Dear Kids, I cannot wait to see what my Mother's Day surprise will be. When you randomly asked me about my favorite animal, I said llama just to be silly. But I'm pretty excited to know that now my entire gift revolves around my "favorite animal." I have no idea what it will be, but there's a lot of scheming and whispering happening whenever the subject comes up. Love, Momma
Dear Beau, Thanks for offering to help my kids buy me a Mother's Day gift. I love that you pulled them aside and let them know you'd help out if they need it. Their dad literally never did a single thing to help them with Mother's Day. It's always been whatever school sent home or what they concocted on their own. Signed, Grateful
Dear ExH, I cannot with your life... Your fiancee got laid off because of corona virus. So your parents gave you a bunch of cash to help with your finances. Must be nice. And your fiancee felt like she "wasn't doing anything" with her life while at home so she started taking expensive online classes and going to college? Why couldn't she care for the kids? Also, great use of that money. *eyeroll* And now you're telling me that when your office makes you go back in June, you don't know who will care for the kids on your days because she's so overwhelmed with school work that she can't possibly watch the kids during the day. Guess playing house isn't so glamorous when you have to juggle real life and parenthood, huh? Signed, Not sure why I'm ever surprised by your choices
Dear Final Exams, Please go grade yourselves. Signed, Tired professor
Dear Kids, I'm sorry, but the university only gives me so many hours to post final exam scores, regardless of how many I have to grade, and apparently whether there is a pandemic or not. I've got to get these done, and will make it up to you this weekend. I also miss childcare. Signed, Thank god the semester is almost over
Dear DH, I really truly appreciate that you are still employed and pulling overtime. But I need help! I am so very tired and behind, during my crunch time. Signed, Please throw me a life preserver
Dear DD, Stop stealing my permanent markers from the kitchen drawer. I need those to label food to keep me safe, from everyone putting their gluten filled knives and whatnot back in jars. And then I get sick. If you cannot stop taking my markers, you will not be allowed to go in this drawer, which you really shouldn't be in anyways. You don't need the permanent markers, use normal markers. Signed, Just a celiac trying to survive her family
Dear DH, I know that you are smart guy. No, do not use the gluten filled butter to make family food for dinner. I got really sick. Which is why the contaminated butter now has a my picture with an X through it. This seriously isn't that hard, DS gets it, and he's only 8. Signed, You should know better, your siblings have had this disease for over a decade
I am not sure what to do with you. I usually get mom and MIL flowers, nice potted arrangements or ferns, but every nursery has closed early due to having record sales. I am pretty sure DH is equally as baffled for me, since I wouldn't even know what I would want during all this. Sweats and no make these days, no where really to shop, no where really to go. Plus, a steak dinner will be dependent on if we actually can find any meat in the stores.
Signed, another quarantine Holiday.
PS Mother nature, 80 and beautiful last weekend and now 50's? You'd think Mother nature would be on board for M Day.
Dear Mother Nature,
WTH am I supposed to do with a freeze warning in May? I can put all of my pots in the garage and cover my other flowers with sheets. However, I have 18 tomato plants, 14 peppers, and 3 squash. I am thinking I am going to have to take all of the cups and glasses we own out there. DH has this vision of wire and plastic covering the entire thing that sounds....elaborate.
Signed, if I have to quarantine, can it at least be nice and support my hobby.
For the love of God, please give me a break. I can’t take it. Last week was great. Very little yelling from anyone. What happened? I thought leaving you home yesterday while DD2 delivered her gift bags would have been a message. I guess not, because this morning has already been terrible. I can’t keep this up. You have MOUNDS of work to do, because you won’t do it. I can’t get into your bedroom, because you won’t clean it. I have no laundry baskets left, because they’re all in your room, full of the clean clothes that you won’t put away. You won’t listen, you won’t do what you’re asked. You’re mean to everyone, you’re exhausting, and Daddy and I have no escape now that we can’t have our regular date nights.
If this hadn’t been the norm for the past several years, I would be citing COVID-related insanity, but in our house, it’s just Wednesday.
Before I met DH, I dated a real gem. I honestly don't know *why* I was ever with him. And basically I've determined it's so that I'd realize just how freaking amazing DH was when I met him. It sounds like you're in teh same boat. So to that small extent, be thankful that your experience with your exH has made you even MORE appreciative of the good catch you seem to have now.
Signed, Someone who loves hearing about someone else having good news
Dear phdmomma, UGH surprise gluten-ing is the worst! I basically just make my kids eat gluten free everything at this point. The only thing I consistently buy for them that's got gluten is sandwich bread for peanut butter sandwiches (and I don't eat PB so no contamination). GF sandwich bread is so expensive and they eat it too much. It's made life so much easier to not have to worry about separate everything. And they've gotten used to all of it by now so they stopped complaining about the GF stuff being weird. Signed, Fellow Celiac Sufferer
twinmomma, I can't to hear about what you got for Mother's Day next week 186momx
Dear Class Dojo Why can't I figure out the class dojo for students. It takes me a very round about long time to get to DD's site and then to upload, post anything is a PITA. Her teacher says that they want the kids to do this but jeez it is hard for me I don't have the time to walk DD through it. We are trying to use the web browser version to help stop the data hemorrhage on my phone. But to upload pictures from my phone I need to email them to myself to download them to the PC to them upload them into the site. It is way faster to just post the picture in the parent app that is on my phone. Mom who is frustrated
Dear District First distance learning is optional. Then it is you have to just engage twice a week either by dojo post, zoom meeting, or email. Now you are telling us we have to post stuff and turn in work to show engagement. Can you make up your mind? Oh also this week the assigned turn in piece is to post a picture or video of your art projected using the environment or share it during zoom class time. DD has tons of great ideas but all of them require me buying something. I think I talked her out of birdfeeders and giant pinecone paint projects. Got lots of tiny pinecones in the yard but no big anywhere near us. I think I talked her into making a nest but then no idea how to transport the nest to work for the zoom presentation next Monday. Ugh Me
You had to pick someone you admired to dress up as for your google hangout today for school, and without hesitation you picked.. MOM! Heart = melted.
And then, I asked why, and you asked "what does admire mean?"
And today, we dressed you up in jean shorts, a black shirt, and running shoes (my quarantine outfit) and made sure to straighten your hair and put earrings on. And I got to listen to you explain to your teacher that you wanted to be like your mom because her job makes a lot of money.
twinmomma , it's not the kids who are really bad. DH is a carbaholic, and would not be into the idea of the house being gluten free (like I can't believe how much bread we go through). I mark all of my stuff (like peanut butter) with ah big GF in sharpie. And then there is one that is unmarked, which can be double dipped in. I always have to remind him not to rub something in bread and then put it back on the big dinner dish. The kids get it, I don't understand why he doesn't. All three of his siblings have celiacs and have been diagnosed for 10+ years, so it isn't a new idea for him. Now there is a picture of me with my face crossed out on their butter as a reminder, not to use it for family stuff, and to use the GF one instead. I hate surprise poisonings, particularly in my own home.
All we've been doing is debating (mildly fighting) over reopening plans. You know what, this is not really my job to plan it all for you. I'm just doing it due to lack of leadership. Ask the board, get an actual opinion, and delegate to your HR and maintenance man and office assistant so you have time to work on it. Also a public statement of our plan would be good. I'm the only one doing the work and then everyone else has an opinion. Then maybe write it out yourselves, people, hmmmm?
Signed, tired of planning for the unplannable
Dear DH, I knew this would happen. You are the one that wanted the dog, but when it comes to the actual dog work you want everyone else to do it. Also, the dog chasing my cat is driving me crazy. It likely won't stop since this breed likes to chase things, so I guess they live separated forever.
k3am that's adorable about your DD. In contrast, my DD just cut up a shirt to make a bandeau top, and used the hair chalk she had me order to paint her hair. She looks like she's ready for Coachella.
Has your state not offered any guidance on a reopening plan?
Yes they have. But we are local government so the guidance is that we are allowed to deem what is essential. We are not talking about opening the building to the public, but when and how to have staff in and if and when to start curbside. So basically we could do curbside right now if we wanted to, or we can do it whenever we want in the future. Obviously staff need to be in the building for that and to process other materials. Our shelter in place ends May 30, and it's possible we can move onto Phase 3 of our governors plan May 28.
Post by librarychica on May 7, 2020 8:30:06 GMT -5
Dear WPs,
I am so tired. I thought I was doing so well this week, I had myself a hissy fit last week and H has been taking equal kid responsibility, I was getting things done, making my hours, everyone seemed pretty happy, etc. Then last night I had myself stayed up reading news, looking at models, and trying to read the future to see if I can send my kids to day camp in late June when it reopens and then having a tiny ethical breakdown over whether I should. Then I was late getting online for work. I have a headache and it’s my day to do school, the kids have so far accomplished the feeding of the caterpillars and the watching of cartoons.
I never got the hang of Thursdays.
It is Thursday, right?
Library
Dear colleague from another department,
I may have overshared this morning. I was just happy to be talking to someone new.
Sincerely, It’s been 7 weeks and I think I miss my windowless workspace and that one wonky light on my way to work
I guess I should be glad I made it to 35 weeks with baby #4 before ever experiencing this, but this sciatica pain is not awesome. My butt and leg really hurt.
Signed, a prenatal massage would be really nice about now in normal times
sdlaura , if you asked me 2 days ago, I would agree with you. But now there are these weird illnesses coming out in kids with positive COVID diagnoses, similar to toxic shock or Kawasaki's. I have yet to discern if these are freak cases because the local news is like OMG ALL THE KIDS ARE DYING.
So I'm back on the fence, and I need to do more research.
I guess I should be glad I made it to 35 weeks with baby #4 before ever experiencing this, but this sciatica pain is not awesome. My butt and leg really hurt.
Signed, a prenatal massage would be really nice about now in normal times
I’m not dead yet!
Sorry about the sciatica. It is the worse.
I’ll have to go read that later. What I need to get past is that this situation is changing, it’s going to keep changing, and trying to make decisions 6 weeks out is not feasible. But I am the data-informed, looking ahead, decision maker of my home and work life so this is hard for me.
I appreciate having this board to vent to. We are in a fortunate position, with a safe home and a steady job (mine) and mostly steady small business that have been largely spared the decimation of our tourism-based local economy. I don’t feel I can complain to friends who are depending on one, often cut or furloughed paycheck (and incidentally think no one should use any childcare because, after all, they have stay at home spouses!) or are home with their kids because furlough. And I am mostly grateful! We are mostly fine! But sometimes it sucks and I cannot maintain a constant level of gratitude.
I’m with you. I’ve had to just accept the current situation and move on. I’m still hopeful there can be some sort of day camp but sleepover camp is cancelled for sure. We announced May 1.
I’ve had to almost completely stop reading the news. And yeah, I’m a data fiend. But not when there’s no actual data. Since Texas has decided testing is mostly stupid because what do scientists and pandemic researchers know anyway, there’s simply no way of knowing just how bad this really is or isn’t. I’m taking the most protective measures I can for my family, doing the best I can by my kids, and just letting everything else go.
Signed, With You
Dear Employees:
Omg, why do you all feel the need to go to job sites? And why don’t any of you already have masks? Jesus.
Sincerely, Your Very Annoyed Boss
Dear Employer:
Thank you for making masks mandatory and telling leadership if they aren’t modeling good behavior it will be noticed. I’m glad you’re taking this seriously.
librarychica, this whole situation sucks. SUCKS. You're allowed to feel how you feel. You can feel grateful about most things and still feel frustrated about many other things.
Like you, I'm grateful that DH's business continues to do well, but we know that could change at any time. I'm grateful that my family continues to stay healthy, and that we're able to see my parents on a regular basis. I'm grateful that we're able to enjoy the local beach near my parents (no parking, so really limited to the residents). I'm grateful that we live on a quiet street and the kids can go outside and play if the weather cooperates. They can ride their bikes and play basketball and draw with chalk. I'm grateful that my kids were removed from difficult situations in their classrooms, and that stress has been removed from all of our lives.
Distance learning sucks. I hate fighting with my kids every day. Like you, I hate that I can't plan ANYTHING for the summer. No camps, no outings, no vacations... NOTHING. I hate that DD1 is withdrawing from her friends, even virtually, and becoming meaner with our family. I'm worried that her therapist just doesn't seem to be helping right now. I hate that all that DD2 hears is screaming because dd1 is so angry all the time.
This time is so, so hard on everyone. It sounds like you're doing a great job reflecting on the good. You're allowed to feel frustrated with the bad.
Dear Dad You really need to figure out this social distancing. Being pissed I talked with my work BFF the other morning isn't cool. Work BFF is the dog groomer across the street. I stood in her doorway while she folded towels across her shop and we chatted for a few. I'm closing to people at the post office when I go at least once a week and now am even closer to people when they come in to pick up taxes. You hiding in your office and poking your head out and waving is just weird. I don't get why you are so freaked out especially when at the beginning of this you were totally fine with everything. Frustrated Daughter/Business partner
k3am, I'm in agree with the allergies. My eye is itchy and DD can't stop blowing her nose. It is going to be a long weekend.
I’m with you. I’ve had to just accept the current situation and move on. I’m still hopeful there can be some sort of day camp but sleepover camp is cancelled for sure. We announced May 1.
I’ve had to almost completely stop reading the news. And yeah, I’m a data fiend. But not when there’s no actual data. Since Texas has decided testing is mostly stupid because what do scientists and pandemic researchers know anyway, there’s simply no way of knowing just how bad this really is or isn’t. I’m taking the most protective measures I can for my family, doing the best I can by my kids, and just letting everything else go.
Signed, With You
This is where I'm at too. I'm assuming no camps at all and have completely given up trying to figure out when things will go "back to normal" and what that will look like. It's a MAJOR struggle because a lack of plan is exactly what triggers my anxiety and OCD. But I feel surprisingly better now that I don't watch the daily news briefings and just kind of wing it with regards to that. I make plans around what I can control and otherwise kind of hope for the best.
I'm still nailing down the babysitter. There has been no news on the camps either way, and I go back to the office the week of June 1. Granted it's only for 4 hours a day for 3 days, but eventually it will be 6 hours and eventually it will be 4 days a week. I hope day camps open up in July. Eventually babysitter will go back to her job at the gym but that is looking like phase 4. Otherwise I'll just let the kids run feral while DH works all day in his upstairs office and I go to work (if camps don't open).
NYtimes article on daycares reopening/childcare trade-offs. My favorite is the last paragraph:
‘Given the uncertainties that still surround the virus, Dr. Cennimo recommends that parents make decisions that are right for them, with the knowledge that every choice will have some level of unquantifiable risk. “You gotta do what you gotta do,” he said. “And it’s a mess.”
Our in home daycare provider says that when she reopens, she’s mostly just going to have the kids play in the backyard all day except for naps. That works fine for me - I offered to donate some outdoor toys.