Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Happy Cinco de Mayo! I know the Mexican restaurants will be hopping around here for take out so I will probably make my own tonight and then get our restaurant Mexican a different night!
1.We don’t go through toilet paper that quickly but my Costco membership is worth its weight in gold for the toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags, laundry and dish detergent that we buy maybe four times a year. It’s just nice not to need those items so frequently. We had just bought toilet paper two weeks before the shelter in place order. Since then, I have picked up a 12 pack and hub has picked up a 12 pack from the grocery. We still have plenty.
2.I have been severely underutilizing my freezer. Your freezer can be your best friend. I will try to always remember this. I froze things to keep them fresh longer. I split meals in two so that we could have it again without me having to cook. I have really not been using my freezer like I should be, but I hope to use it smarter from now on.
3.I really don’t need to go to the store that often. I choose to go because I’m not in the mood to cook things I already have. I have been spoiled by having a grocery store a stone’s throw away. I really would like to only go every two weeks but it would take some adjusting and I do enjoy getting an idea and then trying it. I am super grateful for grocery pick up now, too, even if they make mistakes often.
4.It is really good to take a break from hair products and heat styling. I let my hair air dry most days. My hair feels really healthy.
5.It is really good to give your nails a break. Altthough I love the look of polished nails, it’s probably good to take a break. Also, trips to the nail salon deplete your time and money. I get tired of colors quickly, too, so maybe it is good for me to polish my own nails and change them frequently.
6.It’s nice to take a break from makeup. I think my skin looks better after taking a break. It sure saves money, too, when you do not use your makeup much!
7. I really love my home and I am happy here without going anywhere most days. I can find plenty to do that I enjoy.
8. I really do not need that many clothes. I feel kinda stupid looking in my closet these days. There are only 7 days in a week and just not that many opportunities to wear each item each season. I have been reaching for the comfortable favorites.
9. My boys and my husband are pretty easy to please and have been happy with most of the meals I have made and really are fine with home cooking instead of take out. They can all find plenty of things to do at home and have lots of hobbies, too.
10. I still have to have a shower every day and wash my hair most days, too. I honestly do not understand how people can go days without washing their hair. My hair is fine and starts looking bad, quickly. Plus, I get a hair headache. You know when your hair hurts from being in a ponytail? That is how my hair gets when I do not wash it!
I have done a lot of thinking about how I will remember this time. These weeks have felt slow and not hurried, which I like. But, they have been full of losses and disappointments – some of which were going to be once in a lifetime opportunities like my son Jack getting to sing in Carnegie Hall in NYC with his choir. Even though I miss my students and in person instruction, I never thought I would have the chance to work from home but now I get to try it out.
This pandemic has brought to the surface many emotions and chances to take stock of my life and where I am. I am getting ready to be an empty nester in one fell swoop. I am closer to the end of my teaching career than the beginning. I almost feel as if these weeks are like a pause on reality, if that makes sense.
What lessons have you learned? What will you take from this experience the most?
Once, again, I want to state that all I had to do was stay home. I was privileged to be able to do so. My list of lessons are small potatoes in comparison to a global pandemic.
Stay well and I would love to hear your thoughts – I am sure I forgot some lessons!
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
Great lessons Amy! It is amazing how much we really don’t need but think we do – this time has taught me plenty. As stressful as this time has been for some I love seeing families out riding bikes and taking walks together – that is not the norm because usually everyone is running in different directions. My hair is so fine and thin, I have to wash it just about everyday too, how I wish I didn’t!
xo,
Kellyann
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are many families reaping benefits and there have been positives, too. I don’t really mind washing every day and I like having clean hair so it’s not really a problem!
LikeLike
I’m nodding along as I read. The slower pace has brought us blessings and taught us as well. A few years ago I ‘trained’ my hair to go a couple of days between washes. It does feel strange looking up in your closet and I haven’t ironed in weeks. Blessings to you and your family..
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know I would have to train it but I guess I just like washing daily! To you too!
LikeLike
Yes, to so many of these! I just moved and good lands the clothes I own. It’s really sad because in all honestly I only reach for the basic, comfy ones over and over. Can’t wait to get my hands on some strawberries and make that cobbler. It looks scrumptious! Have a wonderful day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s nothing like moving to help you realize how many clothes you have! I need to Marie Kondo my summer clothes. I am making the cobbler again this week. I hope you like it! Have a great Tuesday!
LikeLike
Yes! I love (& agree) with all of these lessons. My family has been blessed with this time together & I agree with you about missing students but enjoying the opportunity to work from home (since I never thought that would happen!) But, like you mentioned, we don’t have many worries. I still worry about those that do. I know we will look back on this time and be grateful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, me too! And the news and the social media make me so sad. I really have to limit those. I am ready to be free from school I will say. It has mostly been ok but I can see the motivation fading fast and that is making it even harder for me and them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s interesting for me seeing my own kids still being engaged in learning (but it’s only about 2 hours a day) to high schoolers who have checked out! Some we can’t even track down!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad your kids are engaged and 2 hours is about right for their age, because I know they are also reading and helping in kitchen and with other chores.
I am so upset that some of my best kids aren’t engaging. I have tried everything and we do have a 93% engagement overall. My underclassmen are doing great but my seniors are the ones I’m having some issues with. I feel so bad for the seniors but they have an opportunity to get college credit here!
I told them not to let their hard work go to waste or that is another loss.
It’s a cold rainy day here and that is probably not helping my mood. I hope you have a good day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is the perfect time for our students to raise their grades. Complete a few assignments and raise grade to passing or D to C, etc. It’s so frustrating. Yes, thankfully, my own kids still have buy in and want to see teachers and friends…at least for a little bit. It’s gloomy here too! Take care
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I agree! Our district hurt us when they announced that grades couldn’t go down.
LikeLike
Preach on the hair washing! I still wash my hair almost every day, even if I let it air dry/don’t style it. It just feels better. It’s actually really thick but I cannot put on makeup if I don’t have clean hair, so prepping for the day (like when I used to go to work) meant the two just went together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! I have fine hair but lots of it. I do think hair texture plays a role in how much you need to wash. I don’t want to train my hair! Water is cleansing and I feel better!
LikeLike
I totally agree with your list! Life has definitely slowed down and I have learned to be more appreciative. Thanks for posting during this time. I have really been enjoying your blog.
Debbie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too, Debbie! I think I have always been appreciative but I have become more content. Thank you for saying that as I have feared being too repetitive! This blog has really been a bright spot for me and comments like yours make my day.
LikeLike