Y'all. This so-called "short" work week has been one really long, drawn out and stressful week that even now, at *glances at the clock* 7:10 pm still hasn't ended. And will, I'm afraid, be spilling over into this weekend and possibly Monday . Gosh, I hope not.
Honestly - who needs this kind of stress? Not me, that's for sure. But after this is over I need to sit back and reflect on how I could have handled these stressors better. I know that I am usually pretty quick and efficient with my work; but I also know that when I am stressed AND in a rush that turns into a total mess; which equals even more stress...and insomnia. So I think the next time I have a week like this one, I need to slllllllooooowwwww way down and focus, somehow.
Anyhow, we are planning our first actual "vacation" since COVID began - which is just one more stressor for me, honestly. We are going up to Connecticut to visit my mother-in-law; which is long past due. But she turns 91 in a few weeks and we just can't wait for the rest of the country to fall in line with masking, vaccinations, boosters, etc.
Between you and me, I think we should have probably taken this trip back in the Spring but here we are in September and this is a trip we need to make. So send all your good thoughts to the East Coast in the next couple of weeks that keeps us safe and healthy.
I know there are some who think I am being silly - but honestly, in the past couple of weeks, I have seen/heard about some of the most cautious people I know coming down with COVID. And yes, for the most part (so far) they are fine. One of my concerns is that you just don't know how it will affect you even despite being vaccinated and boosted. And, of course, there is long COVID to consider...
But despite all my trepidations, I AM excited to see the family - that will be nice; especially if we somehow miraculously make it up there and back without actually coming face to face with COVID.
God, I hate COVID so very much.
Ah. Well, it seems I have created a pretty sad post, haven't I? Sorry about that.
In other news, I wandered out into the big bed out back this evening and relieved some of this weeks stress by yanking out some Morning Glories - which, guess where they like to pop up the most? If you guessed under the roses, you would be correct. Now I am covered in scratches. But that's ok (I guess?) because (for now) they are gone and while I was yanking out the vines I had an eye out for any errant blackberry bits that might be trying to make a come back and didn't' see one shoot at all. *Says in a whisper, so the blackberry bush can't hear* I think I might be winning that particular war; knock on wood.
(We won't even talk about the grass that continually seems to invade every flower bed in this yard but stubbornly refuses to grow in the actual yard. No, we won't - because we are focusing on a positive ending here to usher us into the weekend.)
So there, I found a way to round up this post with a modicum of (possible) good news (unless, of course, the blackberry bush hears about this and begins to spit forth a bunch of new shoots tomorrow to be yanked out).
My plans for this weekend are to relax and do as little thinking about hard, stressful stuff as I can. How about you?
I understand your reluctance to travel, even if this pandemic is under control. Supposedly if you ask me. I'll be sending good vibes your way, hoping that all the people you interact with are fully vaccinated, and that you have a heck of a good time!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ally. I don't want to be pessimistic about it; but I don't think this pandemic is done with us yet. I'm sure once I get there it will be fine. It's the getting from this safe house to that safe house 9-10 hours away and back again that has me nervous.
DeleteI would not travel. Got an appointment to get that new variant booster shot next week!
ReplyDeleteIf it was for anything else, I would not travel. But it's been at least 3-4 years since we've seen her and although she's healthy you just never know. Yay, for getting the booster. I am planning to get one before we leave, if I can.
DeleteGood luck with travelling. I can understand your feelings for sure, even though we have travelled. We've also had Covid so...but I guess my feeling is that your MIL will not live forever, sadly, because I know she is a wonderful woman. But time is precious and I know you won't regret going to see her. If you're boosted and masked, and you're doing your best, that's the best you can do! And it's true, you don't know how it will affect you, but - and I want this to be helpful, not weird or anything - the vast majority of people who do get Covid do recover without issues. Of course, you'd not want to pass it to your MIL, I totally understand and feel the same about my parents and MIL. What I'm trying to say is I understand, but I 100% support you in going to see her. Sending you all the good healthy thoughts and lots of love. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nicole. Yes, time is precious and, unfortunately, she won't live forever so this is something we need to do. And we will be as safe as we possibly can and hope for the best. After living for however many eons it's been since this all started; in a bubble, willingly stepping out of that bubble is hard.
DeleteWhat a hard time to be making decisions like this; COVID keeps rearing its ugly head and making such a muddle of plans. I agree with everything Nicole says above, but understand it's still a hard decision to make. Wishing you clarity and safety in all the next steps.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elisabeth. I know that going, despite everything, is the right thing to do. And I will LOVE to get to spend time with her. She is one of my favorite people in the world.
DeleteWell, I am sending good thoughts your way. I'm confident that you will make the trip without any issues. How wonderful that you will get to see your MIL again. It's been so long. She must be so looking forward to your visit. I hope you are able to enjoy yourself. Stress is no fun. Best of luck. Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ernie. She IS so looking forward to seeing us and vice versa.
DeleteI hope you had that relaxing weekend as you wished for.
ReplyDeleteI understand. It's tough to balance health concerns with your need for family and joy. The lack of personal responsibility regarding COVID early on still irritates me; we should have/could have been done with all of this long ago.
ReplyDeleteAnd I hear you with regard to errant grass sprouting up all over where it should not be. My herb garden is a jungle, thanks to rain and humidity. I'm about to surrender.
Sending good vibes your way for safe travels! It will be good for you guys to visit with her.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your trepidation about traveling, and I hope that it goes very smoothly for you and that no one gets sick!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful trip and are able to relax and enjoy your time together!
ReplyDeleteHave you already been to CT? Where are you headed? I'd love to meet up if it's not too far for me (parts of Ct are only about 2-3 hrs away!) If I missed it, I hope it all went well. Seems the weeks are getting away from me as well.
ReplyDelete