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!