Navigating Remote Work, Parenting, and Pet Mishaps: A Day in the Life
This morning, well, technically noon, (but who’s keeping track), found me in a familiar scenario: juggling remote work, household duties, and unexpected pet antics. As a working mom and American expat living in Germany, these moments are all too common. I am always the weirdo of the group in any scenario.
The Zoom Meeting That Went Awry
During an important Zoom meeting, dressed in the classic remote work attire of professional top and pajama bottoms, I aimed to maintain focus despite feeling under the weather. With both boys back in school, I anticipated a quiet environment. However, our dog had other plans. Mid-meeting, she decided to feast on our Christmas Cactus, leaving a trail of chewed plant, soil, and mess throughout the apartment. If you want a fun picture of my Brittany Spaniel, check out my first book: Anger is My Monster, she is featured in the illustrations!
Two days ago the boys were puking, today I am steadfastly refusing to puke but really feeling like I need to (TMI?) and working the day job from home, and now the dog… (Whom I keep reminding myself that we love)… I’ve been working really hard to have happy healthy plants in our apartment. It’s supposed to be good for cleaning the air and mental health and all of that stuff. Did I mention that the vacuum cleaner is broken? I thought one of the kids was old enough to try vacuuming. I was very wrong.
A quick note on having both pets and plants in the house: It’s crucial to remember that many common houseplants, including the Christmas Cactus, can be harmful to pets. According to PetMD, ingestion of certain plants can lead to symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe poisoning. If your pet consumes a potentially toxic plant, it’s recommended to:
- Remove your pet from the area.
- Identify the plant ingested.
- Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Check livelyroot.com!
- Run around panicking while frantically calling your husband because you think you killed the dog.
Despite the mishap, indoor plants remain a staple in our home for their aesthetic appeal and health benefits. Do I sound important when I put it like that? Studies have shown that houseplants can improve indoor air quality by reducing pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Whatever any of that even means… I can only say that the air smells fresh when I can successfully keep my plants alive.
Now the new challenge is keeping my dog alive, apparently.
Introducing Myself
If you are new here, I’m Clara Harper, a writer, mom, and professional in the automotive tech industry. I am an American expat living in Germany with my husband, two energetic boys, and our mischievous dog. Life is a constant adventure and anything but normal. Through this blog, I aim to share insights, stories, and tips on navigating the complexities of modern parenthood and remote work.
Oh and I forgot to mention before that when I realized what the dog was doing I jumped up out of my chair in sheer panic and everyone in my zoom meeting saw my hot pink bubble gum pajama pants. I am sure it was quite the sight to my German colleagues with my sexy pajamas paired with my tailored blouse and blazer.
Join the Journey
I invite you to follow along as I delve into the everyday experiences that come with balancing career, family, and personal growth. Expect candid reflections, practical advice, and a touch of humor as we navigate this journey together.
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