighborhood. But don’t walk until you are both completely tired or your little one won’t be able to make it home. You will be surprised at how many things you have never seen before.

9. Decorate

Christmas is less than two months away, and you don’t want to get caught up doing everything last minute. Buy a large bag of popcorn, cereal, etc. and some string. Make giant garlands to string up for the holidays. Have her hand you the kernels as you string them through the needle. Enjoy a few bites along the way.

10. Make your own wrapping paper

While you are in the holiday spirit, create your own wrapping paper. All you need are some giant sheets of drawing paper, crayons, colored pencils, washable markers, stamps, or whatever you want to use to decorate, and have at it! Grandma will love her custom wrapped gifts.

What are some of your favorite winter activities?