As I enter month 4 of caregiving/professional leave, I'm becoming annoyed with this question. First, I wonder if I really look awful, since people keep asking. Second, I really don't know how to answer.
For the record, I think I'm taking care of myself. I have no problem eating and I sleep a lot. I'm in an aerobics class and a yoga class, and I usually make it to them. I get out of the house for my tutoring and I go to the coffee shop and read several days a week. I'm making slow and unsteady progress on losing the 20 lbs that I need to lose, but that's not my focus. I got a haircut, went to the dentist and am taking care of some other medical loose ends here in Parentville.
But there's a snarky side of me that wants to point out that I've run out of paychecks and am into my emergency fund already. Tutoring has to support me until my paychecks start back up in mid-September. I have a huge knot in my shoulder/neck. I cringe when the phone rings, fearing it's another problem at the nursing home. I dread going there because my Dad is so depressed. I'm feeling stressed about my lack of research progress this year. I'm really lonely and see no light at the end of the tunnel for going to my home any time soon. I left my makeup bag at home the last time I was there, and haven't bothered to buy new or have it sent.
Don't get me wrong, I know that the people who are asking care about me deeply and mean very well. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. It's just a question that I'm not fond of this week.
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