A year ago today we were at a Reds game

A year ago today Andrew and I were at a Cincinnati Reds game.  It was the coldest (I believe) first pitch ever, and I'm pretty sure the Reds lost.  And to be honest, I had a blast.

As much as I had been a Reds fan, I hadn't been to a game in nearly eight years.  Honestly, going there was just too much for my anxiety.  I recognized it, and was happy to let Andrew take the kids at various times.  Last year though, there was a family special, and when we realized that the kids couldn't go on a date that was offered, I decided it needed to be a date for Andrew and me.  I had such a great time!  We went to two more games during the course of the season.  I realized a great deal of my anxiety before had been because the kids were little, and since they weren't little anymore that helped.  I also recognize that certain anxiety-causing dynamics had left my daily life, and it just allows me to feel less anxiety about everything overall.  It is such a wonderful memory I have!  I know we will get to go again someday!

No school the entire month of April

Our governor just announced during his daily press conference that there will be no school the entire month of April.  Even though I knew it was coming, it was an announcement that made it all so very real.  Catherine took the news pretty hard, because reality is that she isn't going back to school.  My heart aches for her, but I also reminded her that she will get to say she had a senior year like none other!  I'm proud of my kiddos for how they are handling all of this.

Spring break is "over"

Spring break is "done" in our house.  I put it in quotes because of course, we aren't actually back in school.  Online learning is happening again, but we can still sleep in and work on things in our time.

It definitely isn't the break I would've chosen, but honestly, I can't complain.  The time together was fabulous.  On Wednesday, Catherine and I watched Steel Magnolias curled up in her room while Andrew and Thomas watched a movie around the bonfire.  We played euchre, Yahtzee, Sorry, and had wii bowling games.  We had dinner together EVERY evening.  We took some walks.  We cleaned out our garage, which also allowed our ping pong table to be used.  It isn't the break I would've chosen, but I can't complain about the break we had.  Last evening, our "family time" was church.  Our pastor sent out the readings and prayers, and then he recorded a message that we could watch at any time.  I truly miss church, and I'm so grateful that he took the time to find a way for us to make it happen in our homes.

So here we are, at another Monday.  The governor's original order would allow us to go back to school next week, but we all know that isn't happening.  I hate what is happening in our world, and I won't deny that I have some fear.  I am missing family members tremendously, and I especially hate that they can't see our kids.  I am worried, but I am grateful.  I am grateful for this time with my kids, and I pray for a safe and quick ending to all of this.

It got to me last evening

Last evening, this entire experience really got to me.  Not so much the staying home or the cancellation of events, but the not being able to see people.  Today, we have to drive to my mother's house and put her trash out.  There are some heavier items that she can't handle.  Originally, we told her she had to stay in the house, but I said last night she could come into the garage, but just inside the garage from the house.  We will be just inside the garage from the overhead door, so that should be enough distancing.  I really couldn't imagine being there and not being able to actually talk to her.

Then I thought about my grandmother.  She is 89, and I saw her three weeks ago before everything happened.  I know it would be irresponsible of us to visit her, and but I thought maybe we could sit in our vehicle and ask her to come out to her porch.  Even the thought of that made me emotional, but then I remembered we can't even really do that.  Because she lives in a retirement community with a nursing home attached, they are only allowing residents and workers into the community itself.  It made me cry.  I know we will get through this, but it is a tough reality today.

Better news, and good-but-disappointing-to-us news

We ran out of milk today.  There were also a few other things I hadn't been able to get at the grocery Monday, so I ran to the store in town today.  I don't shop here for my regular shopping because it is more expensive generally, and doesn't have as much variety.  I'm glad I went today though.  With the exception of TP, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies, the store had everything you might want.  On Monday, there was very little meat, very little boxed food, very little pet food.  It was so calming to visit the store today that had plenty of almost everything.  It was much more reassuring than the visit earlier in the week.  We are still being very mindful of how/what we eat and how we use things, but I'm a little less freaked out about getting through this with supplies.  The stores aren't crowded so it is easy to practice physical distancing.  We wiped everything off before we brought it in the house.

I also tuned into the daily 2:00 press conference.  Folks, if you don't live in Ohio you are truly missing out.  Our Governor and Health Director are TOP NOTCH.  They are informative, rational, and calm.  I have never been more proud to be an Ohioan.  They provided information that the Cleveland Clinic is now projecting the peak to be mid-May.  This is good news overall in that it means we are flattening the curve, and that will save lives.  That is very, very good news.  The disappointing part of this is that I have a sweet girl scheduled to graduate towards the end of May.  Moving the peak later, while great in terms of saving lives, is not great news for graduation.  We all realize though, this is so much more important than her getting to walk across that stage.  I am also confident that there WILL be something, it might just look different and it might be at a different time.  Nothing official has been decided, and as I told a friend, there is nothing we can do about any of that so I refuse to obsess about it.

Not sure what our family activity will be this evening, but we will come up with something!

Two weeks of shut down

Two weeks ago was our last day of in-person school.  Our state was allowing the next day and the following Monday, but our health department ordered us closed immediately.  For many of us (adults and students) the lack of any in-person closure or farewell has been emotionally challenging.  Not the end of the world, but we are fortunate enough that we are in a building where everyone truly cares about each other.  FYI, in spite of what state legislatures and others try to say, I FIRMLY believe this is true in nearly every school building.  That's not this post though.

Overall, our family has done really well.  Honestly, we've had a lot of fun together.  We've had board games and card games, movies and TV shows, family dinners, family walks...lots of togetherness time.  Generally speaking, we are enjoying it.  Have there been some shouts and tears?  Yes.  Is that to be expected?  Of course!  Overall though, we are getting along.  I am enjoying the "no school" this week, but it's also not a bad things when the kids have a few things to do.

We've changed our perspective on many things.  Our hearts hurt that we can't visit others, especially my mom, my grandmother, and my in-laws.  We email and chat as much as we can though.  We are using rags that can be washed rather than using paper towels.  Our lunches are much more concentrated on using leftovers rather than opening new food.  I am making sure to wash towels nearly every day, but I am also more aware of how much electricity I am using.  These aren't bad things.

Overall, it will all be okay.  I am so grateful for our little family, and I am grateful for technology that keeps us from being completely cut off from the rest of our family.  We will get through this!

Last year's Opening Day is better than nothing

Today is supposed to be Opening Day for the Reds.  Of course, that isn't happening, and we are months away from even thinking about it.  There is nothing like Opening Day in Cincinnati.  Nothing at all.  It means for months on end, there will be something to watch on TV.  It means spring is arriving, and the school year is nearing an end.  With it being spring break this week, I would've actually been able to watch everything on Opening Day.

This year of course, none of that is happening.  We may or may not, depending on things, have a baseball season this year.  I am optimistic that maybe we will, but I also know it isn't the most important thing this year.  Fox Sports Ohio has decided that today, they will show last year's first game.  It certainly isn't the same, and I obviously know how it ends.  I know how the season went...it's all already happened...nothing new.  But for today, this is still better than no baseball at all!

We are supposed to be in Michigan

It's spring break in our house.  We were supposed to be in Michigan.  The plan was to take my mom and go up yesterday, visit the Henry Ford Museum, and come back today.  It was going to be a long day, but it was going to work for the best.

Obviously though, that isn't happening.  Right after my grandmother died, my mother mentioned there was really no way she would be up for the trip.  The trip itself would've been trying for her, not to mention the preparing for it and dealing with the dogs.  The two people who used to watch the dog are Aunt Cathy and G.G., so obviously that's not an option.  Once the virus all broke loose, we decided we weren't going either.  Maybe this can be made up somewhere along the way, but we'll just have to see.

We've had a really nice couple of days.  Monday evening was a family game of Yahtzee, and last night we had a family game of wii bowling.  We've been having decent meals together, and everyone has been good about pitching in with either the cooking or cleaning.

Yesterday we spent our day cleaning out our attached garage.  This was a major goal we had, especially once the "at home" orders began to exist.  We have a ping-pong table and a couch in there. When the room is cleaned and usable, it gives us almost an extra room this time of year, and it also gives us another activity to do.  There is also a dart board in there.  It's been great!

Tonight, Catherine and I are having a "girl's night".  We obviously aren't leaving the house, but I am going to spend the evening watching one of my favorite movies with her.  I have always loved Steel Magnolias, but it always makes me sob.  It's even worse since I became a parent.  I want to share this with her though. so she and I are going to move a TV into her room and keep the boys out.  I think they will be watching some action adventure movie in which I have no interest.

Today is a gorgeous day, and we are trying to take advantage of being outdoors a bit!

Random thoughts from my day

I had to go to the grocery this morning.  Andrew and I meal planned yesterday, and I made a very thorough list.  I didn't want to have to go out again this week if it can be avoided.  I was rather nervous about going to the grocery to be honest, but I'm also pretty picky, so letting someone shop for me wasn't really an option.

To be totally honest, the grocery store was extremely depressing.  I was not prepared for the mental toll that going was going to exact on me.  I was not prepared to have no pizza crusts, Bisquick, or frozen pizzas available.  I was definitely not prepared for them to be out of string cheese, which is my absolute favorite snack!  There was basically no rice or potato sides, and very little in the way of soup and cereal.  I'll be honest, I began to freak out just a little bit.  Fortunately, it seems as though most people don't like the cereal we do so I was able to get that, and I was able to purchase 2 out of the 3 kinds of milk that we drink.  We were set on eggs (which they had little), and Andrew had managed to snag meat at the grocery on Tuesday of last week.  I suspect it will be better to do my shopping here in town in the future, but the prices are so much better at the grocery I frequent.

I also couldn't get over how much I felt I was judged in everything I did.  I wasn't judging other people, so I'm not sure why I felt everyone was judging me.  I couldn't help it though.  I felt I was being judged for even being out of the house, for what I was buying, and for how much I was buying.  That also took a mental toll.

This afternoon, I had to go to church and get payroll submitted.  I can't begin to tell you how comforting and soothing it felt just to walk in the building.  In a way, I feel like the hour I spent working in the office is the best thing I'll do all week.  It was so normal.  Completely, 100% normal.  And there sure isn't much of that these days.

I also ran and purchased a some stamps since I had to mail some payments for the church.  I am stocked up, and that felt good.  The entire town is so quiet, and it's very strange this time of year.

Today is the last day we are supposed to out "just because".  I know this still isn't the worst of it, and I know there are still tough days ahead.  I know this is taking a mental toll on everyone, but I also know we WILL get through this!

Yesterday was so much better

Yesterday was a much better day in our household.  Catherine had to work all day, but of course the rest of us were home.  The sun was out in the morning, and many neighbors were out and about taking a walk.

Inside the house we got some things done, but we also just kind of did whatever all day.  I did several loads of laundry.  Dinner was a warm and soothing chicken stuffing casserole bake.  It was a perfect meal for a chilly damp evening (the sun did NOT stay out all day).  We played a family euchre tournament, and we all had a blast.  After, Catherine really wanted to watch a very specific movie.  We ended up ordering the new Disney streaming service to have for a while.  The movie was going to cost $5 to rent, or for $7/month, we could just order the service.  Since this is our normal for at least another two weeks, and realistically much more than that, we decided it was worth the investment.  The family sat together (for the most part, I didn't care for it) and watched the movie.  It was a really wonderful evening together!

We all had some meltdowns

Last night ended up being a really tough night.  We had all been busy during the day trying to accomplish things.  I am finding that things tend to take longer now for a variety of reasons.  One being, things now need to be done online, that maybe didn't need to be done that way before.  Another being, because of what I wrote above, our Internet is much slower than normal.  For right now though, this is our new normal.

Our dinner consisted of frozen pizza, and then we just put in some episodes of "Friends".  No one was really into it.  We were all beginning to feel frayed, and it was showing.  Right before bed, there were lots of tears and shouting.  And then lots of hugs and "I'm sorry"'s.  Poor Catherine is beginning to feel the gravity of the things she could (and in the case of prom, most likely will) lose.  It is weighing on her.

I am trying so hard to remember to be grateful that our family has all of this time together.  I am trying to remember so hard to be grateful that we are all healthy, and all of our extended family is healthy.  I try so hard to portray that gratitude to the rest of the family in hopes that they will follow our lead.  For the most part, that is exactly what is happening.  We will get through this, and hopefully we will all be stronger when it is over.

New perspectives

We've reached another weekend.  Honestly, it doesn't necessarily matter what day of the week it is, although Catherine is still working so we do need to keep track somewhat.  She works full shifts today and tomorrow, and then will be off again until next weekend.  I'm looking forward to having her off all week, and honestly, just kind of locking ourselves at home if possible.

Last evening, we supported a local business by ordering food in.  We then watched a movie together, Jerry Maguire.  The kids loved the movie, and there is nothing more I enjoy then hearing my kids laugh.  They really enjoyed it overall, and my heart was so incredibly full.  It was a few moments of "normal" in days that are absolutely not.

We are beginning to change how we see things.  While I was happy to support our local business last night, I think in the future, that is a trip out and contact, although minimal, with people we just don't need.  I will head to the grocery when we need many things, not just because we need something and then think I will just go again the next day.  We need to stay home.

We make sure that we eat our leftovers before we cook something new.  We think about almost everything before we throw it away.  Is it something we might need to use or reuse later?

We are a week into this.  We are AT LEAST two weeks, and realistically probably more like six, to go.  Things are still closing down, not reopening.  In some ways, it is mentally draining.  Honestly, right now I am sleeping about nine hours a night, and why not?  I am allowing myself to recharge myself in any way that is necessary right now.  I am working on keeping my faith intact, and to doing everything I can to make things easier for our family, for our community, and for society.

Food distribution

I was very honored and grateful to be able to be involved with the community food distribution this morning.  Our school is handing out food to needy families on Monday to get them through the week, and then a local church who does the "backpack program" is doing a Friday distribution to get them through the weekend, just as they would if school were still in session.  Andrew had helped on Wednesday, and I was told I could come along this morning.  I wasn't necessarily needed, but it sure was nice to get out and actually talk to other people.  We did a good job of keeping physical distance.

Catherine worked yesterday, but otherwise there was school happening, some laundry, and a little bit of cleaning.  It rained like the dickens for about 24 hours and there is some flooding in our area.

Today, I am planning to get some photos loaded onto my laptop, and some need to be digitized so this is a good time to be doing that.  I could get some more cleaning done, but I'm just not "feeling" that today.  We've also decided that today is the day that we will be ordering out, and I'm pretty darn excited about that!  I'm also thinking tonight needs to be a movie night.  This weekend is supposed to be sunnier, although tomorrow will be pretty chilly.  If we could have some decent days to be outside, that would be lovely, but regardless, we are all hanging in there!

Normal seems so long ago

A week ago today was the last day of anything remotely normal.  I worked, the kids went to school.  Baseball practice ended up being cancelled because the schools were ordered to close.  We could still find toilet paper in the groceries, and we could still go out to eat.  We could still get a haircut, and we could still renew our driver's licenses.  None of those are happening now.

In some ways, with something closing each day, the week has flown by.  At the same time, that sense of normal feels forever ago.  Someone pointed out that we are almost 1/3 of the way into the mandated school closure.  Reality is though, that we are not.  I think it is very unlikely we will be in school at any point during April.

We are doing lots of cleaning and lots of laundry, along with school work and family board games.  We would love to walk, but it is pouring rain an awful lot right now.  We WILL get through this, and I'm hoping and praying that humanity will be stronger on the other side.

Our mailbox

In other news that is NOT virus related, our mailbox was smashed last night.  About 9:30, we heard a loud noise.  It wasn't quite a bang, but it was REALLY loud.  Andrew went out to look, and mentioned he smelled smoke.  I went out to check, and I could tell it was a smell of detonation, and thought perhaps someone had set off a firecracker.  Because it was dark, we didn't notice the mailbox.  About 1/2 hour later, I noticed a horrible smell coming from outside.  Andrew and I went back out, and it smelled like a skunk outside.  This time we had flashlights, and I noticed something in the driveway.  We thought it was a package Andrew had expected yesterday (that still hasn't arrived), but as he got closer he realized it was our mailbox in the driveway.  It had clearly been smashed by what we assume was a bat.  Andrew was also pretty certain that the smell was not a skunk like we originally thought, but a stink bomb.  Sure enough, we found the remnants this morning.

No one else's mailbox in the neighborhood was damaged, so clearly we were targeted.  We thought maybe it was a disgruntled baseball player, but none of the other coaches had any damage.  I thought whomever, it was, he/she was pretty brazen.  It was not late at night, we were all still up, there were lights on throughout our house, and Catherine and Thomas were both watching TV in our front room.  There are no curtains, so it would've been easy to see them.  They obviously were not concerned about being caught.

Andrew has purchased supplies to repair the post, although we aren't sure if the mailbox itself will need to be replaced.  We are considering calling the police, although right now we hate to burden first responders with anything but an emergency.  We definitely will if this happens again though.  The mailbox is an inconvenience, but the stink bomb actually concerns me.  I've asked the kids if someone could be unhappy with one of them, and generally speaking we don't believe so.  Thomas has decided we need to have a bat by the front door just in case.  I hate living like that, but we just don't know what it's all about.

Day #4 of virus shutdown

I'm sorry if everyone would much rather read something else...but honestly, what else is there?  As someone who is married to a History teacher, I don't want to forget this history.  Maybe someone, some day, will read this and have an appreciation for our lives these days.

Today is our first day of "home school".  Catherine is taking senior level classes, and those teachers have posted a great deal of work.  I totally understand that.  Thomas is taking sophomore level classes, and most of those assignments have been fun.  I totally understand that.  Right now the house seems small as they are both trying to do different things without disturbing the other.

Today was also the last day that anyone could go to school and retrieve personal items.  They are not allowed in the building, but school employees are in the buildings to retrieve items and bring them to the car.  The students/parents are stopped at the drive way entrance by administrators who radio in to personnel who handle that part.  After today, it will be by appointment only.  We sent the kids up this morning to retrieve just a few final things.  I am beginning to accept there is a very decent chance we are not going back this year.

Andrew was part of the staff that distributed food to needy students this morning.  He called and told me they ran out...TWICE.  More was brought each time, but at one point they had to send away two students with nothing.  My heart broke, as they are two high school students.  I can't imagine the fear that family had in thinking they would have nothing for days.  Fortunately, additional supplies were brought, and since Andrew knew where they lived he delivered some to them.  At first I had been disappointed that I wasn't allowed to help with this, but as I sit here crying, even knowing it worked out, I realize that it is better this way.

Andrew is making a stop at the grocery today.  We could use some milk, and I'm also having him pick up some meat.  If it isn't being greedy, I'll have him get two packages.

We took a family walk last evening.  The sun was out, and I made all of us go outside and enjoy it while we can since there are DAYS of rain in the forecast.  We also ran into our neighbors who are also friends, and we enjoyed chatting for a few minutes, from a distance of course.  She works at the county jail so we were in no hurry to get close!

Today I am working on scrapbooking.  I've been doing lots of things around the house for the last few days, and I decided since I had all day today I am going to get to work on that.  I am still nine years behind on that, so it's nice to have an opportunity to spend some time doing that.

We are hanging in there!

Life in our house on Day #3 of virus shut down

Things continue to evolve by the minute.  I assume most states are similar to Ohio, but honestly, there is so much Ohio news that I'm not seeing much from anywhere else.

I ventured to the grocery yesterday.  I thought with the students gone it wouldn't be so bad, but it was.  There was no parking without being patient.  I had hoped to pick up some meat, and there is none.  There were also no onions or mushrooms, but I was able to get some fresh fruit.  I picked up the last package of hot dog buns.  Not of the brand I wanted, but of any kind.  There was no toilet paper, no paper towels, no facial tissues, no disinfectant wipes, and no anti-bacterial cleanser.  Fortunately, we didn't need any of that.  My hope is that by the time we do, people will have already done their hoarding.  All bars and restaurants are closed, but open for take-out.  I think we will try to order something later this week.

I never felt unsafe at the grocery, but I have realized that my thought of "we'll make one trip a day" as a reason to get out of the house isn't the best.  Right now we are making sure that we eat our perishable food first.  That way, if it goes on for weeks and food becomes an issue, we aren't eating now food that will keep but have to throw away the food that won't.  It's definitely changing our perspectives on things.  We ALL ate leftovers today because we are truly being much more conscientious about our food and waste.

I had a medical test that needed to happen at the local hospital today.  I was pretty uptight about it, but because I am being monitored I wanted to get it done (I am happy to report all is stable).  It was definitely weird being at the hospital with very little activity.  We all had to enter through the e/r doors, and we were asked about our recent health and travel history, and they took our temperature.  I'll be honest, I was pretty happy to just get out of there.

Andrew is fighting battles trying to get his school assignments converted to online.  It's not just converting the lessons to a different method, it's also figuring out how to use the technology.  It doesn't go "live" until tomorrow.  With next week being spring break, I suspect this week is just going to be experimental, and then after break it will become more "real".

We've also just received word that the Bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod of the ECLA has ordered the elimination of in-person services for EIGHT WEEKS.  That means the soonest we could return church would be Mother's Day.  That seems forever from now.

Right now, I'm just trying to keep our spirits up.  I emailed my grandma (I'm so lucky to have one still living), and I plan to make a concerted effort to keep in contact with her.  She is doing puzzles and is still able to take some walks outdoors.  To that end, it will be so nice to have some nicer weather so that we can at least sit out on the porch.

We will get through this.  As we saw on a meme a few weeks ago: "This too shall pass.  It may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass."

Dayton can't catch a break

Although the city of Dayton isn't my hometown, I'm a Daytonian.  I've never lived further than 50 miles from the city, and around here, that means I have lived in the Dayton region all my life.  I currently live where we can choose either Cincinnati or Dayton local stations from our stream provider, and we chose Dayton without thinking twice.  My husband went to college at University of Dayton.  It's who we are.

And the city can not catch a break.  In February of 2019, they suffered a water main break under the river.  Water supplies were shut off to the entire city, and even parts beyond the city into the county, for over 24 hours.  Next came a hate group choosing to demonstrate downtown, and legally the city could do nothing to stop it.  The safety response costs were staggering.  At the end of May, the north and northwest end of the city was struck by EF-4 and EF-3 tornadoes.  Nearly ten months later, the rebuilding and recovering is ongoing.

As if that wasn't enough, the city was the site of a deadly mass shooting in August.  Nine lives were lost in the Oregon District shooting, and countless more were changed forever.

Through it all, the region came together.  In fact, FEMA reported they had trouble getting people in the region to file claims to which they were entitled, because neighbor was caring for neighbor.  And starting in November, we had the Dayton Flyers to cheer about.  They ended the season as the #3 team in the country with an undefeated league record, and overall 29-2.  Those two losses were both overtime losses, and one was against highly ranked Kansas. 

This is the greatest team in Dayton history.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime team.  Special doesn't even begin to describe them.  The city of Dayton was looking forward to all March was going to bring...not just for the team but for the city.  Dayton hosts the NCAA "First Four", which pumps millions into the local economy.

And then the virus struck.  Not only did the best team in Dayton history lose out on the chance to show the nation just how special they are, and not only did the fans lose the chance to cheer them on, but the Dayton economy suffered a significant financial blow with the cancellation of the tournament.

We all get it, we all understand the seriousness, and I'm not complaining about the situation or the decisions.  I just wish Dayton could catch a break.

None of the news is good

Our governor has shut down all bars and restaurants.  He has also indicated that schools may not reopen this year.  It makes me so sad, but I try to focus on this extra time I am given with my family.

Our university students have mostly left town.  Our church didn't have services today.  It's all just so surreal.  Yesterday was a day where I just sat on the couch and tried to process everything.  Today, we went to visit my mother, and a cousin and husband joined us there.  We went out to lunch, and it was very empty, but we felt safe.  I'm kind of glad we went since it was the last meal we'll be able to eat out for a while.

It's just amazing how quickly everything changes!

Reactions

Thursday, the last day of school, I worked in a classroom that had almost entirely seniors (mine included) all day.  We were all operating under the assumption that our schools were going to be ordered to close, we just didn't know exactly when.  Because the students are seniors, it is their "last" of just about everything.  They were all so mature and reasonable, and I was so impressed.  They understood how serious it must be if these measures are being taken, and they knew decisions weren't being made lightly.  I love this group of seniors more than I can say.

Thomas also received word that day that the musical for which he has been building set was being cancelled.  Again, he understood, but was emotional about it.  He said to me, "Mom, it's been a really tough couple of months."  I couldn't disagree with him.

Yesterday was discouraging

Yesterday I tuned into what has become the daily 2:00 press conference from our governor.  To hear the health director report that they expect the peak of this virus to be the end of April to the beginning of May was very discouraging and disheartening.  The senior class, and my own sweet girl, will lose so many one-time experiences, and that could even include graduation.  We are a long, long way from that decision being made, but the fact that it is a possibility made me so sad.  The thought that I may not get to go back to work much, if at all, this year was not what I wanted to hear.  Not only is that a financial impact, but I LOVE this senior class.  They are a tremendous group of young people, and I can't imagine not having more time with them.

The local university has decided to suspend in-person classes for the REST OF THE SEMESTER.  That is a HUGE impact on our local economy.  Businesses here have to make their money in the nine months that school is in session, and now they are losing at least 1/4 of that.  That is a tough situation, and there will certainly be trickle down from that.  Less income tax will be collected by the schools, and that will impact future contracts.

I fully support the decisions that are being made and I understand the severity of the situation.  I am grateful our leaders are leading.  At the end of the day, our health and safety is the most important thing!

Virus shut down day #1

Today, Andrew had to work but the rest of us had nothing.  Online learning doesn't happen until Wednesday.  Catherine kept saying that she doesn't know what to do with three weeks off.  It really does feel weird.  It's not like spring break or winter break.  There are no holidays to celebrate or gatherings to attend.  In fact, just the opposite!  There are no practices...there is literally nothing.

My biggest concern is that my kids do NOT spend the next three weeks staring at screens.  Today we played a board game, and we had played one last night.  While there are so many awful things that are happening to our economy and it is scary, I am trying to remember to be grateful for this time that we are suddenly going to get to have together.

I'm grateful that we don't have a reason to panic, but things are just so very strange right now.

Unprecedented school closing

The Governor announced today, not unsurprisingly, that he was ordering schools be shut down.  They are allowed to be in session tomorrow and Monday, but then must be closed until April 6.  There has never been anything like this.  However, our school district will not be having classes tomorrow or Monday.  The explanation was that the county Health Department has ordered that our district close.  I suspect it is because we have a family that has to be quarantined and they decided it was more important to be separate at this point.  The students will be doing remote learning, although even the school isn't exactly certain how that is going to look.  Spring break for our district falls right in the middle so it helps somewhat with the "loss" of instruction time.  The staff has to report tomorrow to try to get things going, and the kids will begin "home/online school" on Wednesday.

And of course, all national sporting events are cancelled, as is pretty much EVERYTHING.  I've really never experienced anything like this before!

Life in a coronavirus state

Things have kind of "exploded" in Ohio this week.  There are four confirmed cases of the Coronavirus.  Earlier in the week we were told that most things would continue with some inconveniences.  By yesterday, most things were being cancelled, or in the case of sports, continued without fans.  Now, I am convinced we will be told by the governor today that all schools must shut down next week.  I suspect we will be allowed to have school tomorrow in an attempt to get information and resources to our students and families, but I completely expect to be off next week.  The week following is spring break, so that would give us at least two full weeks off.  However, I'm hearing that we may actually lose the two weeks following that as well, but we'll see what happens.  And I could be wrong about it all, but it really doesn't sound like that is the case.

A friend of mine has a friend in Italy.  That friend emailed my friend, and gave permission for it to be shared.  Honestly, it confirmed what I had been thinking.  Our country, our state, and us as individuals and families NEED to take this seriously.  We don't need to completely isolate ourselves, but we need to keep distance between each other.  We need to wash our hands continuously.  We are going to be inconvenienced, yes, but it is for the public good.  My sincerest hope at this point is that by taking precautions early, we can still salvage the last few weeks of our school year, especially since I have a senior.  I would hate for prom and graduations to be cancelled, but there is already talk of that.

It is definitely an unprecedented time!

My grandmother's video

For my grandmother's funeral, a video of pictures was made.  I provided most of the pictures of the last 20 years, and my aunt & cousin scoured G.G.'s house to find older pictures.  They did a fabulous job of adding to the ones I submitted.  I also "stole" pictures my cousins had taken as well so that it wasn't just my family.  The video turned out absolutely lovely.

My mother won't watch it.  Right now, for her, it is too painful.  I think that is especially the case with losing Aunt Cathy only six months ago.  Me though?  I can't watch it enough.  I watched it twice the day after the funeral, and just watched it again.  It fills my heart to see all of the pictures, and know those memories are also tucked safely into my heart.  The pictures with my grandfather included though, they do bring me to tears.  He's been gone 33 years, and I know I am really the only grandchild who has much memory of him.  I feel a little bit cheated that he died at 64, and it also makes me feel my kids were cheated by losing my Dad so young.

Life isn't guaranteed though.  No one can predict, and certainly no one can really control, the future.  I am struggling with that, and just generally struggling with all of my emotions these days.  I am grateful for my faith that helps me to deal with all of that.  And I am incredibly grateful for photos and the video to help keep all the memories safe and sound.

I appreciate being off work on the Monday after Daylight Savings

No jobs came up for today.  I always enjoy working, but I can't deny having today off isn't a bad thing.  I often think this is one of the roughest work days of the year.  I went back to sleep after everyone left, and our sweet Abby came and slept with me.  Once I got up, she has settled in and cuddled right next to me.  There are many, many things I should be doing, but honestly, this is so peaceful and comforting just like this.  Having our sweet pup curled up right next to me makes my heart full.

Overall, our family had a decent weekend.  I am finding parenting teens to be the most stressful thing I could have ever imagined.  Honestly, it is terrifying.  Parenting teens keeps me in a constant conversation with God.  I appreciate my faith and I'm grateful for it, but I really don't think there is anything in this world that can make me feel more vulnerable than parenting.  We had a surprise visit from very dear friends this weekend, and it was so wonderful to get to spend a few hours with them.  They are so incredibly supportive, and they love us and understand.  They have had their own struggles as parents, and I never forget that.  I am so grateful for them and their surprise visit.

Today is an absolutely gorgeous day.  There is some sun and temps near 60.  It's a lovely day to be off!

Maybe this weekend we can start exercising

Andrew and I both had our annual check-up/physicals within a couple of weeks of each other at the end of January into early February.  Andrew has been fighting his sugar number for a few years, and because his brother (non-biological) died of diabetes, it makes him very nervous.  He has also had his cholesterol numbers go up and down.  I've always had good numbers, but I don't deny that I have gained way too many pounds, especially since turning 40.  This year, my physical showed that my cholesterol is also too high.  It is most likely genetics for me, but I already have a thyroid issue that will require medication for the rest of my life.  I don't really want to have to add another medication if it can be avoided.  Andrew and I decided we would purchase some exercise equipment to have at our house.  We had spent some time shopping around and I found one I was very excited about.  Andrew picked it up President's Day weekend, and Thomas put it together for me.  I was able to use it on President's Day...and then I got sick.  Because it was respiratory, it really affected my ability to exercise.  In fact, I can still feel it in my chest and my lung capacity is not what I would like it to be yet.  It's better though (although it kind of feels like it's two steps forward and one step back in the recovery process), and I am hoping I can use the equipment, even at a reduced pace/level, and begin to try to get healthy.

Sadly, Andrew isn't doing any better with it than I am!  He didn't even get to use it before he got sick.  Then last week was crazy, and this week was trying to catch up with all of the craziness of everything.  We are both hoping to put that $$$$$ spent to good use!

A change of plans for our Friday

About a month ago, we made plans with our neighbors to get together this evening.  We really enjoy these neighbors, but they apparently need a lot less sleep than we do and sometimes overstay their welcome.  We thought maybe since it was a Friday though, they would also be tired and NOT do that this time.

Since then, a baseball practice for 8AM tomorrow morning was scheduled for Andrew, and Thomas needs to be at the school for set construction at 8AM also.  Catherine works at 9, so we are all going to need to be up with a "7" as the first number on the clock.  Don't love that, but it is what it is.  I definitely imagined a nap in my future tomorrow, and I began to regret we had made specific plans for this evening.

On top of that, I did NOT sleep well last night.  We didn't even get home until 9:30, and everyone still needed to shower.  It was also the first time Andrew and I had been together all day.  We wanted to hang out for a bit, and then once I went to bed I couldn't sleep.  Honestly, I was so excited about Catherine's award she received last evening.  I was so proud of her, and I was so grateful that she was recognized for being a good person.  I was so grateful that someone else recognized what a fabulous young lady she is.  After some of the crap we have experienced as parents lately, it was nice to know that we haven't done everything completely wrong.  Catherine is awesome, and she so very much deserved that recognition.

About the time I thought I might actually fall asleep, I developed this HORRIBLE cough.  I thought I might never stop coughing.  Poor Andrew, I'm sure he was beginning to hope I would get up and go sleep on the couch.  I feel fine today though.

Short story that I made long...our neighbors texted and had to cancel this evening because of illness.  I am very sorry that they don't feel well, but I am also so excited about the fact that Andrew and I suddenly have NO PLANS for the evening!  Woohoo!!!  The kids have plans for a couple of hours, but everyone should be home for the evening around 8:30.  Tomorrow evening we also have no plans.  I love our family time together, and I'm so grateful for these days!

Our "brave" daughter

Tonight the swim team held the awards ceremony.  We were so proud that Thomas received a special mention recognizing how much time he cut off in his 500m from the beginning til the end of the season.  The coach even mentioned he wasn't sure he would ever see anything like it again.

When it was time for the seniors to go up, twelve fabulous young people went to the front of the room.  Catherine and her friend Matt, a special needs young man, were standing together at the end.  The coach went through and talked about ten of the awesome seniors, and I was intrigued as to why Catherine and Matt were at the end.  The coach had not gone in the order they were standing, and Matt and Catherine might be the only two people on the team who never actually scored a point all season.  It turns out, Catherine had been chosen to be a co-recipient of the Brave Award.  This award recognizes the individual whom the coach feels strives to be the best regardless of actual talent or ability, and in the case of Catherine, who is dedicated to her teammates.  We are so incredibly proud of our girl!  As we told Catherine this evening, a lot of awards are given for those who are talented, and those who work hard, and those are great awards to receive.  This award though, is for being a good person.  Our daughter won an award for being a good person!  The mother of the special needs young man came over to us at the end of the evening and thanked both of our kids for being such good friends to her son, and especially to Catherine for all she did.  We are so proud, and our hearts are so full!

A wonderfully unexpected visit

We really, truly enjoyed the unexpected visit from Andrew's cousin and his wife.  I freaked out a little bit about the condition of our home after a week of dealing with my grandmother's death...on the heels of the week where Andrew and I were both sick.  But, Catherine was a huge help right after school, and they were very understanding.  We were able to take them out to dinner, and although the kids and I had to attend their band concert in the evening, Andrew was able to enjoy another couple of hours to the visit.

He is optimistic that he has a chance to beat his diagnosis.  I do know that medical advances are being made every day, and I love his attitude.

We are so grateful that they chose to include us on their travels.  It was really a wonderful visit!

The middle of our busy week

I love Wednesday early release day!  I don't though, love the craziness of this week.  I don't like being busy.  Some people wear "busy" like a badge of honor.  Honestly, I'm a little embarrassed when we are this busy.  The weekend isn't going to bring much relief either, and I haven't even thought about looking at next week yet.

I'm grateful I will work all week, but after dealing with all the craziness of last week, AND having lost so much time the week before because I was sick, my choice to take a job every day this week may not have been the best.

Andrew also has baseball practice every day this week.  Catherine worked Monday and yesterday, and Thomas had a driving class last night.  I can tell I am getting old because I was exhausted when I picked him up last night...at 9:30...not terribly late!  The kids have a band concert this evening, and the directors thought it would be a great idea to have over 100 parents pay me at the concert for an up-coming event (if you didn't read that with sarcasm, you don't know me very well).  Tomorrow evening the kids have their winter sports awards for swim.  They also have a Best Buddies dance Friday evening, and weeks ago we had invited our neighbors to come over.

Catherine then works all day Saturday & Sunday.  Andrew has baseball practice Saturday morning, and we might be making another trip to my hometown to deal with stuff for G.G.  Sunday I am the Sunday School volunteer for church, and Andrew is hosting a meeting for our neighborhood regarding the Commons area. 

We just found out this morning that Andrew's cousin is in town this evening...from Oregon!  He has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and is taking a "bucket trip" across the county.  He apologized for the short notice, but certainly we won't turn him away!  We last saw him twelve years ago when he visited my in-laws in PA, and realistically, this will most likely be the last opportunity for Andrew to see him.

I am doing my best to try to take care of myself and stay healthy.  I also keep telling myself that there are only 12 days of school until spring break!

My favorite sub job

I didn't have a job scheduled for today.  Since I was scheduled every other day this week, I was fine with not working today, but of course most days I do prefer to actually be subbing.  Right before school ended yesterday, my absolutely favorite sub job showed up for today!  I LOVE subbing in the French classroom.  I am completely and totally useless in this class, but it is my favorite sub job in the entire building.  Idiots don't take French.  Honestly, most of these kids are honors students.  It's really just fabulous.  I'm very grateful that this job happened today!

Glad it's Monday

Not too many people are ever glad it is Monday...unless it happens to be vacation week.  Then, the earlier in the week the better!  This week though, I am grateful for Monday.  Last week was beyond tough, and last evening I just felt grateful that not only is today a new week, it is the beginning of a new month.  I'm ready for it to be a good one, and optimistic it will be! 

It is a busy week, but mostly they are good things.  Thomas is going to begin driving school, and the kids have a band concert.  Andrew has baseball practice every day, and I've got LOTS of work to do at home, at school, and at church.  It will all get done though, and I'm looking forward to warm weather as well.  It's going to be a great week!