Today Is One of Those Days...

I have spent most of today in my room.  Near my unmade bed.   A lot of time on the computer, too.  The TV has been on.  I still haven't taken a shower.

Air Force Guy, on the other hand, was up at 6 am (it was a late morning for him) and off to work. 

Despite the fact that I don't have a lot of options as to where I spend the day today  - two of my kids are sick and I'm desperately fielding barf buckets, ferrying hot tea to kids, and exhorting people to "Run!  Bathroom!  Now!  NOWNOWNOW!!!" - I still feel kind of guilty. 

After all, aside from those moments of high intensity when the fate of the universe depends on me getting a kid to a toilet before all hell bursts loose, I'm not doing a whole lot today.

Hey, that's not to say that I don't think caring for sick kids isn't work - it certainly is.  It's just that my kids seem to get sick in spurts (no pun intended).  So, rather than a steady stream of sick to clean up and fevers to drench, and ears that ache - I get a few hours of down time to prepare for ten minutes of the wildest ride of my life!

And the reason I haven't yet showered is because I can't quite be sure which ten minutes will require my intervention within that three hour block.   I just don't fancy wiping up fresh barf just after I've cleaned and exfoliated.

For some reason 2009 has been off to a banner start when it comes to getting sick.  Normally we're a very healthy family, but the last few months we've caught nearly every bug in the known universe.  We've probably mutated a few and sent them off across the world for others to catch.  Sorry about that.

I can't figure it out

Anyway, this is not the first time I've been relegated to sporadic sick kid duty and I feel rather lazy about it.  I think my time management skills - something I've always been rather proud of - might be lacking at this moment. 

Or, maybe it's just that my military spouse sense of "I'm sure there's something that needs to be done now while I have the chance!" is kicking in and I can't reliably identify the time periods when I can safely multi-task.  Every minute I'm away from the barf bucket could be dangerous for my walls, bed, and carpet!

I would love to hear from others - how do you deal with those time periods when "sick" just seems to drag on for everyone at home?  And what are your tips for stopping the sick cycle at home?  

 

Comments

[Ann - AF spouse]

Sometimes sick just means be sick, take it easy and rest.

Depending on the age of your kids, get out the favorite movie, read together, maybe a craft kit. Something to deal with the boredom, but not too tiring.

Try mint tea or gingerale. Mint and Ginger are supposed to help with nausea. stir or shake up coke or sprite to get rid of some of the bubbles. My favorite is Gatorade and popsicles. My mom's remedy: Saltines and chicken soup. Sometimes scrambled eggs and toast. I have also discovered that "Real" dramamine will really help. It also has the added benefit of knocking them out long enough to get a shower and clean up a little.

Good luck! I'll take sick kids over a sick man anyday!

[Linda]

disinfect everything and anything in my path. As much as I would like to keep my kiddos quarantined, it rarely happens, so lysol spray and clorox wipes become my best friend. When my hubby is sick, I leave him in the bed, and leave the room for the next few days, only opening the door to hand him liquid, lysol or crackers. And he's responsible for any messes he makes (though I've had to take care of a few "ooops" from him before - I just don't have the stomach for adult "sick"...I get sick right along).

the best gingerale that works for us is Shasta. It's a really pale one and it seems milder than most. It must be flat for my kiddos, but hubby and I like it fizzy.

Good luck. And don't worry about the shower...I'm sure no one in the house cares a bit if you haven't showered. They're just grateful you're there!