The Best Coffee, Pumpkin Bread and What's for Supper

The best coffee, IMHO, is Barnie's Coffee & Tea Company's Santa's White Christmas. I have been drinking it this fall because they sell it year-round, now. Usually I resist and resist, because I love saving the flavor until Christmas -- it feels very Christmasy to me. However, in These Desperate Times, I have taken a less firm stance on it. Give me the coffee that tastes yummy and makes me feel comfort and joy! 

I also discovered just this morning, the Salted Caramel Barrisimo coffee pods at Aldi. Quite delicious, mild, and budget-friendly. (I've been doing a lot of grocery shopping at Aldi lately. I do think it's saving me money and I'm getting used to it; but I still don't love it. A bit of a mental obstacle for me, to shop at the "discount" store, but I am trying to frame it as being wise/responsible. I'm mostly getting fruits/vegetables and raw meats at Aldi; $2.99 for a bag of honeycrisp apples versus $5.49 at Publix. For some things, like canned black beans or boxed pasta, I am not brand-loyal, and a 55-cent can versus a $1.98 is a huge difference. Or, $7 for a box of 10 Keurig pods at Publix versus $4.50 or so at Aldi. For other items, I do still need my favorite brands (Spaghetti-Ohs, frozen breakfasts, sandwich bread, SWC coffee). Anyway, it takes a little longer going to 2 stores, but it's helping me stick to my newly-instituted (by me) grocery budget, and for that I am thankful, and feeling smart.)

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I had the time and ingredients to make a delicious pumpkin bread yesterday -- 2 loaves' worth! You should try it. One is in the freezer, but I might as well have left it out because we're halfway through the first loaf already. It uses a box of vanilla pudding mix, so you can imagine how tasty and melt-in-your-mouth it is. Goes particularly well with Salted Caramel flavored coffee, I can attest. 

I haven't posted much about the next topic here, on purpose, but I will say my pumpkin bread with cinnamon butter was a nice celebratory treat this morning, after learning I am down 13 pounds since July. I've been working on it, I didn't just lose weight surprisingly. I'm monitoring calories, drinking lots of water and exercising daily -- my main reason is to lower my cholesterol which was startlingly high in July. Darn you, Quarantine Spring, when we ate cookies and chips constantly, and drank tons of coffee with cream (or, I did). 

Of course, what "monitoring" means is "tracking every bite, every day," and yes, I agree that is a Pain. But I've gotten used to it; I use an app, and it seems to be working, so I'll take it. I won't say more, just that if you've done carb-restrictive diets like I have in the past few years, I think I have finally concluded that, for me, this way is better. No food is off-limits, just stay in your calorie-range. If you want Cheetos, eat some Cheetos, but then eat fewer of your suppertime potatoes or something. Bah. Anyway. I still have a few pounds to go until I feel like I'm finished losing, and I hope to be able to enjoy the holiday indulgences a LITTLE, but not too much. I refuse to have to start over in January. 

SO! For dinner this week: 

S (last night): White Bean Chicken Chili

M: Roasted Kielbasa/Chicken Sausage and Potatoes and Broccoli (Sheet-Pan Supper)

T: French Bread Pizzas and Caesar salad (I might eat bean soup that's in the freezer -- fiber!)

W: Whole Wheat Rotini bake, Garlic Knots to negate the goodness of the whole wheat ;)

Th: Pork Tenderloin with Green Bean Casserole (I need a new way to make green beans, but this way works once in a while!)

F: @football game! I think the team will be back to play a home game so it's hot dogs at the stadium, yay!

And you? 

Productivity or Lack Thereof

I am having the hardest time with productivity. Even while working from home. I've tried lots of different approaches to managing it: 

• Making a long, continuous to-do list. Doesn't work. I keep adding to it and feel like I never cross things off; I do, it just doesn't feel like it since the list gets longer.
• Scheduling tasks on my calendar. I've tried to make this work for a LONG time, but it's a hard Nope. I get mad when someone else's meeting (no one respects other people's calendars), or pop-up task, forces me to move MY task. 
• Pomodoro method. Kinda successful, but the time I give myself for a task (25 minutes, 30 minutes) is almost never enough to get it completed. So I start the timer a second time (after a break), but then can't focus again. Probably a me-problem.
• Lately I'm trying the Top 3 tasks of the day method. It's going... ok, I guess, but again, other things pop up and so I don't always even finish 3 measly items. !!!! It's infuriating. 

I've also learned that OMG, when I am in the office, it's nothing but Distraction from my boss! I love her dearly, but she talks to herself, and kind-of halfway to me, through the wall that we share, and it's SUPER annoying. Like, "Mike Smith calling me, wonder what he wants?" or "Did we...." (as she clicks around in her files)... "oh, here is that thing I'm looking for, never mind!" AGHHHH. Working at home so much during COVID has made me really NEED my quiet.

Anyway, I'm at the office today, and I have one meeting at 10:00 am which is a rather stressful topic (and promises one million more tasks in my future), so I'm dreading it. I hope to finish things BEFORE that meeting: Task number one in the next hour. Then task number two after the meeting, and task number three right after lunch and before I have to leave here at 3:00 (am loving the hard-stop at 3:00 for carpool, I have to say). 

I guess I can't stay here and whine about it but need to get going, lol. 

3 Stories, and Dinner Menus for the Week

1. Liver cysts: Back in June, while we were in Destin, Shawn started feeling a sort-of pain in his side. He assumed that he'd pulled a muscle while tossing Kate around in the pool, because she is definitely too old to be tossed at age 12. (She still loves it, though, and he's Fun-Dad enough to do it.) He waited for the feeling to subside but it never did, so finally in mid-August, he went to his primary care doc. She recommended an X-ray and ultrasound, and from that, we got the news that there were some cysts on his liver (who knew?!), and "a 2x2cm mass...." that needed to be further investigated. The news came via a healthcare app, so it was just written, not delivered with any calming guidance from a doctor. And that little word, "mass," when not described as 'probably benign,' or described at all, but just typed out in your record, will make your mind go in the wrong direction. Especially when you schedule the next required thing, an MRI, and have to wait a full week until the appointment. Just about every possibility crossed our minds; me trying to remain positive until we had reason not to be, him feeling the full scope of What If. Understandably. Long story short, the MRI result was better -- just complex cysts, no treatment necessary. But it was certainly an experience. I guess we're in watch-and-see mode now; trying to improve diet by adding fruits/vegetables and fiber, and decreasing fast food. The good thing is, he already has a gastroenterologist to help monitor the situation. 

2. Football: So, Alex's school is playing football, as are all the high schools around here, still surprisingly to me. And the marching band is allowed to play at the home games. They're very socially distanced; they wear masks when not playing (some even while playing, like drums, who don't need their mouths), and they're not wearing their regular uniforms because of handling them and changing in a room together and all that. Of course we want to support the band, so we went to the first game. Masks required. And people were not wearing their masks!! It was just infuriating. The commentator kept saying, in between every quarter, "Fans, please do your part to keep everyone safe: Masks are required at all times. Maintain a safe distance from others. And Go Hoyas!" or something like that.... and still, people sat in the stands and just refused to wear their masks. I can't tell you how annoying it was. We declined to attend the 2nd home game. I'm not sure about the third; it's supposed to be this Friday, but the most recent game was cancelled because of "Covid-19 within the organization." YOU DON'T SAY.

3. Detentions: Ohhhhh, you guys. Kate got 2 detentions for the first time ever. She's not Never been in trouble; in K and 1st, I think, she sometimes got "on yellow" for talking too much, heh. Our little extrovert. But this was 7th-grade trouble. She took her iPod to school (violation #1, devices are not allowed on the premises), and she filmed a TikTok w/her bestie in the girls' restroom, while wearing her uniform with her school's name in huge letters (violation #2). And she posted it. And then, another PARENT reported it. (I'm wrestling with feeling mad about that, and wishing I knew who it was. I have a few suspicions.) She got called in to the principal's office and everything. I'm told she burst into tears. I got to speak with the Assistant Principal for half an hour, and she got her Conduct grade lowered. I feel... bad about it, on the one hand, that we don't have strong enough house-rules that her iPod would have automatically been collected and put away on a school-day morning. But also, she definitely should have known better. The teacher who monitored her detentions was very kind when I picked her up, telling me that it's pretty typical for 7th graders to push limits and try things. We implemented a mini punishment at home, too -- a week without her devices, except for once in the evening to check messages. She wouldn't let me even say the word "detention," she was so uncomfortable with the whole thing. Also part of the punishment, I now check her TikTok every single day. Funny, she hasn't posted a single video since then. 

4. Menus for the week: Before I go into that, we went out to eat on Saturday night! The weather here has been amazing, definitely comfortable enough to sit outside (maybe even slightly too cool), so we took Kate (Alex was away for the night) to the local pizza place. It was so great to be at a restaurant! We wore masks until we sat down, the tables were spread out appropriately, and it felt lovely and normal. I'm not saying we'll do that often, especially not if it gets any colder, but it was a nice treat. This week we're eating at home: 

S - (last night) Chicken Fried Rice (homemade) and egg rolls (from the frozen section). SO easy and good!

M- Maple Glazed Salmon, roasted potatoes and green beans, and French rolls. Family favorite.

T - Hot dogs w/chili, and fries (Tuesdays are my office days and I'm usually wiped out after that)

W - Salisbury Steak,  mashed potatoes, broccoli

Th - Creamy Tomato Pasta (Pioneer Woman), salad

I mean, all of these things are our usual standards, really... I guess because I post so infrequently, it seems like we have the same things all the time. We don't necessarily, but I guess every family has its regular rotation. I should list ours all out, to really see how many different things we typically eat. I sometimes wonder if my family considers me a "good cook," or just an adequate cook. 

F - football game? We'll see.

I hope my 4 readers are all healthy and happy today, enjoying the fall, being productive (or enjoying rest), and feeling content. :)

Things I Haven't Been Doing

1. Singing. I quit the choir as soon as the pandemic started, and I quit being a cantor at Saturday Vigil Masses the minute the director emailed to say "We can go back, but in a limited way." I have felt guilt over this, of course -- the subhead of this blog could be, "She feels guilt about not going to choir" -- but I have also felt something else, new: I just can't fathom singing anymore. Not because of the physical act of singing, which is of course dangerous, what with droplets and all. But because there's no desire to sing. I have no desire to exercise my vocal muscles or improve my talent. It's like all that dried up with society's general optimism. (It's also partly that I don't want to sing what they're singing; the current director doesn't choose things I like or teach music the way I prefer.) I feel a little sad over it, yes. But a little like... it's as good an excuse as any... ? I have long known I don't want to be one of "the old ladies of the choir," meaning I want to stop before I get warbly and grey-haired. And while I'm not "old," I'm sort-of ready to shed that future-persona, already. It's weird. I'm just over it. Being something I really, truly loved to do once, it's a huge change.

2. Blogging. Not even when I gave myself three distinct prompts last time! I owe you stories about football, liver cysts, and detentions. You'll have to wait because I don't feel like it!  

3. Feeling SO nervous when Alex drives. I'm getting used to it. He's now in "his" car, a 4-door sedan, and I think it fits him so much better than my car, a small SUV. He seems more comfortable and it is easier handling than mine, I'll admit. Today he drove carpool to pick Kate up (with me). He's eligible for his license but wants to practice parking/parallel parking a little more before his test. Eeeeeee. This little baby of mine!  

Thanks, Papa Joe, for selling us your car!

Pensacola

My head and heart have been in Pensacola the last couple of days, for obvious reasons. (Hi, Mom.) My parents are fine, safe and sound, and they have a small generator with which to keep their fridge running, and a lamp at night, for now. They've been out twice looking for ethanol-free gas to power it, and haven't had success finding that. But I think we're all hopeful the power will be restored sooner than they need to fill the gas tank. They went to Publix today (the day after) and were able to get some supplies.

Hurricanes are a part of life on the coast, of course, but they so frequently go just west, that Pensacolians are fairly complacent about them, I think it's safe to say. This one was forecast to go west up until the very day it didn't, I think -- if not all the way west to Louisiana (god love 'em), then at least Mississippi. And not that we wish any ill on other states/people, but we figured we'd be okay... I mean, they, they in Pensacola figured it would be a lot of rain and wind, but not the major flooding and destruction that they eventually got. My "we" is for my people!  

Ugh. It's tiring to think of how long it will take to clean it all up. We (Georgians) offered to go down and help - I say, to ease my own conscience here for when future-me reads this. Mom said it wasn't necessary, and we agreed that with their limited resources we'd likely be more of a drain than a help. But thank goodness for good neighbors and family members, taking care of each other. I really wish I could do more.

Anyway, our lives continue on normally (haha, well, Covid-normal) while they have to deal with aftermath, and that makes me feel weird, too. We (the kids and I) watched Survivor this evening while Shawn went out to play cornhole. [This is something he's just started, have I mentioned it? A coworker invited him - it's a whole Atlanta league and everything. It's good for him, I'm 100% behind it! One night a week.] 

One of the things we've become good at during the pandemic is ordering on apps. That sounds silly to say, but Before, I rarely used an app to order food. I was still calling up the Papa Johns on my HOME PHONE! (I have the number memorized, a fact of which I am proud.) Now I have several restaurant apps on my phone; enough that I can compare the features. The ChickFilA One app, I think, is the gold standard. It's amazing. I love how it knows when I've arrived, and how it tells me "a team member is on the way out to your car." The Moe's app is also fairly easy to use, and comes with the typical snark of the Moe's menu and brand-image. Then there's the Subway app, for which I have several saved Favorites, and used just tonight. The way theirs lets you customize your sandwich is fun -- it shows the sandwich all spread out, and you can just delete the brown mustard if you don't like it (and I don't)!

My paragraph transitions are like my entire brain right now. We just go hopping from one thing to another in zig-zag with no rhyme or reason, and so here is the next topic: Work is fine. Busy. Today I finished a project wherein I had to do some screen recordings (and record my Voice as well, talking, UGH). It took forever, but MAN, does it feel good to have it done (for now; Draft 1 is always just that, a draft). There are still many millions more projects that get assigned but not really followed up on, which makes me feel adrift and behind All The Time. But I just plug away, doing the best that I can, trying to accomplish Something every day. I try not to count the minutes/hours I've worked, and just DO my life. Do my work... but take a walk when I want to/need to. (I mean, I don't do as much cleaning or laundry as I would want to have accomplished, but that's what weekends are for!) 

I'm also trying to use the Calm app that I pay for year after year, and actually sit down with a 10-minute meditation every day. I am aiming to improve both my short-term memory, which is terrible, and my general focus. 

We ate well this week: 

- Bulgogi Pork Tenderloin, Jasmine Rice, Broccoli

- Chicken enchiladas (and as a family we agreed we need to back off a little on the Tex-Mex theme, lol)

- Meatloaf (leftover/frozen from several weeks ago), made new with homefried potatoes and a shredded cabbage/lettuce salad

- Penne pasta w/chicken and pantry parmesan cream sauce (by that I mean, cream of mushroom & chicken soup, a little milk, and grated parm)

- Subway 

That's what's up, at this moment. I have some other stories I could tell you, but another time. They include the words liver cysts, football game, as well as detention. !! Several different stories. :) 

When Will This Feel Normal?

Tuesdays are now my office days, necessary because Shan and I are handling our Education department, and with virtual classes only, we are mailing out course materials each week for the next week's participants. It's a lot of FedExing. But hey, if I have to go in, at least there is work to be done, and at least it's still only once a week. Our boss has said he still doesn't want everyone back full-time. I am so thankful for him. Not thankful that he got COVID, but it has definitely worked in favor of those who don't want to go back to the office full-time, like myself.

This feeling of the strangeness of heading to the office, though -- it's odd like everything else this year, I suppose. It feels weird to blow-dry my hair and have to choose shoes. Putting the coffee into a travel mug... I wonder if those things will ever be so mundane that I don't think about them, again. 

An aside: I bought myself a new coffee mug for home this weekend, from Publix. One of my favorites, from my college, chipped on the rim, and that is no good at all. I regretfully threw it in the trash. While shopping several weeks ago, I had seen a mug that said, "I'm not feeling very Worky today" -- and wanted it so badly! So me! Unfortunately, I am so cheap that the extra $5.00 wasn't a "necessary" spend -- this was before my college mug broke... but I have regretted it ever since because it sold out immediately (I've looked every time I've been to Target since then). The new one is bright orange and not as adorable, but makes me happy, especially because it was $1.99.

Alex goes back to in-person marching band practice today, as well. With all kinds of rules, of course, and thank goodness: Rules about where to park so the directors can come to your car to take pre-rehearsal temperatures. Rules about where to stand after you get out of the car. Rules for the brass instruments about covering their bells. Rules about promptness for pickup because they can't gather anywhere in a group to wait for latecomers. No sharing snacks during breaks. No water jugs to refill your water bottles. No parents can congregate to watch rehearsal (one of the most fun things). STILL: I am so glad they get to do this. I hope and pray everyone behaves so 1) no one gets sick, and 2) they get to keep doing it. It's just for football season, and they're only playing at home games, and not everyone will get to play at every game because there isn't room, social-distance-wise, for every band kid in the section of bleachers assigned to them. Sigh. But it's something, and they will practice together. Amen and Amen.

....annnnnd I've just been reminded that something huge is due today and I haven't yet done it. There is so much going on, all the time, at work and I dropped the ball! AgH. So today in the office is going to be a scramble. I've gotta go, but I do want to catalog three yummy dinners we're having this week!

S - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn (haven't made meatloaf in so long. it's a classic for a reason.)

M - Creamy Parmesan one-pan chicken/rice with steamed broccoli

T - Calzones made w/Crescent rolls and chicken sausage, salad

My Kitchen Smells Good This Week!

Specifically, today it smells good -- I have red beans (pinto beans) in the crockpot. P.S. I just learned this week that when my mother makes Red Beans & Rice, she uses pintos! What the what?! I never knew this. If Mandy were still reading here, she'd have something to say.

I've felt pretty good about the last few weeks of dinner menus, although I didn't post any. Some memorable ones: 

Pasta Primavera, but using the veggies I had (spinach, broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini), so basically nothing like the recipe I just linked, lol.

Chicken Fried Rice. This is one of the easiest things, I don't know why I don't make it more often. I made teriyaki chicken (made up the recipe, really - soy sauce, garlic, a little honey, voila).

Breakfast for dinner! One night I decided enough was enough (menu planning, I mean) and we had pancakes, but the really great thing (once I got over my need to control the kitchen) was that KATE made the pancakes! I just told her, "You are in charge of the pancakes." She made blueberry, chocolate chip, AND regular... and a mess, naturally, but still. A kid who cooks, I'll keep. ;) We had fruit salad, too, and bacon.

A variety of quesadillas. I've had this container of BBQ pork in my fridge for a week or 2 (or 3), and the other night I decided to use it for a fancy quesadilla. I added red onion, BBQ sauce, and cheddar, and made a sour cream sauce to go with it. If I'd had cilantro, that would have made it better, but I didn't. Also made a plain chicken-and-cheese, and a black bean quesadilla, because those are always good. Served with canned corn and chips/salsa.

And tonight is Red Beans (and Rice), but from scratch, not the Zatarain's box (which we normally use, and I do love). They've been cooking since 8:00 a.m. and are going to be delicious, with corn bread muffins. I need to add the sausage at about 4:00, then cook it 2 more hours. 

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School is going well! The local newspaper headline this morning about the private schools who went back (including ours): "So Far, So Good." Teachers and students seem to be doing really well with mask wearing and enforcement, as well as taking "mask breaks." Kate says it feels pretty normal, all things considered. Honestly, I hope the administrators find value in the new practices that can carry over into the future, when things really ARE normal again -- like holding more classes outside, taking a 10-minute walk (mask break) around the school once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and virtual teaching when there's a need for it. I heard a report saying lots of schools have decided "We'll never have Snow Days again," and to that I Strongly Disagree, as will kids everywhere... but ... it makes sense, really. And a little virtual schooling on Snow Days couldn't hurt.

Back to School Today

Today Kate goes back to school, in person. 

She was so happy this morning, ready to see her friends and get out of the house, even if it means wearing a uniform and a mask. 

Her school has done everything in its power to create a safe, clean environment for the kids and teachers. There are multiple new hand-washing stations; mandatory masks; extra furniture was moved out of classrooms to create more space for desks to be further apart; Kate's homeroom is actually in the cafeteria because her grade is one of the bigger ones; no one's using lockers because they're too close together; they're going to spend plenty of time outside; no food is being brought in, every kid brings his/her own; and on and on. 

It's going to be so good for the kids to be back in a school environment, with structured days. Wow, does Kate need that. She has been very bored lately. Doing her best, I mean -- she tries to keep busy with crafting (friendship bracelets, tie dye, painting) and practicing piano and playing games online with her friends, but, um... those things do not a full life make. Confession, I've not done the best job alleviating her boredom. It's hard to do when I'm trying to keep my job. Working from home full-time has been amazing and I hope I get to do it forever, but I've not been that good at creating summertime balance. I've tried to start my days early (7 or 7:30), but inevitably I keep working until about 4:30 -- instead of planning ahead to finish up after dinner, for example, so that we can go do something fun in the afternoons. I've spent the last few days feeling really guilty/sad about that. 

But on the other hand, we have done what we could. Lots of swimming when we had the chance. Our lunchtimes together, every day. "Big" outings to Target or Publix or WalMart. Watching some movies in the dark living room when it's been stupid-hot outside. 

In a way, I'm pretty sad that this time of ease, as far as not having obligations or places to be, has to come to an end. I know it's what we all want - back to normal - but being homebound has been nice, too. Now we'll be waking up on time, and I'll be driving carpool every afternoon. We opted not to use after-care this year, in an effort to save the money since I'm at home most days, anyway. I could say it's also safer than spending MORE time with a wider variety of kids, but mostly it was just that I'm available for the first time in my life, to pickup every day at 3:15.

It's a weird day, at any rate. I'm for sure not going to be very work-productive.

Wildlife!

Being home more (always) has given me a glimpse into the Nature living around my house. I hung a red hummingbird feeder last spring for the first time in years, and it did bring hummingbirds; what a delight to have seen so many of them when it was still cool enough to have my coffee outdoors! Even this past Sunday, I had a hummingbird fly up and, it appeared, look me directly in the eye from about 8 feet away. 

One Sunday morning back in April, as I was sitting at the kitchen table, a deer walked into our backyard. We've seen them back there before, waaaaaay back in the forest behind where our lawn ends. But this one just casually walked into the grass. WELL into the yard, right by one of our brick-edged flower beds. I was indoors but when I moved to the window to try to get a photo, she (I assume she was a she) moved away and bounded off, back to the woods. She was so close!

The next day, a Monday, Kate and I were sitting outside on the front porch. Our porch is hedged with... um, hedges.... and we noticed some movement in the leaves. I thought, are there birds in there? But no, they were lizards. Two of them, and they were, aah, puffed up and doing what must have been a mating dance. I don't know, I've never seen one before! Kate got a giggle out of that one. They were not fazed by us watching them, and it went on for at least a half hour. *big eyes*

We frequently see hawks around here -- the Atlanta basketball team is named the Hawks for a reason -- but one day last spring, I watched a hawk perch itself on top of our trampoline for a few minutes. They're so ominous looking, but thrilling. 

One of the MOST interesting animals I watched was on a Wednesday morning (I only know that because I noted it in this draft) -- it was an actual, factual FOX. In my yard. It started in the back, and I noticed it out of the corner of my eye while I was on the laptop in the kitchen. Thought to myself, "I think there's a stray cat out there." I looked up. NOPE. Was not a stray cat. Had a fluffy tail and a pointy nose, and everything. I "followed" it as it went through our side yard and I went to the front door (inside!), and peered out the front door windows. It trotted along out to the street. Yikes. Shawn says a fox won't hurt you, but I'm not so sure. All the years of fairy tales where the Fox is Sly make me nervous to actually SEE one. But still, a little thrilled!

Finally, in mid July, two black wild turkeys visited. They took the same path as the fox had, through the side yard and coming out to the front, then waddling into the neighbor's driveway, and even boldly walking to their front door, before heading across the street. Wild turkeys! So weird! 

Updating to add: Hummingbirds! This week (Aug 10) I am seeing at least 2 hummingbirds, one of which is perching, not just flying, right outside my kitchen window! They are so wee and so cute! I refilled my hummingbird feeder yesterday and it worked -- they're here! But it's remarkable to see them sitting instead of moving! Eeeeeee! I love birds so much.

I've been on the lookout for more appearances from all these creatures, but haven't seen any lately (of course now it's summer, and hot). Woodland creatures! An unexpected Covid blessing, of sorts.

Favorite Pandemic Lunches, and Boredom

Being at home all the time means I am always eating lunch from my own fridge. Never popping out to get Which Wich, or going on my weekly outing with Shan (sushi, or Mexican), or ordering Jimmy John's, or even just running through the Taco Bell drive-thru once in a while. Huh, I do miss a few things about working in an office, I guess. 

Today is order out for lunch-day. We have been good all week. Usually it's Chick Fil A because my goodness, their app is easy to use. But mostly, we try to stick to the plethora of things that our own kitchen can offer (grateful, grateful, grateful). Here are our favorites:

• Alex: 2 Corn Dogs and chips (Spicy-Sweet Doritos is his preference). He has also rediscovered canned chili mac (Chef Boyardee), which I bought a lot of when I first went panic-shopping to try to "stock up."
• Kate: Roast beef sandwich on lightly toasted bread, with Ranch dressing, lettuce and cucumber. She likes BBQ Kettle chips the best, and always has an apple or some berries with it.
• Me: Morningstar Farms Spicy Black Bean burger cooked in a skillet (7 minutes for a nice, crispy outside) served over lettuce/tomato salad, with guacamole if I have it, or sour cream, and lots of Cholula. Or a good cheese/crackers/veggies snack-plate will do me just fine.

The kids also like Totino's pizza rolls and Bagel Bites. I am so glad my freezer can (barely) hold all of the stuff we need to make sure there are options! I know I should make things like soups or pastas, so they're eating more healthily, but I tell you, the ease of them just grabbing something and microwaving it is saving my sanity most days.

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This is been an extra-long work-week, it seems. A lot of meetings, a lot of drama (we cancelled some trainings because Covid won't go away, and of course we were awaiting the coworkers' test results, all negative I'm told), and then big, annoying projects. I'm pretty tired of working, and the kids are pretty bored with being home, doing nothing. 

I know I've said that I'm infinitely grateful the kids aren't young; but I think if they were, I would have been compelled to try a little harder, you know? Take them to the park once in a while, at least. I feel guilty that we haven't done any "excursions" with all of this extra time together. ("You're working full-time!" argues my head. "I know, but, what about Making Memories?" whimpers my heart.) It has been hot lately, so no one would want to go do anything, anyway; and of course a lot of fun things aren't open. I guess no use crying over spilled milk; today they'll go swim next door, just the two of them. Our neighbors went out of town and we're watching their dog, so yay, a pool all to ourselves. Maybe we'll make the most of that this weekend. Maybe these next 2 weeks before school starts, I can try harder.

I don't know, just the state of life is a motivational bust, isn't it? I try to put on a happy face, but ... yeah. Sometimes it's just not there.

COVID Comes Closer (too close!); plus other stuff

Yesterday I learned that my office has a positive COVID case. Not just my building (which had had a couple), but the company I work for. The guy (Kevin, our company president) has been in the office nearly every day since this all began. Lots of time with his door closed, but there. I went in on Tuesday and he was there for a while, but I didn't even see him. However, my manager, with whom I had 2 hour-long meetings that day, probably had seen him and even worse, had ridden in his car the week prior, and we all know there's a 14-day incubation (or whatever) period. So. 

Shan is getting tested today or tomorrow, and we'll see what her results are.  

When I found out I became instantly nervous, and blurted out to the kids that I probably needed to not kiss/hug them until we know. Maybe overly cautious and it likely scared Kate, but I'd rather be overdramatic than infect all of them. I feel fine, Shan feels fine, in fact Kevin felt fine last I heard. I considered sleeping in the guest room instead of our queen-sized bed last night, but in the end didn't. I'm not panicked, but I'm also busy with work and trying not to think/worry about things so much. I had a moment in prayer recently where I was working on Trust. Even if I can't trust God about the entire future, can I at least trust Him for one day? I think so, yes. One day at a time seems reasonable. Plus, I'm sure you've had the thought, as I have, that we're all bound to get it eventually.

::: UPDATE: She was Negative! Whew! 

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In unrelated news, I just made a pot of stovetop mac and cheese (homemade) and added in crumbled bacon. (No really, it's unrelated, Kate asked me for it for lunch today. I WANT to eat a big bowl full, with a spoon, and then finish off the cookies and cream ice cream for dessert... but I'm not going to.)

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We found out that band camp is going to be entirely virtual, and that all the competitions and trips they had planned for this year are cancelled. Boo hoo! They're still going to try to create this year's show, in some way. They're hopeful they'll be able to play at football games, which are still inexplicably on, though delayed for 2 weeks. They "plan to utilize protocols for safeguarding members, including using tools to minimize the production and spread of aerosolized particulates, sanitizing facilities and more," whatever that means. Something about bell covers for instruments.

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Here are 10 good things about right now:

1. Both kitties are curled up within view, one within distance for me to reach. Ash loves to help me work. 
2. I have lost 4 pounds as I begin a big effort to lower my cholesterol. I also started taking Fish Oil and eating more "heart healthy" things. Yay, oatmeal! Yay, fruits and veggies! Also yay, LOTS of water! (Boo, being older, but yay for knowing what needs doing and doing it.)
3. The heat of summer is trying to kill off my spring plants, but it hasn't yet. I pruned the scaveloa pretty severely and that helped. My tomato plant has 11 tomatoes, of which about 6 are red and almost ready to be picked. They're tiny, about 2" diameter if that, but I'm still excited.
4. I am about to finish a BIG project for work that's been the bane of my existence this week.
5. The kids are going nextdoor to swim this afternoon (I'm so, so grateful for these kind neighbors.)
6. I read that dispensation from Mass has been extended, in my archdiocese, until Aug. 2. No guilt!
7. A very large tree branch fell in our front yard but it didn't hit anything. 
8. The crape myrtles are blooming; lots of pink in my back yard.
9. Some birds discovered the bird bath Shawn bought me for my birthday; they don't come visit often, but it's fun when they do. Eastern Towhees. 
10. Shawn and the kids painted our kitchen this week, while I worked! It needed painting; the beige was scuffed and dirty looking all the time because it was matte finish and showed every bump. See how pretty it turned out? 

Before, dingy beige

After, "Graceful Grey" (Behr)

And So It Goes

Today our public school district announced that Fall 2020 will start out 100% virtual, instead of going back to school. 

I am so relieved.

I am also so sad.

Three weeks ago, they said we would have to decide on our own, whether we'd send our kids back or do online school. I knew that the right call was to keep Alex home, but he had said immediately he wanted to go back. I was reading all the advice saying "We have to be the grown-ups, we have to be the bad guys in this situation, for our kids' -- and the nation's -- health, and keep them home." ...but still, I was willing to let him choose. To order him to wear his mask, obviously, but let him go. His mental health and growth and development is a factor in all of this, too. He was looking forward to it.

But now we don't have the choice, and I'm sad for him. We're waiting for an email from the band directors to come tonight. Supposedly fall sports are still on (... ?? how is that feasible? football? are you kidding me? surely this will change soon, too), and we are supposed to start Band Camp next week. 

I am trying to stay calm for Alex's sake.

Kate's private school has been moving toward in-person school with an option to do virtual, and they probably have an easier time planning for it all, being exponentially smaller than the public district; but I do wonder if this will alter their plans as well.

I feel some legitimate sadness hovering over all of us; the kids are so bored, and starved for contact with their friends. They've both had one or two sleepovers and visits, but it's not enough. I know they're in contact with friends online, but it just isn't the same. I worry for their futures, their relationships, their mental health. 

AND on the other hand, I'm determined to do my best to help make it a good semester anyway. How can I do it better than in Spring? How can we be together more? How should we order our days to make them Good Days? What can we add that will be of value later? What can we subtract? It's our job as parents to give it our best shot for our kids. I want to do that. I pray I'll have the energy and means. I pray work will let me be here and work flexibly, and that I'll keep my job. 

One thing I think is sorely missing from all the leaders, is some hearty cheerleading for everyone -- you know, like, "Everybody come on, together we can DO THIS!" Maybe that's what I need to focus on most of all. Rallying the troops. Positive attitudes. 

Went to the Office!

Yesterday I went in to my office for the first time in almost exactly 3 months. How odd! A place I used to kind-of dread, now making me feel nostalgic and warm. LOL! 

When I walked in, my close-to-the-door coworker greeted me so kindly; I missed her sweet friendliness. Then the General Mgr. walked by me and said, "Lee! What are you doing here? Get the hell out of here!" (His 'humor' leaves a little to be desired, but I knew what he meant. He's a big germophobe, actually, and still wants people staying home. Thank God.) It was nice to be so enthusiastically greeted. In the old days, there were barely-there "good mornings" from the tired cube-land drones (including myself) as I walked by. 

My desk was dusty, and my monitor seemed enormous after 3 months of working on a laptop. I completed a lot of desk-tasks, though -- packing up some products to send out, printing some letters on letterhead, and dropping some things in the office of another coworker, to be picked up next time she's in the office. 

I only stayed until 3, because I wanted to take Alex to get a haircut and they close at 6; but since everyone is more tolerant of flexible schedules now, I didn't have to feel bad about that. I hope that will last. The guilt of not being "where you're supposed to be" was/is the worst part about being a working outside the home mom. Maybe I'll be okay with going back a few days a week eventually. For now, though, one day was plenty and I am relieved to be laptopping it at my kitchen table again this morning, and for the rest of the week, with Ash the cat snoozing on the notebook beside me. 

Garden (and other) Updates: Day 87

In late April, I planted a Better Boy tomato, cilantro, basil, chives, and flowers. Begonias, mostly, but some impatiens and Verbena as well, a geranium, and my 2 hanging scaveola plants. They all did so well through the spring! And it's thanks to COVID in large part, because for once in my life, I was at home and able to tend to them. But as summer hits, things are starting to deteriorate in the Gardening department:

• The tomato, mostly, just failed. We'd been so hopeful, with three green tomatoes actually growing and many other blossoms looking like the start of a bumper crop. But then yellow leaves appeared at the bottom, which I learned was likely a sign of too much water. I'd remove the yellow leaves (so they wouldn't be a "sugar drain," on the fruit), but the next day there'd be more. In the last week or so, the remaining blossoms have all withered and the 3 green tomatoes have not grown at all. And it's rained heavily the last 2 days. :( I've helped that plant to Jesus, I guess.
• UPDATE: 3 hours after posting, I went out to check the plants and there are 3 new babies on the tomato! It's looking okay! It might actually survive! hope hope pant pant hope hope
• The cilantro, which I was using so happily to make salsa every week, started to flower, and stopped making big pretty leaves. I could buy another plant at Publix to replace this one, I guess.
• The scaveola are doing okay. I try really hard to put them under a porch when it rains (they don't like overwatering, either) and to keep pruning them back. They're so pretty, and I want them to live.
• Begonias looks great. Some are getting leggy, but still lots of flowers.
• Impatiens look great. I'm really pleased because earlier in my adult life, I tried to grow impatiens and they didn't work out (I think they got too much sun). They're happy little flowers.

Ah, well. Shawn maintains that when we go away for a week, the plants always die anyway, and that trip is coming up. 

What we're doing on day 87:

I'm working, and working a LOT. At the beginning of this WFH deal, I had to tell myself it was okay if I only got 6 hours of work done in a day, or only completed one project. Emotions were high and productivity was low; kids needed my help sometimes with school, and we were all getting used to this. 

Now, the kids are out of school and work has really ramped back up. It's going okay -- one thing that helps is the tween & teen sleeping really late in the mornings -- but I'm tired by the end of my workdays. We still have lunch and a show together. I'm still exercising a lot more than Before, though I'm walking outside less because it's gotten hot. (My goal is always 150 minutes a week.) 

We're going out a little bit. To outdoor malls, with masks, and not every day, but we have to do SOMETHING. Stores are open. We needed books for beach week, for example, so we went to Barnes and Noble, which has been re-configured for social distancing (fewer shelves, more spread out, no chairs to read in-store).

Next week, Kate's doing a day-camp on a farm an hour away. If I were working in an office it would be impossible (day camps with their 8 to 3 schedules, I've always abhorred! Think of the working parents!!), but since days are WFH and flexible, I'm making it happen. The camp director promises social distancing, and all outdoor activities (hope it doesn't rain). The kids have to bring masks. I hope she has fun. 

What we're eating:

The same stuff, and some new stuff. This week's been a hodge-podge:

Sunday: HF pork carnitas tacos, one of our faves

Monday: Spaghetti with sausage meat sauce

Tuesday: This super-easy lemon-pepper chicken with green beans and Stove Top (pantry items FTW)

Wednesday: HF black bean enchiladas, which were delish

Tonight: a big salad with chicken leftover from Tuesday

Tomorrow: Baked potatoes, roasted broccoli

Saturday: is usually still take-out night. We haven't eaten in a restaurant yet as a family, but they're opening here in GA. I'm not ready.

I've cut back on coffee. A few weeks ago I had really bad reflux and an upset tummy for 2 or 3 days, and I started thinking about ulcers. Not that I had an ulcer, but when the mind gets going, sometimes.... you know. So I'm down to one cup a day, really, or a cup of regular and then only decaf if I want more.

How we're feeling:

Okay, really, besides the state of the world being a dumpster fire. (I don't want to talk about it.) I turned 46 and had a Zoom party and a delicious box cake. ;) We're glad that our time share is open and that the FL beaches are open. That will feel normal (although we're taking our masks, of course, and won't be doing some of the things we usually do, like the water park). 

Marching band had a boosters meeting via Zoom the other night, and that was hopeful. They're planning ahead as if the school year will begin in August, until they hear differently, and it was fun to see friendly faces and think about band camp next month. I did have a moment of worry that if we allow Alex to participate in it and they aren't as careful as they should be, and he gets sick.... but I have had to shake that thought from my brain and tell myself I can't live in fear.

I'm reading Angela's Ashes. I never read it long ago when it was The Thing, and I really like it, Talk about perspective and gratitude. Next up (for the beach), I've got Olive Kitteridge and Between the World and Me. Looking forward to both of those.

Updates on Day.... um.... 66, I think?

1. The refrigerator WAS especially dirty! I am so glad I cleaned it. 
2. The scaveola are hanging (ha) in there! They perked up, I've been VERY diligent about moving them under the porch when it rains, constantly watching my phone for weather alerts, and only watering them every other day, only if they need it. I am a farmer like my father before me. ;) But seriously, I am pretty proud of the success of these plants since I usually kill plants easily. I'm nervous that, if I ever have to go back to an office every day, they won't get the attention they require. 
3. I did, in fact, go back to work, from home of course, and it hasn't been all that terrible. Monday was a day of meetings, and I had to pick Kate up from a sleepover across town (let's talk about that below), so I felt like I got nothing really accomplished. But Tuesday and Wednesday were significantly more productive, and that felt good. 
4. The kids have all but finished school. Grades are in (all As). SEE YA, 6th and 10th grades. Alex has his AP Humanities exam today (!!) and Kate still has one "fun" Google Meet scheduled tomorrow, but all the other work is DONE. Kate had so many projects. Science (Google slides re: Hurricanes/Hurricane Harvey); Religion (some kind of family tree thing); Spanish (a menu for a ficititious restaurant); Social Studies (Google slides about Enlightenment thinkers - that was a tough one); and Literature (a paper about hurricanes - cross-class w/Science). Sheesh! Today we have to go to Kate's school to pick up her yearbook and the rest of her locker stuff, which the teachers have bagged up and labeled for every kid! There's a food pantry drop-off, as well, which makes me love our school even more, again. 
5. Both kids report they WANT to go back to school in the fall. 
6. I finished 4 books in the Women of Lancaster County (Amish) series and loved them all. I haven't read a full series in a long time. Now I've moved on to Sisterland, by Curtis Sittenfeld. 

So, Kate has had a couple of sleepovers. The first was Adrianna (neighbor nextdoor), and it was because A. asked me if she could sleep over. !! A little presumptious of her. She claims her parents have been fighting and she wanted to give them some space. (Her mom has told me they've been arguing a bit -- husband is home 24/7 and I think it's driving wife a little crazy, but it's nothing serious as far as I can tell.) I guess it's nice of their daughter but I hope my kids are not that bold to directly invite themselves over to other peoples' houses! No, ma'am. Anyway, we handled it (not without a little moodiness from 2 pre-teen girls), ordered pizza, made s'mores at the fire pit, set them up with a popcorn and movie night, served cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and then sent her home. 

The better sleepover was a meetup with her camp friends -- since she won't get to see them at camp this summer. And it was a surprise: Sarah Kate is from Kentucky, and her cousin Olivia lives here. I told Kate we were meeting O. but SK had secretly come down for a visit -- we met up with them for a hike and Kate had no idea SK would be there. Surprirse! It was so fun. They waded in the creek up to their waists, making memories for sure. And then they couldn't bear to part, so I let her go home with them. 

SHOULD we be having sleepovers, technically? Probably no. But geez, we've been isolated at home for nearly 2 months, and the kids have been SO good about not complaining. I absolutely couldn't say no. In my opinion, it's still social distancing as long as we don't do it frequently. The rules don't say, "Never ever see your friends again." They say to do things cautiously. 

In that same vein, I'm getting excited about our June visit to Pensacola. I think we might try to skip the condo in Destin; why haul all the stuff out there when we can stay at Mom and Dad's just as easily? We'll see. They might want to go, to "get their money's worth" from the time-share. I get that. But with a pool and enough beds, and cousins across the street, I think their house would be just fine. Still vacation-y! Getting to see my parents (we've missed 2 full times we should have seen them this spring)! Easier to get groceries in town than at the beach! 

Speaking of groceries, we've had some good meals lately. (I am still so sick of meal planning.)

S - Red beans and rice with sausage

M - Sloppy joes, sweet potato fries and tots (whatever was left in the freezer)

T - marinated pork tenderloin, wild rice, green beans

W - marinated grilled chicken, black bean salad (made w/cilantro and chives from the garden!!), cornbread muffins 

Th (tonight) - PW's creamy tomato fettucine and a spinach salad (will use basil from the garden!)

F - Hello Fresh (I restarted) bulgogi meatballs and jasmine rice, yippie! 

S - order in night

What I'm Doing Today: Day 57

It's Tuesday of the 2nd week of my 2nd furlough.

7:00 I've kept my alarm set and it goes off around 6:40, but I always snooze it or turn it off... I always intend to get out of bed and go downstairs with Shawn (who's still working at his office), but rarely do I, actually. Particularly with the latest cool front, it's been so warm under the covers and so cold outside them! (We really are having amazing spring weather here, I am not complaining. I've known many a May with temps consistently in the high 80s, ugh. This is bliss.) Today I got up, put on socks and pants, then got back into bed for another 5 minutes. So. Warm.

7:30 I've made coffee, Shawn's fed the cats and gone. I spend a quick minute in my planner, then step outside to see how cool it really is -- not unbearable. My weather app says 53 degrees. Since I have socks and long sleeves on, it's definitely warm enough to get my coffee and my book and phone and glasses, and sit outside on the porch for a while. I would sit out there all day with a book if I didn't feel guilty about it. At first, I can't concentrate; I've acquired two scaveola hanging plants that just won't perk up. (I think they were overwatered on their first day here, when it rained a good bit. So yesterday I refused to water them... but they're not better yet. I water them, but just a little, and say a prayer. Then curse a little at the plants. Perk up, ya jerks.) I sit back down and listen to the birds and read, until I hear Alex stirring inside.  I had scheduled myself until 9:00 to drink coffee, read the newspaper, do my journaling, and read. (And fret about the plants.) If I don't make a schedule I really will sit around and read too much.

9:00 Unload the dishwasher/do breakfast dishes. Used our last detergent pod last night so I'm thinking of a Target run this week now -- I'm also out of foundation (hardly need it, but you know) and almost of laundry detergent. Also, Kate will "need" to get out of the house here, soon. She hasn't complained in a few days about that, but I know her limits.

10:00 Head upstairs to do a video workout (weights) and then a short yoga one. I looooooove having time to do as much working out as I want to do. Yesterday it was a 30-minute walk with a podcast (I've been enjoying Mike Rowe's "The Way I Heard It."), today this. Tomorrow maybe I'll walk again. I take a long-ish shower after that.

Then I go out and nail some little holes in the bottoms of the scaveola pots. Maybe they aren't draining well enough. I'm tempted to water them some more (FORCE them to perk up!) but I resist.

11:30 I didn't eat breakfast so now I cut and eat a grapefruit, and read a chapter while I'm eating it. The kids are both working on today's assignments. Only 2 weeks left of schoolwork. I was asked to think about one work assignment over this break, but I don't have any good ideas so I decide to let it go. It's only Tuesday. I am Scarlett O'Hara -- I can't think about that today, I'll think about that tomorrow. ;) It's so nice not to be chained to work right now. (I could write volumes about this.)

12:00 Kids come down and we perform our daily lunch ritual. We all make something to eat and sit down to watch a Survivor episode. I love this part of our day. Today, we give in and watch the first half of a second episode, too -- we're at the end of a season and it's super dramatic.

1:35 I haven't made anything in the crock pot in forever, so I put frozen chicken breasts, salsa, black beans and corn in there and voila, dinner will be ready at 7:00. Taco Tuesday. Maybe I'll make a margarita to go with it.

2:00 Write a blog post (am doing this!). I scheduled it in, this morning. Haven't written in a while because there hasn't been much to write, really. After this I'm going to finish my oil spreadsheet, and shred some old documents. Then maybe I'll check that project off my list. It feels good to finally have it done, although there's much more I suppose I could learn about that stuff.

If I really wanted to use my time wisely this 2 weeks, I would try to paint a room. Problem is, I don't actually want to do the work, heh. Maybe I've said this already, but the less I do, the less I want to do. This... isn't great.

Instead, on my list for 3:00 is to clean the kitchen, including the fridge. Like, take things out and Windex the shelves and everything. It's not especially dirty, but a task that makes me feel like I accomplished something. Will probably also fold Alex's laundry for him, though I appreciate that he started AND switched it himself.

Tomorrow I need to call the orthodontist. They're opening back up, apparently, and Alex missed an appointment during Stay-At-Home. Kate is also supposed to have her annual doctor visit on Wednesday, but I think I'm going to reschedule that because it conflicts with Alex's clarinet lesson, which is Wednesday as well. (It's the one day of the week we have stuff going on.)

I'm greatly enjoying these days at home. I don't want to go back to my office, or even WFH. I will, of course, and will be grateful to have a job and a paycheck. But you know. A life of leisure is really not so bad. I'm afraid I've gotten used to it.

Book Rec: The Amish Midwife

I re-registered for the county's public library in the first few weeks of the stay-at-home order, because I wanted access to their e-books if I wasn't going to be able to go to Barnes & Noble. They were very kind to issue me a temporary library card, and told me to come by a branch as soon as they were opened again, to get a real one. (They're still not open, but the bowling alleys are! This makes no sense whatsoever.)

Anyway, the selection on Overdrive is not always ideal. The most current books are typically on a wait list for quite a long time. So for my first check-out, I found a book called The Amish Midwife, by Mindy Stearns Clark and Leslie Gould, authors I'd never heard of before. I took a chance. And I loved it. It was like the Amish version of the once-so-popular At Home in Mitford. A world that's so calming and peaceful you can almost smell dew on the grass.

And besides that, I simply love anything about the Amish. [Any faith tradition other than my own, actually. I am always drawn to fiction/historical fiction about the Amish, the Shakers, Judaism especially, the Mormons, and even going so far as the fundamentalist versions of those, up to and including all the seriously whackadoodle cults (well, not the violent or truly sick ones, but you know). I am equally creeped out and fascinated by Leah Remini's TV series on leaving Scientology, for example. I've watched the documentary about Jim Jones and the Kool-Aid thing more than once. I know it's weird but I can't help myself.]

Particularly in this coronavirus time period, but anytime, I find the Amish way of life so soothing to think about. Tend the garden. Raise the kids. Hang the laundry out to dry. Don't worry about looking fashionable. Rock the babies. Baking. Farming. Community. Sure, the lifestyle has its issues and problems (insular families, much-too-young brides, patriarchy), but we can skip past those. Slow-paced life working from home is suiting me right now, and intrigues me all the time. So anyway, this book was a total comfort. Lucky for me it's the first in a series of 4. I've already downloaded Book #2, because I'm not ready to leave that world just yet. I may get tired of it before reading all four, but we'll see.

Book #1, incidentally, tells the story of a 26-year-old Oregon girl, who discovers that she is related to an Amish family in Pennsylvania, and goes there to find out more about those family ties. There were things that frustrated me about both her character and the Amish family members, and one plotline specifically that was very obvious but kept a "secret" for the entire story -- but mostly, it was just great storytelling, well-written, with believable relationships and irresistable vignettes of Amish culture.

I think it falls into the category of "Christian fiction," which isn't always a good recommendation, but the spiritual stuff wasn't heavy-handed; maybe because the Amish way is gentle and non-confrontational. I recommend it if you think something light and comforting might be good for you right now.

We Are All So Sick of Meals

That title seems negaitve, but I intend this post to be a little more cheerful than the last couple! I haven't posted what we've been eating in a while. And I know that what to eat has been on everyone's minds ad nauseum -- aren't you so sick of meals? I am.

I'm so thankful my kids will EAT now, though. All of you with littles who are super picky, I salute you and stand in solidarity; I know this time must be extra hard with that complication. AND the unavailability of any frozen chicken nuggets anywhere! (At least that has been the case at my Publix -- the prepared chicken freezer cases are absolutely BARE.)

We are making do, and have yet to really tap into our now-fully-stocked emergency stash of Spaghetti-Ohs and dried beans. I've worked hard to build that stash up over the last few weeks, and have found plenty to eat with my slightly-less-than-weekly grocery runs. I used to go every weekend, but have been getting 8 or 9 days out of a trip, rather than just 7.

We just recently decided we are all kind-of over Hello Fresh, and the credit card was feeling the weekly hit. It was great when I couldn't find meats in the stores, but we're skipping the next several weeks and will have to rely on my own recipe books and culinary prowess (I won't say "talent") to get us through. Ha!

This week we've had, after our 2 HF meals:

Cereal/You're On Your Own - was it Tuesday or Wednesday that I just could NOT ...? I can't remember. I think Weds.

Bush's White Bean Chicken Chili - so easy, and really, pantry staples. We serve it over rice and had at least 2 helpings of leftovers.

Smoked sausage with tater tots, canned green beans - look, I didn't say I was winning any awards, here, just getting food on the table. We included a Texas Chocolate Sheetcake for dessert -- one of the things I make (learned from my Mom, hi Mom!) -- that my family does love. Our recipe is similar to PW's, linked there, but has a couple of secret ingredients, bourbon and cinnamon, which give it just a slight edge over any other Texas Sheetcake out there. We needed cake last night; it was our "Shawn had to buy 4 new tires AND has a toothache and Summer Camp Was Canceled" Cake. Medicinal Cake, if you will.

Next week's plan is currently being formulated. I may have to visit 2 grocery stores (ugh) so I don't take too many items from one section at any one store, eek. It's been at least 9 days and we're low on stuff. Here are some things on the menu:

Bacon Ranch Pasta with salad and garlic bread

Oven Cheeseburger Sliders, YUM, if I can find ground beef

BBQ chicken thighs, with roasted broccoli and butterered rice (I have had these thighs in the freezer for a while now; I don't like making this recipe because it smokes up the kitchen. Do you have a better recipe for chicken thighs? I would be open to suggestions.)

We will definitely order in one night this weekend, and I am also planning a pizza order on a weeknight. Of course, living in GA I suppose we could just join the other germy citizens and go out to eat next week, woooo!

JUST KIDDING. It is ridiculous to even consider it yet.

On Working During C-19

Okay, time for some real talk. I am, in my heart of hearts, so happy with this Temporarily Permanent Work From Home Situation. I looooooove working from home; I love being in my home, for me it makes working more tolerable. I'm saving literal hours a day by not commuting, and not having to pick up kids after school. Even with them here during the day, I'm happier than Before, because this is really an amazing quantity of TIME I wouldn't have had with them otherwise (never mind that we're in our rooms working or on devices a lot of the time).

However. This week, I have found it extremely hard to focus. Or, more specifically, it feels like my time working has been monumentally inefficient. I feel like I only work in fits and starts, and as a result I only really accomplish one or two tasks a day. Like, one e-newsletter composed and sent. One webpage created and published. Granted, both of those involve writing, finding and sizing photos, testing, editing, etc. - they're not just simple tasks. But still, it's a low number.

I'm trying really hard to plan my days carefully, like this:
7:30 - 9 work (do email newsletter + website update)
9 - 9:15 break - go outside
9:15 - 11:00 work (mtg, followup)
11-12 work (tasks)
12-1 lunch w/kids
1-3 work
3-3:30 break - walk
3:30-4:30 work (finalize tasks)

It seems like there are meetings nearly every day, which throw me off. 9:30 or 10 is smack in the middle of what could be deeply-focused "flow" time.

And then there are the personal interruptions. I will just sit myself down at the laptop and then the doorbell rings. Or a cat throws up. Or I have to go to the bathroom. Or a kid asks for help with a poetry report.

Maybe one accomplishment per day is enough to ask of myself during this weirdness. Maybe companies should lower their standards, and I should, personally, as well. I've seen the meme that says, "You're not working from home, you're at home trying to get work done." It's a subtle difference, but an important mind-shift. But as this becomes more permanent, I feel like I should be settling into making it as good, as productive, as before.

Probably not realistic. And again, it's fine, it's fiiiiiiiiine, this is absolutely the way I would WANT to spend my days if I could choose, but along with having been off for 2 weeks (and seeing a 2nd furlough likely in early May), it's reducing my motivation significantly.

This checks out.

Furlough Week Report

I am grateful for last week's furlough. Especially as I look back on it while staring at my work Inbox, with its meetings and tasks for THIS week. I am having a hard time returning.

Aside from the kitchen closet clean-out and finishing World Without End as "major accomplishments," it was definitely a quiet week for me. 

• I washed/changed the sheets on all the beds in the house. 
• Kate and I straightened up the front yard after an overnight thunderstorm. 
• I did some filing (but did not do the oil business spreadsheet). 
• I think I vacuumed, but can't quite remember.
• I worked out frequently, including a couple of lovely yoga half-hours outside in beautiful weather.
• I started another book, and nearly finished it.
• I hand-sewed myself a mask from some fabric scraps (it isn't too pretty but it works -- I've worn it 3 times already, and have become very determined to wear it when I'm out).
• Yesterday for some strange reason I decided I needed to Windex all the downstairs windows.
• I showered and put on makeup once or twice, oh, and I do have a very nice looking home-mani/pedi. 

I don't know -- I guess I thought those 2 weeks would somehow be more ....profound? Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed them immensely. I spent a lot of quiet time to myself, reflecting, experiencing the birds and breezes. Not having to think about work or sit at my laptop all day was very freeing, and I'm grateful. On Wednesday, though, I texted Mom and Jill and said I felt "unmoored." I cried that day -- not about feeling unmoored, but just about this whole situation, and the kids not knowing if they'll go back to school in the fall. My guilty conscience had something to say about that: You have 2 weeks off and you've found a way to complain about it! "Unmoored?!" You're free! Way to be the champion of whining.

But on Thursday, I practiced "acknowledging and accepting my feelings," and that was better. As a result I didn't accomplish much that day.

Ah, well. It's over now, and I'm back to my heating pad, my notebook, and Microsoft Outlook.

A couple of other important things I learned: 

1. It helps to open the window blinds every day. Let light in.
2. The less I do, less I want to do. 

Better get to it. Two meetings today, beginning at noon. Thank God it's still working from home. I really, really hope I can carry this into the Return to Normal, and WFH a couple of days a week permanently. I will argue for it, that's for sure.