Passing the Time.
Life in lockdown: part two? Three? It’s hard to keep track.
Lockdown is set to end May 20th and that’s what I’m hoping for. It’s tough working from home. A privilege, of course, but it’s very hard to focus on performing a quality radio show (which is more than talking here and there; it’s fielding, researching and logging requests, engaging with people on social media and text/no phones from home which means scheduled interviews for upcoming segments need to be done from studio, posting relevant content to social media and staying up on the times). So pull that off while tending to the needs of two children aged four and six.
Our six year old is supposed to be doing online learning but we are taking a hands-off approach to that for the most part. It didn’t work very well for us this time last year so we’re just letting Eve log in when he wants. We’re trying to get some activities done based on what was sent home in his work books but there’s no pressure. Things are stressed enough, schedule-wise (*everything wise).
No daycare. No family relief concerning child-care. No camps. No friend visits. No parks. While parks are allowed now, with the most strict of safety measures/rules in place, I’m a kid magnet. They flock to me and it’s too hard to keep our distance so we avoid it. Playing in the backyard is ok but the kids are mostly resorting to games on their tablets and a lot of Netflix (at least the shows are educational, right?)
We are all very lucky to have tablets and TVs and, above all, our health. The mental health thing needs constant monitoring because emotions can run hot. It’s hard to explain why life is like this right now. It’s hard to not let the kids be iPad zombies. It’s hard to work, be a mom, manage household chores, relationships, food/groceries, bills - monitor this that AND the other thing. Most days I am at my stress limit by lunchtime.
What’s gonna help? I don’t know.
Reading books? Riding bikes? When the warmer weather decides to stay? Healthier food choices? Medicine? Stay on top of your mental and physical health and just hang on as best you can.
Ch-Ch-Changes
Goodbye rental house! It's been a slice.
I just can't wait to get back into our new/old house. The next little while will be a mad period of adjustment, not just for me but for the kids as well. Luckily, I'm the mother of two pretty easy going, understanding kids. We'll be moving on the 31st into our Hintonburg house - which we still won't be able to call 'home' til mid-Feb., god willing...
A big shout out to Adam's Moving, too, for helping us with another big move. If you're moving or you know someone who is, I cannot recommend their services enough. CLICK HERE to visit their official website and to book them for a future move.
We're vacating the rental on the 31st and moving our items into the new house but since the house won't be ready for occupancy on the 1st, we will be living with family and renting an Air BnB in the hood until it is. Not a big deal in the grand scheme but it's complicated with the time of year and the needs of the children. Yes, I can wear the same black t-shirt and jeans for two to three weeks but the children need a little more to keep them clean, happy, comfy and entertained.
Other changes at play include the big move for someone near and dear to me; Granny has gone from hospital to nursing home. She is in failing health and we're hoping that the level of care she's now receiving is going to help her be most comfortable. The staff have been wonderful and I expect nothing less going forward.
For those of you who've been wondering about my dad, he is doing alright. The anniversary of his surgery is coming up and we're hoping he's only got one more to go to be back in 'working order'. So far, the cancer appears to have not returned.
The beat goes on... I'm hoping this year brings some calm into the chaos that is my life. Never a dull moment. Thanks for reading.