I had so many other posts planned for this blog, and then COVID-19 happened. My other thoughts on my favorite purchases from Costco (not toilet paper!) and ways I aim to maintain my sanity with busy schedules just don’t matter anymore or aren’t important.
In the course of a week, where we live, we’ve had all activities and events cancelled. No cub scouts, no school, no sports, no libraries, no rec centers, no travel for spring break. My monthly calendar is depressingly bare. Schools have been closed until further notice, and the rumors I’m hearing is that teachers are being told to prepare to distance teach for the rest of the year. Our school year ends in mid-June…..
So, I’m sad about this. I’m sad for my boys who don’t get to go back to school and see their friends. I’m sad for those who are or will soon be directly impacted by this virus, either sick themselves, caring for someone who is sick, or mourning the loss of someone else. I’m sad for those who are losing their jobs because restaurants, schools, and “non-essential” services are closed. And I’m tired.
Thank goodness my husband and I each have jobs that allow us to work from home, and I largely have the flexibility to work whatever hours I want. With the kids home 24/7 and with the new plan to homeschool, I’m not getting up before the sun to crank out a few hours of work. Once I drag myself out of bed, it’s kind of nice because I’m the only one awake in the house and online at that hour, so I get a lot accomplished in that block of time.
Once the kids are up, we move on to getting them ready for the day and starting school work. We’re only one week into homeschooling, and it’s very obvious that I need to do the serious school work in the AM when they are fresh. Then it’s back to work to log some hours during the work day (which typically means I’m on back-to-back calls), making dinner, and winding down for bed. My free time to unwind has evaporated.
My opinion and mood of this entire situation changes frequently, even within one day. I do enjoy spending time with the kids. They think homeschooling is great (yay, I’m doing something right!) and will hopefully look at this time as fun-filled and family focused. They have FaceTimed regularly with family and friends, and we get outside every day.
I miss my friends and going to the bathroom without someone searching or shouting for me. Quarantine for me means being surrounded by people (I love!) constantly. I’m used to significantly more alone time. My husband and I are hanging in there. It’s a change in routine for us, which neither one of us tends to love, but we’re all home and healthy. We haven’t lost sight of what’s most important. Though, I’m going to continue hoping this virus dies out quickly and normalcy returns soon.
Reflect. Plan. Live. 