In a perfect world, we’d be looking forward to the Boston Marathon, the London Marathon, and all the other exciting spring races. Instead here we sit, (hopefully) safe at home, sipping our coffee virtually. I’m joining Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date and I’m bringing out my vintage Boston mug with some Starbucks House Blend for old time’s sake.
If we were having coffee, I’d show you this beautiful, incredibly thoughtful surprise that came in the mail and ask if you sent it, since it arrived mysteriously with no card. It feels like a great big hug though, at a time when I need one most. I’m ever so grateful to have amazing friends.
If we were having coffee I’d no doubt give you an update on my dad. His doctors are keeping him in the hospital for a 2-week rehab program in hopes of getting him stronger. I’m not sure how you get a guy with 35% heart function “stronger” but this week he was in good spirits because he really likes the guy who works with him for PT. Whatever lifts his spirits is a win in my book.
If we were having coffee I’d tell you that a dear friend and classmate I’ve known since kindergarten died from Covid-19 this week. He returned from Mexico two weeks ago and got sick. Doug was larger than life. Always the class clown, with a smile for everyone. May he rest in peace.
If we were having coffee I’d tell you I’ve been stress baking and developed a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe that I really like. I found dark chocolate chips that contain zero soy lecithin, and I use coconut sugar instead of the usual refined stuff. I swear if you try hard enough you can work your way around anything. Stay tuned for that recipe.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you our neighbors are joking about who will gain the most weight during the shelter-in-place order. I may be stress baking but I’m doing even more stress running so I’m not going to be taking the weight gain prize.
The ExCel Centre in happier times.
If we were having coffee I’d tell you the ExCel Centre, which is the venue for London Marathon packet pickup, is now a Covid-19 field hospital. Of course the Javitz Center in NYC and McCormick Place in Chicago are now hospitals as well. It’s chilling to look back at my pics from just one year ago, and to think about how vastly different things are now.
What would you tell me over coffee? How are you handling the stress? Eating? Baking? Running?
Stress baking? Check. Stress eating? Check. Stress running? Check.
Hang in there. Better days have to be coming. Stay strong! <3
I’m so sorry about your friend. 🙁 The changes are surreal — but real. My stress baking is getting ahead of my stress running. I will work on getting them back in balance next week. I’m glad your Dad is doing OK. I’m sure it’s worrisome to have him in the hospital, but if he’s getting good care and in good spirits, that’s a good thing.
I am so sorry about your friend. So sad.
No, no stress baking in general, but yes, a slight uptick in weight because I’ve been hungry. Stress, no doubt. Even though mostly I don’t feel that stressed. I am running more, but not running much. The more is just because I didn’t feel well for so much of March. And now I’m trying nasal breathing, so that has really slowed me down. .
My Dad was also in heart failure towards the end of his life (and in his 90s). The PT is about getting them stronger, they lose fitness so fast is frightening (although obviously your Dad is much younger — which should be a good thing!). Continued prayers for your family.
Good news about your dad.
Sorry about your friend. So sad.
I don’t have a scale. But yes staying home gives you more time to eat.
I’m trying to stay active but I still feel sedentary.
The spring is my season to race. Already have 11 that have been cancelled. Lost track. Most that are being rescheduled are at the same time in the fall.
So glad you finished the Majors already.
I think I’m winning the battle of shelter in place running over shelter in place eating. I’m finding that I’m much less stressed these days since I don’t have to commute and we don’t have to run all over town taking the kids to their activities so that part has been really nice.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. A sad reminder of why we’re all staying home in the first place.
I am so sorry about your friend and your dad. What an especially stressful time for you all. xoxo I am also stress baking and eating crap. But, like you, I am exercising like a crazy person. It is the only thing that keeps me sane and passes the time. So hopefully, i can counteract those pounds. My eating is totally off schedule just due to not having my usual salads and stuff. Carbs just make me feel better. Nice to catch up w you xoxo
That “Stay Strong” bracelet is such a thoughtful idea! You must have very good friends. I wonder if you will ever find out who it was?
Nice that your Dad is enjoying the PT – it must be hard having to worry about him on top of everything else.
You are the first person I know who knows someone who died of COVID-19. I’m so sorry.
Good to know that running and baking help to relieve the stress!
I hope your dad keeps getting better!! I’m really sorry to hear about the loss of your friend though. :[ Sending lots of love to his family and loved ones.
I’ve been hearing a lot about the #Quarantine15 too (similar to freshman 15?) — it’s not in my plans to get it! If anything, I’m hoping to be in better shape by the time this is over!
I’m so sorry about your friend, and your father has been in my thoughts.
Honestly, I’m not even interested in food anymore. I eat it because I need fuel, but it’s not exciting. We’ve done some baking, but more to give little man an activity to do than anything else. So I will also not be taking home the weight gain prize. 🙂
Hang in there. This has to ease up soon.
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. May his memory be a blessing to his friends and family.
Glad to hear that your dad’s doing well and is in good spirits! That’s great news.
I’m grateful to be such a sucky baker. Plus, without eating out, I’m actually saving calories. I’ve been good about running and doing other workouts every day. I’m aiming to stay the same weight! 🙂
Oh, I’m so sorry about your friend. I’ve been keeping you and your dad in my thoughts and hoping his situation improves. It’s nice that he’s in good spirits – always a good thing!
There’s been some stress baking…and eating going on over here. Hopefully, I’m getting in enough miles and workouts to counter it all. Sometimes I still cannot wrap my head around the world we currently find ourselves in.
Marcia, I am so sorry about your friend. I don’t know anyone personally who has had the virus. Yet.
I must admit to some stress baking too, but I am mostly sticking to bread rather than cookies because of the whole no-sugar thing.
Stay safe!
I am so sorry to hear about your friend. So many people’s lives have been personally touched by this pandemic already… it’s frightening. Hope you stay safe and healthy!
Oh yeah, and a lot of stress baking going on over here, too.
Oh Marcia…so sorry for the loss of your friend. Hugs to you <3 I haven't been bit my the stress-baking bug yet…since I'm still out of the house every morning by 8:00 (and not home until 4:40-5:00, except for lunch), my baking time availability hasn't really increased or demanded my attention. I have a horrendous sweet tooth, so that's all well and fine because I'd be eating all the goods (can't share them at work right now). Stay strong, WE'll get through this ((hugs))
How bittersweet, to hear of your friend dying and your father on the mend. Stay strong.
I haven’t been stress baking (or stress anything, really), but I think we’re still early in this whole stay at home reality. I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes until at least the start of summer.