Please pray for our sweet pup!

 Our Abby is having some mobility problems.  In spite of taking her to the vet yesterday, things seem to be getting worse and not better.  She isn't crying or whining, or even whimpering, so I don't think she is in any significant pain, but we could definitely use some prayers that she gets better.  I can't even imagine my husband or son dealing with something happening to her.  She is the best dog for our family.  Please pray!

A peaceful day at work

 I'm so grateful for how today has worked out.  I knew before I left school yesterday that I would be in the in-school detention class today.  I also knew that I would only be responsible for one 6th grader, so I knew I would have a quiet, fairly uninvolved day at work.  I also knew that the room comes with a spectacular that I very much enjoyed a few weeks ago.  In some ways, it is even more gorgeous now.  Beyond the browning fields are some woods, and they are showing some colors of fall.  It's a sunny day with only a few clouds, and I'm grateful for the peaceful feeling it brings.  There just isn't enough of that these days.

After school today I get my hair cut, and then I am doing a grocery run for our quarantined friends.  It will literally require that I be gone for hours, but it is the right thing to do.  I'm grateful I can help.

Going back

The school board voted last night that our district will resume in-person instruction on October 20.  Andrew was very pleased, and Thomas cheered when he heard.  I feel a little sad about the change in our routine, but I do think it is a good thing.  Sadly, no matter what, it is divisive in our community.  Either way the vote had gone, people were going to be unhappy, and in some cases, down right angry.  I do think the time is right though.  I am a little sad that I won't get to be a part of the school this year, but I'm not unhappy in my current situation.

Andrew is also. heading back to his parents today.  Because of the issues with our sweet pup, Thomas is staying home to be with her.  Andrew's dad is being discharged from the hospital today, and his mom is insisting he be sent home rather than to skilled nursing.  She feels skilled nursing will lead to a rapid decline and kill him.  While I don't disagree, I believe she is also overly optimistic about his overall status, and I don't think he has much longer as it is.  I'm not sure he'll be here at Thanksgiving given the rate of his decline in the last year.  I keep my mouth shut though.  It isn't my place.  Anyway, Andrew will return on Saturday, at least that is the current plan.

Overall, I feel most of these things are positives, and that is good for today! 

Heaviness

 I don't mean to be a drag, but our home continues to be filled with some heaviness.  Our sweet pup Abby has developed the slipped disc problem that she suffered 15 months ago.  It is heartbreaking knowing that she is suffering, but Andrew is taking her to the vet today to get some heavy-duty medication.  I have confidence that she will be okay again, but it is hard on all of us.  Many prayers have been sent up for her.

We also learned of some additional family drama yesterday.  Actually, there were a couple of cases, almost all involving extended family.  While it doesn't necessarily involve us directly or immediately, we care about all of our family and want things to work out for them.  Some of them are going to be tough, and it makes us sad.

My husband is struggling the most right now.  He is overwhelmed and feels anxiety as he has never felt before.  It is very hard on him.  I am trying to be as supportive and helpful as I can be, but he is just in tunnel vision right now.  He had to work an athletic event last night, but it was less than three hours.  The rest of the time he sat on his computer doing school work.  I understand, but it's hard to work together as a team when we aren't spending much time together.  It's just a tough phase, and I get it.  Maybe one evening next week we can figure out a date night.

I am teaching in a sixth grade classroom today.  I love math, but I don't love sixth grade.  However, I do have a partial view of gorgeous farmlands.  I find much peacefulness in the scenery!

Lots of feelings

 It was seven years ago today that my dad's best friend died.  I still vividly remember that phone call from my mother.  Earlier in the week he had been diagnosed with cancer and told surgery wasn't an option.  However, then a couple of days later we learned that there was optimism regarding a chemo treatment.  Two days after that, his kidneys failed from the treatment, and he was gone.

We had just moved into our home six weeks earlier, and 47 days later my dad passed.  That fall was one of the saddest, and most stressful, times of my life.  Unfortunately, this year is beginning to feel very similar.  School is unbelievably stressful for Andrew, and for Thomas as well.  I am working full-time with a commute and can't do things around the house that I used to do.  We lost my aunt a year ago and my grandmother seven months ago.  We are facing the loss of my father-in-law.  Family drama has added to other sadness, and while we are thrilled Catherine has graduated and are very proud of her, we miss having her around.  And all of this happens against the backdrop of a global pandemic and so many other world issues.

Some days I just feel like it's so much, and I just need a break.  Some days I feel that if I allow myself a break, I'm not part of the solution.  I worry about Andrew dealing with everything.  I worry about my kids and how they handle things, and I worry about the world they will be living in for the rest of their lives.

It's a heavy time, and I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.  We will get through all of this though!

Another Monday

 Here we are at Monday morning again.  I am in middle school computer class, which I appreciate for the most part.  I have each grade for an hour, although I do also have lunch duty.  I don't love that, but one would think at the middle school level it isn't a big deal.  I guess we shall see.  I do appreciate that the morning schedule is fairly light, and I have a little bit of quiet right now.

My week ahead personally isn't too bad.  Wednesday is a haircut and shopping for our friends who are quarantined.  That's really all I've got going on this week.  Andrew though, oh God love him!  He has to work athletics tonight AND tomorrow, then plans to take off Wednesday to go back to his parents for at least three days.  While the remote learning allows him to do that, relearning how to do everything in remote learning causes him more stress than I can explain.  The hard part is that there really isn't anything I can do to be helpful.  Our school board is meeting tomorrow evening to discuss going back at the end of October.  I originally had mixed feelings about it, and I still have some serious concerns, but I am beginning to hope that decision is made.  It doesn't mean I will get to go back and sub, as I have made a commitment here.  I also know it would be better for Thomas to learn in-person, so I can't hope against being in-person.  I just try to lift it up and have faith about it all.

Hard to believe the month of September is ending and October is nearly here.  It truly felt like September flew by.  I continue to try to be present and content in each and every moment.  I'll be honest, the gorgeous fall scenery does help to make that a little easier!

The first official Saturday of fall

 Although it was slightly warmer than I may like, it was an absolutely gorgeous Saturday.  I had a lot of errands to run, but it meant traveling on some very rural roads.  I also had a doctor appointment at 8:00 this morning.  It was extremely foggy.  It's been years since I've been out and about that early on a fall Saturday morning.  It took me back to those early cross country mornings with Robert.  To be totally honest with you, those are some of my favorite memories of Robert's teen years.

The colors are beginning to change slightly, although I noticed there is a little more color than even just a couple of days ago.  Unfortunately, we are actually beginning to head into a draught because I truly don't remember the last time it rained.  Monday looks as though it could change that.  After tomorrow with a high around 80, there isn't another day with high temp anything warmer than the upper 60's.  Absolutely delightful!  Next weekend it will even be in the 50's.  I'm just giddy.

Andrew is working all day at athletics today.  God love him!  He has been gone for a week dealing with the stress of the situation with his father, and now he has to work all day at school.  We are definitely looking forward to an evening together...if we can both stay awake!

It was a beautiful fall day

 Today I only had to work 1/2 day at school.  It was a teacher work day, although I was required to participate in some meetings in the morning.  After leaving, I drove to my mom's house to paint a closet.  It was truly an absolutely beautiful drive.  The leaves are starting to turn to lighter greens and yellows.  I enjoyed seeing the tractors in the fields, and I just love this time of year.  It's my favorite!  

It was also a great day for Andrew and Thomas to drive home.  They just got here.  Yay!!!!!

It brought a tear to my eye

 I need to be honest, it's been a bit of a tough week.  The daughters of our best friends have been diagnosed with COVID.  We haven't hung out with them, but since he (husband/dad) is my boss at school, you can see the problem there.  The high school cases have begun to explode, and because of that the high school will be closed next week.  I am going to be reporting to the middle school next week instead.  It is all one campus, so it doesn't really change anything.

I was able to video chat with Thomas and Andrew tonight.  Thomas was struggling with a finance class assignment.  This has been a tough week for him.  He's been dealing with the emotions of things happening there while still trying to maintain school.   It hasn't been spectacular.  While we were on the video, our sweet pup came into the room.  They put the camera where I could see her, and when she cocked her head when I called her name, I began to cry.  I miss them all so much.  I am not at all unhappy that they have been there for my mother-in-law.  This is exactly where they need to be.  But I sure do miss them.

There are several other minor things that are happening in various aspects of life.  Those things will all work out, I know this.  I just get tired of everything becoming a hassle.  That's just the way 2020 seems to be!

He would've been 50 today

 Today my brother-in-law would have turned 50.  Instead, he has been gone just over two years.  I am grateful that Andrew happens to be with his parents today, even if the reason for being there isn't great.  No parent should ever have to bury a child.  Time certainly is flying by quickly.

It is kind of like Friday

 Today is only Thursday, but it is kind of like a Friday.  The students have no school tomorrow.  I only have to report for 1/2 day in the morning.  I have absolutely no idea why I even need to do that, but it will be 1/2 day pay, and I'm going to go straight to my mom's house to paint afterward so it isn't really costing me anything extra in gas.  The kids are definitely behaving as though it is Friday though, and I can't blame them.  I do get to sleep in 45 extra minutes tomorrow which will be nice (although Saturday I have to be up early), and Andrew and Thomas should get home tomorrow.  Even though it is only Thursday, it has been a long week!

The middle of this week alone

 I'll be honest, it's a very strange week.  While I talk to Andrew every evening, there isn't necessarily much to tell each other.  He does his school until early afternoon, then they head to the hospital.  I do "my school" each day and then head back to town, usually run an errand, and then head home.  It is very odd to not have many responsibilities when I get home.  I need to feed the cats and make sure Lincoln (male cat) gets his antibiotic.  That is pretty much it.

The first two days of this week, I actually had to work late at school.  It seems as though most people don't understand that my day is supposed to end at 2:30, and they take for granted I can stay as late as needed.  Monday I had to work until 3 (which worked since I arrived late), and yesterday I had to stay until 3:30.  It certainly isn't an issue this week, but I don't want it to become a habit.  I am grateful that I am in a regular high school class today so I'll be out of here at 2:30.  I need to run two errands, and then I'll be home for the evening.  And laundry is NOT optional this evening.

I am missing my family tremendously.  Andrew's mother got on the phone last evening and thanked me profusely for them being there.  I told her there was no reason to thank me.  They are exactly where they need to be.  It seems as though they will be home Friday, and I'm really looking forward to it.  I don't think they will stay home for more than a week, but I'll be glad to have them while they can be home!

Not how I wanted to start my week

 This morning was going to be weird for me.  It was the first morning in over 15 years that I was going to wake up alone in this house AND have to go to work.  I wasn't really sure how I was going to feel about it.  As it turns out, the way I felt was "rushed".  My alarm didn't go off, and by the time I woke up, it was 20 minutes after I NEEDED TO LEAVE.  Oh my goodness!  Fortunately, I was able to get out the door in 20 minutes, and I was only 15 minutes after school started.  Additionally, I was assigned to the elementary library which meant I needed to work later, so it more than made up for my being late.  It all worked out, and I figured out what was wrong with my alarm so that won't happen.  It sure wasn't how I wanted to begin my week though!

Sunday morning

 It is an absolutely delightful Sunday morning.  When I woke up the thermostat read 59, and it has since dropped a degree.  The sky is the brightest blue and it is wonderful.  I still have all the windows open and fans running because I love being cold.  I might be ridiculous, but I love it.

I was supposed to be at my mom's new place painting closets today, but she isn't feeling well.  Instead, I have enjoyed a cup of coffee while my favorite fall-scented candle is lit.  It is amazingly peaceful.

I cleaned a significant portion of the house yesterday, and I plan to finish up today.  The Steelers game will also be on, and I might flip back and forth between that and the Reds.

I miss my family significantly, but I know that Andrew and Thomas are where they need to be.  Andrew is hoping he can come back on Tuesday, but that will only be if his father is released, and I don't see that happening.  He will be home no later than Friday, although he may go back again next Sunday depending on circumstances.  We have decided that it works best if Thomas is with him rather than being home mostly alone.

I am trying to soak in as much of this beautiful day as I possibly can!

It looks like it might be a perfect fall weekend

The kind of weather we are having right now is absolutely my favorite.  It is chilly, with today's high around 70.  It was bright though, with not a cloud in the sky!  Tonight's low will be down in the 40's.  Oh my goodness, I am so excited about that I am almost giddy!  Andrew thinks I keep the bedroom too cold, so with him at his parent's house I can have it as cold as I want!  

The colors outside are beginning to turn to yellows and browns.  There aren't any vibrant reds and oranges yet, but the corn stalks are all brown and it's definitely that time of the season for fall decorations.  I love having a candle lit.  I'm watching a baseball game right now, and tomorrow I can watch all of the college football I want.  I know though, that I also need to do some laundry and cleaning.  Sunday I am supposed to head to my mom's house and paint some of her closets.  The gorgeous weather is supposed to last all weekend.  It is absolutely awesome!

Prayers needed for Pappy

Yesterday Andrew learned his father had a blood clot in his lung and was life-flighted to a better hospital that where he was at in his hometown.  Andrew understandably wanted to get there, but there were things he needed to do to prepare for being gone, and by the time he was ready it would've meant leaving at 8:30 and arriving at his parents after 1AM.  I convinced him his mother and I did not need to be worrying about him driving in that situation.  When he called his mom to tell her, he was able to talk to his dad.  I know hearing his Dad's voice made him feel better.

Thomas had decided early on that he wanted to go with Andrew.  That is one advantage to not having in-person school.  That youngest child of mine is definitely a sensitive kid.  I've noticed that some of the stuffed dogs have been seen a little more.  Honestly, I think there is a part of him that is trying to hold on to the days when more people lived in our house.  Even though we all know it can't happen, there are certainly days we miss it.  One of the stuffed animals I found last evening was one that my in-laws had for years because it reminded them of their last dog.  My father-in-law truly loved that dog.  But when Thomas clung to that stuffed animal one visit it came home with us, and they were happy for that.

This particular dog was sitting with Thomas's bags last evening and I asked if it was going with him.  He said it was because he wanted Pappy to have it again.  I told him that Pappy had wanted him to have it because he knew how much Thomas loved it.  Thomas said that he thought it would help Pappy to feel better, so he could have it back for awhile.  I know this sounds like the story of a young child, but it truly shows just how sweet and sensitive my little guy (I know, he isn't little) is.

Andrew and Thomas made it safely to their destination this morning.  There is no new information today, although they are trying to dissolve the clot with medication.  Unfortunately, they aren't allowed to see Pappy.  Only Andrew's mom is allowed to do that.  I'm sure that is hard on Andrew and Thomas, but I know we are all glad they are all together.

Elementary school

 Yesterday when I arrived at school I was told that I was needed in first grade.  Generally speaking, I am supposed to be used in high school and middle school.  However, there was no need for me there, but there was a need in first grade.  I was happy to do it, although elementary school gets out an hour later than I am supposed to work.  Normally that wouldn't be a problem, but I had an appointment for my church job that wouldn't allow me to stay until the end of my elementary day.  They decided they could easily find someone to cover for me for an hour, so I was sent to first grade.

Overall, it was really a lovely day.  There are only sixteen kids in the class.  When I did the long-term assignment eight years ago, there were twenty-four little ones in that group, so this nearly felt like being on vacation compared to that!  Overall the kids were good, and there was even a student teacher to provide a little bit of help.  I am NOT in any hurry to be spending my days at the elementary level, but I did enjoy it while I was there!

I got my wish...sort of

 This morning about 4:00 I awoke with a migraine.  It wasn't the worst I'd ever had, and I was able to go back to sleep.  It was still there when I woke up an hour later, but I was pretty sure I would be able to function.  I took some medicine, and it helped.  I kept hoping though, that I would be able to be in a high school class today.  Elementary and middle school require a significant amount of movement and mental and physical involvement.  I also didn't want my filing job in the office today, as that takes a lot of physical movement as well.  I wanted a quiet high school job that would allow me to just sort of get through my day.

And I sort of got my wish.  When I arrived here at school, I was told that I would be in the on-line credit recovery class.  This is definitely a high school class, but there is no guarantee it will be quiet, as these classes often have reluctant (and sometimes defiant) learners.  There also is no plan time, so that is definitely a down-side as well.  Hopefully all goes smoothly today!

Complete role reversal

For the first ten (plus) years of our marriage, Andrew was out the door early.  He was often leaving our house by 6:15...45 minutes before I even needed to be awake.  There are many mornings I can remember silently wishing he would hurry up and be finished getting ready so that I could get back to sleep.  Once we moved, he was able to leave about 20 minutes later, and by then the kids were at the middle school level so I was getting then up.  The first couple of years I was getting up around 6:15, then when Thomas started middle school I needed to be up about 5:45 to get him going, so that was only about 20 minutes after Andrew.  Then of course we hit those years when Robert was getting on the bus between 5:30 and 5:45, so I was getting up at 5, earlier than Andrew at that point.  For the last couple of years we had our routine that worked well for us.

Now, I am the one that needs to be leaving at 6:25 to drive my 35 minutes to work.  Andrew is the one that doesn't begin his day for another few hours.  On Monday and Thursday, his day begins (at. home) at 8, and the rest of the week it is at 9.  This morning when I kissed him at 5:50, he still had another hour and 45 minutes to sleep!  I'll be honest, I was a little jealous!  I wonder if he ever felt that way all those years when he was the early morning person!

A delightfully chilly morning

One of the biggest challenges of my summer has been how unbelievably hot I am...all the time!  My body seems completely unable to regulate itself in that way.  Last night though, the heat broke.  Humidity was low, and the temps were in the lower 50's.  Getting up around 5:15 this morning was absolutely delightful.  It was so chilly I needed to layer with a sweater.  I LOVE THIS!  I even had a few cold chills, and they felt wonderful!  I know it seems ridiculous to be this giddy about it, but I've been pretty miserable.  Tonight the temps might actually get into the 40's, and it should be very comfortable this week. 

I'm also happy to be in a classroom today.  Last week I was in fifth grade on Tuesday, and then spent the rest of the week filing in the office.  I don't mind filing days, because it does allow for the ability to use the restroom whenever...not just between classes.  However, there is also never any down time.  I don't have a plan period, and one day I even had to eat lunch quickly because I had work to do.  So I am grateful to be in a classroom today, although I was not actually expecting to teach.  Thank goodness I am in business classes.  I can't do the computer part at the end of the day though, so I am being sent to Spanish.  Not sad about that at all, especially since it will be Spanish III.  Or maybe not...I've just been told I might be staying here.  I guess we will see what happens!

It's going to be a crazy week, but the peaceful drive through rural farmland as the sun was coming up is a great way to begin a crazy week!

It isn't the same

I enjoyed watching Notre Dame beat Duke yesterday.  Overall though, college football didn't seem the same.  I'm sure part of it is the fact that there aren't many fans in the stands.  I'm also sure it was because there was no Big Ten football.  I hadn't realized how much we watch Big Ten games overall.  No OSU to root for, and just not many games that interested me.

Our Saturday evening also wasn't the same.  We haven't been home for many Saturdays since Catherine went to school, and she's been around for a couple of them as well.  Last night though, the void was just so prominent.  I used to enjoy our Saturday evenings when we would all sit around and laugh at a movie or cheer for a team.  I also enjoyed Andrew and I cheering a team in one room while the kids watched a move in another.  Now though, it's just Thomas sitting in the room alone and it feels wrong.  I used to feel guilty when all four of us were hanging out, but I also so very much appreciated those evenings.  Now I just truly feel awful for Thomas that he is home with us.

I know that we are in the midst of a new normal in so, so many ways.  It just takes some getting used to all of it!

Six months since school

Our school here last held an in-person class six months ago today.  SIX MONTHS.  I remember that day so vividly.  We all pretty much realized that governor was going to shut it down.  I remember assuring the seniors I had that day that there would certainly be graduation.  After all, it was over two months later!  Oh goodness, we just didn't understand.

We are all now living in a new normal.  I don't terribly mind the masks, but as someone who already has difficulty regulating body temperature, the mask doesn't help that at all!  I regret that there are still so many things we can't do.  Tonight is supposed to be the high school homecoming dance.  That obviously isn't happening.  So, Thomas doesn't get a junior homecoming experience.  Last night was senior night for Catherine's best friend.  We surprised her with a sign and candy on Thursday evening, because obviously we weren't allowed to be at the game last night.  At least she did get a senior night though.

I feel safe where I am at work, but the thought of our school beginning here terrifies me.  The college students in this town are idiots, and the virus is spreading like you wouldn't believe.  However, some (very vocal) community members are pressuring the district to re-open.  I don't deny the current model is less than ideal, but at least I know my family members are safe.

This is part of what has ramped up my anxiety lately.  As I wrote in my other post today, just trying to lift all of my burdens up in prayer!

Life

This is the kind of Saturday I really enjoy!  I have nowhere I need to be.  Andrew will be home at 2:30 or so, and then he has nowhere to be.  I have been cleaning, and then my plan is watch football today (GO IRISH!).  We need this downtime.

It was a long week, especially for me.  I had meetings and appointments and commitments that just didn't leave me much time for anything else.  I'm struggling with my job in that I don't love it.  Somedays I don't even enjoy it.  I don't dread it though, and I am certainly grateful for the income (especially since it appears a new car is in our VERY near future).  I don't mind the drive at all, but I don't love the amount of time I am in the vehicle. 

One thing I do enjoy is my morning routine.  I LOVE the quiet and being alone.  Andrew gets up just as I am leaving, so I have an entire hour to myself.  I appreciate that more than I can put into words.  I don't know that I could do all of this if I didn't have that quiet time.

My anxiety has kicked in this week, and I understand why, given some things that are going on around me.  I'm trying to remember deep breaths and just lift it all up!

Time is running out

We spent much of this past weekend visiting my in-laws.  My father-in-law turns 85 at the end of the month, and we wanted to get over to celebrate.  I am saddened that time is running out for him.  The decline since I saw him in June is stunning, and my mother-in-law mentioned she could see a decline even from just the week before.  She is working on getting nursing and physical help in the home.  She doesn't want to put him in a facility.  I've encouraged Andrew to make another trip in the beginning of October, and our family will be there for Thanksgiving.  To be completely honest, I'm not entirely certain he'll make it until then.  I am so very, very glad that Catherine made certain she could make the trip with us this weekend.  Thomas may be able to go with my husband when the time comes, but Catherine most likely will not.  I've been praying for peace and strength.  It makes me sad.

Car accident

Yesterday, Thomas was in his first car accident.  Twenty-four days after earning his license, and an accident has happened.  He was about 25 minutes away from home.  He had gone back to our former town to visit friends.  It was at an intersection that isn't a bad intersection, but I'm also not surprised it happened there.  He was by himself, so there were no distractions of friends, and he was not on his phone.  He just didn't see the car coming, and with the way cars park along there, again I wasn't surprised.

Andrew went to him because he was already in his vehicle.  I couldn't wait to hug him, but the fact that he had made the call to us meant he was okay...at least physically.  My sweet boy was so distraught all evening.  When he got home, he just leaned into my hug and didn't want to let go.  He was convinced the other driver wanted him dead.  I doubt that to be true, but I certainly understand the other driver being angry.  He just wanted lots of hugs and reassurance last evening.  It broke my heart.  I am very grateful that Andrew is able to be with him today.  I hated seeing my sweet boy suffer.  And the number of prayers of gratitude I sent up can't even be counted.  I was really very proud of how he handled everything.

By the way, the car is probably totaled.  Not worried about it though, not at all.  My sweet boy is okay, and so are the other people.

Nothing makes my heart more full

I picked Catherine up from her apartment yesterday afternoon after work.  It takes less than 15 minutes for me to get there from work, so that we try to make that happen when she is coming home.  Thomas was home when we got there, and he was very pleased his sister was home.  I know he misses her, and since school is on-line, he is a little lonely.

Those two immediately began catching up on everything.  Thomas was asking lots of questions, and Catherine had a lot to tell him.  Thomas had band practice for a couple of hours, but otherwise the two of them hung out in the living room together.  I could hear them chatting, and laughing, and just enjoying each other.  They even made their own dinner together and sat in the living room eating it.  Honestly, I could not imagine anything that would make my heart so full.  It made me so very happy to hear those sounds again in my home!

Enjoying the view

Today is my third and final (for now) day in the assignment of ISD.  I must say, I really haven't minded it at all.  The one down side is that there is no "free/plan" time at all, but I do take nearly 1/2 hour for lunch.  There have been three boys here this week, and they really have been no problems.  I have been able to accomplish many things.  I wouldn't necessarily want this to be my "regular" job, but I truly have not minded these three days.

And today is Friday, which of course is wonderful!  AND it is Friday heading into a three-day weekend.  Yahoo!!!!!  I am delighted about the though of sleeping in for three consecutive days.  Absolutely delighted.

Today is a bright and sunny day, which makes being in this space even more peaceful.  I am able to look outside and such a gorgeous view.  I have always found rural farmland to be so peaceful, and getting to enjoy it in this manner makes the day even more lovely!  I am truly grateful that I am getting paid to be here, especially in this space, today!

How our school year is going so far

 I am basically two full weeks into my full-time job.  The job itself is fine.  I don't love the 35 minute commute, but it is an easy and peaceful drive.  I especially loved this morning that a John Denver song came on the radio.  Driving through rural countryside with John Denver on the radio is just about the most peaceful thing in the world.  Except that it wasn't yet 7:00 in the morning.  We all know I've never been a morning person.  I only leave home about 10 minutes earlier than last year.  Because I am the only one up and moving at that time, I can actually sleep in about 15 minutes later than I did last year.  Right now, it doesn't feel like enough though.  The house had been staying relatively picked up until this week, although the layers of dust are definitely there.  Overall, I would say we are hanging in there.  And I am especially grateful that there is no school Monday, so even though I will be gone all weekend I'll still have a day to try to get some things done.  Meals are mostly happening, although last night I just couldn't do it.  The only thing I wanted for dinner was to sleep, so I begged (pretty much) my husband to bring home some sandwiches for dinner.

Thomas kind of likes the remote learning.  He appreciates that he gets up over an hour later each morning than he had to last year.  There definitely isn't a significant amount of work.  I am concerned that he is going to struggle in the long run, because honestly he often learns more by just listening and watching others than by doing things on his own.  Unless of course it is music or technology, which he loves getting his hands on.  He still gets to see friends during band practices, and they have done Zoom calls, etc., so he doesn't mind the remote learning at all.

Andrew enjoys sleeping in nearly 90 minutes each day as well.  He goes in to school two days a week and is home the other three.  He's been a help with meals, although he is still covering athletic events as well, so sometimes that just isn't an option.  I am very grateful that this particular phase of life is occurring with only one kid at home, and that one kid can drive.  That is a tremendous help.

I've spoken with two friends who have completely lost their incomes because of the pandemic situation.  Fortunately, they are both married to spouses who have fairly secure jobs, but it reminds me to continue to be grateful for this opportunity.  It may make me very tired, but it is truly a blessing!

A room with a view

When school started last week I had been assigned to a French classroom.  It was fine.  It wasn't like French at our own district, but it was fine.  The teacher was teaching virtually but needed a legal person in the classroom.  I had been asked if I wished to remain there, and honestly, I prefer the variety.  Yesterday the new permanent French co-teacher started, so I helped with school pictures and then did some filing work.  I expected more filing again today, but when I arrived I was told I was being sent to the middle school.  I had been assigned the rest of the week to fill in for ISD.  There are two seventh-grade boys who need to be here the rest of the week.  Honestly, this is cake work.  The two boys are not allowed to talk or move, and there are only two of them.  It's going to be a pretty quiet week, and I'll be able to get other things done.  The best part is the view!  This space is on top of the library, with three large windows.  The school is set in the middle of rural Ohio farmland, and that is my favorite scenery.  I can only imagine how gorgeous this is in the fall and on snowy winter days as well.  In spite of the fact that some people think this is an awful, I plan to enjoy the view!