A Slower Week Than Expected

Last week was not dramatic. It was not chaotic. It was just slower.

Holly got sick after the concert we went to the week before. By Monday or Tuesday, she was clearly not feeling great. It started with a cough, then turned into one of those lingering, low energy sicknesses that does not necessarily knock you flat but keeps you from doing much of anything.

She spent most of the week resting. When she felt okay, she was up and moving a little. When she did not, she was laying low and trying to let her body recover.

That changed the rhythm of the house.

We are usually moving, doing something, planning something. Last week felt like everything was in neutral.

Leaning Into Training

For me, the week became a little more structured around workouts.

Sometimes when everything else slows down, it actually makes it easier to focus on training. There are fewer distractions. Fewer events. Fewer moving parts.

I was pretty heavy into my workouts last week, which felt good. It was productive. It kept some momentum going even while everything else felt paused.

On Tuesday, I found out one of my coaches was competing at NFC in Atlanta that Saturday. Another guy at the gym mentioned it as I was leaving, and then on Thursday I talked to him more about it in class.

It was a five-man team event. Five guys from our gym versus five guys from another gym. All Jiu Jitsu. All high level.

Once I realized it was happening that weekend, I decided I would go support.

Five on Five in Atlanta

By Friday, Holly was still sick. We had to cancel our Zombicide game night at the house. She still was not feeling great, and I was concerned she might still be contagious. I felt fine at that point, so I was hopeful maybe I would dodge it.

Saturday night, I went to the NFC event in Atlanta.

It was a good environment. Competitive. Focused. A lot of energy in the building.

There was both no gi and gi Jiu Jitsu.

No gi is when they compete in tight fitting gear. Faster exchanges. Fewer grips. It becomes a lot about speed, control, and transitions.

Gi is the traditional martial arts uniform. More grip work. More strategic control. Slower in some ways but very technical.

Both formats allow submissions. Both allow wins by points. You are always hunting for a finish, but you also have to be aware of scoring.

Our team competed hard. We did not win the five on five matchup. We got eliminated. But there were solid performances and some really good moments.

Even when the outcome is not what you want, you can still walk away seeing growth and effort.

I left right as it was winding down. I wanted to get home in time for UFC Fight Night.

UFC Fight Night Tradition

Bobby Green was fighting that night against a much younger opponent. I have been partial to Bobby Green for years.

He was on the main card of the first UFC event Sam and I went to in New York. We heard his story about growing up and everything he had overcome. It stuck with us.

Since then, whenever he fights, we try to watch and root for him.

Saturday night was one of those nights. I got home, turned it on, and texted Sam while it was happening. It is funny how certain fighters become tied to certain memories. That first event with Sam. Hearing Bobby’s background. It creates loyalty.

He had a great night and got the win.

It was a solid end to the evening.

Or so I thought.

Sunday Morning Shift

I woke up Sunday morning sick.

It hit overnight.

Whatever Holly had been dealing with all week had officially made its way to me. I guess we can say the virus went one for one in the household.

And just like that, the rest of the weekend was done.

The Domino Effect of Sickness

Holly had already canceled a pottery class she planned to attend with our niece. They were supposed to go to a pottery studio Saturday and take a class together. That had to be called off because she still was not feeling well.

Sunday, I was supposed to hang out with my nephew and probably go airsoft shooting. That had to get canceled too once I realized I was sick.

It is funny how a simple virus can shut down a full week of plans.

Game night canceled.
Pottery class canceled.
Airsoft canceled.

Nothing major. Nothing catastrophic. Just a steady stream of small disappointments.

Spring Break Check-Ins

The boys had a great break.

Sam went to California and made it back. Noah stayed in High Point over spring break and just relaxed. He spent time with his fiance. Slowed down a bit.

We talked to both of them and caught up. It is always good hearing what they are up to, even when we are not feeling great.

Life With Luna

Luna has completely adjusted to college life.

She seems to thrive on the extra attention from students who miss their own pets. I think she enjoys being the center of attention in that environment.

With all the cold weather and snow in North Carolina recently, the backyard has been muddy. She has no problem running straight into it. Which means more baths.

She does not seem to mind the mud. She probably minds the baths more.

But she is happy. And honestly, that is what matters.

Ready for a Reset

By the end of the week, it just felt like we were ready for a reset.

Ready for warm weather.
Ready for the viruses to go away.
Ready for the backyard to dry up.
Ready for a normal week.

Some weeks are packed with wins and productivity. Others are about resting, adjusting, and letting things pass.

Last week was not flashy. It was not huge. It was just real life.

Training stayed consistent. I got to support the gym. Watched a fighter I respect get a win. Talked with the boys. Took care of the house.

And then got sick.

Sometimes that is how it goes.

This week, the focus is simple. Get healthy and get back into the rhythm.

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