No School Madness: How are the holidays here already?!

Is it just me, or did winter break sneak up on us like a ugly sweaters in Walmart after Thanksgiving! I can’t wrap my head around the fact that Chanukah and Christmas are practically knocking on our doors, and 2025 is about to crash the party! Every year we swear time flies faster than a toddler on a sugar high, but after the rollercoaster ride that was 2024, I feel like I’m still revving up for the next lap!

At the start of 2024, I hit the pause button on everything and dove into family life working hard at the mom gig. It took a hot minute to adjust since I've always been a workaholic. Major kudos to full-time moms; you all deserve a standing ovation and a lifetime supply of coffee! Honestly, I feel like I need to shop for a patience upgrade! In late spring, I made my return to the work scene on Long Island—major adjustment period. After two decades in the fast lane of Manhattan, being on the Island is a whole new documentary series; it’s been a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions, but it keeps my calendar packed and brain constantly moving. I miss my fabulous clients and awesome coworkers from my Manhattan days, but our catch-ups always make me smile. As luck would have it—my best friend landed a gig on Long Island too, so it’s like our work lives have crossed over into a daily sitcom…… Then August came around, hitting me with a medical diagnosis that tossed my world upside down, same week I lost my grandmother, shitty week! Since then, I’ve been piecing together the puzzle of my heart failure and other health hiccups which all seem to intertwine. The rest of 2024 flew by because I have spent most of it in hospitals, with doctors, feeling like absolute crap and traveling for answers…… the battle seems slow mentally but also makes the time pass fast, if that makes sense.

Winter break typically sends us on fun day trips or vacations but this year not so much. How are parents supposed to keep the kids entertained for over ten days, also in my case while juggling RSV and Lyme disease, plus a side of a very rare autoimmune disease?! (Just so you know, this is my actual plot twist of a life right now!) I've been on a first-name basis with a slew of doctors lately—pulmonologists, rheumatologists, general practitioners, you name it, we’ve spoken. I even have zoom appointments on Christmas Eve to be monitored. All these professionals providing advice on how to deal with my "zebra" situation and manage the medications, given the newest friends to breach my crappy immune system. My GP likes to label me, an anomaly… which, let’s be honest, is just a fancy way of saying “we don’t know wtf to do with your ass.” The highlight of my doctor's chat? One of them cheerily said, "At least you get ten days of not wearing a mask around your kids since they're not in school—silver lining!" Actually made me chuckle with that one…..because yes, at this point that’s a positive for me and I’ll take it!

Well, when it comes to the classic "What are you up to?" question, it’s going to be me, Briggs, and my mother-in-law hanging out for most of the break. as Tom is taking Ella to a National Softball tournament in sunny Florida! I was supposed to be on that trip, and I’m not trying to sound like a toddler throwing a tantrum, but I really wanted to go…… I’m super bummed! (I’ve been planning this for months, people!) Unfortunatley, doctors have given me a big ’ “nope,” as the reality is that some days I can’t even conquer a single step, so I’m probably the worst adult chaperone for a sporting event right now. On the bright side, Ella gets to have an action-packed, competitive, and fun break with her friends while also hanging out with my college bestie who’s hosting them……another reason I’m fuming that I can’t go! That was supposed to be my reunion time. Sorry, inner toddler moment again out of sheer frustration.

As for me, Briggs, and my MIL, it all hinges on how this RSV situation plays out. Right now, I’m practically glued to the nebulizer every day, I am hoping that soon I can breathe without needing this equipment every few hours. My MIL is busy planning all sorts of adventures for Briggs—movies, museums, you name it! Whether I’m working from home or the office, on the days we are not off, he’s got plenty to keep him occupied, which is a total lifesaver! Those parents on staycations, any ideas?! Do you set the days up in advance or last minute plans…..all ideas and recommendations welcome for Long Island winter fun with a 4 year old…..I’ll pass it to my MIL.

I know times are changing and we’re all rolling with the punches, but can we talk about the fact that this winter break is family-less? First winter break ever we won’t be together. It feels like 2024 has been a thief, robbing me of my family moments left and right….. now the holidays and New Year’s are on that list too, memories we won’t make together. I realize its not a forever thing—just our current “fun” circumstances, and, no choice but to roll with it. Let’s be real—as a mom, it hits me in the feels! This time of year is spread with chaos as well as love, laughter and memories for every family.

This year will be different and my routine oriented brain just has to get with the program…..: not always that easy when we are walking down memory lane at the same time. The goal for me is to live in the moment this winter break, take it as it comes and don’t let situational circumstances bring me to tears, easier said the done, but we have to set goals right?!