Sickies and Check Me Outs

We all hate when our kids get sick. Whether you hate to see them suffer or the extra work you have to do to care for them or whatever, it stinks. Mine were suffering last week from strange, seemingly unrelated symptoms so I took them in together. One had massive sinus stuff, the other a crick in his neck and uneven shoulders (weird!) and the littlest munchkin had straight fever, nothing else. Not to mention that I was a runny, sneeze-y mess who couldn't answer the doctor's questions without a tissue pressed up to the side of my face. Two positive strep tests later (go figure!) we were on our way to the grocery store to fill the prescriptions and pick up some groceries since it was my usual shopping day. It was awful! I vowed "NEVER AGAIN" and I hope to remember that when I am feeling confident and in control some day in the future. Note to future self: Don't do it. Don't be a martyr and take them all. Go alone or eat those outdated beets and baked beans until you can!

Obviously curious why my two school-age children were raising havoc in the market, the bagger asked the checkout clerk if school was out that day. She dutifully replied that it was Regents week while I answered out loud that they were sick. I trailed off at the end, thinking how I now wanted to explain further that I was on them like white on rice about not touching anything while we were there, and hence my stressed out demeanor at the checkout. I didn't bother. I don't think the cashier/bagger conversation is really supposed to include me. Have you ever felt that way? That they know they have an audience but don't really acknowledge it? I have heard many stories about late-night partying or, my fave, gossip about other employees. Later this week when I went there again (alone!) I overheard about the love-hate viewing habits of The Jersey Shore and how "orange" those guys are, as well as how one of their fellow coworkers was looking a little tangerine himself until lately. I thought it was amusing but I didn't know if I should laugh, add my own comment, or just smile and leave. I chose number three. When in doubt always choose "C".

The kids are feeling better now and so am I. They are back in school and I am back to going to the market solo. Well, nearly. I still have the little one and she does like to squeal and shriek in the cart to draw attention. But that's ok. I'll just enjoy my little conversations with her as I make my way through the aisles and to the checkout. Maybe next time we can discuss our middle-of-the night parties, how red Elmo is looking lately or how we wonder if the new trend in bagging is to squash the bananas with the canned goods. Oh if only I were brave enough to choose "C"!

Update to Christmas post

As I sit here re-reading my last post two weeks later I realize a couple things:
1) we may never get a new tree (that duct-taped stand may have to do!), and
2) it already feels like it's been months since Christmas.

There's usually a depressing lull that happens after the holidays. All that running around and seeing people takes its toll and there is at first a welcome break. But once the kids are back in school (and thank goodness they are back in school!) and you start to get your routine back again, the northeast cold settles into your bones and you realize there's nothing to do.

A little nothing to do is fine. I welcome it whole-heartedly. But a LOT of nothing to do, as in feeling like you have no purpose, well that's just not a good road to be walking along in the depths of the winter season. Why do I stay in New York and bear all this cold and snow and wind and snow and ice and snow? Because of days like today, when it's in the high 30's and the sun is shining so everything is bright and white. The air feels cool and fresh and your spirits are lifted. Time to take a real walk out in the sunshine and dream about spring!