Post-call happiness
Nothing like 168 hours of 24/7 availability to make you really appreciate . . . NOT being on call! Seriously. I am happy overall with how the week went. I definitely did more scrolling than I would generally like to be doing, but I stayed fairly calm and accepted HELP from Josh / our nanny which was really great.
I am on call again in about a month but there are a lot of fun things I am really looking forward to between then and now, so I won’t dwell on it!
Some things making me happy . . .
- STILL no migraines
- These bars (Healthy Eating on the Go) — a reader alerted me to this company and I somewhat impulsively ordered 3 boxes of bars — THANKFULLY they are delicious. Many varieties have 15g protein and they taste like less-sweet Perfect Bars (also tasty but definitely sweeter). I have been eating them (or Rise or Perfect) bars for part of breakfast on the way to work lately and really like them. (Pair with Greek yogurt and BAM ~30g carb breakfast!)
- This book: I’m into it! Excellent comfort read started during call week. It tackles very heavy things (children separated from their parents during the WW2 Blitz in the UK) but somehow has a gentle flow to it.
(Side note – I ended up not really liking Hello Beautiful!! It’s well-written with some lovely characters and I know it’s a fan favorite but it just sort of TORTURED me. The ending provided some redemption but not enough. I think I felt similarly about the author’s first novel Dear Edward so maybe she is just not for me. I think this is a case of I’M THE PROBLEM IT’S ME but yep. Will be a good book club discussion!)
- I will be headed up to Boston for a brief trip and am really looking forward to it!! (PARTICULARLY the running at lower temps . . . hooray!). I did not find any takers for my 18 miler with marathon pace miles (understandable) but I feel like I have a nice handle on where to run and the weather looks amazing. Even if it rains, I’ll be happy.
- Being back in my original 2023 Hobonichi. Feels like home.
12 Comments
So many happy things. Your comment about your original Hobonichi feeling like home is…so true for me, too. My planner is such a constant in my life at this point and it almost feels like an extension of my body!
I tend to not love modern fiction, but I really liked Hello Beautiful. I thought it was beautifully nuanced and I read it in two sittings! I was a bit surprised since “fan favs” tend to be misses for me.
Enjoy the Boston weather (Nova Scotia weather is equally lovely this time of year. AND there is a Boston qualifier race in my hometown in October…hint, hint)
Oooo! I wish I was in long run shape to join you for some Boston miles. The esplanade is the perfect spot and you’ll definitely be in good company. If you need route tips (or post-run refuel tips), happy to help!
Every single time I finish a call week I say “it’s good to be on call sometimes to remind you how great it is to not be on call” or some version of that. Every single time. Congrats on making it through!
Bummer about Hello Beautiful not working for you. It is a heart breaking read but since I come from a large, catholic family, the family dynamics were oh so relatable for me. There are so many alliances between siblings and things some people know but are hiding from others, etc. And I thought the writing was so beautiful. It’s my fave book of 2023 so far! But I know it’s not for everyone!
Glad you found a protein bar you liked. I tried a perfect bar and did not care for it! I typically eat RX bars. I don’t love the consistency though. They are very gummy. But I always bring some on work trips since I never know when I will be able to eat next and the days can get really long.
It was a beautifully written book – just not for me. I was so frustrated with Julia and felt like I was suffering just reading all of it, and then when the later twist happened I almost threw the book across the room like … omg. Too much. So yes- this is not a matter of a bad book- I think I just couldn’t handle it!!!!
Have you looked into a running group in Boston? It’s marathon season and I bet if you look for one, you could find one doing an 18 miler while you’re there.
I second this idea. I have found and successfully run with groups in Ann Arbor, somewhere in NJ, and the Outer Banks while traveling and they are always welcoming!!! I bet you will find lots of people, including some at your pace, if you search. (but also if you’re fine running alone and if the prospect of searching for and finding a group is overwhelming, then just do your thing! I will say that it is easier to identify these groups on facebook and I know that’s a no-go for you so…)
Thought about it but since I have specific tempo segments I think a group wouldn’t be ideal. Totally going to piggyback off of common routes though!!
I didn’t like Hello Beautiful either. I come from a big family but I found many of the family dynamics to be overdone and not realistic. The sisters who share two houses with seemingly no conflict, the perfect marriage between the 2nd sister and basketball guy, all of Julia’s actions post divorce. More like a soap opera than realistic depictions of a family. IDK, will be a good book club discussion, for sure.
Agree with you about Hello Beautiful. I had high hopes because I saw it recommended everywhere and I typically love family stories spanning so many years, but it just fell flat for me.
SAME. I’m sorry to say but I gave up on it. Had very high hopes because so many people liked it..
Yes for Healthy eating on the go bars! I too ordered 3 boxes on a whim (hey, gotta get that free shipping ;)), and have been so happy with them as an easy, healthy, quick breakfast option.
Can’t wait to see you crush your marathon!