On the Razor's Edge

This past week has been a bit of a nightmare.  I had carefully planned my end-of-the-quarter schoolwork, carving out time between work and family to dedicate to creating a presentation, writing two papers, and studying for my final in quantitative methods. In true "Murphy's Law" fashion, I woke up last Wednesday at 4am to the sound of Ben throwing up in the bathroom. Turns out he was really sick with a tummy bug and spent the next two days in bed (and the bathroom). That means I spent two days taking care of him and Dexter (and obsessively cleaning everything with Clorox). I had to miss giving a presentation in Wednesday's final class. By Saturday, Ben was feeling better and, having adjusted my schoolwork plans, I was beginning to believe that I just might be able to get everything done by deadline as long as I didn't get sick. Until I heard the pitter patter of little feet coming into our bedroom at 5am on Sunday. "I''m throw upping," Dexter announced. Sure enough, I spent Sunday dealing with and trying to comfort a four year old who does not like throw-upping. I've never washed my hands so much in my life. Concerned that I would be sick for Monday's final exam, I emailed my professor, explained the situation, and asked if we could develop a Plan B in case I got ill before the exam. She was great and, as it turns out, I was able to take the exam as planned (although I didn't have the study time I had hoped for). I also made it through Tuesday's presentation (I had to miss Dexter's pre-school holiday party but at least he was feeling better and able to go with Daddy). This morning, I finally submitted my last final paper (due at 5pm today). I can't believe I made it. Nice try, universe, but a little vomit is not going to stop me!