Work

Work and Shakshuka

December 24, 2021

We got PCR tests for the kids yesterday: NEGATIVE x 3!

All 3 have coughs now. But I guess it is something else: RSV, metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, a non-covid coronavirus (remember those? they still exist!), influenza, paraflu . . . the possibilities are nearly endless.

But, yay. #notcovid is less disruptive than COVID, so I am happy. As long as I don’t get it (which is probably fanciful thinking.)

I am holding onto a shred of hope that the coughs will be gone enough by Monday that they could attend camp (both of us on call for the last day of this obnoxious string).

Today I have to round in the hospital early so that Josh can go in and do an ~8 hour surgery — he was not supposed to be working today but this got bumped from earlier this week. Gloriously, the next two days ONLY I am on call!

That concept has never seemed so luxurious.


PS: Call has been tiring. So far, we are 3 for 3 with multiple calls overnight for kids with viral illnesses. Probably a good chunk are COVID.

PPS: I ate Christmas cookies for lunch yesterday. It felt warranted.

PPPS: I did not go for the run I mentioned in yesterday’s blog post, and that will not be happening today either. I don’t have the energy or mental bandwidth to push myself right now.

PPPPS: Some insightful commenters used the word ‘triggered’ and I 100% agree I am feeling triggered by many things right now, including some work related things that remind me of early pandemic. I remember when I honestly considered quitting at least part of my job on a regular basis.

PPPPPS: Happy holidays, for those who celebrate.

SHAKSHUKA

PPPPPPS: One positive thing – we have a new dinner in our rotation that is literally the easiest thing ever — shakshuka! Kids loved it. Here’s one version. Ours was just tomato sauce, eggs, spinach, and sourdough bread on the side, and it took less than 10 minutes to make. I used the PrepDish Superfast meal plan this week and it was really helpful. (They are a BLP sponsor — link for 2 free weeks here — but this is a random unsponsored mention as it really was a lifesaver this week).

7 Comments

  • Reply Gillian December 24, 2021 at 8:08 am

    So true about the other viruses right now. My nephew has been sick and his viral testing was positive for RSV and parainfluenza, but no covid. Poor kiddo.

  • Reply Elisabeth December 24, 2021 at 8:17 am

    Ugh. I’m so sorry Sarah. The viral bugs (thankfully not COVID, but still…a super nuisance), the crazy call schedule, and I’m sure the craziness of moving next month and all the other life stuff.

    I’m not quite sure what to hope for – quite simply that everything will improve! The kids coughs will miraculously clear by Monday, call will require the bare minimum, and that you’ll get a chance to rest a bit and recuperate from the stress.

    I’ve been struggling with insomnia for almost 2 months. At first I was blaming it on DST, but I honestly just think it’s the accumulation of stress. Renovations, a new job, some very unexpected and tense interpersonal issues with someone that suddenly entered my life, parenting, a few health challenges…and then just this giant stress ball of COVID. Will the kids be able to go to school? Will we be able to visit family? Even though we’re healthy and live in a part of the world that is highly vaccinated and very good about mask rules, everything just feels so…fragile. Right now Omicron levels are spiking like CRAZY in our province (thankfully not in the zone where we live, but still)…and I’m almost 100% certain the kids will be doing remote learning in January. And I think, mostly subconsciously, this has just formed an enormous well of anxiety that is constant. Obviously a vicious cycle (stress giving me insomnia, and lack of sleep fuels the stress). I finally scheduled a call with my Dr and she was so helpful in strategizing a game plan, so I’m feeling a bit more hopeful for the new year…but it’s all just “heavy.”

    And yay for the easy meal – sometimes those little wins make such a huge difference in our ability to function in tough times.

    • Reply Sarah Hart-Unger December 24, 2021 at 9:08 am

      If keeping kids in school means rapid testing them daily , it would be worth it. I will literally have a fit and/or mental health crisis if school goes remote. Luckily I think FL is a place where that is not highly likely.

      • Reply Irene December 24, 2021 at 8:55 pm

        Oh my goodness me too

  • Reply Lisa of Lisa’s Yarns December 24, 2021 at 9:14 am

    My Covid test came back negative, too. Thank God!! I wish the at home tests were more reliable. This is my 2nd false positive in 2 months! Bleh.

    Good call on not running. You have a lot on your plate and while exercise can be helpful, you are waking at night and stressed so it’s good to cut yourself some slack! Hopefully next week your kids will be at camp and you can get some runs in!!

    • Reply Sarah Hart-Unger December 24, 2021 at 9:43 am

      Hooray for neg!!!!!!

  • Reply Rebecca December 24, 2021 at 12:29 pm

    I love shakshuka… sadly *my* preschooler will currently touch neither eggs nor tomato sauce!

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