(Not) Iron(Wo)man

So. It turns out my ferritin levels are poor. Like anemic. Again. Like really, you should be sitting/lying down. For a while. Which I did this week. For a few days. Actually, I had that close relationship with the sofa for three days. I suspected something was up - I was really longing - longing, for coffee. I mean, I like coffee, but when I long for it, it's a red flag.

Again I am rejoicing that my kids are pretty good and have again stepped up. More cooking, home economic, reading and maths lessons from the couch.

We had to skip orienteering this week, because I spent all my 'spoons' on a day at a city farm where the kids learned about permaculture. Well, we talked about it, but they got the most kicks out of feeding the chickens and the art and music and amazing play area they have. They got to run around outside for hours (really, hours) being kids, covering themselves in mud, painting with water in the dirt, firing clay sculptures in clay pits, making seed pod canoes and sculptures; it was truly amazing that they had the freedom to explore and create and experiment. But I can't really remember what happened afterwards. I vaguely remember driving home, then nothing for a couple of days...

Socialising: the energy thief!

So I have started (more) pills and am starting to pick up again. (Which is something because last time I had about four iron infusions. Which take time. And cost more.) Today I wasn't dizzy, Much. Just have to mind that I don't use the small energy I have gained to 'catch up' on the things I had to let slide again. The kids did some washing too, so really, we aren't doing too bad. Free grocery deliveries are working very well for me at the moment! It took me a few hours to make a meal plan and a list during the 'fog' days this week (and I did order an excessive amount of toilet paper, such were my addled wits ...) but not having to drag myself to and around the supermarket is literally saving me.

High on my pathetically short list of achievements this week, is getting my son to nap - like three times! This kid has been a nap denier since he turned two. And, to be diplomatic, his behaviour has demonstrated that he has*really* needed naps lately. It is a big deal - more often than not I fall asleep and he doesn't but he has been out for an average of 2hrs each time. It has been very good! Poor kid. I always feel for tired kids. So grateful we can rest when we need to. Usually.

And my art group. I (hate to say literally, but) literally threw together a journal piece tonight for the April challenge. I'm really disappointed, but considering this is the first day in a week I have been able to focus (ok, so not *well*), let alone sit in a chair and hold up a brush... We had to use an old photo (family or otherwise), create a page with acrylics and tell a story about it.

I feel I haven't done the photo I chose justice - I chose her from a Google search, I thought she was too gorgeous! And I had to get a photo NOW to get it in on time, but as it is already dark out the colours don't photograph well. Maybe I'll try again in the morning. If I remember!

This was my 'story':

This is my gorgeous (and fictitious) Aunt Rita. It is a photo from one of her annual holidays that she would take with her twin sister Lynette, back when they were both 'the Spinster Aunts'. She would always send us postcards. She was my favourite aunt because she would always make time to play with us, and after we emigrated she would visit us on the Gold Coast and would play on the beach with my own children. I loved that she was always comfortable with herself and allowed herself to be who she was, and dress how she liked. She was inspirational to me and I have always loved this photo of her.

Even the kefir took a hit this week. I just had to feed it, no energy to bottle it - so we are running low! Just have to try again next week. The broth is on low and the nuts are about to be activated, and tomorrow is kombucha bottling day - yay! All ready for another week towards recovery. Only half a step back this time, but the next step looks like it is in slow motion. I know I am better than I was, I have to remind myself that. It still seems a long way to go; so I will take my eyes off everyone else's 'successes'  and focus on what this family needs. And remind myself that too! And give thanks.