To V or not to V... that is the ??

The main topic of conversation lately has been "have you gotten vaccinated?"

I confess, I am a wimp!  I hate needles, hate shots.  Hate, hate, hate.  I also hate being lied to.  When I was a kid and the polio vaccine was introduced I was conned into getting it with the promise that it would be the sugar cube, not the needle.  Wrong.  It was the needle.  And it hurt.  So much for trust.

I was on the fence about getting the covid vaccine.  That in itself was a decision.  People I talked to said they had gotten both doses, minimal ill effects... some said sore arms after the first shot, another said extreme fatigue after the second dose, a third party reported chills, fever etc. after the second dose.  

I have not gotten flu shots in the past... knock on, I am very healthy.  Last time I was really sick was six years ago... a non-throw up flu variation that laid me up for three weeks.  Since then, nada.  

Still on the fence, but wavering.  Sticking to my social distancing, wearing my mask when out and about, generally being a home hermit sitting on my balcony with a book.  

A tipping point was the thought that eventually a vaccination certificate may be required, like a passport, or driver's license.  Better to have, than not have.

Last week a community health clinic was opened at our local university for vaccinations.  Prior to that, there were various venues around the island for shots, and a number to call for an appointment.  All too complicated.  The community health clinic set up a website to make appointments online and complete the paperwork online before the appointment.  That sold me.  I logged on, filled out the forms, made an appointment for that same morning and off  I went.

It was a piece of cake!  Everyone was so nice, so cheerful, it was a pleasure to be there.  The shot was over before I could even blink.  Didn't feel it, didn't hurt.  Ill effects?  None.  Not even a sore arm.  

I've already made my appointment for the second shot in three weeks.  Get it done.  I will treasure my covid vaccination card.  Proof that I faced my fear and won.

Be your best self.  Please wear your mask.  To V or not to V?  That is YOUR decision.

Penny Pincher

What I learned from a year in virus limbo

 I ask myself what I've learned from this past year in virus limbo.

Be flexible - if you can't find what you want, look for something else.  Color outside the lines.

Be frugal - it doesn't get any rainier than the past year.  Stick to your budget when possible, save what you can.  Live without, make do with what you have.  

Shopping - buy it when you see it, stock up on essentials.   Shop when the store opens, avoid the crowds, don't forget your list.  (True confession time:  I generally eat the same thing every day - yogurt/wheat germ for breakfast, salad for lunch, simple weeknight dinner, a burger every Saturday.  Short list, easy shopping.)

What got me through the past year?  Thrift shop books and my balcony.  

The best part?  Living alone and never having to hear those (dreaded) three little words: "What's for dinner?"  

Stay safe, stay well, please wear your mask.

Penny Pincher

Books are our Friends

 Books have saved my sanity during the past year in virus limbo.  

We moved from stay at home to safer at home, back to stay at home, then safer at home. Non-essential businesses open, then closed, then open again; beaches closed, beaches open until 4 pm; no mask, no service.  You get the idea.  You know, you've been there too.

Through all the ups and downs, book were (and are) a constant in my life.  Without a tottering TBR (to be read) pile, I would have been bonkers.  

I've limited my time away from home to the essentials: grocery, laundry, the usual.  Mask firmly in place.  But the highlights of my time out are weekly visits to the two charity shops/flea markets where I donate books I'm not keeping and stock up on new-to-me books at very reasonable prices.  I eagerly scan the shelves, letting books call to me with eye catching covers, titles that intrigue me, authors I have read and want to re-read.  I seldom come home empty-handed.  

Then it's out on my balcony, iced tea in hand, to sit and read.  Bliss.

Stay safe, stay home when you can.  Wear your mask.  Read a book.

Penny Pincher