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!!!!!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
