Today was tough. I went to work feeling fairly normal and tried to keep up my usual cheerful energy for my kindergarten class, but by midday a fever hit hard and I was overwhelmed by sinus pressure that made my head and ears ache. I stayed hydrated all day, hoping it would help, but these cold and sinus symptoms are widespread right now and seem to be hitting kids and adults alike.
Even so, I can see how much has improved compared with this time last year. Last winter I spent long hours in an ICU waiting room; today I’m simply home with a fever. My family is healthy, my work is demanding but rewarding, and we continue to prioritize health in our household. Small habits—like the nutritional boosts we use—make a difference. This morning Stephen left an Amazing Grass sample out for me so I wouldn’t forget a quick green boost, and quietly tucked a multivitamin and B-complex by my keys. Those little reminders help when days get rough.
I skipped my usual CrossFit session because it was clear I needed rest, and allowed myself an extra hour of sleep. When I woke I made a simple, comforting breakfast that felt nourishing and satisfying. I topped my oats with a new almond butter and an absolutely delicious pumpkin butter—one of those seasonal pairings that feels like a treat and also fills you up. I tucked the bowl into a travel container and ate it on the drive to work. Oatmeal really can feel like fast food when you’re eating it on the go.
To keep my energy up during the day, I packed a thoughtfully balanced lunch to eat at work. Preparing and bringing real food helps me feel in control—and it’s a comfort when you aren’t feeling your best. My lunch included a hearty portion of lentils with roasted vegetables, fresh cucumber and carrot sticks served with pumpkin salsa, a selection of almonds and cheese, seasonal fruit, and a yogurt topped with granola. I also packed a big, juicy orange that felt especially refreshing.
- Lentils with roasted vegetables
- Cucumbers, carrots, and pumpkin salsa
- Almonds, cheese, and fresh fruit
- Yogurt with granola
- One large, juicy orange
Thanks to my mom for the versatile lunch bag she gave me for Christmas. I had been using it to hold magazines when traveling, but lately it’s become my favorite lunch bag. It’s roomy, sturdy, and cheerful—small practical comforts like that make taking care of yourself easier on busy days.
Monday is done, and now I’m focusing on rest, fluids, and gentle care so I can feel better by midweek. It’s a good reminder to slow down when your body tells you to, and to appreciate the steady things—family, work that matters, and small rituals of self-care.
Project 365
Year 2, Day 8
