Staycation

Last year during my vacation at the beach, I wrote an essay that was a commentary about our capitalistic society and how it makes us feel guilty for taking time off; as if none of us deserve it and being unproductive is shameful. At least, this is how I’ve always been made to feel. 

I’m pretty sure karma decided to pay me back for that commentary this year. Instead of my scheduled beach trip, I got Covid. So instead of the family going to the beach with my in-laws, we all stayed home. 

I wish I could say that after more than a week of having a fever, I was feeling better. I’ve seen some improvement, but overall, this is going to be a long road. Curiously, I’ve been bradycardic. Most of the patients I have seen with Covid have the opposite problem. My heart rate is typically low anyway, but not in the 40’s as it is now. I’m sure that’s contributing to my low energy. I’ve had the added bonus of being in a part of the minority of those with Covid who have daily episodes of hives with this. And things taste weird. For example, ketchup tastes like potpourri.  I’m double vaxxed and boosted, so I can’t imagine how bad this would have been without that bit of defense. Luckily, my older daughter had just recovered from it, quarantining with a friend who also had it, and the rest of my family were fine. I’m just mad that I didn’t get to go anywhere this summer. 

So, did I accomplish anything during my forced staycation, mostly confined to my bedroom?

Well, for starters, it seems that a neighborhood feral cat has adopted us. Any time I have spent outdoors sitting on the porch, I was greeted by this fellow. He’s an orange tabby that my kids have named Chicken Nugget. One thing I know for sure, cats choose people. He now has a bed and food. My husband seemingly has ultimate veto power and is resisting making this fur baby an official part of the family. Our dog, Ellie, is extremely curious. They have even spent time together on the porch, mostly peacefully. 

I have also successfully viewed the entire season of Parks and Recreation. I never got into this show when it aired on TV. But someone recently told me that it’s one of those shows that starts off kind of slow. The first season was not its best. But once you got into subsequent seasons, it got so much better!

Leslie Knope has to be one of the most inspiring sitcom characters ever. Her dedication to public service and eternal optimistic idealism are things to be admired. One of my favorite quotes:

“Now go find your team. Get to work. Whatever that work is that you find worth doing. Do it, and find some people to love who’ll do it with you.”

Leslie Knope

Mostly, I’ve just been lonely. For sure, I’m an introvert. But there’s only so much TV one can stream while isolating in one room. I tried to read a book, but couldn’t concentrate on it. I didn’t even get to run with my team this week. Although there’s no way I could run 12 miles right now, which was what was scheduled, I sure do miss my team. 

The longer I feel bad, the more I see my fall running goals evaporate. I’m supposed to run a half marathon in 2 weeks. I have 3.5 hours to do it. I have to remind myself that I had what was most likely Covid 2 years ago and was way sicker. I still managed to run a marathon that fall. So I have a sliver of hope. 

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Lead photo is a view of the marsh as seen on a run last year at Cherry Grove Beach, SC.

It’s a rainy day here in Virginia. Matches my mood. If you’ve had the latest Omicron variant, let me know how you are doing. Although this definitely isn’t the sickest I’ve ever been, the duration of the symptoms is what is bothering me. 

As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.