Almost Summer

I keep thinking that I need to write more.  Every day has presented an opportunity for me to write, or read, or rest.  We are still at home, still avoiding people and places as best as we can.  Spring has melted into summer...or at least almost summer.  The weather touches the 70's, and promises even higher this weekend.  Lawn mowers are out, kids are on bikes, and patio furniture is scattered all over cement slabs in backyards everywhere.

Audrey is officially a 6th grader, and will be headed into middle school in the fall, and Violet is now in 3rd grade.  It is amazing to see them work their way through a pandemic and still remain calm and enjoy our time together as a family.  I finish my school year next week...I think.  With no clear path back to "normalcy", I have questions as to whether or not we will reconvene in person in the fall.

For now, though, that is out of my hands.  I find myself saying that a lot these days.  What can I control or impact?  What do I have no control over.  These are two questions that I need to ask myself more often.  With so much uncertainty, I find myself constantly looking for things I can depend on, things I can fix, things I can predict accurately.  That is why cooking, and puzzles, and running are so satisfying during these times.  I can control if I run, and how far.  I know that every piece of the puzzle has its place. 

Now I sit, watching the temperature rise, while Sam enjoys his scrambled eggs and a classic Mickey Mouse cartoon.  My family is healthy.  Summer is slowly rising.  The day is open ahead of us.  Nothing is planned.  Nothing is certain.  For once, I find myself OK without structure.

-a

A Month Together

The virus pandemic has absolutely brought the world to a standstill.  Politicians argue and blame as people die.  Money is clearly held above the lives of people for many governments around the world.  While there are many good deeds and acts of humanity and kindness brought about by millions, it is quite apparent that decisions are being greatly influenced or even dictated by corporations and powerful, wealthy elites. 

This time has been a strange blessing in many ways, though, for our family.  The time together in our house has brought us closer together.  We have found routine during a time where everyone is struggling to find normalcy.  It is a strange feeling to be sitting, laughing with my children while so many suffer throughout the world.  We are lucky to have our jobs, as the economy collapses around us.  We are blessed to have enough. 

I walk our dog, Oskar, twice a day, and have been running again on a regular basis.  We play outside, do chores around the house, tend to the endless piles of dishes and laundry, and clean and organize throughout the day.  Puzzles are a new source of entertainment for me, and I am excited to begin a Ghostbuster jigsaw tomorrow!  So for now we stay, sheltered in place, keeping each other company and in good spirits.  There is so much uncertainty, but I am doing my best to embrace the quiet and remain humbled and thankful for all that I am given.

-a

...And now Here We Are.

And now we are home.
And now there is quiet.
And now the roads are nearly empty.
We sit in our house:  playing, eating, sleeping...just being.

The news tells of a changing world.
A world where more and more are getting sick.
So we stay home...waiting....as the world changes
Into something new.
And we will explore this new world as it emerges...
But for now we try to just be and wait.
And now here we are.

Marching into March...

Enjoying a peaceful breakfast with Sam.  Eggs on the weekend!

Oskar loves his bones and sunbeams.

On my day off, I tried washing and waxing the floor.  Could use another round...but still happy with it!

Pizza on my day off!  Dad's deep dish!

Sam and Dad on a walk...a little chilly...but still enjoying the sun.

Sam and Violet eat the Jello.  

Mini Oreo Cheesecake.

Audrey and Sam taking over the car during Taekwondo.

Sam and chocolate.

Tasty homemade pizza!

Forty and then some

A card from my sister on my 40th birthday

Audrey found the perfect Funko for mom after her dentist visit.

Hanging in the pod with the kids and dog while Violet is at taekwondo

My friends decorated my room for my 40th.  It was a special day.

Hanging with Audrey's friend and his father as they were in town!  Fun times at the trampoline place.

Audrey and Daddy at Portillos.

My new Ghostbusters lunch box.

New running shoes!

Oskar has seen the light.

Violet working on her craft:  popcorn.

Sam eating some chocolate.

My Queen Alien Funko!

Reading with Violet.

Reading with Audrey

My new arrangement of Ghostbusters and Funkos at school.  The kids love us.

A Cold January Day

Zayde and Violet are intense about their Backgammon games!

This morning, Violet and I bundled up in our warmest gear and took Oskar to the field near our house.  We returned five minutes later.  With winds making it feel like -20F, we quickly realized that hot cocoa and laundry were much better options on this lazy Sunday.  Three day weekends truly make a difference, and we have been simply playing, making food, and simple household chores.  Football is on, but a movie may overtake it if the Packers cannot make things interesting before the half.  It is a little strange to think that my 40th is in less than a week.  There is so much that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of, and I have never been more excited looking ahead to experiencing the future with my family and friends.  So while the temperatures continue to drop, and the sun sets, I remain humbled and warm in my home, with all that I need right here.

-a

New slippers!  They have rarely been off of my feet!

My Ghostbusters collection in my classroom.

I made donuts last week.  They were OK, but looked great!  Always trying to learn new things!!!

A glance over the shoulder

A glance over the shoulder...that is all you should give the last year.  That is all I am giving it.  I am thankful for my family and friends.  I got to visit my hometown twice, and see many childhood friends that I miss dearly.  My children and my wife are happy and healthy and thriving in school and work.  I am thankful for another year of my family, my job teaching, the house we live in, and the ability to get up every day and accomplish things.  I hope to be a better person in the next year....running...finances...better father/husband/friend....and many more things.  For now, I am content to be with my wife and children and quietly slip into 2020.  So much time has passed, yet so much more remains (hopefully).  All I really do know is that the time we are given is all that we have, and I will try to make the most of it while I am here. 

-a