I’m writing this post from my bed which sounds lovely – except I’m here because my muscles and joints are aching, my temperature is well above normal, one nostril (just one!?) is plugged, and my throat is sore.
The kids stayed home sick from school several days this week, so it has been a family affair. We canceled a slew of optional activities, which means there are some perks to being sick. Like unexpectedly wide-open spaces in the day to write a blog post – though even typing hurts right now. (How can my eyeballs be sore?)
Even though I’m under the weather, I’m finding things to be thankful for.
Right now, I’m really grateful that it’s not too difficult to have the kids home on sick days. I’m thankful for fever reducers, and – here’s a big one – thankful there’s been no vomit involved. Seriously, anything seems bearable as long as there’s no vomit. I’m also thankful for crockpots, frozen butternut squash, and the resulting pureed soup. I’m thankful for the sunshine streaming through my window, my trusty laptop, and the satisfying tinkle of carbonation inside the can of Peach Bubly on my bedside table. I’m thankful for warm socks, a washing machine, and all the little things that make life easier.
Aside from being sick, there were all sorts of good things happening this week.
FREE GROCERIES
Food prices have skyrocketed lately, but we had a string of “wins” on our Saturday-morning trip to the grocery store.
- I maximized a deal at the pharmacy, scoring $70 in points to redeem.
- At the grocery store, Indy was chosen to spin a prize wheel and won a $50 gift card!!!
- They were also handing out free coupons, so we scored: a free bag of Babybel cheese, two cans of soda, and two (minimally processed) pizzas.
- At the checkout, we used the $50 gift card plus the $70 in points (the Optimum program in Canada allows points to be used interchangeably at participating pharmacies and grocery stores). It was extra exciting since we didn’t walk into the store expecting any prizes!
- Oh, and they were handing out free cupcakes too – Indy couldn’t pass up that offer.
BELLE’S PARTY
Belle’s party was a hit and it was a reminder of how much things change as the kids get older. Other than providing them with food now and then, they created all their own entertainment. At one point they came into the living room – where I was reading a book – to play a game. When they saw me they promptly turned around to go back to Belle’s room. I offered to read in my room and they jumped at the suggestion. I was “persona non grata” – and I was totally okay with that!
There were fun presents and delicious cake pops (we used doughnut holes – shhh!) and way too much candy that was consumed far too quickly.
COFFEE
Thursday morning I woke up early after a restless night with a plugged nose and a sore throat. I knew sleep wasn’t happening, so I padded out to an empty kitchen (no one else was awake – #bliss), and made a hot mug of coffee. There’s something magical about boiling water, pouring it through a dripper, smelling the coffee percolating, and adding a splash of half-and-half. I sipped it slowly on my favourite chair with a fuzzy blanket on my lap.
BONUS HAPPY THINGS
- My parents got home safely. It always feels bittersweet to say goodbye but when the end of March rolls around they’re itching to get home. Plus, it means summer is on the way.
- Small group at church.
- John didn’t travel in March! In addition to not having to deal with jetlag (apart from our family trip, which is a whole different ballgame), it meant my bookkeeping work for the month was streamlined.
- I finished paying ALL the taxes. What a complete and utter faff it has been this year – both personally and corporately – but it’s done.
- Homemade chicken noodle soup. How can something so simple be so delicious?
- Indy scootering with a gaggle of friends in the neighbourhood.
- Belle and John going for a walk together in the sunshine.
- The smell of freshly washed hair.
- Colourful salads in colourful bowls.
- One of the kids’ friends spontaneously staying for supper.
- Being able to help a friend in need.
- Ballet Slippers by Essie. Apparently this was the only colour/brand Queen Elizabeth II would wear and she owned a large stockpile. I did a home manicure while Belle and I watched an episode of her beloved Sue Thomas F.B.Eye.
- Basketball season is over. It was an incredible year with two amazing coaches who were engaged with the kids and perfect for Indy in every way. But still…it was so nice to have nothing on Tuesday evening and nothing on Friday evening and nothing on Saturday afternoon. Until soccer starts, of course…
And that’s a wrap on my Happy Things from the week.
For the rest of the month, Wednesday will be Cool Blogger’s Walking Club recap days. If you would like pictures or anecdotes from your walks shared on my blog, you can send them to optimisticmusings {at} gmail {dot} com.
It’s your turn – what were your Happy Things this week?
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coco
I can feel gratitude coming through this post! I love it! Hope you and the family recover fast out of sickness.
I agree that birthday parties get so much easier as they grow. I didn’t even make a cake this year and they plan the whole thing.
Elisabeth
Thanks! We’re all on the mend. Because of bad weather, an event I was supposed to host on Thursday night was cancelled and I was SO relieved. I’m definitely feeling better today (though my resting heart rate and temp are still elevated).
Michelle G.
I’m sending you get-well wishes, Elisabeth! It’s wonderful that you can find so many things to be grateful for when you’re not feeling well. It’s a sign that your gratitude practice is really working. I hope you have a restful weekend and feel better soon. ❤️
Elisabeth
Thanks, friend. I am feeling better today. Not 100% and I’m going to take it slow and easy with recovery (so a very short CBWC walk), but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Molly F.C.
This was a great read to begin my day. 🙂
Sending feel-better-soon wishes your way, Elisabeth.
Elisabeth
Awww. Thanks. I’m so glad my post gave you reason to smile. I hope your day continues to be great <3
Nicole MacPherson
Oooh, I’ll send you a photo of the new beaver dam Rex and I saw on our walk.
Ugh, so sorry you’re sick! But yes, at least there is no vomit involved. Ugh.
Elisabeth, I do not know why, but my PC offers have been just shit lately! I haven’t had a really good points day for months! I keep getting offers on things that I have never bought and never will buy! I only go to Shoppers every once in a while, and I feel like THAT is the place to get good points at. I know you’ll understand my pain! Every week I refresh my app and every week I’m like “100 points for a purchase of PC meat balls, what is this?” WHERE ARE MY OFFERS FOR MAYBELLINE AND NEUTROGENA??? There’s nothing like cashing in those big points.
I laughed about Belle’s party – “oops, a mom is in this room” – ah, teens.
Elisabeth
Ohhh! A beaver dam! What an exciting discovery.
YES! The good points deals are at Shoppers. That’s where I get all my cleaning supplies, supplements, makeup, toiletries, etc. I make my points there and spend them at Independent/Superstore. My favourite is when it’s 20x the points at Shoppers if you spend $60 or more (which is like…hilariously easy these days).
Jenny
I’m sorry you’re sick!!! Hopefully by the time you’re reading this you feel a little better. And yes- I know that “sore eyeball” feeling. Ugh.
You have a lot of Happy Things here! I’m glad Belle’s party went so well, and that was quite a trip to the grocery store. And, the way you feel about coffee is how I feel about tea. It’s so soothing! Hot and delicious. A hot (caffeinated) beverage is definitely a Happy Thing.
So- I had a dream last night that I had two pet BEARS. I had a very large, outdoor enclosure for them- they were big. I was doing all sorts of ridiculous things like giving them stuffed animals to play with. But here’s the best part- their names were Belle and Indy!
Elisabeth
I AM feeling better. Taking recovery slow and steady, but it’s nice to not have everything in/on my body ache.
Belle and Indy – Jenny’s pet bears. I wonder what the zoning bylaw officers would have to say about that!!! Hilarious (and adorable).
Lisa’s Yarns
Look at you, emulating QEII with your polish choice!
This week was kind of rough and is ending with Will’s procedure this morning. I am so anxious for how the next few days are going to go so send me all the prayers and good vibes, friend!
But! The positives! My employee was in town so we had a team dinner, I went to lunch with him, and he came over to our house for dinner. It was so fun to introduce him to my family. We work super closely so he knows so much about Phil and the boys. And I got cleared to start some strength training! Woo hoo.
Well ignore the giant elephant in the room which is Trump’s tariff announcements that has made work real sucky for Phil and me… sigh.
Elisabeth
I know – why settle for anything less than what would suit royalty?
I know Will is in the OR now, so hoping the healing process is faster and easier than expected.
I’m so glad you’re able to ease back into strength training and finally have the splint off. What a long road. And no more prednisone!!!!
Colleen Martin
You remind me of things to be grateful for – freshly washed hair (everytime I use my Dove shampoo I fall in love with the scent) and your idea to use donut holes for the cake pop is WONDERFUL! Maggie made cake pops once and it was such a messy experience that I said, never again! I hope you feel better and get to have a restful weekend Elisabeth.
Elisabeth
I made cakepops the “real” way once and it was so much work. Make a cake, cool it, crumble it, mix in icing, and then hand form balls? Um, no thanks. Admittedly, they tasted amazing, but I bought a 50 pack of doughnut holes (chocolate, plain, and birthday cake) and then we dipped them into three different colours of melting chocolate based on the flavour inside. I’d say the whole process took about 30 minutes. The other way it took HOURS!
Steph
Elisabeth!! I grew up watching Sue Thomas FBEye with my parents/sister. Oh my goodness, your bullet on this made me smile and filled me with happy memories. ❤️
Hoping that this weekend brings healing and more rest!
Elisabeth
Aww! I grew up watching it with my parents, too. Belle absolutely loves the show. There is intrigue and mystery, but with nicely softened edges. It’s definitely a feel-good show. I think she’s on her 4th time watching through the three seasons. She has her favourite episodes and cherry picks those.
Katy @ Practical Walk
Hope you get better soon!
Some happy things here:
1. Rain!! Finally rain! It did come with hail…and it was the night after I finally put my plants outside, but my husband had suggested I put cups over them to protect them (from the wind, we didn’t know hail was coming) and this morning they look ok.
2. Progress in school, the kids are moving right along in their subjects.
3. Seeing growth in both my kids in different areas.
4. Starting to feel a little more settled.
5. Ladies Bible Study
6. Morning coffee
7. Blue bonnets blooming
8. Soft, comfy bed
9. Not traveling at the moment.
10. My kind, funny mother-in-law
Elisabeth
Thanks for sharing a list! I do love a good list and it makes it so easy to read and appreciate.
I’m so glad you had cups over your plants; hail can be so destructive. And rain is such a blessing when needed.
What a joy to have a kind, fun mother-in-law. And I’m with you on the morning coffee. I got up early today, made a coffee in silence (again), read my Bible, and still had time to savour the last half of my cup before the kids got up.
Alexandra
Oh, I am so sorry to hear that you and the kids, have all been sick. I sincerely hop you’re all feeling back to your normal selves by Monday. I was sick last night too but, thankfully, am feeling a little more human this morning. Not a cold or flu like you, which is awful. I had garlic poisoning. Yes. I’m allergic to garlic and somehow ingested some yesterday via some deli meat.
I am so thankful for the OH taking care of me and making sure I was hydrated throughout the night, and having a warm, comfy bed and hot bags!
And did I mention I am so happy to have a new fridge? It meant I had a load of fresh produce to cook with this week, so we ate some lovely meals, including a beef bourguignon last night. Thankfully, I have stuff done already to use this weekend, while we hunker down (there’s another storm heading our way Sat/Sun) including a cauli soup I made on Thursday. Yay!
Take care of you and rest up, and hope you’re all feeling better soon.
Elisabeth
We are feeling so much better. It was intense but thankfully not too lingering.
Eeks! Garlic poisoning. You know, I am very, very sensitive to garlic. It causes me a lot of stomach pain. I once thought I might be having a heart attack, but it was severe stomach pain from…garlic. I have to be very careful about how much I ingest (and it can NEVER be raw). I hope you have continued to feel better.
I heard about your fridge! Whoo-pee.
I have never made beef bourguignon but it’s so delicious and I really must make it soon!
Birchie
Gah, being sick is the worst. I hope that you feel better soon.
One of the highlights of this week was getting your postcard! I loved the bikes and the Paris scene.
I have a couple of blue and white snack bowls that look similar to your salad bowl. I love using them.
Elisabeth
Aww! Yay! I’m so glad it made it to you. I purposely picked out a postcard that had bikes in it (alas, no lighthouse options to be found).
Blue and white is so classic (makes me think of old formal china), but the colour combo makes me happy! I bought two of those bowls on clearance years ($3/each?) and years ago. I didn’t “need” them, but we have used them so much since and I am just so glad that I *did* buy them.
J
I’m sorry you’re sick, glad to hear you are feeling a little better today. Sore eyeballs…I’ve been there, my sinus pain hits me there.
I’ve never made cake pops, but reading your description of how it’s done in your comment, WOW what a lot of work. I think the donut hole idea is genius.
FREE GROCERIES!!! OK, I need more info about this points system you have where you can buy something at one store and use the points at another. Do they work together on this, how many options do you have? SO INTERESTING to this point loving gal.
J
I forgot to mention that I also have ‘ballet slippers’ and also knew that it was QEII’s shade. I love it, on her, on me, and on you. (And apparently on Ally)
Elisabeth
Ohhh, yay! Maybe sometime we’ll both have a home manicure fit for a queen 🙂
Elisabeth
Yes, cake pops made the “real” way is a very daunting process. Donut holes are almost as tasty and they take a fraction of the time.
It’s an Optimum program and it now functions within all Loblaws stores (Shoppers Drug Mart, Superstore, Independent, No Frills). Years ago it was ONLY for Shoppers Drug Mart, so having the point system extend to other stores is so handy.
Shoppers will often have a 20x points deal if you spend over x amount. The base amount is something like 15 points per $1 spent, but on a 20x the points day, those points really add up. (For context 1,000 points = $1). There are also special offers for members only, so even if there isn’t a 20x the points deal, I always get some points (the other day an item was $18 but if I bought it after scanning my card I would get 5,000 points which is like the item costing $18-$5).
For me, I earn points much faster at the pharmacy, so I earn them there and redeem them at the grocery store.
Since 2020 I have earned 3,206,808 points which = $3,206. Not bad for literally spending money on things I already needed to buy.
Since I know every week or two there will be a 20x offer, I wait and buy things then. It DOES include sale items, and Shoppers has incredible sales on Saturday. So I go Saturday morning, buy all sorts of things on sale (shampoo, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, milk, eggs – they sell all these at the pharmacy) and still get 20x the points! It’s the best point system I’ve ever used.
Sophie
Oh nooo, sorry to hear you’ve all been sick. Sounds like you’re doing all the right things to get better though. Those soups sound yum! So grateful for coffee too, that first smell and sip is the best. It makes every morning better! Glad Belle’s birthday was great and you were not needed. Doughnut holes as cake pops- genius!
Elisabeth
That first sip. It’s hard to describe to someone who doesn’t drink coffee. I suppose caffeine is addictive so in a way it’s the first hit of a (legal!) drug. It really does make every morning better.
Suzanne
I’m so sorry you are all sick – that really stinks. Love your manicure and donut holes is a genius way to make cake pops! Hope you feel better soon ❤️
Elisabeth
Thanks, friend. Feeling much better <3
I love this colour, too. It will go with literally everything!
Ally Bean
I’m sorry you’re not feeling great, but glad that you’re taking care of yourself. Oddly enough I knew that Ballet Slippers by Essie was the Queen’s favorite, and only monarchy-approved, shade of nail polish. Make of that knowledge what you will!
Elisabeth
I’m always astonished by your broad wealth of knowledge! Who knew it extended to nail polish as well?
Tobia | craftaliciousme
Oh no not you too. The sick bug is going around. I am just resurfacing after a week of fever and staying in bed.
Glad however you did have a fun week ahead of falling sick.
How amazing walking into the store and then getting so so many prizes.
The joy of chicken noodle soup. Had that too this week. Also sucking on a possible when having a fever. I was not aware how simple joys can be.
All that said I haven’t left the house in a week and so I missed the beginning of the walking club. Hopefully by Monday I feel like myself again and I will join in.
Elisabeth
I hope you’re feeling better. It seems like everyone (here and abroad) is getting sick. Ugh. No fun. Thankfully I’m feeling much better. I had a fever for a few days, but it never got overly high. It was more the relentless aching in my bones and joints.
Diane
I hope everyone is feeling better!
My oldest was sick last week too, when I had to be at work. It is indeed so nice when they get older and their being sick doesn’t derail the whole day.
I feel your same relief about basketball season being over – it’s so consuming for us as well. Now we’re in spring musical theatre season, but the 13 year old doesn’t have as big a role as last year, plus it’s right after school, so it doesn’t take up as big a chunk of our family time as basketball.
Elisabeth
It’s incredible how much the role of “mother” changes over time. It’s still intense and hard and all-consuming but in a VERY different way.
Stephany
A $50 gift card just for spinning a wheel? Indy has the magic touch! That’s so cool. I’m glad you got to benefit from that gift card + some great deals.
And hooray for a birthday party where you don’t have to put any effort (or minimal effort). What a milestone!
I hope you are on the mend. Feeling sick like that is the worst but yes, the upside is not vomit!
Elisabeth
I KNOW! I’m glad I didn’t spin the wheel because I’m sure I would have come up empty handed.
Kyria @ Travel Spot
Oh I really hope that by now you are feeling better! First of all, I cannot believe that it has already been a year since Belle’s last party. I clearly remember your post from a year ago talking about it and it seems like barely any time has passed since then. I feel like it is probably kind of nice that the girls can do their own thing now, as I seem to recall you having a bit of angst at one point on how to keep them entertained. Now you don’t have to worry about that! Speaking of Belle, that reminds me, did I ever tell you that I went over some of the 36 questions with my friend K’s daughter L? She is 10, so we skipped some of them, but it was so fun to hear her answers to some of the questions. Of course, just like with Belle, we were cracking up over the “what things would you want your parents to do differently” question! I hope that you have a great week!
Elisabeth
I did used to feel angst about how to fill the time. Yet another thing that does get easier as kids get older (I know some people love planning all sorts of details for kid parties – that is not me).
I still think about the 36 Questions regularly. I’m so glad you got the chance to ask another pint-sized human. I wonder what she would want to change? I wonder if Belle might have some different answers 6 months later?
Melissa
Oh dear, I hope you are all feeling better now. I made a doctor’s appointment today for a follow-up on my MHT but I also need to get the flu shot before we travel. What a trip to the grocery store you had. I can understand why this was a highlight.
Some of my happy things:
1. Clean kitchen drawers, I mean I had to do them myself, but opening them and not seeing crumbs in the bottom is so satisfying.
2. The mandarins on our tree have ripened, and we have started eating them.
3. Planning some days for our Wales trip. The excitement is building.
4. I finished a report template that had been on my to-do list for a few weeks.
5. Hot Cross Buns. I know you’re not a fan, but I’m going to be taking full advantage while I can.
Elisabeth
Crumbs in kitchen drawers are such a little nuisance. I recently cleaned mine and agree – so satisfying.
You have mandarins in your garden? How delightful is that?!
I am not a fan of hot cross buns – good memory – but then again maybe I’ve just never had truly delicious hot cross buns? And when you say take full advantage when you can, I wonder if this is something people only have to eat around Easter? Are they not a year-round thing? I need more details about hot cross buns work!
Kate
I’m sorry you’ve been sick but I also totally relate to the sense of having full permission to rest … which begs the question, why should it take being sick to afford that level of rest?! (Of course, it shouldn’t … as your Year of Shmita has proven!) Hope you’re feeling better now.
Donut holes for cake pops is ABSOLUTELY brilliant and definitely an idea I’ll plan to steal for the girls. They love to make chocolate covered strawberries and banana slices (about once a year when I let them, haha). Happy birthday, Belle!! I had to laugh about being persona non grata. As an introvert, sometimes that’s the best possible thing to be!
Also right there with you about the lull in activities. We had a gradual shift down from both older girls in basketball to just Greta in musical rehearsal, and now the musical is done (it was amazing!) and we have nothing except gymnastics one evening per week for the older girls. So I promptly came up with a daily chore rotation since we all have more time at home now 😉 #motheroftheyear
Elisabeth
Rest is such a complicated topic in the modern world, it seems. It’s both a sign of weakness but, yet also, a sign of strength. We’re expected to be rested but to get that rest without actually having to work for it? It’s such a dizzying race to the bottom. I’m MUCH better about resting now, but I still have a long way to go!
Yes, I loved being “sent to my room to read”! Happily.
We have a snow day today and I made both kids deep-clean their rooms before I would let them have friends over. One child in particular was huffing and puffing about the injustice of it all.
San
Ugh, I am so sorry you were sick, too. I know so many people who’ve been sick lately. Something’s going around. My immune system is usually pretty solid, but I think all the added stress lately has made it weaker, too. You’re right that at least it’s an excuse to rest without feeling bad about it (I’ve been sleeping glorious 10+ hours the last few nights).
Yay for getting your taxes done (I am about to submit ours!), I am happy to hear that Belle had such a great party, well and you know how I feel about my morning coffee (which is starting to taste “normal” again, yay!).
Oh, and P.S. That’s a lovely nail polish color!
Elisabeth
Yes, something is definitely going around. John is in Finland and people there are sick, too! I’m glad you are sleeping well – one tiny silver lining in the midst of so much tough stuff.
I’m a big fan of the colour, too. And Belle asked me to do a manicure for her with it the other day! I took it as a compliment (she never overtly complemented me on the colour, but asking for the same thing I have is basically the same thing, right?)