Staycations

I have never had a staycation before, but am thinkng I like this idea. Of course, there are no beaches in Central Ohio and in the March we won't be spending time on the lake. But there is something to be said to going to bed in your own bed, sleeping in late, not having to pack and clean and do all our work before we leave town. No airports, no car rentals, only eating out when you want to. The kids have friends close by to entertain them, we can dash out for a few hours by ourselves and know the kids are happy. We can keep up with work and not be overwhelmed when we return. Sure, we aren't hanging out on the beach in the Carolinas, but I hear they aren't all that warm this time of year anyway!!

According to Wikipedia -
A staycation (or stay-cation, or stacation) is a neologism for a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions. Staycations have achieved high popularity in current hard economic times in which unemployment levels and gas prices are high[1][2].
Common activities of a staycation include use of the backyard pool, visits to local parks and museums, and attendance at local festivals.

Benefits of a staycation -
Staycations are far less costly than a vacation involving traveling. There are no lodging costs and travel expenses are minimal. Costs may include gasoline for local trips, dining, and local attractions[10]. "The American Automobile Association said the average North American vacation will cost $244 per day for two people for lodging and meals... Add some kids and airfare, and a 10-day vacation could top $10,000"[10].
Staycations do not have the stress associated with travel, such as packing, long drives, or waits at airports[11].
Staycations may be of economic benefit to some local businesses, who get customers from the area providing them with business.

Risks of a staycation -
As staycationers are close to their places of employment, they may be tempted to go to work at least part of the time, and their bosses may feel their employees are available to be called into work. Staycationers also have access to their email at home as they would regularly, allowing them to be contacted, and feeling the temptation to keep up with this contact[11].
Staycationers may spend money they had not planned as retailers and other advertisers offer "deals" to encourage staycationers to spend money[12][13]. These may include hotels making package deals in hopes of luring planned staycationers to do some travel.

Ebstein Barr virus

Ebstein Barr is the virus that causes mononucleosis. Once you've had mono, the Ebstien Barr virus remains in your system for the rest of your life. Mono has many symptoms, but the most known is the extreme exhaustion. Normally, people catch the virus between the ages of 10-35 and it lasts for 1-2 months. A year ago, my daughter was diagnosed wtih Mononucleosis and shortly after Chicken Pox. They are both part of the herpes virus. I've spent a great deal of time on the internet researching, because there is no cure besides rest. Having mono alone compromises your immune system; with chicken pox on top of that, my daughter's immune system was highly compromised.

A ten year old going to school every day to the jungle of germs is not the ideal situation for her immune system. For the past year, she's continued to catch everything going around the school and was recently diagnosed with active mononucleosis again. I didn't realize you could have it more than once, but from my reading, I have come to understand that once the immune system drops below the threshhold to keep Ebstein Barr in control in your cells, you will again have active mononucleosis. There is a blood test that reveals the levels of Ebstein Barr to show that it is active.

As a parent, there is nothing worse than seeing your child suffer and not know how to "fix" it. I am amazed at all that she has been able to do and her determination to keep going. The internet is such a wonderful tool for us to have at our disposal, because with a little time, you can research any subject. I have found that we are not alone with the battle against this virus and for such a long time period. The tough part is that I've also found that others are just as frustrated as we have been to find a cure. The common theme I've found is that most of us have turned to natural medicine practices to get relief. We do seem to have found something that is helping .... last night, I had a child with more bounce in her step and more color in her cheeks!

Spending a year running back and forth to doctors and having someone ill for so long takes its toll on the whole family, but I believe we are emerging on the other side of this!

Coldwell Banker King Thompson Team Blue

KICKIN IT 2009 - TEAM BLUE!!

Our office is full of fun agents who love a challenge. Our office manager, Jeffrey Barrett has challenged us with a contest with the office divided into two teams. We earn points for various activities - the losing team has to wash cars and grill hot dogs for the winning team. We have some really creative people in our office!! Team Blue Rules!! Watch for results :)