The Corona Diaries Week 23 Part 2 - First Day of School (and more)

Last week I didn't realize how anxious I was about school starting until the second day and I could feel myself getting really impatient and short tempered. Then I realized, oh, right, yes. Crazy Distance Learning Pandemic Third Grade is starting and it's new and weird and nobody is super clear on how it all works yet. And that's okay. I'm allowed, we are all allowed to be flummoxed. New systems to learn, new teachers, new classmates. Whenever I couldn't figure something out, I would start getting really really annoyed, especially with some extremely non-intuitive online school systems that we have to use (OMG SO MANY CLICKS!) then I would just remind myself to let it all go. It's a marathon, not a sprint. A marathon we started in March. I also worked hard to stay positive and calm with Harper so she could ease into school without any of my crap piling on to whatever she might be feeling.

We have talked about how we feel about school still being from home and how frustrating and angry it makes us both. I try to have those "check in" conversations every now and then when we are in a relaxed mood. I hope it helps. I guess none of us will know what has helped or worked until we are years in the future.

By the end of the week I had started thinking - this will be over before we know it, much the same way I feel "the holidays will be here before know it." Maybe it sounds stupid to say it, but it made me feel better that "this too shall pass." I don't believe things will be exactly the same as before, by any means. But when there is a vaccine and standard treatments for Covid-19 then schools and businesses can really open up again and that will feel more normal. We all look forward to that day.

There's an election in November which will be critical to how soon this shall all pass. But let's not even talk about that now. (Though it will be here much sooner than you think!)

Let's talk instead about how Harper invented her own Mocktail. She was pouring herself some watermelon/cucumber juice while there slices of watermelon on the counter. She cut a paper straw in half, garnished with the watermelon and VOILA!

Sunday before beach day, Mr. Biscuit got more outside training.

Willoughby is annoyed she can't supervise from outside.

But Willoughby did get some comfy towel drawer time.

Then Tuesday was the big day! We took our traditional First Day of School picture outside the front door, which of course was kind of a joke this year. Harper got some new t-shirts for Back to School. She chose this one for Day 1.

Then we marched into the "classroom" and took another one.

There she goes. Third Grader starting school.

She started the day with a good breakfast and a pretty one if I do say so myself.

Lunch was also visually stunning.

We rearranged the room a bit to make space for two of us working in the same room. This used to be the guest room, and some day will be again, but for now it's a dual office and so we needed a bit more floor space.

Day two included another new Back to School shirt.

And a new spot for food/drinks at her desk.

I had avocado toast with my own cherry tomatoes for lunch!

Late she got to play some VR just for fun.

I got some actual mail! So exciting. The top one was a lovely long letter from a friend in Seattle.

The second was a gift from a friend near Boston! We've known each other for ages and bond over love of donuts. So kind of her!!

Tuesday was Mr. Biscuit's first birthday! What a Big Boy Biscuit! Harper made him a "Cake" which was... uh.... super gross looking! But we split it in two so Willoughby could have some as well and they both loved it.

What do you mean I have to share??

Not as much outside time this week (aside from the big beach day!) as the fires that are burning Southern California are making the air smoky and not good. Also it's h o t so no fun to be out there with heat and smoky air. But, a sprinkler did provide some fun again. (the weather image was from 7am)

We had fun making treats. Had a leftover box of jello so we tried flat jello and cookie cutters. Alas, there must have been too much water as the jello didn't set well. But it make a yummy "drink".

On Saturday we made a chocolate cake - kinda. I had to futz around with the recipe a bit and it came out too dry. But it's still yummy.

Especially when you add whipped cream!

Harper gave me a hairdo!

Biscuit helped clean out under the deck again on one of his training runs. Good boy, Biscuit!

Harper, with a BIG boost from Gammo, was able to save up and buy LOL doll #2! (The blue hair one). It arrived today! I wonder how long those buns will last...(UPDATE: they lasted about 90 minutes.)

I try to get my walk in before it gets too hot and am please when I am rewarded by a visit to this gardenia bush.

Sweet.

Until next week!

OMG I have a third grader!