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Stuff and Things and an Update

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It’s been three weeks since I last wrote a post.  Oh, there are quite a few drafts with great intentions and little else but other than that? Zip.  The first week, I was basically sans motivation, feeling some sort of ennui, no, not ennui, more of a malaise of sorts.  At the same time, I was actively looking for a job which I’m now thinking was causing more stress than I thought.

The result? My immune system must have been compromised and to celebrate the first day of spring, I got damn COVID. Thank you, son.  After being sick on arriving at work on Tuesday morning, March 15, Iain’s boss sent him home.  He slept all day and had a headache.  The next day, feeling fine, he went to get a test and sent me this picture with the text:

“noooooooooo”.

I respond with : “Fuuuuuuuuuuck”.

And he with:  “so weak. shameful performance” (must be said with Uncle Roger’s accent)

I showed the photo to my boss who said:  “Now you have to go home”.  I thought it was kind of ridiculous, being 4:00 p.m. with just one more hour to go.   Still. I packed my stuff and off home I went where I have been working since. Why, you ask? Technically I need quarantine for five days. Well, let me tell you why.  (Oh, and by the way, Iain took his required five days off and returned to work on Monday.)

Thursday and Friday, work from home.  I’m good with that, especially because I have two job interviews on Thursday afternoon and now I no longer need to find an excuse to leave the office for half an hour.

Friday, take a test – negative. So I am good to go for dinner at my buddy Linda’s for an overdue dinner and a chinwag. We are reasonable this time and I am home before midnight.

Saturday, go for a fantabulous 45-minute run/walk. I am feeling fantastic.

Sunday. Wake up sick.  Take a test:  negative.  Hmm.  Okay then, must be a head cold. Or a sinus thing because my head is ready to explode and my head is full of, well, let me leave that to your imagination.  I text my boss, apologizing for disturbing her on a Sunday evening and tell her that there is no way I can go in and that I am also taking a sick day.  I took three.

However, Monday, I was supposed to go for another interview – in-person, this time. I contact the placement agent and tell her no way can I go.  She asks me if I can do a Teams meet and I say, I think I can make it through one of those (rather sick but can manage to not cough or blow my nose for half an hour…)  I was supposed to, originally, go for a site visit with the people I interviewed with on Thursday but had to cancel that, obviously.

All is well. The Teams interview goes so well, they send me an offer!  Well, how do you like them apples?  Problem is, I cannot respond as the first one I had on Thursday really interests me and I cannot make a decision without going for the site visit. (Plus, I didn’t really want the one offered as it was, once again, a position obliging me to sit at the reception. Non merci.)

Random photo – Hanging with the cats

My agent asks me if I think I could go for a site visit on Wednesday morning.  I say yes (probably should not have but decisions need to be made!)  I make sure I touch no one and nothing and my mask remains in place.  They are just as welcoming as I felt during our original interview.  I thank them for the visit, ever anxious to get back home and into bed but wait!  I have yet another interview at noon!  Bloody hell.

The interview goes well but I have the feeling the potential boss is one of those hard-ass women who says (too often) how open her door is and how she arrives with a smile and leaves with one.  I have the distinct feeling of. Nope.  Which is fine and dandy because Clemex, the company I interviewed for on Thursday and visited that morning?  They make me an offer that surpasses the one I got on Monday. Woot!

I call my boss on Wednesday afternoon, after I got the offer and break the news to her.  She takes it well, is not surprised but is happy for me as she knows the company cannot really offer me anything challenging at the time.  I promise to her to try to update all the administrative documents so that the next person they hire has something to go on.

I work from home Thursday and Friday.  On Saturday, (it is now March 26), my sister invited me over to watch her daughter, my goddaughter, Ariane, play volleyball in the Canadian national championships.  However, she asks me to test myself again just in case.

I feel you, Omelette!

Dammit.  Positive.

So this past week I have been working from home, trying to train someone on some of my duties via Teams and wishing this persistent cough will just leave me the hell alone. As long as it’s present, I cannot go anywhere!

I now have my last three work days ahead of me, with a lunch planned for Wednesday and I don’t even know if I will be able to go in!  I have this frog in my throat with an occasional unproductive cough, still.

*** UPDATE ***

Had to go to the pharmacy to pick up dye for my daughter today and decided to get myself a cough suppressant and a COVID test.

Great news!  I am now officially negative.

One last thing. I participate in a Facebook Photo Group and last week the theme was reflections.  I discovered this one taken last year and Wow! How had I not noticed this when I took it?  It’s what actually inspired me to write this post.  Well, the original plan was to simply use it as inspiration for a poem.  It is, after all, NaPoWriMo month, so why not a little poetry to end things?

 

Fighting through congestion

One thought begets another

A sleepless night, once again

Path has since cleared

With gratitude

Looking upwards and outwards

Where new beginnings

And challenges await

 

191 thoughts on “Stuff and Things and an Update”

  1. What a crazy few weeks you’ve had! Congratulations on the new job, and I’m glad you’re starting to feel better.
    That’s a beautiful photo! I hope this week goes well for you–new beginnings and challenges indeed! 💙

    Liked by 5 people

  2. Love this post, and traveled right there with you as you went through all the COVID crap and your interviews.

    Now, that photo is exceptional. I particularly like how I can detect an face’s outline, and the trees look like electricity running around the brain.

    Woot on being negative. Now, have a great evening and a superb last three days.
    ~J

    Liked by 6 people

    • Thank you, Janet. Glad you did!

      Isn’t it fabulous? I think it deserved it’s own post. Oh well!

      Yes! It would probably be best if I could have the PCR test over the antigen but with all the new cases, they are reserved for those in the health or teaching sectors. I shall still keep things safe for others. Covering my face and all that.

      Liked by 3 people

  3. Les choses sont contre nous! That is a heck of too many weeks of chaos. You could have worked from bed with no pants under those conditions. Congratulations on the new position.

    Liked by 5 people

    • Oui, trop vrai!
      It was rough, tell you what. When I was able to work, it was in sweatpants (not my usual attire, I assure you) because I was feverish and cold! But yes, this would have worked 😉
      Thank you! I am pretty chuffed!

      Liked by 3 people

  7. I’m so sorry, Dale. This damned virus is leaving no one untouched. I hope you are 100% soon. Believe me, it takes a while. If you have access to Chaga Mushrooms, I promise it helps boost the healing immensely! You make a tea out of it and no, it doesn’t send you on any trips without leaving home. 🙂 Be well, and Congrats on the new job!

    Liked by 5 people

    • Ah well… I guess it’s hard to avoid. I hope I’m 100% better soon. It is a very slow process, isn’t it? Well, for some of us. Chaga mushrooms, eh? No trips but boost healing, I’ll try it! I imagine they are sold dry? I’ve never seen them. I suspect they could be found in some natural food store…
      Thank you! I’m pretty happy about it!

      Liked by 3 people

  12. It’s April, you’ve written a wonderful story about your experiences, illness is technically gone, you are feeling much better, and you’re chuffed. And a new job looms? Maybe you should buy a lottery ticket. Good to see that it is all coming back together. Congrats, Dale.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Thank you, Bill. I basically took your advice and just stream of conscioused it 😉 I sure hope I didn’t come off as whiny or worse, looking for sympathy! Was not my plan, I assure you. Maybe I should check the one I bought myself for Christmas? Thank you, my friend.

      Liked by 3 people

      • I don’t want Covid, the flu, pollen/allergies, or any other gifts of illness. I mask.

        Seriously, this is something (writing) I think you do well. I enjoy your ‘whilst traveling’ posts and hope you do more. This was a great ‘while all this crazy job shite is going on.’ The addition of that challenge was a fun feature.
        I hope my cheering your chuff did not sound pandering.
        Your quite welcome, Dale. 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

  13. Wondered where you had been, Dale. So sorry you had to endure ‘a bout with the bug,’ but delighted that it ended in a new job for you. Hope you are now firmly on the path to recovery.

    Liked by 4 people

    • It touches me so much that you noticed my absence, Lori. And I thank you for your kindness. Yes, that bug really got me, but good! Now, I would like the energy to return but know that can be on the slow side. Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  15. I hope this job brings you some joy, since you went through hell and back to get it. Now that you’re clearly beyond covid, I hope you continue to feel better. I do hope you are able to go to lunch – it would be nice to close that door.

    Liked by 4 people

    • So do I, Dan. I know I shall endeavour to give it my all. It’s unfair to the soon-to-be-old job that I was unable to get to really connect with the peeps with the office closing right after I started, then opening up four months later, only to close again 5 months after that! Still. I move forward. Still not up to 100% but definitely in the right direction. I will be able to go for my lunch! 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

    • Thank you, Jan. It’s been an adventure I will be glad to see the end of. I’m getting better, though still weaker than I like. But hey, upwards and onwards!
      Can’t wait to start my new job on the 11th!

      Liked by 1 person

  18. I’ll echo Trent’s thoughts — here’s hoping your new job will prove interesting and enjoyable. Sounds like you really had a bout with the flu — or a flu. From what I’ve heard, those COVID tests aren’t 100% reliable, but there’s so much confusion about this affair.

    Liked by 5 people

    • Thank you, Christine. I sure hope it will. I had a good bout with the the C-19 flu is what I had. Mind you, I tested negative twice, then positive and over a week later, negative – which I am taking and running with!

      Liked by 2 people

  20. Congratulations. I’m so happy for you. Hope you’re back to feeling normal (whatever that is, right?) soon. I’m exhausted from reading your post. LOL Glad it’s all over and you have the job you wanted.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Thank you, Gigi. I’m still pretty much on the tired side, having moved up from exhausted 😉 I still have a tickle in my throat with an occasional dry cough but other than that, I like to think I am improving!
      And yes, looking forward to what this job brings me.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Love the cats. Glad to see you and good luck with the new job, glad you’re not so ill as you were. I’ve been absent from posting for a few weeks too but hope to be back soon. Just great that you’re okay as I was wondering where your post were x

    Liked by 4 people

    • Aren’t they great? They almost look like they are friends (they are not). Oh boy was I miserable, Jilly. Still feeling “wobbly” but at least the head is clear (ish) and the cough almost gone. The breath? Still get out of breath easily. Baby steps.
      Looking forward to starting the new one!
      And I have noticed you come and go. Hope all is well on your end!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you for noticing, Dale – I am well, thank you, and so far escaped the Menace 🙂 I’ve just been busy and found the time flying. I play in a little local uke band and we’re putting on a concert later this month – so I’m hoping to Shimmy like Sister Kate and do a Stray Cat Strut, my two favourite songs in the sets. I need to write a synopsis for my book but that’s for later! Hope your recovery continues and the breathing especially improves.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Oh, I notice. 😊
          Glad you have escaped the Menace. It is no fun! How cool is that? Very (I’ll answer my own question!). I love musically-inclined peeps. And looki g forward to reading your book.
          Thank you. I’d like to.say I’m at 93%

          Like

  22. Oh no, but good that you’re negative again. Omicron is a bit of luck in these tired times, let’s hope its ‘children’ continue the process towards ‘less harmful’.
    Congrats on the new job, I hope it makes your work something you like to do.
    That picture is exceptional, and the poem with it fits perfectly.
    Let’s look up.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Yes, at least the antigen says so. There is no way to get a PCR at this time as they are reserved for healthcare workers and teachers and the like.
      I have to say I was surprised at it’s “violence” towards me! I think my supplies were low and it snuck in.
      Thank you. I am so looking forward to this new challenge.
      I just love this image! What a nice surprise!
      Yes, lets look up and out!

      Liked by 2 people

        • Yes, I heard that as well and I am taking it as good. And it is still COVID and was more than I ever expected but I have survived.
          Comparatively to those who were hospitalized, this was nothing.

          Liked by 2 people

  23. Oh my, you have been through A LOT! First, glad you are feeling better and have a negative test to prove it. Second, congrats on your new job. Third, that reflection picture is awesome! It’s good to see you back & sharing again.

    Liked by 4 people

    • It’s been quite an experience that I would prefer not to repeat, thank you very much!
      Thank you! I can’t wait to start.
      Isn’t it great? I was so thrilled when I found it and looked at it properly!

      Liked by 2 people

    • That’s for sure! And not sad it’s mostly over (still feeling wobbly) Looking forward to starting the new job.
      And isn’t it great? (lookit me, tooting my own horn… 😉 )

      Liked by 2 people

  26. Hi Dale so glad to see you back! Forgive me I should of emailed you sooner but things here have been difficult. That’s not your problem 💜.
    I am sorry that you and your son had Covid, it’s no fun is it! Your week sounded full of ups and downs and you wore it well.
    Love your photo and poem.
    The reflection reminded me of the quote “We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars” or it could be “we are frozen in the gutter after the freezebut one of us is looking at the trees.”
    So glad your okay stay well. 💜💜😘

    Liked by 4 people

  27. Dear Dale,

    What a challenging month you’ve had. No bout a doubt it. Glad you’re on the mend. Thanks for sharing your trials and tribulations without sharing the graphic stuff in your head. 😉 That photo with the reflection is stunning.

    Shalom and lotsa healing hugs,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 4 people

  28. Oh, my, what a roller coaster you’ve been on these last few weeks. But, at least, now you’re negative (as far as covid, heh heh) and you got a new, better job! Yea, you!! Now, just try to relax and rest. I hope you’re feeling better with each passing day. And that cough goes away soon! xoxox

    Liked by 4 people

    • It’s been quite the ride, that is for sure! And yes, I’ll take this negative. So looking forward to starting my new challenge. I have no choice but to take it easy, I’ve got no energy and get out of breath so easily. I’m not loving this side of things.

      Liked by 2 people

  29. Oh damn
    So sorry COVID messed up your days like that.

    I’m glad things still found a way to work out. And the poem’s really refreshing.✨

    Liked by 3 people

  30. My Lord, that’s a tale! I am glad you’re better, glad you got a new job and isn’t life funny the way things work out? Your version of COVID sounds so much better than the version I got early on. Stay well and congratulations!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Seriously. Never did I ever…
      And it’s ridiculously slow. A little effort and I’m searching for my breath. Sigh. It’s been 15 or is it 16? days.
      It seems like I’m getting better… And thank you!

      Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you, dear Ina. It’s very slow going but it is going in the right direction.
      And thank you re the job. I am so excited for a new challenge! 💕

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Well that (mostly) sounds like a real bummer for three weeks off. I was gone myself for that time, but really gone (as in vacation). Congratulations on the new job! Glad you are now negative and hopefully feeling better.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Lemme tell you. I never, ever, EVER expected to be sidelined to this extent. I so wish I had been gone for vacay! Hope you had a wonderful one!
      And thank you. Looking forward to starting.

      Liked by 2 people

  34. Oh man, you’ve been ridden hard and put away wet, haven’t you? So sorry. This newest variant seems to be a real buggar. Congrats on the new position (and holding out-good things come to those who wait they say and this kind reinforces that notion). Wishing you nothing but success and healthful days ahead. Enjoy that goodbye lunch.

    Liked by 4 people

  35. Q

    It’s more than a fortnight with Covid now, one way and then the other. Only this fortnight will not be remembered as fondly as say, Wimbledon or the Olympics. In fact, this particular fortnight can be driven way out into the desert where Joe Pesci has been digging holes for most of the evening and all he asks in return for the use of one is a cuppa something stronger than java. So you drop the fortnight in one of those holes and you drive back home and you wash your hands of the whole mess. If anybody asks, you know nuthin!

    Wow, isn’t it funny how the term ‘negative’ can feel like the greatest word ever created just like that? Perspective and all that.

    Add a new J-O-B to the uh . . . I forgot what happened before that and Joe ain’t taking my calls, so there’s that, 😉

    B

    Liked by 4 people

  38. Good grief!
    It’ like a bad twist on a Star Wars saying… The Covid is with you!
    My dear Thunder/AGM, I am so happy you are okay. Is it because you are vaccinated that you are okay?
    They lifted the mask mandate here, so I am now wearing 3 at a time.
    Congrats on the new job, and don’t let your mask down!
    Sending much love and hugs!
    xoxoxo

    Liked by 3 people

    • Good grief, is right!
      Ugh… like it or not!
      And yes, double vaxxed, boosted, AND flu-shotted! Imagine. The numbers are wild.
      No lifting here, yet.
      Thank you and no worries on that score!
      Taking the much love and hugs and returning in kind!
      💞💕💞

      Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you, my friend. I am at about 85-90% – it’s Father’s difficult to get up to full charge so I’m learning to be patient.
      Isn’t it the coolest? I am so chuffed with it!
      Thank you. Yesterday was my last day at Mega and it was bittersweet. It’s when you leave that you find out that you actually will be missed by some. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

  43. Fantastic! Congrats!
    I’m looking for a job right now too and the search has thrown cold water on my creativity. Hoping something good is in store for the near future. Great picture. Great poetry. Have a lovely weekend! =)

    Liked by 2 people

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