Category Archives: Current events

blessings, Current events, Domestic Blitz, Family matters, Homeschool

It only took me three days to cry

I feel like I’ve been holding it together pretty well through this. I’m worried, of course, but I’m trying to take it day-by-day and not panic. I did break down a bit this morning, thinking about far-flung family members and wondering when I’ll be able to see them again. Honestly, it was whether I would see them again, because I am dramatic and I’ve read to much post-apocalyptic fiction.

But! My mood improved, and there were some Good Things. Such as:

Good things

  • Driving around with Poppy
  • A relatively smooth start to virtual schooling.
  • Poppy attending a tae kwon do class through Zoom.

    • Virtual school days

    The school district officially launched their Virtual Days today! Pete had forgotten to add a few of his classes to Google classroom, and one of his classes had an audio meeting that we weren’t prepared to join. He popped in at the last minute. We had a couple of other bumps that were partially technology and partially emotional, but overall the day went OK.

    A tour of local Target parking lots

    Oh the things that are qualifying as entertainment. We ran out of printer paper, so I ordered some for curbside pickup from Target. Except when I got to Target, they said “Oh no, you ordered from the other Target!” So Poppy and I drove to the other Target, which had our order. But on the way there we got a text saying our order was ready at the first Target! Mayhem! At least we got to drive around a bit.

    Quarantine eats

    We had a ridiculously luxurious dinner this evening. Delicious as it was, I wish that circumstances hadn’t made it possible. The restaurant where my sister-in-law works had to close because of the virus, and they cleared out all the food and sent it home with the employees. She brought us ribeye burgers, steaks, bacon, Lion’s Mane mushrooms, Brussels sprouts and purple potato gratin. I grilled the steaks and burgers, sauteed the mushrooms with shallots and garlic and warmed the gratin in the oven. We’ll be back to standard fare tomorrow.

    blessings, Current events, Homeschool, Reading, Screen time

    Out and about but only virtually

    Virtual school days

    We took a virtual tour of several museums in a Google Expeditions lesson about the Impressionists. We only have one VR viewer, which came with our MEL Science kit, so we had to share. It was a lot of fun, and there are a ton of other Expedition “tours.” Poppy said it was nice to feel a little bit like she was somewhere in the outside world for a minute, which was a little bit funny and a little bit sad. What strange days we’re living in!

    We had a return to our long-lost 30 Minutes of Free Reading, and it was a delight. Pete started reading “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” and Poppy picked up “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” for a re-read. I’m working through a young adult biography of Vincent Van Gogh and his brother — aptly titled “Vincent and Theo” — as part of the Read Harder 2020 Challenge.

    The kids’ schools start their “Virtual Days” tomorrow,” so they’ll be occupied with that from here on out. I’m hoping to keep our reading time in the schedule, though.

    That’s entertainment

    Poppy spent a good bit of time playing Minecraft with a friend, and Pete started making a movie. I don’t know what it was about, but he hauled a lot of NERF stuff out with him. We also watched an episode (or two) of “The Good Place.” I loved it the first time I watched the show, and it’s more poignant watching it this time around. It’s also the first time Poppy and Rockford have seen it, and hearing their reactions has been fun.

    Quarantine eats

    Dinner tonight was Thai Peanut Chicken from the crockpot. It was pretty good.

    Good things

  • Stumbling around Pete’s room on our museum field trip
  • The weeping cherry tree near our house
  • Reading time
    • Current events, National Blog Posting Month

    Midterms matter

    I was going to write something today about the midterm elections and why I think you should vote, and then in a Facebook post my little brother said pretty much exactly what I wanted to say.

    Alright, y’all. Tomorrow is Election Day in America. Make your plan to go get it done.

    Because there are a finite number of times in your life when your opinion really means anything.

    Because it’s the only way you get to continue to be proud of living in a country that serves as a beacon for the democratic form of government.

    Because it’s how you earn the right to complain when the government isn’t doing what you think it should do.

    Because you will never regret going to the polls.

    Because you get a great sticker.

    Because it will make you feel part of something bigger.

    Because I promise you that you will feel a great sense of accomplishment – and I’m not sure there is anything easier in the world that gives you a great sense of accomplishment.

    Because most of you have the ability to use Google to find their sample ballot and then do ten minutes of research into the things that are on it. And if you can’t? Call me. I’ll help you.

    Because you are a Patriot.

    Go vote.

    I also wanted to say this: I know the outcome of this election — even if it goes the way I want it to go — won’t make everything perfect. But it could make it better, and better is always good. Even if we just do a little bit better every day, that’s good. A lot of small, positive movements can add up to big, positive change.