Here are some out-of-character things I have done in the last few weeks:

• Filled the entire lower crisper drawer in the fridge with a selection of sodas, because honestly no one is eating lettuce right now but 3 of us are consuming an unholy amount of diet root beer on the daily

• Cleaned all my makeup brushes, for the first time in uhhhhhharrrumph

• Started folding my underwear and putting away bras so they are sort of fancily nestled Victoria’s Secret-style instead of all wadded up in a big clump

• Switched from the good-smelling but probably useless kitchen cleaner sprays to the no-nonsense antibacterial variety

• Purchased a pair of magnifying goggles with a built-in light to further lose my mind over that miniature kit I’ve been working on

• Paid to participate in an online “high intensity” group yoga class. (The in-character thing I did was chickened out at the last minute and didn’t attend.)

Oregon announced that school would be online-only for the rest of the year, which wasn’t hugely surprising but still kind of a gut punch. No 8th grade graduation for Riley; not anywhere near as sad as all the high school seniors missing out on prom and their final year celebrations, but still.

I’m disappointed that Riley, who just blossomed in track last year, will miss this year’s season. Dylan had initially been reluctant to give track a try, but had changed his mind — now he won’t get the chance to see which events he liked, or forge those sports-driven friendships.

It’s hard not to get caught up in worrying about what the long-term repercussions will be for all of this. We went to the cabin on Thursday and I spent a long time sitting next to the river; at one point a boat motored by and I watched how its wake disrupted the entire waterflow for many minutes after its passing. All these ripples and waves, where will we all be in a few months, what will things look like?

Better to feel the sun on my skin, to listen to the birds overhead. Tomorrow is a hope, not a promise.

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PETE J HAIDINYAK
PETE J HAIDINYAK
4 years ago

“Tomorrow is a hope, not a promise.”
Really good line. I’m going to steal it if you don’t mind.

Martha Pepek
Martha Pepek
4 years ago

Thank you for continuing to share! I love “tomorrow is hope, not a promise” as well. I signed up for an online class on “happiness” and I have been completely blowing it off, and, instead bingeing Netflix, eating crap, and trying to get my 11 year old to do his distance learning when all he wants to do is play Minecraft. Such a crazy time. I look forward to your posts. Sending virtual hugs.

Michele
Michele
4 years ago

Which yoga class? I’m looking for something new too.

Kim
Kim
4 years ago

Okay, I knew you were my spirit animal but the diet root beer just confirmed it. I’m so glad you all can get away to the cabin for a nice change of scenery. One of the biggest things I miss about going to work is my daily morning and lunchtime walks around the campus, which is gorgeous this time of year. But, we live in a pretty rural area and I’ve expanded the circumference of my neighborhood walks which is a daily highlight.

Joanna
Joanna
4 years ago

My son learned how to swim late last summer – when I realized our neighborhood pool probably won’t open this summer, ooof.

Out of character things I’ve done – I bought frozen French fries. We usually only get fries on a fast food run or our favorite burger place. The kids were so were thrilled.

My daughter (3) made a wish on a dandelion the other day that someday she can go for a car ride. It’s been forever since they’ve left the house! I had no idea she was missing her car seat. So I took her on a drive around town.

Shawna
4 years ago

So I decided this past month would be a good time to eat all the frozen cake in the freezer (we keep slices of egg-free cake handy because Harris is allergic to eggs – this way he can grab a piece to bring with him to any birthday party or gathering at which there will be dessert) and replace it with a fresh batch. So he finished the cake last week and we baked a new one this weekend with the idea that it would be Easter dessert and the leftovers would go into the freezer. Uh, let’s just say that our freezer is still cakeless.

Emily
Emily
4 years ago

I feel you on the chickening out part. I do that weekly on group zoom chats or facetiming family. If it’s a spur of the moment call, I’m fine. But I psyc myself out (for NO reason) if I have a scheduled time when I know we have to call. And I don’t know why. But high-intensity yoga? Kudos to you for even signing up. And for paying! (did you get a refund at least?)