When I don’t know what to do, I make lists.

I’m so thankful my growing-too-fast-boy is a hugger.  No offence to anyone who sends one, but I’m tired of virtual hugs (and of chocolate ones).  I’d really like to give my tiny learners, fellow teachers, friends and neighbors a great big squeeze!

Does your mind and heart feel jumbled, like mine, these days?  One minute reading each news story and in the next walking away from information overload.  One minute grateful to be home for longer stretches with our people and in the next wishing to be back in our busy schedules.  One minute thankful for food in our pantries and fridges and the next wishing we could come up with a new recipe because we are tired of the same old thing. 

When I don’t know what to do, I make lists. 

So today, a couple of Corona-lists… I bet you can relate to many of these!

*I’m fully overloaded on:*

-The news and any drama of any kind on TV. 

Seriously, do not shed a tear over your cupcakes!  AND There is no way no one knew that handsome but squirmy detective wasn’t in on the murders!

-The dishes. 

If I didn’t care about the future of Earth, we would go to all paper plates, plasticware and cook our food only in foil packets.  THERE IS NO NEED TO GET A NEW CUP FOR EVERY DRINK! (And, yes, I know I only have one child, so I have big feelings for those of you with multiple.  So. Many. Dishes)

-Information about how EVERY business I’ve ever interacted with is handling the virus. 

I went to a hairstylist twice when we moved here seven years ago.  Somehow, I’m still on her email list.  I’ve unsubscribed (three times), but I’m still receiving an email every other day to update me on her cleaning habits.  I can’t.

-Hoarding toilet paper. 

I won’t say much.  Just… why?!

*Things that are getting me through:*

-I moved my “school stuff” into our dining room. 

My boy works at one end of the table and I’m at the other.  So far, our meetings and conferences have only slightly overlapped.  And it is working for us to have an “out of sight, out of mind” situation when we need to walk away.

-Short “to do” lists in the morning and “these are the days of” lists in the evening. 

Marking off my list feels like action, like walking ahead, step after step.  Remembering what’s been done feels like honoring the work of the moment. 

-Strawberry ice cream

It’s always been my favorite.  A friend challenged me to a daily work-out and I will definitely need to incorporate this because the frozen pink goodness that comes in a container with a label that rhymes with Sue Sell is not calorie free.

-Fiction

Fast reads that have nothing to do with real life and MUST have a happy ending.  Fairy Tales?  Yes please!  Kids with superpowers?  ABSOLUTELY! 

*Things I’m treasuring:*

-Later mornings. 

Goodbye 5:15. Hello, 6:30 or so.  A quick morning stretch routine, my reading routine, time to handwrite a journal page AND drink my coffee from a mug.  This is the life. 

-Daily walks with my growing-too-fast-boy and our fur baby. 

My boy tells jokes and holds the leash and sometimes even my hand. (He walks in the middle of the sidewalk, but I’m forgiving and only give him a little bit of a hard time). 

-Sidewalk chalk, bears in windows, drive-by parades, and families on bikes and walks.   

My eyes fill with tears at every single one.  We can’t really hug each other, but with community movements like this, we prove our solidarity, our community and our love for our neighbors. 

Friends, keep doing the things that are working for you.  Keep turning off the screaming world when it gets too much.  Keep looking for ways to love.  Keep remembering to look for the helpers – maybe even BE a helper, set your sights on things above, and remember His mercies are new every morning. 

PS – Keep washing your hands and staying home.

{Virtual} Hugs and Love, Bethany