Our family gets flu shots every year. I know some people like them and some are against getting them. Like I say, each family's different. But for us, we do get them every year. I had my husband call about 2 weeks ago, to make an appointment. I know, I know...I'm an early bird (hangs head in shame: ) The lady on the other line said, they wouldn't be taking appointments for the flu vaccine until October 1st. I wrote it on my calendar. And the night before I reminded hubby about it. And since we were awake anyways. I had Noboru call them at exactly 8am to make our family our appointment. The line was busy but I am sure others had been waiting to call too. He called back again and got through. We made our appointment for Tuesday October, 6th at 3:30pm. We chose that day because it's a day we don't have Kumon or swimming or anything at all. So yesterday, sure enough all 4 of us, went and had our flu shots. When we walked into the clinic we were a bit surprised. First off there were no cars in the parking lot, well maybe 1 or 2 at the most. That to us was odd. When we walked in, this little country clinic which is usually filled with old granny and grandpa types was virtually deserted. We were like...huh? The receptionist said, all appointments for today have been cancelled because the doctor was sick. They were only allowing flu shots, that day. What luck! Well, I mean not very lucky for the doctor, sorry he's sick. But we lucked out. Oh and the paper above is what they give us every year it says basically, that 70% chance to not get any flu at all, but if you do get sick, it will be a very very mild version of the illness. We know that and we figure anything that increases our chances to not be sick is a step in the right direction. Also this flu shot doesn't cover the swine flu. And we know that, as well.
Here's a pic of Noah getting his temperature. Noboru in the background helping take Branden's temp. And we also had to take our own. None of us had fevers, so we were allowed to get our shots done.
Virtually empty, these people in the background were paying which is why they were sitting near the receptionist area. We had never seen this clinic this deserted before. And we probably won't ever again either, ha ha ha.
Totally empty over this way too. We got the fastest service though, especially with no one around. They did have the doctor from upstairs come down and he actually gave Branden and Noah their shots. And neither of them cried. Then we thanked him and he went back upstairs and the nurse gave Noboru and I, our shots. Now Noboru and I are done for the year. And the boys have to come back in 3-4 weeks to get their second and last shot. Also, for when we go back,I would like to talk to the doctor about the H1N1 vaccination, a little bit, to answer a few question I have (are there any side effects etc etc). I will speak with our doctor there about this some, and see if he thinks the H1N1 shot, is a good thing we should get or not. And he's a VERY nice doctor, they all are at this place. I trust his opinion. I also will try and read up some about it before we go back as well.
Japan is supposed to be hit by a pretty major typhoon. It's supposed to hit us sometime Thursday October 8th. Japan does get typhoons every year. Light to medium ones. But this one that's expecting to come tomorrow is supposed to be "the big one". Now, I hope for all our sakes it downgrades and loses it's punch. But all I can tell you is, everyone I know is talking about how serious this one is. Everyone I know seems to be bracing for it, preparing for it in some way or another. See "boy next doors" dog house in this picture? Do you see that the grandpa placed those 2 big packs of roof tiles on the dogs house. So the dogs house hopefully doesn't blow away. As I drove the boys to school this morning I see many people laying their bicycles flat down so the bikes don't fall or thrash into a car or get knocked down by the strong winds or something. Everything not tied down basically is being tied down, by the people on my block/street. Yesterday afternoon at 11am. Jogo-san and I and 2 other yochien mom friends we all went to our favorite Indian restaurant for lunch. At the lunch we all talked about the typhoon, and other things too. And the chit chat with them is always real fun.
The big blue tarp that is usually on our playground hubby took off again to prepare ourselves for the typhoon that is coming. We got the 4 hanging pumpkin heads and have them now hiding in the shed. Walked all over the yard and anything that could fly away we put into the shed. The wind chimes we brought into the house and they now are hanging on my treadmill, lol. : ) We are hoping this typhoon is nothing and it loses steam. That's what we are hoping but we are also preparing for it too. I also ran to the store this morning after I dropped off both boys. I bought another loaf of bread, a few more bottles of drinks. Some apples. Just a few things. We do have food for about 5 days and nights worth. But we are getting ready.
We have extra batteries, extra candles, and we bought this lighter type thing to light things in case. I have the portable dvd player charged so that way if we are without power the kids can at least watch a movie. Or we can also read by candle light. Play board games. But at least this way we are getting a bit ready for it. Hope it turns out to be nothing. Just got an email from Branden's school, his school has been canceled for tomorrow. And the undokai, the town undokai has been canceled for this weekend and it will not be postponed. I admit, I am sorta happy about the undokai being called off. A person can sure get sick of too many undokai's, you know. : ) I am pretty sure Noah's school will be canceled tomorrow as well. How's the weather look right now where I am? It's gray, it's been raining quite hard all day and even right now. Anyway I better get going, stay safe everyone. : )
Update: Noah's school has been canceled as well.
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