Last week was HARD for us.
We have been doing mostly ok, but last week was the first time that I felt totally burned out (which was exacerbated by the fact that Kyle was gone* for the week).
*Please note, we both take the shelter in place very seriously and he put off several work trips over the past month, but he is an essential worker and sometimes that means he has to go to the field. Luckily they use ROBOTS and so he was basically by himself for the week. He drove himself, stayed in hotel by himself, and was extremely safe, wearing a mask at all times.
Anyway, being a full time parent and teacher and having no adult interaction at all was a big time struggle. Plus, the kids are finally starting to come apart at the seams, now that the novelty of “school” at home has worn off. They miss their friends and they finally broke down about it all. We all did. I reassured them that it’s good to identify your emotions and however they felt was valid, so it was nice that we all got to use our words to share how bummed we are about various things. It’s heartbreaking to me that I can’t fix this for them. It’s hard seeing them so miserable. I can only explain “the rules” and the “whys” and how lucky we are to be healthy so many times before it just starts to be so repetitive they don’t even hear it. I think in psychology it’s called semantic satiation. It is practically meaningless due to the number of times they’ve heard it.
On top of that, the concept is almost too big for them to grasp. But we are surviving and these ups and downs are just a part of this weird life we are all now leading.
Amiright?
We are all in this together, verdad?
Side perk: we are all speaking MUCH MORE Spanish now! V overhears his teacher’s lectures in Spanish and listens to him reading books and doing math in Spanish and is picking up on so much. Also, I can’t help but continue to talk to them both in Spanish because once my brain goes into Spanish mode, it tends to stick there for the rest of the day.
We did have a big problem with our internet last week, which has continued into this week and makes distance learning VERY difficult.
Yesterday, for the FOURTH time, our internet went out. But this time it was out from 9:30 am until 8 pm. SO PAINFUL! What kind of messed up torture is it to keep me trapped in my house without any access to the outside world. To know the the access to their learning materials are right at the tip of my fingers…but not. Luckily, the weather is gorgeous and the kids love to read. So we aren’t exactly suffering, but still.
I had just finished my (kindle) book and couldn’t even download a new one.
Thank you so much Comcast. You’re reallllly testing me.
Any book recs you want to share? I need a variety of options because I like to switch up genres after I finish each one. I started a tab in my IG stories to keep track of what I’m reading this year, since my 2020 resolution was to read at least a book a month. I’m already on book number 10 though, so I think I’ve exceeded all expectations.
And since I’m soliciting information from you all…how is everyone finding the food supply chain going in their area?
I’m still relying exclusively on my CSA deliveries so I haven’t been out in the real world for quite some time.
Is toilet paper still on shortage? Are the baking shelves empty? Can you find flour or yeast? I’m genuinely wondering if we have gotten things back on track or if we are still all hoarding like crazy people?
Personally, I’m making my way through the bread flour and all purpose flour at an ALARMING rate because baking sourdough is really fun and we are all big big fans.
I feel super proud each time I make something. As if it’s a miracle every time! But it is!! Sourdough is like magic. I’ll show more creations and link to the recipes I’ve been using and links I’ve found helpful when I next get a chance to blog. Fingers crossed our internet holds up!
Just a reminder, if you want a discount on iHerb my promo code EDE739 gets you 5% off your order. It’s how I keep our pantry stocked and they are speedy!
And if you want to try imperfect foods, this link gets you $10 off.
Just last week they had cheese and cracker snack plates (intended for JetBlue flights) for SO CHEAP because obviously the demand for that has dried up in a major way so they need to offload that so it doesn’t go to waste. Way to turn a negative into a positive! Packing Kyle’s lunches is a bit easier thanks to items like that.
I never thought I’d miss the mundane things like grocery shopping and meal planning, but I may be at that point.
Our county’s shelter in place was extended through the end of May. And we have to wear masks anytime we go out now. What’s it like for you guys in other states?
They are starting to sort out guidelines for slowly re-allowing certain activities. And yet, the future still seems pretty uncertain.
Sacramento has maintained very low numbers of covid cases, so that’s super reassuring, although who even knows if any of those stats are reliable since it seems to do entirely with who has access to tests.
It almost feels like summer already!
I would probably quit schoolwork and just embrace the sprinklers, hot cold tub, outdoor free play life style if we didn’t have boxes to check off for the school district.
There is discussion they will go back to school in July to compensate for this lost time, but that’s pretty much theoretical speculation at this point.
The hardest part is the inability to plan, right? Because we don’t know what twists and turns 2020 has in store for us next!!
For people with anxiety, it’s a real doozy of a time.
This has honestly been a huge period of growth for me, in terms of shutting off my brain and not going through the endless cycles of rumination.
It is pointless after all.
I think we are all going to be VERY different people at the end of this. Individually and as a society.
What changes have you noticed in yourself?
Oh yeah… everyone’s still hoarding like crazy people. I’ve turned to canned spinach and carrots rather than fresh/frozen (big parts of my diet) because the supply is so random. TP is still pretty hopeless. No canned green beans, pasta… it’s VERY random.
I’m in MD and we are at-home I think till mid-May (so far…), and have to wear masks in stores and on public transit but not just running outside (which I do every day for sanity!! And I almost did before anyway).
It is indeed a big doozy for the anxious among us. But like you, I think I’ve found it strangely beneficial. If you can’t control it, you MUST (hopefully) learn to just ride the wave because there’s no other choice.
I hope your kids feel better soon and that was just a minor setback!
Yes to all that! Just ride the wave and realize it’s not in our control.
I have been wondering if I should look into canned veggies too because I usually keep frozen on hand as backup but thats one of the things I can’t get online. No pasta either!?! Man oh man.
Our rules are similar. We can exercise without a mask but otherwise it’s now required if you’re going to public places.
Thanks for commenting 🙂 I need the interaction!
Hi Elise,
I’m in the Bay Area (Redwood City)and things are pretty similar to Davis. Although the stores seem to be having a lot more supply lately, we have been able to get flour, paper towels, toilet paper all here in the last week or so. The smaller local stores seem to have the best supply. Although like you I am a loyal Farm Fresh to You customer, so I get as much as I can from then. I have been adding a bouquet of flowers weekly too as a mental health booster!
I have a 2 and 6 year old, my husband and I are both essential workers so it’s been quite the socially isolating balancimg act! One thing this has really shown me is this is difficult for every person in different ways. There is no comparing, and while it’s always necessary to practice gratitude accepting that this just kinda hard and that’s okay has helped my mental state.
As for books (my favorite!)here are some recent ones I really enjoyed: Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune by Roselle Lim (will have you craving Chinese food and set in SF), The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger, Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
I’m not sure if your library uses the Libby app, but you can check out e-books through it and have them sent directly to your Kindle. Thank you for blogging, I rarely comment but always enjoy reading!!
I think some of the supply problems are due to the shift from industrial to home. For example, the need for individual rolls of toilet paper is way up, but the need for those jumbo rolls in public bathroom is way down. You need different machines to produce each type, and you can’t just suddenly switch production. Restaurants tend to use high fat dairy, but people use more low fat dairy at home, and that’s another processing shift. (It’s easy to find whole milk in my stores, but harder to get nonfat.)
I read an interesting article on yeast supply. It’s not that people are hoarding, but with everyone home, there’s a lot more interest in (and time for) baking from scratch. Unfortunately, the producers don’t have enough packaging materials to meet the home demand. As a result, check local bakeries if you’re looking for yeast (or flour). A lot of them are selling their ingredients right now since demand for their finished products is down, but they can still get industrial sized orders of flour and yeast.
I’m not sure if you’re aware of it, but Goodreads is a great site for keeping track of what you’re reading/what you want to read/what you have read. And it keeps stats for the year. It’s pretty awesome.
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for the comment and updates! I cannot imagine how you are both managing to work and keep the kids occupied and not have everyone in tears at the end of the day, but you are right that mindset is everything! Stay safe. And thanks for all the book recs :). I do use the libby app, too, although I often find myself perpetually on the waitlist for things.
Hi Ake! Interesting ideas and observations! I ended up having success buying from our local bakery, so you are right on that!
Thanks Joanna! I used to use goodreads way back in the day and then my account was inactive for so long they shut it down and now I haven’t bothered trying to reopen it. I don’t really have a reason to keep track of the books I’ve read, but maybe I will give it a shot nonetheless…
Been thinking about you lately…I’m sure it’s a big struggle! I am currently reading “Ordinary People” so I can watch the show on Hulu – it’s flying by. I haven’t had a book like that in a long time. Take care, lady.
I just wanted to pop in and say hi! From what I can see you’re doing an amazing job in keeping your kids busy and happy and engaged! I guess weeks like this are totally normal, it really is hard for everyone…. Your meals still look as delicious and inspiring as ever by the way!!
I’m in Australia (west coast) and things have been relaxed a bit here, which has been so nice, and people stopped hoarding! There is light at the end of the tunnel.. although I agree with you, who knows what’s going to happen for the rest of the year… I doubt everything will ever be the same again!!
Book recommendations.. I read “The Batavia” by Peter Fitzsimons a while ago, which was something I would never usually read but got really into (slow start though). I also re-read About a Boy which was still a great book and also loved “light between the oceans” (I read it way before the movie, the book is so much better imo)!
Good luck with everything and I hope Kyle gets back home soon, and the internet will be fixed ASAP!!
hi eveline! thanks for the update and the encouragement. 🙂
good to know things are getting a little closer to normal on your side of the world…i suspect we are all trending in the same direction. did you guys start sheltering in place pretty early on? im curious to see how this will go for the places approaching winter. hopefully the positive trends will continue! thanks for the book recs!
thats the best book endorsement ever. thanks love! stay sane (not a typo for safe, but an equally as hard task)!
Hi – if you want to private message me, I can possibly offer some assistance on the internet issue. I work for the company in question and can connect you with a support team. Thanks for all the great inspiration you’ve been sharing! You’re making a lot of our lives easier – and I have my sourdough starter going on my counter!
Hi!
I’m in Minneapolis and our orders are through 5/18, but always subject to extension. We are (mostly) wearing masks in public. One cool thing I’ve noticed is SO MANY people outdoors (while social distancing). We are an active city to be sure, but it feels like we kicked off summer early.
I rely on Imperfect Foods and order groceries online for pickup. Still hard to find some stuff and LOTS of substitutions to my orders (which I don’t love, but trying to roll with it)
My husband and I work from home and keep our 2 and 4 year olds with us. On our very best days, school at home resembles yours – you’re doing great! I’m giving myself a lot of grace with distance learning (yes, my toddler has distance learning) and instead focusing on life skills like teaching them how to do laundry.
Hang in there!
I hit the jackpot and happened to find toilet paper on Costco’s website…and now they are not in stock until June 1st online for us. When it arrived yesterday it was like Christmas…who would’ve ever thought it would be such a gift 😂 Now we will see how the meat shortage plays out.
My brother and sister-in-law live in Sacramento (I’m in Wisconsin) so they are so grateful for gorgeous weather!
I have three kiddos (11, 6, 4) and I am a high school teacher. I am wiped out and we have all had some good cries together! You are not alone!!
You’re doing awesome!
SCORE for you! I also bought a huge amount through an office supply company (that kyle uses for his work place), so we are set through next year it seems. Ha. Do you have a local rancher or farmer near you to get meat?
Praise you for all the hard work you are doing right now! Distance teaching your own kids AND all your students!!!! OMG that is hero’s work!
Hugs to you all 🙂
Yes girl! I feel you on the life skills thing. Lots of baking and cooking lessons over here! The sourdough is fun for us all. I agree about the outdoor paths being super busy (while still maintaining distance and observing the rules). It feels like this event has forced our society to become outdoorsy people who go on mid-day walks and bike rides.
I am also a person who never would have ordered food online because of all the substitutions out of my control (or complete omissions of items!) but this is a crazy time we are in and miracle of miracles, I am just going with it.
Deep breaths!
Yes! Our school actually has its own school farm for our students to learn hands on and they raise cows. That meat is sold for staff to purchase and is also purchased by our school and our local hospital to use in the cafeteria meals. It’s a pretty amazing program, so yay for that, I can at least get beef soon!
Thanks for the praise! I think all the moms deserve some time to put their feet up this Mother’s Day!!
That’s so cool. UCD has a similar program and it’s sold at a place called the “meat lab”
If you are looking for funny and light hearted book I recommend author Jen Lancaster. Her non-fiction books are the funniest I have ever read. I did not care for her stand-alone novels at all, they just did not have the humor I was hoping for. To all the parents homeschooling and/or being home 24/7 you are doing an outstanding job! Give yourself one positive compliment in the morning and before bed, no matter how small or big, we all deserve a compliment everyday.
Thank you so much Lynn. I will look into her non fiction books for sure! That sounds like the EXACT genre I need.