2020 WHOA.
Never really thought that this was the year I would be learning a lot about myself. Like how to survive a pandemic, home schooling, no weddings, no socializing.
First, how brilliant did humans become in quarantine? finding ways to create and continue their jobs and how they connect with people. I’m impressed. Honestly. SNL brilliantly stayed live. The Good News Network by John Krasinki, Ellen from home, and so many others. Let’s not forget Doctors, nurses, CNA’s, all essential medical staff, truck drivers, USPS, UPS, Fedex, Police, Fire Departments and teachers….wonderful teachers!
It started on March 17, 2020- For us, we did surprisingly great. I learned a LOT. We had to learn to slow down, which was super easy for me (pretty introverted I learned) but not as easy for my extremely extroverted husband. I do most our shopping online, so that was no change. Except I found the magical option of groceries online and pick up. (never going back) We shared responsibility for the kids, I figured out my home school groove and thank you to the amazing teachers who held my hand every step. The online schooling was wonderful. Hats off to teachers! Also my kids crave structure. So I will not be homeschooling by choice. I learned how much I need a clean and organized house. I never considered myself a clean freak type person but it was time that didn’t allow it. A clutterfree home has been like gold to me. I took 2 truckloads to Sojourners Journey in Sparta, WI and became OBSESSED with getting rid of things. My husband’s company ended up working one week on and on off so we had more of him, and we really settled into life that way.
Some of our highlights were riding the UTV everywhere, building a treehouse, walks and bike rides, lots of movies, board games, Clue being our newest favorite. Glow in the dark bocce ball, Virtual cocktail hours with friends (hello Houseparty app!) a wine subscription, drive by birthday parades and making the holidays somehow extra special for the boys.
I know it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and I know there were money/jobs lost (myself included) and hardships everywhere. But I am proud how we embraced it. The first week when it really hit and school was cancelled I will admit I was afraid, not hoarding toilet paper afraid but still like “are we going to be ok”- afraid. Although the COVID 19 didn’t hit our local area super hard (we currently have 26 cases in our county) I do personally know someone in his early 50’s who contracted the virus and has been in the hospital for over a month and the outcome didn’t look promising for a long time, but he has luckily taken a turn for the better. So, I do believe for a certain person, it can indeed be deadly.
I’m guessing the world may never go back to “normal” in some cases I think that’s ok. I think we can learn to work less and relax more. I think working from home should be welcomed at companies who can. I think companies managed to have employees work less hours but the same amount of work got done. I think we are lucky to be able to have the internet and Netflix and Hulu and Disney + and Spotify. Not sure where we go from here but I did step foot into Target and TjMaxx and it felt pretty good and I spent some of that money we saved staying home. We also went camping with friends and it went super well, so I’d say we’re easing back into society.
In honor of our survival, on our last day of quarantine May 25, 2020 we did this special Safer at Home Session with the amazing Gina Zeidler via facetime.
