7 Reasons to Not Get the Flu

Not getting the flu should seem like an obvious goal. Nevertheless, for your convenience I have compiled a list of reasons not to get the flu.

1: Your head feels like its going to explode: The flu has a way of making your head feel like an overinflated balloon, which makes it difficult to accomplish anything.

2: You cant sing, or dance: The flu will reduce your voice to the sound of gravel, and your dance moves to the zombie shuffle.

3: Eating any kind of food creates a hole of nausea in your stomach: The simple pleasure of eating is quickly snatched in the clutches of the flu, just one of many symptoms to endure.

4: Your pets don't understand that playing with them feels like running a marathon: Unfortunately time doesn't stop when you get the flu. Pets are the best example of this, when they come begging and demanding, and you feel like you've been hit with a mac truck.

5: Moving at all makes you feel your at the top of a building and about to pass out: I don't know if nausea is an across the board symptom of the flu, but for many, it makes any simple tasks feel like fighting a pro wrestler

6: Your too tired to even enjoy your time off: for those with sick days, getting the flu can feel like a mutated vacation. But with the energy of a decrepit 102 year old, it can feel utterly pointless.

7: It sucks: Perhaps the best synopsis of having the flu, it simply sucks. No explanation necessary.

So, basically, don't get the flu this season. Your best chance is to hide in your home like a hermit until it passes.


What is your worst flu experience?

Enigma

Where did Valentine's Day come from?

The origin of Valentine's Day is not something commonly known or discussed. The modern Valentine's Day that we know, with flowers, hearts, and chocolates is a recent cultural development. The birth of the holiday started in early modern England and spread throughout the English speaking world by the 19th century.

The origin of the significance of February 14th is connected mostly in celebration of Christian and Catholic martyrs. It developed as a western holiday honoring different saints (individuals differing with location) named Valentine. The celebration was called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine.
There are records of a Saint Valentine who supposedly performed wedding ceremonies for soldiers. Who at the time were forbidden to marry. This Saint Valentine also ministered to Christians persecuted by the Roman empire. According to legend, Saint Valentine left a letter to his judge's daughter before his execution. The letter was signed "your Valentine".

However the modern association of romance and Valentines Day didn't developed until the 14th century, in a time when courtly love was in full bloom. Romantic poetry encouraged the connection of romance to Valentine's Day, but it still wasn't until 18th century England that giving gifts and letters to lovers became common. These love letters were called "valentines" and by the 19th century the custom became so popular that handwritten cards were bought over by mass produced greeting cards.

In the U.S. mass produced Valentines cards with popular paper lace were sold by Esther Howl around 1847. In 1868 a British company introduced the box of chocolates with their "Fancy Boxes", decorated heart shaped boxes of chocolate. They quickly became a staple item for the holiday.

Many suspect or have made claims that Valentine's Day is connected to the Roman celebration of fertility and love. However there is no record of Valentine's Day being associated with anything romantic or sexual before the 14th century, when Chaucer mentioned "Valentines" in his poetry.
Although modern Anglo-American customs have significantly altered the celebrations of Valentine's Day, there are still events connecting the Saint Valentine with its original purpose, the arrival of spring.
The famous  symbols of Valentine's Day, chocolates, flowers, and love letters originated in the UK. However parts of England still retain their original Valentine's Day customs. Norfolk has a mysterious Valentine "Jack" that leaves treats at the door for children. And Slovenia has a Saint Valentine to mark the coming of spring.

Valentine's Day has a long and complicated history, but the holiday brings a smile to my face. Unexpected flowers, sweet valentine cards, and indulgent chocolates help boost the spirit.

What is your favorite part about Valentine's Day?

Enigma

Tiger Eyes

Tiger Eyes is a YA novel written by the one and only Judy Blume, the original queen of teen. Simple and powerful, this story is about a daughter coping with unimaginable loss. Its basic storytelling is made strong and fascinating by the subject matter. The plot is given depth by its sheer simplicity and honesty.

This story follows Davey, the daughter in a family of four. When her father is violently killed Davey retreats inside herself trying to make sense of a sense less incident. Davey's pain and reactions are contrasted by her younger brother, who copes by trying to bring back normalcy. Her mother slowly recedes in shock and exhaustion, leaving her family to figure things out alone. Davey is reeling with pent up emotions, in a fit of frustration she finds herself hiking down into a canyon. Through hiking Davey meets Wolf, a stranger who helps her start the journey of healing.

The characters in Tiger Eyes are strongly defined, each one possessing memorable features and traits. Davey is a relatable teenager, but still her own person. Her personality shows a sharp attentive view of the world. Her little brother is fun, carefree, and childish, but on the inside he realizes the affect of his fathers death. Wolf is silent and supporting, left mostly as a mystery for the reader to think over on their own.

In the end Davey is left with a new outlook on life and a better acceptance of death. She begins to repair the relationships with her family and put the pieces back together. Davey and Wolf go their separate ways, but Davey receives a gift from Wolf in the mail, a reminder that they will see each other again.

Tiger Eyes is a touching story of healing after loss. It shows that no matter what horrible events happen in our lives, family can help put you back together. Tiger Eyes truly is a timeless YA classic.

Have you read this original teen drama?

Enigma