Table

   

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Over Labor Day weekend, we got Kevin a table for his office - it will give him more desk space and he can use it for studying/playing chess since he's gotten back into chess again...I don't understand it, but he loves it.

We were really pleased to find a used table that will work really well - it is even adjustable height! - on facebook marketplace, and it just fit in our big SUV.

He had been using a card table, that I can now use for jigsaw puzzles (I had used our formal dining table but it is now my work desk).  I am more excited about being able to puzzle again than I probably should be

We are trying to make the best of being at home so much due to COVID.  

It was really not the Labor Day weekend we had envisioned, but we are trying to do what is safe.

Back to School...2020 edition

The first week of the semester is always busy for both of us, since we both work in higher education.  We knew this year would be different with COVID (we are both still working remotely full-time - Kevin's classes are all online this term), and then 2020 added an extra layer of craziness by having us need to watch not one but TWO storms in the gulf (and right at the 3 year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey).

Marco ended up fizzling out, but Laura became the storm to watch and we nervously waited and watched.  Houston was lucky that it went east of us (as a CATEGORY 4), but it made for a nerve-wracking week, and my thoughts are with those who were impacted in Texas and Louisiana, including some members of my family.   Everyone is safe, but dealing with damage (and a delayed baby arrival!)  I also hate that part of me is relieved when a storm goes to another area, and not us.

We had a few days off because of the impending storm.  With my 'office' literally steps away (I took over our dining room), I actually did quite a bit of work (our busiest time of year is fast approaching) but enjoyed the fact I could work on a projected uninterrupted (no meetings to log into and email responses could wait) and work when I want, take time away from screens when I wanted.

I have been dealing with hurricanes my whole life, and don't think I ever get used to them, and some of my hurricane prep is a bit random.  I do what I can - car is gassed up, have some cash on hand, plenty of food and meds for us (and the dogs), flashlights, batteries, catch up on laundry just in case we lose power, etc.    I also do somewhat silly things that make me feel more prepared - for example, I was trying to use up some random freezer/fridge things in case we lost power, and this week I baked cookies so if the power went out we had cookies and not raw dough (desserts are needed!)   They were delicious :)

Taking a trip -- Pandemic edition

We are taking a trip...I'm not sure if it's a good idea or a bad idea (in the middle of a pandemic) but we are working to be safe and it will be a physically distanced trip. Work has been tough this year, so I think the time away will do me good...even working remotely it's good to have time to unplug...I'd argue even moreso since everything is done on the computer...having to schedule a zoom session or phone call instead of popping into someone's office, and none of the informal interactions that break up the workday. I know I am fortunate to be able to work remotely, and still be fully employed but its tough... I am unsure how much I will put on social media as I don't need the judgement and really just want to unplug and reconnect...yes I know I am with my husband 24/7, but a lot of times we are working in separate rooms or just occupied with the new "normal"....

Happy 1st Birthday!

Our youngest niece is a year old!   We celebrated virtually since we couldn't be together.   I was sad that we couldn't see her in person (and eat some homemade cheesecake!) but glad we were able to participate in her special day.

Her smash cake became a take every tiny piece and drop it on the floor (her mommy and daddy got a few bites into her mouth), but she certainly had fun doing it!     Sister was smart and put a tablecloth down under the highchair, for easier cleanup.  Even doing that some of the cake got on the carpet, and a few pieces on the wall!

I am so thankful for video messaging so we can see her as much as possible, she's no longer a baby but a full out toddler.  We even saw her walk around in shoes yesterday!    She can walk, and kinda run.  

We love you and look forward to celebrating future birthdays in person!

COVID-19

It has been a confusing and scary time with rapidly changing rules and decisions of what to do - Should I go to work?  Can I get ok'd to stay home?  What should we tell my mom (in her 70s) to do? Where is all the toilet paper at the stores?  What do the closures mean to those who work at those places? 

 It seems like it has been a lot longer than it has been....hard to believe that in our community it really only started effecting daily life I think 3 weeks ago?   The days blur and I don't really know...

For me, it really started to feel real when on March 12 we had a meeting (I work at a university) to try to plan for taking all coursework online (at that point only for a few weeks), and what questions there are for a variety of areas.   The school was at the end of Spring Break (staff actually had that Friday the 13th off).  That night I met my husband at our local sushi place and was thinking I needed to pick up some stuff, I stopped at the Target in the same shopping center and grabbed a few things (TP was already gone).

This was my view walking into the grocery store that Sunday, March 15, to try to grocery shop.  This (and the TP aisle) were the emptiest but it was anxiety inducing.  

The next week Kevin was on "extended Spring Break", and my school had no classes (to allow faculty and students time to transition) but our offices were still open.   I did a mixture of working remotely and working in the office.  That Friday while in the office we found out we were transitioning to telecommuting (at this point through 4/3), except for a small set of 'essential' staff (I've never been so happy to not be 'essential'). 

This entire week I worked remotely, using both our big set up (two screens, dedicated room) and my work laptop in the dining room when my hubby needs the nicer set up.  I've also been helping him test some technology to be ready to work with his students remotely.  Our attempt at a 'green screen' was a fail....

The county (Harris) ordered a stay home order on March 24.

We are trying to make the best of us.  We are fortunate to be staying busy, and trying to get outside to clear our heads and move our bodies...

Stay safe everyone!