Family Friday (vol. 108): Living in a COVID-19 World (April Edition)

Early April Edition, I should say. Things seem to change day-by-day, sometimes faster than that. Also, how was my last Family Friday post on February 14th? For me, the time is flying. Or, the days are long but the years fly by…that kind of a thing, for sure.

This was the first work week I was not redeployed in our health system. The first few weeks I believe were spent preparing and “training” everyone in new roles, and now we’re holding on, waiting for the surge to come. It’s expected within the next 2 weeks according to some sources and in others, is not projected here in Michigan until the first 2 weeks of June. So, who knows.

The “new” routine around here is the girls going to daycare Monday through Thursday, per usual, but with limited hours — 8am to 3pm. There’s 2-3 other kids in their class — all children of healthcare workers. The girls have their temperature taken every morning at drop off and their bags are sanitized before coming home. No parents allowed in the building. The teacher comes out in a surgical of N95 to receive them at the car. They are socially distancing the kids as much as 3 to 5-year-olds can be socially distanced. Is this ideal? Nope. I’m just not sure how we both work from home otherwise. Their montessori was actually on the local news (both girls, too!) talking about being open to health care workers and the practices they have in place to limit risk of COVID-19 exposure. For now, I feel fortunate that the numbers at the school are so low AND that it’s the same few faces each and every day. Aside from the obvious dangers of them being “out and about”, there is definite benefit from them being on a schedule and keeping life somewhat as they know it. We’ll see what the coming weeks bring.

Work for me has varied day by day. When I’m screening patients, we can now wear masks. I also only report to work with essentials (protein bars and a tampon on the above day!). As clinics are settling into the new normal of virtual care, our referrals have upticked some. I’m managing quite a number of gestational diabetics that I’d seen prior to COVID shutting all in-person operations down and I’ve also successfully completed virtually visits with both WebEx (HIPAA compliant) and FaceTime (Trump-approved during this time). It has gone really well and patients really seem to enjoy it. Mark’s favorite meme around COVID has something to do with, “Who lead your company’s digital transformation? A) CEO B) CTO C) COVID?” I mean…it’s true! The world will be a different place of business after all of this.

Grocery delivery orders are a bit challenging to come by, but we’re making it. I refuse to go to the grocery store. I swear that has to be more risky than walking into the hospital at this stage. I realize that’s an opinion that may not be shared, but the grocery store is a fairly uncontrolled environment unlike a hospital. Anyway, not taking the risk. We’ve been meal planning, weaving in carry-out to support local businesses, and eating from freezer reserves. I took inventory of our freezers and I’m going to start chipping away at all that’s in there. We’ve made good progress this week!

The weather is not cooperating as much as I’d like. Yesterday was in the high 40’s and sunny. It was actually really nice (for Michigan). I went for a run and the girls played outside after daycare. Of course, I was trying to wrap up emails for the day and they helped themselves to swimsuits and went outside for a pretend beach day. They swore they were “hot”. Eye roll. These Michigan kids, I tell you! Today is supposed to be in the high 50’s and sunny before temperatures plummet and rain returns for at least the next week. LOVELY…

Our dishwasher broke on Monday. I mean, broke as a JOKE. Really uncool. The part was supposed to take 3 business days to come in so repair is possible today (Friday), but will most likely happen on Monday. If I didn’t love to cook it wouldn’t be as big of a drag. I’ve also held off on any more baking – last week I made a lemon tart and a banana cake. Both are now gone. 🙂 Blog posts coming soon for both of those! I hate baking…who AM I?!

I’m trying to encourage lots of snuggling. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

I’m working out a LOT because #stressrelief. I have never been more thankful for my Peloton and treadmill. Both get used daily. I have to incorporate some rest days, my quads are a 9 out of 10 on a soreness scale. Stairs are difficult. I’m kicking my own butt, big time. Today will be some foam rolling and stretching, for sure.

Otherwise, our time is spent doing a lot of art for the girls and several 1,000 piece puzzles for me. Per usual, the dining room is an art/puzzle room and the surface of the table is unable to be seen. I’ve created several sensory bins for the girls and they hold their attention for a bit. I’ve also purchased a TON of play-doh – WHO AM I!? Shea wants to make “slime” but…sigh. I’m just not there yet and liquid starch is not cheap, especially off Amazon…

Thinking of everyone holed up at home and everyone working to support the continuation of life, in whatever capacity that may be. Thank you for your efforts! Stay safe!

Be well,