Awesome, covid exposure at work last week. Sigh.

Tim's dad is going to start receiving hospice care, although at this point he doesn't have a timeline (like 6 months to live, 6 weeks to live, etc). But he didn't really participate in his post-stroke rehab, and he's not eating much and my brother-in-law described it as "he's just winding down."

Something that complicates things is that when Tim's dad was in the hospital 3-4 weeks ago, they ordered a lab test for TB, and it takes 6 weeks to get that back, because the sample has to be cultured that long. With the Covid precautions at the nursing home (full gown, gloves, mask and face shield, hair covering), even if he has TB, it seems highly unlikely to be transmitted. However, Tim is at higher risk for TB because of the meds he takes for his RA, and has to get a TB test once a year. So not knowing whether his dad has it, he hasn't visited his dad in 3 weeks, and he's losing precious time. My opinion is that (1) his dad almost certainly doesn't have it (he doesn't have symptoms, so I don't know why the hospital ordered the test), and (2) with the full PPE precautions that are required for Covid right now, the odds of anything being transmitted are vanishingly low.

Tim talked to his rheumatologist today, who basically said the same thing: if Tim wears full PPE, he should be fine, if he really feels he needs to see his dad. (I don't like the way he worded "really feels he needs to see his dad" -- like, this is an end of life issue, sir. Yes, he needs to see his dad.)

Why does shit have to be so goddamn complicated all the fucking time? Just a tiny break would be nice, you know?

Why does shit have to be so goddamn complicated all the fucking time? Just a tiny break would be nice, you know?

Word. Big support to everyone. Shit needs to get easier.

I'm keeping Peanut home from school today, because there was a cluster of COVID cases in her classroom (including her teacher) & I don't feel like taking that risk. M thinks I'm being too fearful, but I know I'd blame myself if Peanut caught it & I just can't deal with that on top of everything else. Cosmic Kids Yoga is my friend & co-teacher today.

Geez, Steph, that is a lot of Very Hard to hit at once. I wish you and Tim and his family all the best navigating your way through. Much ~ma to you all.

[link]

Midnight Pals is a thing where horror writers gather and tell stories, but really it's a satirical Twitter feed.

Midnight Pals is a thing where horror writers gather and tell stories, but really it's a satirical Twitter feed.

Oh my god, I lost it when Mary Shelley showed up and pulled out a switchblade.

I don't feel like taking that risk. M thinks I'm being too fearful

I'll note that lots of parents are holding kids out from Matilda's HS for the last week and probably part of this week. There have been a few COVID exposures, but generally everybody is trying to lay low until the surge dies down. The school is fine with it.

I'd say Matilda's school is almost at half capacity (which also makes it safer for her to go school).

I don't know how she's dodged the virus [knock wood] but she is super conscientious about mask wearing and safe behavior. She gets her booster on Saturday and I feel like I've been holding my breath the whole time.

Recently we found that that JZ's cousin got COVID, lost her sense of smell, recovered it and then she got the weird side effect that everything smells like rotten meat. It sounds so horrible.

In other COVID news, the 4th booster shot they're giving in Israel is not having much effect in stopping Omicron infection (though still effective at preventing serious illness and hospitalization). So I think we're going to have to wait for an Omicron specific vax which would probably be May at the earliest. That's discouraging.

the 4th booster shot they're giving in Israel is not having much effect in stopping Omicron infection

I just read that! Are we getting the same email newsletter?

Boo omicron and holding kids out from school and delaying TB results but yes so much protection should not stop him from visiting dad! That sucks.

I had a couple over for dinner last night (local bffs, I am starving for company) and seeing them react to my new oculus (a lot of “holy shit! Holy shit!” was omg so heartwarming and adorable y’all. So cute!!

Recently we found that that JZ's cousin got COVID, lost her sense of smell, recovered it and then she got the weird side effect that everything smells like rotten meat. It sounds so horrible.

Wow this is exactly what happened a friend of mine! How awful.

Meara, I bought one of those Occulus things and still haven’t opened the box. I’ve been considering leaving all social media owned by FB for a while now, and hate that Occulus would be another tentacle. But it does sound fun.