Okay, okay, I know in my last post I'd wrote this long explanation of why my blog title, "And now these words from our sponsor..." was fitting, sort of. But to be perfectly honest with you, I never quite felt like that was what I was looking for. Besides, isn't it a woman's prerogative to change her mind? ;)
A few days ago a friend posted a link to his blog. I bemusedly read his recent entry and then I had one of those light bulb moments. Or more commonly known these days as a "headdesk", whereupon the individual bangs their head repeatedly on the desk all the while repeating the mantra, "DUH!!!!" The posting itself, although very interesting, had absolutely nothing to do with this epiphany, but rather his blog title, DanOCan.com
In the world of forums and geocaching and other such interesting geek activities that I enjoy taking part in, I am known as Just Ducky, or Ducky for short. Only online mind you, not that I'd not mind being called Ducky as a nickname, after all it is my fondness for all things "duck" that brought about the moniker to begin with. Anyway, I digress, Dan, is known as DanOCan and I began thinking about that. I really quite like Just Ducky, it's not uncommon, but still clever enough and I think it suits me. So, after consideration, and some quick research, my new, and hopefully permanent, blog title was born.
I've been struggling with the title for my blog for months now. Since I hope, perhaps, maybe one day, my readership will grow by leaps and bounds, even astonishing me (a girl can dream), then I figure I should have a catchy title that is memorable and meaningful to what I write about. Not that simple since I don't really have a niche, I just throw stuff out there with regards to what's going on around me at the moment. Life, as it would turn out, is my niche!
Quite frankly, I felt my original title was actually condescending to my children and since they are so important to me, it didn't make sense to continue with that one. The current title was just stuffed in as a "place holder" until I could come up with something better. It's been there awhile now so I surveyed a couple of friends about it, they said it was catchy as is. Great! But what does it mean to me? That all my blog posts will all be trying to sell something?? I don't think so! That's not my style at all.
I continued to ponder my blog title and as I increase my activity in publishing more posts it grew in my mind that I really need to determine if it is suitable as is or do I find something else. As Winne the Pooh would say, "Think, think, think". Who is my sponsor? I don't have one. Hmmmm. And then it dawned on me, my sponsor is God. Granted, I don't feel that all of my posts are lead by the Lord, but definitely a good percentage of what I say comes from what I feel are lessons He is trying to teach me, or at the very least, inspired by seeds He plants in my mind. The rest is just my humble opinion that anyone is welcome to take or leave ;). Can you think of a better sponsor? I sure can't, and while I won't claim to be speaking on His behalf, I am feeling lead to share these lessons so, perhaps, the title can stay as is. What do you think?
Completely off topic, can anyone explain to me why cheese, although lovely as is, tastes so much better when melted?!?
I’m asserting my opinion on this debate, this is NOT a medical opinion, I am not a professional. Please do your own research, weigh the pros and cons for you and your family and talk to your physician. Also, if you have a different opinion, good for you, I will never push my beliefs on another. I merely share what I feel is best for my family. Do what is best for YOUR family! ps. this is long, have a cup of coffee near by if you dare to read LOL.
Regarding both the seasonal influenza vaccine and H1N1 influenza (swine flu) vaccine and based on my own research, myself and my younger children will NOT be getting either vaccine.
I have been favouring the “do NOT” side for some time but still teetered on the edge of the fence. The media hype regarding the spread of this flu and the government insistence that this is necessary was at war within me against all I believed in about the danger of ALL vaccines. Hearing the reports of reactions (from mild to severe and even death) related to the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine, had me concerned and weighing the risks of vaccine over contracting either virus. In fact, fear mongering has the exact opposite reaction for me, I distrust those that would use fear to push their agendas and that in and of itself was pushing me on the no vaccine side of the fence. Based on experience and research this is how I came about my final decision. Although my decision is for both vaccines, I am focusing on H1N1 here as that is the hot topic right now and the vaccine they are pushing.
First of all, as I said, using fear tactics caused me to DISTRUST those pushing the vaccine, the opposite effect they intended obviously. This pushed me to do research on my own (a good thing) and look closer at the assertions, but not pushiness, of those against the vaccine.
Secondly, lack of sufficient testing of the swine flu vaccine. This vaccine was proven to cause a myriad of severe reactions in the past and yet is once again being pushed, with the “new & improved” brand. But they have no proof of the improvements and the adjuvants are just as dangerous as always. I already know I react to thimeresol, would you believe they used to put it in contact solution… c’mon everybody, let’s pour mercury in our eyes WTH??
Nearly there on my decision, I then discussed the H1N1 vaccine with my bff. Her husband is a doctor of chiropractic medicine, I trust chiropractors before MD’s. They are not getting the vaccine, reason: too little testing, too risky, too many adverse reactions. That solidified how I feel. However with the virus spreading quickly through our small school concerns continued to nag at me, hummmm what’s a mom to do?
I am a single mom with several medical issues, the worst of which is fibromyalgia & CFS, I have no one to back me up if I’m sick, no matter what the cause. So now you may be thinking, well don’t you want the vaccine then??? No thanks, I had the seasonal flu vaccine a few years ago, I didn’t know why at the time, but I was sick, weak, fatigued and in pain for weeks after, most of the winter in fact, but oh goody, I didn’t get the flu! Two weeks ago I caught what I assume was the seasonal flu virus (not sure, but I don’t think it was swine flu). On the first day I was headachey, body aches, high fever, nauseated (without vomiting), muscle weakness and couldn’t walk to the bathroom without holding onto walls & counters. I was FULLY recovered in four days! No residual effects, no sudden return after getting better. My 8 yo also had seasonal flu (again not positive) about four weeks ago, same thing, FULLY recovered in less than four days. I think we’re doing pretty darn good at building up our immune system.
Today I learned that both vaccines can cause severe and lasting debilitating reactions to those with fibromyalgia, CFS or any of the chronic pain syndromes. Well, that explains my previous winter, apres vaccination. I’ll be darned if I can afford to be nearly bed ridden again for an entire winter. I have attached a video from youtube.com, a physician specialising in infectious disease AND an endocrinologist, Dr. Kent Holtorf is NOT getting his children immunized with H1N1 and indicates that it has been shown to be “devastating” to those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. So based on my research, we’ll take our chances with no vaccinations and continue to keep our immune system fortified with healthy eating and daily vitamins.
Best of luck to everyone in making your decision and prayers for staying healthy. God bless!
