Picked up a random poetry book From the crowded shelf. Quick easy hour read: Delight and wonder. Then, Found…
10 Things I Have Learned During This Pandemic
10 Things I have learned during this pandemic:
- Social isolation, or “quarantine,” only applies if you are not an essential worker like me. I am grateful to have the jobs I do, but sometimes I wish I could still wear my P.J.s all day like my family.
- Wearing pajamas to an online class meeting is okay. No one notices (unless you’re wearing a fluffy robe or bunny P.J.s, then maybe someone will see). However, I still need to look somewhat professional online (waist up).
- I still like jumping on trampolines despite my age. Feeling the wind catch my hair, flying up and down as families of house finches chatter in nearby flowering trees, and letting go of responsibilities to feel like a kid again surprised me.
- During a pandemic, wearing a face mask and sterile gloves is appropriate. People that are not wearing masks at the grocery stores seem to be weird. Such a strange twist of reality in just a short amount of time.
- No matter what the health/emergency personnel, Governor, and President order, some people still think the laws do not apply to them. Six feet apart? Hey, let’s all stand together really close in the Sonic’ parking lot (My daughter spotted a group of teenagers all huddled together one night.)
- Getting takeout is not the same as eating at a restaurant and having a friendly waiter/waitress serve and clean up after you. I support restaurants during this time, though! We have had takeout at least once a week as a family and enjoyed it every time. We have to take turns cleaning up afterward.
- We took for granted the time and freedom we had before to see family and loved ones. We have not seen my in-laws for six weeks. This has been very hard on them and us. At least we can see each other virtually. Virtual visits still are not the same as being in person to hug and visit with each other.
- Everyone, children, and parents have mixed feelings about online or packet learning. My ten your old hates online school. She wants to be in class with her teacher and other kids to learn from everyone else at the same time, and to be able to ask questions if she has any. She is bored with getting on a computer every day. On the other hand, my 13-year-old daughter loves online learning because she can get done what she needs to do quickly, and then, have the rest of the day to herself. She doesn’t have to wait for people to ask questions or for the end of each class period to come before she can go on to the next. As a parent and a teacher, I am grateful that we have the technology to continue our learning, but I see the pitfalls. There’s always going to be students who don’t think they have to work if they aren’t at school physically. Meanwhile, I have other students who value the time I make myself available to them on zoom.com.
- No matter the state of our international health crisis, we all need to remember to check in each other. Relationships help us get through the ups and downs of this surreal reality, where we find ourselves. Spending time with your family is very important. Take breaks during the day by going for a walk together, or play a game to have a mental break. Make family a priority. Then check on your friends via text or social media to let them know you care.
- Walks are still beneficial. Just because we don’t have to walk around the school or the office, we now wake up, walk a short distance to our computers, and sit for hours, which does not mean getting physical exercise is any less critical. My daughters despise the walks that I make my family go on every night after dinner. Then, last night, led our small family on a different route into the next neighborhood, and my oldest daughter enjoyed it because of the different scenery. She commented with excitement at various trees, different colored tulips, and the unique designs of houses. The blooming flowers and growing trees are quite the sight in spring, and even though we can’t enjoy them in large groups, enjoying the beauty of spring is still possible. Walks are a way to get moving and not be lazy all day. Without admitting it to my family, I usually have a hard time motivating myself to go because I would instead rather read on my comfy couch in my comfy clothes than have to get my muscles moving. But, I feel that having a nightly family routine is more important. Plus, we all need a break from the house into the fresh air.
Do you agree? Let me know by commenting on what you think below.
What have you learned during this time?