Day 3 was the day of rest apparently. I’ve never slept like I slept yesterday. My body must’ve been needing that, because I was not even stirred until close to 4:00 pm. I was asleep and no one woke me. This in and of itself is unheard of. I can’t typically take a nap around here without someone needing something. I woke up and again felt almost human. No major complaints other than some aches that could be accounted to the obscene amount of sleep I had acquired. I didn’t do anything for the remainder of the evening except untangle the most massive knot of yarn and finish the finger knit garland for our Christmas tree. My main symptom yesterday was fatigue. Still no sense of smell, but that is probably in my favor still as ‘E’ hasn’t been shy about letting those butt demons free. I wanted to write but my motivation was less than on point. I figured it would be ok to skip a day.
Unfortunately, yesterday #1 found out her boyfriend tested positive and she was beginning to show some symptoms of our new house mate Corona also. ‘And another one bites the dust!’ If you’re keeping count that’s 4/6 of the people that live in my home and another person that happens to swap spit with my daughter on occasion. That leaves #3 and the ‘BK’ {bonus kid} so far unscathed.
Today, day 4, brought some time outside of the house. That would seem like a wanted change of pace, but today I did not feel close to human when I woke up, nor did I have that ‘this isn’t so bad’ thought. No, today was the day that I felt yuckiest so far. Today was the day that ’E’ and my threefold could test to seal their fate of continued quarantine or a date for going back to school. #3 was the only one who got the all clear and as long as she does not show symptoms she can return to school at the end of the week. The other two and ‘E’ are stuck at home until next week, same as I am. Thankfully everyone is showing mild symptoms and everyone is still able to rest fairly comfortably.
Today the headache was at its most intense and it did not want to let up with the Tylenol I was taking to diminish the pain. It was relentless. I showered, but even that was not helpful. I was groggy and irritable and overall I felt like garbage. My nose feels so dry, but still stopped up which seems like a contradiction. It’s possible though. The cough is still there, but it seems to be triggered less. {unless it’s a laughing fit} Overall though it’s been an uneventful couple days. Trying to take each day as it comes and although I still want to be active and go, I am heeding my limitations and accepting my body’s call for rest.
Hopefully, everyone begins to feel better over the next few days and is able to start getting their normal energy levels back. Until then we will just continue to listen to our needs and remain positive. We are home and we are together! Everyone is trying to take care of each other and surprisingly my threefold hasn’t gone into all out war with each other…yet. ☮️❤️😊~M
It’s day 2 of quarantine and I am already over it! I have been restless and I wanted something to do that would occupy my mind. I stayed up far too late last night looking at craft projects to busy my threefold with and making Amazon wish lists that I will never purchase. Does anyone else do that? Stave off the shopping bug by creating wish lists of things you would buy if you have a few thousand to blow and no real responsibility? I digress. Today I woke up at 10 again after getting about 7 hours of sleep. {I told you I stayed up too late}. I probably had a hard time sleeping due to the amount of sleep I have had the past few days. I didn’t feel too terrible upon waking. Minor aches and body fatigue, slight headache, and a stopped up nose. Some coughing and sinus pressure but nothing that I couldn’t manage. I’m not going to challenge my new friend Corona, I know she is waiting to inflict her damage on my body. My chest isn’t feeling like it will explode with each breath so that has to be an improvement. Like I always say, this is all subject to change without notice. I’m definitely more edgy and irritable today. I’m not really in a mood for lots of talking, noise, interaction, or banter. I’m pretty funky and so with that I am trying to keep to myself a bit more. Headphones, calming techniques, and walking away so I don’t unnecessarily pop off on anyone for no apparent reason. It seems to contagious, the irritation, I got into a little tiff with ‘E’ about my threefold being loud {and arguing incessantly}. I think we both need manage our expectations about the behavior displayed under our current circumstances. I’ll get over it and everything will be good in a matter of hours. Everyone gets a little more edgy when they are sick and the headache blows so I know the noise level can intensify that constant pounding. I have to manage my own expectations of how we will all react and behave under these circumstances, myself, ‘E’ and my threefold.
I had a goal of showering today. That’s a good goal to have. I don’t want to smell like the back of a Chuck E. Cheese in summer mixed with McDonald’s onions even if I am unable to smell it myself. I think my family will appreciate that I do love them enough to pull myself up and wash off the layer of covid film that is undoubtedly covering my body. This was therapeutic as the hot water not only soothed the aching muscles but also helped to clear some of the sinus gunk that has been accumulating in my nasal passages. Something about a hot shower makes me feel almost better.
I did fold that load of laundry that stared at me through the night. Clean towels, hooray! I switched around the laundry and made an effort to pick up the mess on my bedside table where my snot tissues, coke cans, water bottles, mail, and other items have accumulated since setting up shop in bed the past few days. We got ornaments hung on the tree and began crafting our garland and attempted the tree topper. I found a cute project for string Christmas trees and making your own ornaments. I don’t have glue though. Trying to come up with a way to make an alternative adhesive out of things I do have at home. Suggestions? I have silicone! Ha! At least we are attempting to be productive with our time! The finger knot garland is adorable and all three of my threefold got on board and learned how to do this simple and mindless craft. I think it will be a cute addition to our holiday decorations and something they were able to make that can be on display. I really want to do the string trees, damn glue. I’ll figure something out, I’m resourceful like that!
Today I took it a little easier than yesterday and my body is thanking me. {the house however can tell that I took the day off} I took a long nap snuggled up on ‘E’ as he watched fetch {#2’s name for football} on t.v. and just took it easy. I painted a bit and worked on some projects I had started but not seen to completion. I put some attention on my social media pages for ‘My Threefold’ and did a little digital artwork. I did things that busied my mind without having to be moving around a whole lot.
Unfortunately, #2 started feeling really bad today. Her at home covid test came back positive and she is unfortunately starting to feel the onslaught of symptoms. #1, #3 and BK {bonus kid} are still in the clear so far. I am praying that this doesn’t take out the whole household. I’m not sure how I will manage taking care of my threefold, ‘E’ and myself with Corona on board. She has stayed pretty positive. Not being too whiny and not really complaining. She took a note from my book and attempted to stay a little active when her body would allow by shooting a few hoops, listening to music, and making videos of her cats. I hate she is sick, but she has always been super tough and never really allowed being sick to stop her from doing whatever she wants. Maybe it’s an ADHD thing, but she isn’t much for still, rest, or relaxation.
Tonight, #1 cooked dinner, pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, Mac & cheese, rolls and broccoli. It was delish! We sat at the table and had our normal ‘Roses & Thorns’ dinner conversation. {we all say at least one positive about our day, and share a negative if we have one}. The thorns were the obvious quarantine, covid and restless energy. The roses were decorations and learning to finger knit! {mom win!} Overall I would call today pretty successful and despite the funk energy and moods we were able to spend some quality time together. For me, that’s what I wanted out of quarantine. For us to take advantage of the unique opportunity to spend time all together. After all, how often is every person home at the same time for days on end?
Another day of quarantine is almost in the books. Only 12 days to go! We will just keep moving forward and hope that tomorrow is better than today. We will keep staying positive and trying to have an attitude of gratitude knowing that we are at home, together, safe, warm, fed and have cozy beds to recover in. Today there isn’t much more we could ask for! Stay positive! ☮️❤️😊~M
I’m going to call today Day 1. Today is the 1st full day of quarantine after receiving my positive test result. My hope is by writing a brief synopsis of each day I can track my symptoms and hopefully see the improvements that are soon to be coming my way. It also may help someone else who isn’t sure what to expect. In addition, the goal is to stay positive and find a way to make quarantine less hellish and keep everyone safe and recovering at home {without going completely insane, stir crazy, or inciting violence}.
Today I woke up and felt ok. I wasn’t 100%, but I had that thought of “this isn’t that bad, this isn’t worse than a bad cold or a mild flu.”Wrong. I realized I had slept 12 hours and it was 10a.m., but the house was still quiet meaning my threefold was also taking advantage of a day to sleep in. My new friend Corona however quickly showed me what she was willing to do to make me feel her wrath {how dare I doubt her}. Groceries were received and bringing a week’s worth of groceries into the kitchen was difficult at best. I’m not going to lie, I was ready for a nap immediately after but I pushed through. I allowed the kids to help by actually putting everything where it goes. I managed to take the trash out from the kitchen and bedroom and switch around some laundry. After that I had to sit down. My body was screaming at me to stop. My chest was tight, my muscles ached, and I was light headed. I complied and listened. I forced down some food and made myself drink a bottle of water. Taste is in tact, but it lacks luster and vitality; as the flavors are less distinct. I can’t tell about smell though because I’m stuffed up, but it was nice to not be able to smell the rancid gas ‘E’ emitted as he slept away his symptoms today. By 2:00 p.m. I felt like I’d worked all day. The clothes from the dryer staring at me to fold them. I was almost as restless as #3 and I just wanted to do something, anything, besides lay useless. However my body did not give me the permission needed to actually get up and go. My head was foggy. It’s easiest described as hang over brain like you’ve stayed up far too late, drank too much, and now your body and brain are trying to play catch up.
This evening ‘E’ finally gave in and took an at home covid test, the result as expected was positive. I harnessed enough energy to sweep the floors after my afternoon nap while watching t.v. and relaxing. ‘E’ managed to get the tree put up and the girls worked on fluffing and preparing the ornaments with hooks. I even managed to fold that load of laundry that had been staring me earlier in the day. After those things I was back to feeling like my life force was completely drained. I managed to sit at the table for family dinner. I cleared the table. Started another load of laundry and then I was done. This last load may have to stare at me until morning as I feel like my lungs are on fire after all of that this evening.
Thankfully #1 and #3 are acting fine, #2 however said her throat and chest were hurting. I am grateful they all pulled together and did some cleaning today. I couldn’t stand it being dirty, having to look at it all day and not having the ability or energy to actually clean it up. They even managed not to fight as they divided up the tasks that needed to be done! I watched #3 do some painting, watched some “flea market flip” episodes to trigger my restless creativity and did a lot of snuggling with ‘E’ and our kitties. #2 made dinner for us, yay spaghetti! I definitely am thankful my threefold are old enough to somewhat fend for theirselves, help out, and attempt to entertain themselves.
With antibiotics for my compounding ear infection, steroids, a crap ton of Advil dual action {this stuff is amazing} and cough medicine on board along with all my other regular medications I’m staving off as many of the symptoms as possible. The fatigue, headache, shortness of breath and body aches are the worst today. My newest symptom is the shortness of breath from minor activity. Most improved symptom is the sinus congestion. I never thought I’d be ecstatic about performing mundane tasks, but I figured it’s better to move some and give my body a little push than to completely force myself to be on bed rest. I guess time will tell if my way is at all beneficial to recovery or if I’m just wearing my body out needlessly. As long as I drink fluids, take breaks, listen to my body when it says ‘enough!’ then I don’t think it’s hurting me to stay somewhat active.
Overall day 1 was harder than expected but I remained in good spirits and as positive as I could. I think I only got irritated when there was arguing or unnecessary yelling. Overall I’m trying to remember that my threefold are trying to be good too. It’s important I not hold them to unrealistic expectations after all they are kids stuck in a house with their sisters for the next several days. Arguments will be hard to avoid and they will get louder than I want them to. If that’s the worst thing that happens then we will be in good shape!
Today’s Accomplishments:
Clean (a little by me, more so my threefold)
Laundry(ish)
Rest & relax
Write
Answer emails
Groceries
Submissions and proposals
Christmas tree up (not decorated yet)
Family dinner
Quality time (at a distance)
Not too shabby for a quarantined family trying to fight off covid and make it to Day 2 of this little journey. It’s just a piece of the story, not the beginning, definitely not the end but an excerpt that we will one day look back at and say ‘you know we faced some unique challenges in 2021, but we over came them all because we are badass!’ That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Send positive healing vibes our way! If you have any creative ideas to help keep my threefold entertained over the coming days I would appreciate any advice! Can’t be too intricate as we can’t go to the store to get supplies {and I’m attemptingto not spend resources too quickly since I am not working for the next couple of weeks.} Prece’ ☮️❤️😊~M
I have been working on being more positive lately and that has transferred over to a positive COVID-19 test. Yep, I’ve caught the VID. I am not thrilled about my 2 week staycation with my threefold who will undoubtedly be bored out of their mind, making messes galore, and incessantly complaining about how awful it is to be stuck in the house 24/7. Not to mention my mess that will be left for me when I return to work or the increases in grocery, electricity, internet usage and all the other bills! We are used to being nearly constantly on the run! No martial arts, no school, no friends, sleepovers, dates, or trips to the grocery store for the next 14 days. No work for mom or ‘E’ either. I have a feeling that we are all going to be ready to pull our hair out in about three days time. What will I do with myself? What will I do with them? Help!
I’m so glad we got our Christmas tree so that’s one thing we can do together. Those happiness challenges may be difficult if we can’t leave home, but we will at least have time to get creative about accomplishing them. We are having groceries delivered and hopefully I ordered enough food to sustain 5 bored humans for at least a few days. We can try some new recipes. Maybe we can get the house cleaned up and in order before Christmas comes. I will have time to write and create more. The kids can paint and draw. We might can actually sleep in a few days. We can have a Christmas movie marathon or binge watch a new tv show. We can decorate outside and hang the lights we said we wanted to hang. We can finally go through all the clothes, get caught up on the laundry, and make room for the stuff Santa brings us. Maybe, just maybe the universe is telling us to slow down, rest, and recharge. No appointments and no need for ‘time keeper Tammy’ to show her face over the next couple of weeks {2 is obsessed with being on time and has to have a plan and a schedule} I’m not sure how well any of us will do, but I’m trying be just as positive as my covid test about this whole situation.
The list is pretty daunting. It’s a pretty commendable list however, whether it anything is marked off is where the heroics will actually come in. A large list of things that we could do and ways to make this a not so unbearable and boring few weeks. With mental illness we all have to be proactive as to not isolate and trigger each other. As a mom, I will need to find my inner most saint like patience as I know how often it will be tested. I also know with bipolar disorder these medications I am being given {ie:steroids} could send me into a manic episode so I need to be cautious. ‘E’ will get his first taste of life stuck with four women, one being a whiny bitch because she is sick and I hate being sick {that’s me}, one who will be googling every symptom and becoming overly health conscious as she is a hypochondriac with anxiety {that’s #1 of threefold}, another bored to tears, hates sitting still, needs a plan for each day and still scared to not be busy because she has to sit with her feelings {that’s #2}, and then the one who has ADHD, is a mess-making, easily bored, and antagonistic when things are not how she wants {that’s #3}. I am thankful tgat we are all finished with our periods this month, honestly, someone up there is looking out for my guy! In addition, I know he is sick. It’s in his eyes, he is coughing, headache, achy and tired. Me too boo, me too. He won’t admit it. I’ve never seen him sick, but he can’t be worse than what I’ve seen some men act like {at least I hope!}
There would’ve been a time not long ago that this would’ve been “the end of the world”. I would’ve made myself more sick as I worried about the bills getting paid, how I would navigate my threefold, and I would’ve spent the next two weeks a moping, sobbing, sick and stressed out lump with no plan. That’s probably why I got it now instead of a year ago when it was the trendy virus to have. That’s me though, I shop at Ross, Marshall’s, TJ Max, and Good Will because I am perfectly content wearing last seasons fashions and save that money for other things. Why would Covid be any different? (I’m making light of me having this not attempting to be insensitive to the millions who have been gravely affected) I’m positive that I am going to be ok. I’m not 100%, tip top fighting shape but I’m pretty healthy overall {where it counts I think}. I just hope the kids stay well and that we can take advantage of the situation instead of making it worse on each other. That’s the goal for the next two weeks. Until I am released from house arrest I will try to quiet my quarantine qualms and turn this into QT quarantine with the fam. Stay positive! {not this positive but you know} and keep enjoying the journey! ☮️❤️😊~M
