#DID YOU SLEEP THROUGH PSYCH 101 AND ETHICS?

[grandmasickomode]

Broke: Hating Maruki for his virtues as a character, his ambitions, his actions, ect

Woke: Hating Maruki because you have any sort of psych degree/training and you want to WRING HIS LITTLE NECK

[xuxisbbymami]

Psych 101~ Lesson 2

Lesson 1

Masterlist

Warnings- swearing, mentions of sex and Lucas being a butthole

Word Count- 1.2k (be proud) 🙃

A/N- sorry it’s been forever my family and friends have been ass lately so I’ve been uninspired BUTTTTTT lesson 3 is already written and I have something in my drafts I might publish later this week💖

You walk into the library the second 1:14 became 1:15. In fact you got there around 1:10 and waited outside the library.

You walk around the library and look for Lucas.

I know he’s not late to his own tutoring session. The tutoring I so graciously squeezed in for him.

You start to get agitated as your search for him in your massive seems futile. You’re about to leave and look for him to curse him out when you spot him at a table in the back straightening his books and reorganizing his notes. You sigh and walk over to him.

“You’re not late. That’s a good start”. You pull out the chair next to and sit as you pull out your own notes. “So what are you having trouble with” you ask will getting a good look at him. You can see why every girl wants to be fucked by him. Not that you want to. He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair, “Everything”.

You scoff, “Lucas we just started how are you lost with everything”.

“It’s just that when I saw psych 101 I thought it’s just a stupid elective you know? It was easy last semester you know? It felt like an elective class but Tuck threw a lot of stuff at as today and if today is just the beginning there’s no way I’m passing this class without some help”

You pull out your laptop and pull up your teacher’s website, “Lucky for us Professor Tuck puts everything on his website. The lecture, videos for extra help, extra credit assignments, everything. Just take everything a little at a time. Study everyday after class and before you go to sleep trust me it helps”

He smiles at you and you two start to go over today’s lesson

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

“Thanks again y/n you’re a lifesaver”.

You’re both packing away your things and getting ready to leave.

“It’s nothing just don’t forget to look over what we reviewed. Text me if you’re having problems”. As you’re turning to leave he gets your attention. “Y/n I just- how are you like this? I don’t know anyone else in our year that’s like you. You’re so organized and focused. I just- teach me your ways”?

You laugh a little. People at school (besides teachers) rarely compliment you on your work ethic. They admire it and are jealous of it but they never really praise you for it. You check your phone to see it’s 2:30. Your next tutoring session doesn’t start until 3. You decide you can sit and chat for a bit. You sit down again as you speak, “I took this class in high school and I’m like everyone else. I just have my priorities straight.”

He shakes his head, “You’re nothing like everyone else. Everyone is focused on drinking, partying and hooking up. I bet you’ve never done things like that. What do you even do for fun?”

You get a little offended. He basically thinks I’m a Mormon great. You ignore his first statement, “I love watching movies. It helps me unwind and lets me feel like I get to live someone’s life.”

“You call that fun y/n? What kind of life are you living”? He laughs.

Now you might be overreacting but he did assume you’re a virgin who’s never tried drugs or gotten drunk AND he’s basically insulting your life after you spent an hour plus going over basic material for a simple elective class. You sarcastically laugh back, “You do realize there’s more to college than partying and having sex with anything that breathes right? You do realize that there’s life after college and some people, like me, are just preparing for it.”

“I get that it’s just that even nerds have stress relievers. They take out their stress and frustration with alcohol or video games I guess. You’re reeling me all you do is study and watch movies. Seems a bit boring”

“I’m sorry if I’m boring to you but luckily it’s none of your business. We attend one of the greatest schools in the nation how did you even get in let alone survive freshmen year? I bet you cheated your way here and relied on people like me. You probably heard that I’m really smart and saw me as an easy way to an A. Well you’re sadly mistaken Yukhei”.

He starts to get mad. “Really y/n you believe those stupid rumors about me? I worked to get here and I worked to stay. You should know more than anyone that rumors aren’t reliable sources of information”. He’s pissed that even someone as antisocial as you has heard rumors about him and he’s disappointed that you believe them and see him as nothing more than a stupid fuckboy.

You shrug, “All rumors have some truth to them even if it’s only a little”.

“People say you’re heartless and that you have no feelings or emotions. They compare you to Joseph fucking Stalin for God’s sake. You’re telling me that has some truth to it? I call bullshit. You’re not what they say you are and I’m not exactly what they say either. You’re actually a nice and generous person. You’re just really intimidating.”

You roll your eyes, “First of all I couldn’t give less of a shit what people say about me. And yes to people that don’t know me I do appear inhuman and you want to compare me to you? What they say about you is probably 100% true. I know you use girls for sex and then pretend they don’t exist. I’ve heard the stories everyone has.”

“I-.” He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair. He couldn’t deny what you said about him. He did fuck girls and then dip. “Whatever y/n believe what you want”.

“Oh and let me guess you major in something easy like psychology even though you’re ass at it. That’s how you made it this far”. You are probably taking it a bit too far but he’s acting like he knows you after talking to each other for the first time today. He acts so offended because you got all your information about him from rumors when he most likely did the same thing. AND HE CALLLED YOU BORING.

“Forensic psychology and let me guess you probably major in something like political science or economics. That explains the stick up your ass. I bet you’re a virgin. I’m willing to bet you’ve never even came before. You’re such a fucking prude. Here I am thinking you’re not that bad but you’re right rumors do stem from the truth”.

You’re absolutely done with him now. You get up and prepare to leave, “You know what? This has nothing to do with psychology. I decided to help and make room for you in my very busy schedule because I figured you’re a moron and need all the help you can get as soon as possible. Good luck finding another tutor”. You storm out the library door surprised to see no one had heard your argument. You look at the time to see you only have 10 minutes before your next tutoring session.

Shit! I’m going to late.

You run to the parking lot get in your car and speed to the local high school you’re tutoring at.

Fucking Yukhei. I used my time tutoring his dumbass when I could’ve been resting. Now I’m going to be exhausted.

You dramatically sigh and get out your car. You put on a big smile and prepare to prep these high schoolers juniors for their act.

[topfygad]

What is Too Sick to Travel? Or: “How to Decide if I Should Fly to Peru Tonight???”

A sunrise view from my classroom: Stormy skies, or clear to fly?

“No offense, but you sound awful,” confessed my friend.

“I think I’ll be better by tomorrow to make the flight to Peru and Machu Picchu!” I squeaked.

I called my doctor with that theory later that day, and she responded bluntly: “No you won’t.”

Welcome to the worst cold and flu season in decades: awash with fevers, aches, chills. I’m sure my February plans to hike Machu Picchu weren’t the only travel dreams slapped by these symptoms, but the uncertainty of whether or not I could go sure took over my life for the past three days.

Here’s the full story of what happened with this trip, expanding on the question so many of us have asked lately: “Am I too sick to travel?”

Me, leaping around Turkey a few years ago. Thankful for healthy travels I’ve had!

This Peru trip was to be my first time traveling with G Adventures, the ethical tour company with which my fabulous former student, Stephane, just traveled to Costa Rica in December. (Note: Some links here are affiliates that give a small commission, should you purchase something, at no extra cost to you.)

Steph had a phenomenal experience, and I was psyched to try out the company for myself… and see Machu Picchu at last! (I lived in Peru for a time while I was teaching there, but never made it to the famed peak.)

I was also excited about the three day hike through those green Incan mountains, even if my 7th grade students were horrified at the prospect that I’d have no WiFi.

“Who will keep your Snapchat streaks going?!” they screamed.

I responded, “What’s a Snapchat streak?” and the kids were even more horrified.

Our guy asks: “Are you cool to travel, or need to stay put?”

Over the course of February, I began borrowing and buying the gear I’d need for the trek: extra camera batteries for the days without electricity, hiking boots, headlamp… all that outdoorsy stuff. I already know the gear a gal needs to do regular travel — aka, a suitcase full of my beloved cute, wrinkle-free dresses — but this trekking stuff is new territory. (Do I still have secret schemes to hike a little in a dress? Maybe.)

Punched by high prices in stores for hiking gear, I turned to social media, pleading for anyone around Boston to lend or rent equipment. Friends, family, and neighbors responded wondrously, and by early February, I had all the hiking items I needed. Thank you, village!

Then… despite all this meticulous planning and preparation for the takeoff to Peru on Friday, the following series of events occurred.

My preferred method of packing: All dresses, all patterns. Maybe not what’s needed for a hike…

The Previous Week, Through Monday: 

Repeated exposure to flu and other viruses from all sides. Keep in mind that I teach 140 middle-schoolers a day, and frankly, there is not enough hand sanitizer in the world to keep us 7th grade teachers clean. I tried, though — I really tried!

Tuesday Evening:

“I feel kind of funny.”

Wednesday at Work: 

Woozy. Hot and dizzy. At lunch break, I walk into my colleague’s room, curl into a ball, and fall asleep at a desk.

“Yeah,” he said later, “I suppose that was a red flag that you were sick.”

I suppose.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC, which we were luckily healthy enough to visit this year.

Wednesday Evening: 

Fever. Shivering. Trouble walking due to aches.

“Um, I’m not sure I can do a 3-day hike like this. But what if I feel better tomorrow?”

Due to the fever, I call in sick for teaching Thursday.

Thursday: 

I sleep 7:30pm to 10:30am — 15 hours. Wake to… fever and dizziness still there. Argh. But maybe I’ll feel better in time for the flight Friday night? Maybe sleeping in a tent in rural mountaintop Peru would heal me? Um, maybe?

I fall back asleep 1pm-4pm. No appetite.

Wake at 5pm to help do dinner and bed for kids (obsessively washing hands to try to keep kiddos from getting sick). Daughter demands to be carried up the stairs “like a burrito”, which is a dangerous proposition, given that I can barely get my own self up the stairs.

Pass out by 8pm. Might I feel better in the morning?

Snuggling with my girl during a sick day she had last week.

12:30am Friday Morning:

I randomly wake up and take my temperature. The fever is gone! The doctor said if I have 24 hours of no fever, I can work or travel… ergo, since my flight is at midnight, I can travel if I keep this fever off until then! Yesss!

I am also ravenously hungry. I leap downstairs to scarf food, then am so excited, I thrash about in bed (sorry, sleeping husband) until sunrise, dreaming of Machu Picchu.

8am Friday:

I’m halfway through packing, when the room starts spinning again. I look down at the neat piles of fast-wicking shirts and feel hot. Can I really do a red-eye flight, then three day hike, then 3 flights home, feeling like this? Can I risk getting others sick during my travels, on top of ailing, myself?

Perhaps I shouldn’t have trusted my midnight judgment.

I blow my nose. Then blow it again. No appetite. Coughs and shivers… Fever’s back.

11am Friday: 

“Nope. I can’t do this trek. I couldn’t even teach today — why did I think I could do an intensive trip while feeling like this???”

I know travels will blossom again! Can’t win ’em all.

And so, with a mere 12 hours before the flight was to depart, and with my backpack half-packed, I finally realized that flu season had won this round. No Machu Picchu for me in February.

There will be logistical and financial pieces to work out to reschedule, but so it is. Health is paramount, and no one wants to be on a mountain with a fever, nor sharing a tent with a coughing gal. Moreover, we know well that this is a small problem in a world of much bigger issues.

I’m clear now that this is the right decision (there are several other factors I can’t even get into here that really make it the wise thing to do), but the back and forth was see-saw fast for days, and I thank all the people who supported the process. The plan is to reschedule the G Adventures trip to Peru for April, so let’s put healthy, happy travel vibes into the universe!

This is the first time in 36 years that I have EVER had to cancel a big trip for sickness, and I am supremely thankful for those years of health, and hope for many more in the future for myself, and for all of humanity, for that matter. I will use this week to recover, spend quality time with family and friends… and unpack the awkwardly half-packed backpack in our bedroom.

We shall fly again, friends! We shall!

After this crazy experience, here’s advice on when sickness clashes with travel:

1. To make travel cancellation decisions far less costly: ALWAYS consider getting moveable or refundable flights and travel insurance that could cover trip changes or cancellation — especially in a period of time like flu season — when the need to move a trip could be a real possibility. Some people I know have liked this travel insurance, so shop around, but… did I take my own advice on this cancellation coverage insurance thing? Um… Sigh. Regardless, if you do need to cancel due to illness, get officially checked by a doctor (even if you feel terrible and don’t want to leave the house) because a record of this examination will be necessary for the physician statement of the insurance claim.

2. Don’t necessarily trust your own brain when it’s sick. As I finally realized, feverish judgment can be downright delusional. If you’re staggering around with a 101-degree fever, proclaiming you can still travel, yet everyone around you has serious concerns… your community could have a point.

3. Be realistic about the bizarre timeline of sickness. It can do things to a body and mind that you’d never expect! Though I’m not a doctor, one lesson I’ve learned from this saga is to adhere well to the rule that there needs to be a full 24 hours without fever before travel (or work, for that matter). This season’s flu has had a particularly sneaky tendency of “going away” for a few hours, only to return again with a vengeance, so don’t be fooled by waking up at midnight without a fever and thinking travel will be no problem… wait a few hours and double check! Meanwhile, the flu vaccine really helps in decreasing the severity and length of the sickness when received early enough, so plan ahead in October to get it.

4. Be aware of the impact of sickness on the people around you. I’m editing this two days after writing it to add this new information: the two key people who were to be our entire childcare plan while I was away in Peru have now… come down with the flu and can barely get out of bed. This means that even if I had felt well enough to go on the trip, my husband would have been singlehandedly watching two kids under 5 years old for 9 days, or been going to wild lengths to find support. Holy moly. The “people around you” advice also pertains to being mindful of getting others on the plane or trip itself sick, if trying to globe-trot ill.

Ultimately, I think each person knows deep down, where the line is for being “too sick to travel.” If you’re reading this and are stuck in a similar quandary, yourself, first please consult your doctor. On top of that, it might be best to err on the side of caution and rest up. As my friend’s mother says, “Mistakes can cost time, money, or life,” and, though it’s never enjoyable to lose time or money, they are certainly the preferable option.

Now that this cancellation has happened, it makes me very curious about other people’s experiences. What have YOUR experiences with sickness and travel cancellations been? What has been your line that, once crossed, made you cancel a trip? Have you ever gone on a trip while sick? How did it go?

Do share!

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Last Updated on January 8, 2019

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[drthomasmaples]

It was 6:15 AM. I was returning home from the gym to begin herding my children towards their first point of destination for the day. A quick bath, check. Assuring that 6 bags were packed and ready to go by the door, check. Dressing a nine and a five year old, check. Shoved two breakfast bars in their hands as we ran out the door to join the morning commute traffic, check. Finally, 1 hour later, we are off to the start of our morning journey.

Phew. Who would of thought practical parenting could be so much work? With an I Pad in hand, Youtube’s Stampy playing in the background, one child upset that he forgot his Nintendo Switch, but quickly forgetting this lapse of memory with a timely redirection via I Phone X, Youtube and Stampy, I was happy we made it out on time, well to be honest two minutes late; but who is counting. At least we made it to school on time. No tardies, and I even taught responsibility through time management. That is what matters most, right?

Video button

Portrait of family with two kids having holding smart phone electronic device.

Portrait of family with two kids having holding smart phone electronic device.

Video button

Well, today, that did not suffice. Somehow, I felt disconnected, even in the beautiful capacity cellphones and tablets have in connecting us. It struck me that in today’s constant hustle, who has time to sit and have a quality meal, let alone enough time to have a conversation with our family members. Our daily lives may seem over-burdened, stretched to the breaking point, or just downright time deprived as we strive to keep up with the demands work, family, play, and personal wellness time. For many, it may seem like a burden to squeeze in that last minute of sleep for the day, so that we can muster up the energy needed to get through the work tasks at hand for the day. We just seem to go, go, and go, until we can’t go no more? That is part of the American Dream and Work Ethic, isn’t it? Well, today I forced myself to take notice. What the hell am I doing, and what lessons am I passing on to my children?

Don’t get me wrong, I am a firm believer in the ideal that hard work makes any dream come true. My motto, Advance Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams is not only a company tag line I have created to market my treatment strategy in private practice, but also the internal essence by which my soul moves. I believe that through dreaming, hard work, determination, and perseverance, any person can move themselves towards success. I am not only a believer in this philosophy, but a proud recipient of its fruits. But how much is enough? It was time to get practical, and turn my analytic eye towards myself, in order to find the inherent gold I could leave my children through a lesson learned by self-observation of time management, work, and life balance.

As a psychotherapist and family man, I have always been intrigued by the idea of attaining a healthy work / life balance. Furthermore, I see the effects first hand being divided between work, life, family, and personal obligations can have on our own psychological health. While I know that frequent moments of hyperactivity and attention deficits will sway my attention from the daily tasks at hand, especially when I think that I find some proverbial greener pasture on the other side of the hill, I know that my heart is in the right place as a parent, even in times where I struggle to maintain focus. This is just part of who I am (squirrel), especially at inopportune times when I have to get things done. However, as a practical parent, I not only strive to give my children an adequate environment in which to live, I also strive to provide them lived experiences that model what it means to have and ultimately be a positive role model in a child’s life.

In a recent article, Practical Parenting: Fostering Your Children’s Dreams, I explored the how it is a our number 1 job as a parent to expose children to life events that will expose them to the dreams they wish to attain. A child’s underlying capacity to dream life forward is a cornerstone of their healthy psychological development. In fact, the one commonality I have seen amongst children who suffer from so called mental health disorders is a complete lack of capacity or willingness to dream. An inability to dream not only affects a child’s sleeping life, the time that the psyche is supposed to process and heal from the days stresses, it also affects a child’s capacity to set goals as a means to better ones overall outlook on life. This is an area where I see a large degree of parental and even social failure. What are we to do?

SLOW DOWN – As I sat with my child tonight to put him to bed and we engaged in the last language lesson for the evening, I saw him trying to answer questions before they were even asked. It was a reflection of not only my hyperactive need to get things done only as a means to an end, but is also reflective of social institutions that reward speed versus though out and valid solutions to problems present. This is a source of stress for children, and needs to be checked, if we are to teach them ways to find true happiness in the moment, not a life of achieving quick fix solutions to deeply inset needs.

Balance Work, Personal, and Family Time – The Rule of 3 states that we have 8 hours for work, 8 hours for play (family, personal, and 8 hours for sleep. All three are needed in equal terms to attain a a healthy Work / Life Balance.

Time Management 101 – If you find yourself rushed. Determine what your Time Bandits are. In doing a time analysis, I found that my number one time bandit is not  having my bags packed the evening before and not having a checklist to mark what items I need to bring daily. Reviewing a checklist for needed items and 10 minutes of packing the night before can literally save me 30 minutes of time in the AM where I am not as alert and my focus is geared towards getting others, and not necessarily myself fully ready. I would trade 10 for 30 minutes any day, how about you?

TALK DREAMS – As a child, did you have dreams? Did some of them come true? Did some of them not come true? We have all had these experiences. By talking dreams, you not only open up your child’s capacity to engage in active imagination, you develop their capacity for self reflection. This is needed for healthy psychological development. By reflecting on one’s lived experiences, even in dream life, you help your child open begin to master their Self concept. Through the capacity to dream, a child can begin to see themselves in alternate models of reality, which forms the foundation for setting attainable future goals. The more your children get into touch with their dreams, the healthier the self-esteem and overall psychological health will be.

Link Dreams – If your children’s dreams interact with your own, Link Them. This is where work and fun can integrate. If you have 8 hours a day to be with family, maybe you can begin to engage with your children in their various interests. My children’s interests, and I am beginning to think every child’s interest is in Youtube. Practical Parenting will be coming soon to this forum. My son stated he wanted to be a Youtuber. By engaging in mutual dreams, we both are learning from each other. In linking dreams, I can teach him what I learn, and he ultimately can master and teach me what he learns. In this concept, the apprentice becomes the teacher, which really bolsters a child’s self esteem.

Create Family Time – By scheduling time, you give your children what they most need. Time is the one commodity you cannot get back. Time is also the single most important investment you can give yourself and your family. Only you are in control of your time. Do you want your children to be indifferent, or engaged? The Choice is Yours!

Happy family taking selfie on couch at home in the living room.

  Practical Parenting: Time Management, Work & Life Balance, & Healthy Psychological Development It was 6:15 AM. I was returning home from the gym to begin herding my children towards their first point of destination for the day.

[topfygad]

What is Too Sick to Travel? Or: “How to Decide if I Should Fly to Peru Tonight???”

A sunrise view from my classroom: Stormy skies, or clear to fly?

“No offense, but you sound awful,” confessed my friend.

“I think I’ll be better by tomorrow to make the flight to Peru and Machu Picchu!” I squeaked.

I called my doctor with that theory later that day, and she responded bluntly: “No you won’t.”

Welcome to the worst cold and flu season in decades: awash with fevers, aches, chills. I’m sure my February plans to hike Machu Picchu weren’t the only travel dreams slapped by these symptoms, but the uncertainty of whether or not I could go sure took over my life for the past three days.

Here’s the full story of what happened with this trip, expanding on the question so many of us have asked lately: “Am I too sick to travel?”

Me, leaping around Turkey a few years ago. Thankful for healthy travels I’ve had!

This Peru trip was to be my first time traveling with G Adventures, the ethical tour company with which my fabulous former student, Stephane, just traveled to Costa Rica in December. (Note: Some links here are affiliates that give a small commission, should you purchase something, at no extra cost to you.)

Steph had a phenomenal experience, and I was psyched to try out the company for myself… and see Machu Picchu at last! (I lived in Peru for a time while I was teaching there, but never made it to the famed peak.)

I was also excited about the three day hike through those green Incan mountains, even if my 7th grade students were horrified at the prospect that I’d have no WiFi.

“Who will keep your Snapchat streaks going?!” they screamed.

I responded, “What’s a Snapchat streak?” and the kids were even more horrified.

Our guy asks: “Are you cool to travel, or need to stay put?”

Over the course of February, I began borrowing and buying the gear I’d need for the trek: extra camera batteries for the days without electricity, hiking boots, headlamp… all that outdoorsy stuff. I already know the gear a gal needs to do regular travel — aka, a suitcase full of my beloved cute, wrinkle-free dresses — but this trekking stuff is new territory. (Do I still have secret schemes to hike a little in a dress? Maybe.)

Punched by high prices in stores for hiking gear, I turned to social media, pleading for anyone around Boston to lend or rent equipment. Friends, family, and neighbors responded wondrously, and by early February, I had all the hiking items I needed. Thank you, village!

Then… despite all this meticulous planning and preparation for the takeoff to Peru on Friday, the following series of events occurred.

My preferred method of packing: All dresses, all patterns. Maybe not what’s needed for a hike…

The Previous Week, Through Monday: 

Repeated exposure to flu and other viruses from all sides. Keep in mind that I teach 140 middle-schoolers a day, and frankly, there is not enough hand sanitizer in the world to keep us 7th grade teachers clean. I tried, though — I really tried!

Tuesday Evening:

“I feel kind of funny.”

Wednesday at Work: 

Woozy. Hot and dizzy. At lunch break, I walk into my colleague’s room, curl into a ball, and fall asleep at a desk.

“Yeah,” he said later, “I suppose that was a red flag that you were sick.”

I suppose.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC, which we were luckily healthy enough to visit this year.

Wednesday Evening: 

Fever. Shivering. Trouble walking due to aches.

“Um, I’m not sure I can do a 3-day hike like this. But what if I feel better tomorrow?”

Due to the fever, I call in sick for teaching Thursday.

Thursday: 

I sleep 7:30pm to 10:30am — 15 hours. Wake to… fever and dizziness still there. Argh. But maybe I’ll feel better in time for the flight Friday night? Maybe sleeping in a tent in rural mountaintop Peru would heal me? Um, maybe?

I fall back asleep 1pm-4pm. No appetite.

Wake at 5pm to help do dinner and bed for kids (obsessively washing hands to try to keep kiddos from getting sick). Daughter demands to be carried up the stairs “like a burrito”, which is a dangerous proposition, given that I can barely get my own self up the stairs.

Pass out by 8pm. Might I feel better in the morning?

Snuggling with my girl during a sick day she had last week.

12:30am Friday Morning:

I randomly wake up and take my temperature. The fever is gone! The doctor said if I have 24 hours of no fever, I can work or travel… ergo, since my flight is at midnight, I can travel if I keep this fever off until then! Yesss!

I am also ravenously hungry. I leap downstairs to scarf food, then am so excited, I thrash about in bed (sorry, sleeping husband) until sunrise, dreaming of Machu Picchu.

8am Friday:

I’m halfway through packing, when the room starts spinning again. I look down at the neat piles of fast-wicking shirts and feel hot. Can I really do a red-eye flight, then three day hike, then 3 flights home, feeling like this? Can I risk getting others sick during my travels, on top of ailing, myself?

Perhaps I shouldn’t have trusted my midnight judgment.

I blow my nose. Then blow it again. No appetite. Coughs and shivers… Fever’s back.

11am Friday: 

“Nope. I can’t do this trek. I couldn’t even teach today — why did I think I could do an intensive trip while feeling like this???”

I know travels will blossom again! Can’t win ’em all.

And so, with a mere 12 hours before the flight was to depart, and with my backpack half-packed, I finally realized that flu season had won this round. No Machu Picchu for me in February.

There will be logistical and financial pieces to work out to reschedule, but so it is. Health is paramount, and no one wants to be on a mountain with a fever, nor sharing a tent with a coughing gal. Moreover, we know well that this is a small problem in a world of much bigger issues.

I’m clear now that this is the right decision (there are several other factors I can’t even get into here that really make it the wise thing to do), but the back and forth was see-saw fast for days, and I thank all the people who supported the process. The plan is to reschedule the G Adventures trip to Peru for April, so let’s put healthy, happy travel vibes into the universe!

This is the first time in 36 years that I have EVER had to cancel a big trip for sickness, and I am supremely thankful for those years of health, and hope for many more in the future for myself, and for all of humanity, for that matter. I will use this week to recover, spend quality time with family and friends… and unpack the awkwardly half-packed backpack in our bedroom.

We shall fly again, friends! We shall!

After this crazy experience, here’s advice on when sickness clashes with travel:

1. To make travel cancellation decisions far less costly: ALWAYS consider getting moveable or refundable flights and travel insurance that could cover trip changes or cancellation — especially in a period of time like flu season — when the need to move a trip could be a real possibility. Some people I know have liked this travel insurance, so shop around, but… did I take my own advice on this cancellation coverage insurance thing? Um… Sigh. Regardless, if you do need to cancel due to illness, get officially checked by a doctor (even if you feel terrible and don’t want to leave the house) because a record of this examination will be necessary for the physician statement of the insurance claim.

2. Don’t necessarily trust your own brain when it’s sick. As I finally realized, feverish judgment can be downright delusional. If you’re staggering around with a 101-degree fever, proclaiming you can still travel, yet everyone around you has serious concerns… your community could have a point.

3. Be realistic about the bizarre timeline of sickness. It can do things to a body and mind that you’d never expect! Though I’m not a doctor, one lesson I’ve learned from this saga is to adhere well to the rule that there needs to be a full 24 hours without fever before travel (or work, for that matter). This season’s flu has had a particularly sneaky tendency of “going away” for a few hours, only to return again with a vengeance, so don’t be fooled by waking up at midnight without a fever and thinking travel will be no problem… wait a few hours and double check! Meanwhile, the flu vaccine really helps in decreasing the severity and length of the sickness when received early enough, so plan ahead in October to get it.

4. Be aware of the impact of sickness on the people around you. I’m editing this two days after writing it to add this new information: the two key people who were to be our entire childcare plan while I was away in Peru have now… come down with the flu and can barely get out of bed. This means that even if I had felt well enough to go on the trip, my husband would have been singlehandedly watching two kids under 5 years old for 9 days, or been going to wild lengths to find support. Holy moly. The “people around you” advice also pertains to being mindful of getting others on the plane or trip itself sick, if trying to globe-trot ill.

Ultimately, I think each person knows deep down, where the line is for being “too sick to travel.” If you’re reading this and are stuck in a similar quandary, yourself, first please consult your doctor. On top of that, it might be best to err on the side of caution and rest up. As my friend’s mother says, “Mistakes can cost time, money, or life,” and, though it’s never enjoyable to lose time or money, they are certainly the preferable option.

Now that this cancellation has happened, it makes me very curious about other people’s experiences. What have YOUR experiences with sickness and travel cancellations been? What has been your line that, once crossed, made you cancel a trip? Have you ever gone on a trip while sick? How did it go?

Do share!

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Last Updated on January 8, 2019

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What is Too Sick to Travel? Or: “How to Decide if I Should Fly to Peru Tonight???”

A sunrise view from my classroom: Stormy skies, or clear to fly?

“No offense, but you sound awful,” confessed my friend.

“I think I’ll be better by tomorrow to make the flight to Peru and Machu Picchu!” I squeaked.

I called my doctor with that theory later that day, and she responded bluntly: “No you won’t.”

Welcome to the worst cold and flu season in decades: awash with fevers, aches, chills. I’m sure my February plans to hike Machu Picchu weren’t the only travel dreams slapped by these symptoms, but the uncertainty of whether or not I could go sure took over my life for the past three days.

Here’s the full story of what happened with this trip, expanding on the question so many of us have asked lately: “Am I too sick to travel?”

Me, leaping around Turkey a few years ago. Thankful for healthy travels I’ve had!

This Peru trip was to be my first time traveling with G Adventures, the ethical tour company with which my fabulous former student, Stephane, just traveled to Costa Rica in December. (Note: Some links here are affiliates that give a small commission, should you purchase something, at no extra cost to you.)

Steph had a phenomenal experience, and I was psyched to try out the company for myself… and see Machu Picchu at last! (I lived in Peru for a time while I was teaching there, but never made it to the famed peak.)

I was also excited about the three day hike through those green Incan mountains, even if my 7th grade students were horrified at the prospect that I’d have no WiFi.

“Who will keep your Snapchat streaks going?!” they screamed.

I responded, “What’s a Snapchat streak?” and the kids were even more horrified.

Our guy asks: “Are you cool to travel, or need to stay put?”

Over the course of February, I began borrowing and buying the gear I’d need for the trek: extra camera batteries for the days without electricity, hiking boots, headlamp… all that outdoorsy stuff. I already know the gear a gal needs to do regular travel — aka, a suitcase full of my beloved cute, wrinkle-free dresses — but this trekking stuff is new territory. (Do I still have secret schemes to hike a little in a dress? Maybe.)

Punched by high prices in stores for hiking gear, I turned to social media, pleading for anyone around Boston to lend or rent equipment. Friends, family, and neighbors responded wondrously, and by early February, I had all the hiking items I needed. Thank you, village!

Then… despite all this meticulous planning and preparation for the takeoff to Peru on Friday, the following series of events occurred.

My preferred method of packing: All dresses, all patterns. Maybe not what’s needed for a hike…

The Previous Week, Through Monday: 

Repeated exposure to flu and other viruses from all sides. Keep in mind that I teach 140 middle-schoolers a day, and frankly, there is not enough hand sanitizer in the world to keep us 7th grade teachers clean. I tried, though — I really tried!

Tuesday Evening:

“I feel kind of funny.”

Wednesday at Work: 

Woozy. Hot and dizzy. At lunch break, I walk into my colleague’s room, curl into a ball, and fall asleep at a desk.

“Yeah,” he said later, “I suppose that was a red flag that you were sick.”

I suppose.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC, which we were luckily healthy enough to visit this year.

Wednesday Evening: 

Fever. Shivering. Trouble walking due to aches.

“Um, I’m not sure I can do a 3-day hike like this. But what if I feel better tomorrow?”

Due to the fever, I call in sick for teaching Thursday.

Thursday: 

I sleep 7:30pm to 10:30am — 15 hours. Wake to… fever and dizziness still there. Argh. But maybe I’ll feel better in time for the flight Friday night? Maybe sleeping in a tent in rural mountaintop Peru would heal me? Um, maybe?

I fall back asleep 1pm-4pm. No appetite.

Wake at 5pm to help do dinner and bed for kids (obsessively washing hands to try to keep kiddos from getting sick). Daughter demands to be carried up the stairs “like a burrito”, which is a dangerous proposition, given that I can barely get my own self up the stairs.

Pass out by 8pm. Might I feel better in the morning?

Snuggling with my girl during a sick day she had last week.

12:30am Friday Morning:

I randomly wake up and take my temperature. The fever is gone! The doctor said if I have 24 hours of no fever, I can work or travel… ergo, since my flight is at midnight, I can travel if I keep this fever off until then! Yesss!

I am also ravenously hungry. I leap downstairs to scarf food, then am so excited, I thrash about in bed (sorry, sleeping husband) until sunrise, dreaming of Machu Picchu.

8am Friday:

I’m halfway through packing, when the room starts spinning again. I look down at the neat piles of fast-wicking shirts and feel hot. Can I really do a red-eye flight, then three day hike, then 3 flights home, feeling like this? Can I risk getting others sick during my travels, on top of ailing, myself?

Perhaps I shouldn’t have trusted my midnight judgment.

I blow my nose. Then blow it again. No appetite. Coughs and shivers… Fever’s back.

11am Friday: 

“Nope. I can’t do this trek. I couldn’t even teach today — why did I think I could do an intensive trip while feeling like this???”

I know travels will blossom again! Can’t win ’em all.

And so, with a mere 12 hours before the flight was to depart, and with my backpack half-packed, I finally realized that flu season had won this round. No Machu Picchu for me in February.

There will be logistical and financial pieces to work out to reschedule, but so it is. Health is paramount, and no one wants to be on a mountain with a fever, nor sharing a tent with a coughing gal. Moreover, we know well that this is a small problem in a world of much bigger issues.

I’m clear now that this is the right decision (there are several other factors I can’t even get into here that really make it the wise thing to do), but the back and forth was see-saw fast for days, and I thank all the people who supported the process. The plan is to reschedule the G Adventures trip to Peru for April, so let’s put healthy, happy travel vibes into the universe!

This is the first time in 36 years that I have EVER had to cancel a big trip for sickness, and I am supremely thankful for those years of health, and hope for many more in the future for myself, and for all of humanity, for that matter. I will use this week to recover, spend quality time with family and friends… and unpack the awkwardly half-packed backpack in our bedroom.

We shall fly again, friends! We shall!

After this crazy experience, here’s advice on when sickness clashes with travel:

1. To make travel cancellation decisions far less costly: ALWAYS consider getting moveable or refundable flights and travel insurance that could cover trip changes or cancellation — especially in a period of time like flu season — when the need to move a trip could be a real possibility. Some people I know have liked this travel insurance, so shop around, but… did I take my own advice on this cancellation coverage insurance thing? Um… Sigh. Regardless, if you do need to cancel due to illness, get officially checked by a doctor (even if you feel terrible and don’t want to leave the house) because a record of this examination will be necessary for the physician statement of the insurance claim.

2. Don’t necessarily trust your own brain when it’s sick. As I finally realized, feverish judgment can be downright delusional. If you’re staggering around with a 101-degree fever, proclaiming you can still travel, yet everyone around you has serious concerns… your community could have a point.

3. Be realistic about the bizarre timeline of sickness. It can do things to a body and mind that you’d never expect! Though I’m not a doctor, one lesson I’ve learned from this saga is to adhere well to the rule that there needs to be a full 24 hours without fever before travel (or work, for that matter). This season’s flu has had a particularly sneaky tendency of “going away” for a few hours, only to return again with a vengeance, so don’t be fooled by waking up at midnight without a fever and thinking travel will be no problem… wait a few hours and double check! Meanwhile, the flu vaccine really helps in decreasing the severity and length of the sickness when received early enough, so plan ahead in October to get it.

4. Be aware of the impact of sickness on the people around you. I’m editing this two days after writing it to add this new information: the two key people who were to be our entire childcare plan while I was away in Peru have now… come down with the flu and can barely get out of bed. This means that even if I had felt well enough to go on the trip, my husband would have been singlehandedly watching two kids under 5 years old for 9 days, or been going to wild lengths to find support. Holy moly. The “people around you” advice also pertains to being mindful of getting others on the plane or trip itself sick, if trying to globe-trot ill.

Ultimately, I think each person knows deep down, where the line is for being “too sick to travel.” If you’re reading this and are stuck in a similar quandary, yourself, first please consult your doctor. On top of that, it might be best to err on the side of caution and rest up. As my friend’s mother says, “Mistakes can cost time, money, or life,” and, though it’s never enjoyable to lose time or money, they are certainly the preferable option.

Now that this cancellation has happened, it makes me very curious about other people’s experiences. What have YOUR experiences with sickness and travel cancellations been? What has been your line that, once crossed, made you cancel a trip? Have you ever gone on a trip while sick? How did it go?

Do share!

On Pinterest? Pin this to save and share this article!

Last Updated on January 8, 2019

Tempted to click another article? Go ahead!

source http://cheaprtravels.com/what-is-too-sick-to-travel-or-how-to-decide-if-i-should-fly-to-peru-tonight/