"Keep Calm and Carry On" April 2020 W.I.S.H. Challenge

[Summer2018]

Woo Hoo...I'll get back to you on that.

For now, today was supposed to be my first virtual grade level meeting. No directions were given on how to access this meeting, only that it would be on TEAMs.

I put makeup on and dressed the top half of my body, bra and all. My hair is a fright, because my highlights are growing out as well as my haircut. I'm due to get it done in a few days, which won't be happening. Anyway, I couldn't do a thing with it today, so I put my hair in a bun and put on my bejeweled Sleeping Beauty castle baseball cap. I look rather ridiculous with my nice pink cardigan sweater, makeup, and a ball cap. Whatever. It's the best I could do.

I finally found the meeting in the calendar section and clicked on it only I was the only one there. The meeting is actually tomorrow. I swear the meeting notification said, "Tomorrow" not "Thursday." It didn't come via email. Instead it is a message that comes through email, but once you send a response, it disappears into the ether, so there's no way to keep the message. I'm feeling rather stupid and embarrassed right now, because I texted my boss directly, and I got the vibe that she didn't appreciate me confusing the date.

None of my students did their assignments yesterday. That really frustrates me, because I feel like I'm going above and beyond for them.

So, I'm feeling rather salty right now.

 

[Oneanne]

My big woohoo is the weather... today we don't even have morning cloud cover, I woke up to clear blue skies. It helps so much with mental health.

Also, woohoo for my old cat Mike. I worry about him so much, and just want him to stay alive right now so I don't have that added grief to deal with. But aside from being super bossy and picky about food, he's doing really well.


I finished 'Untamed" (awesome, highly recommended it) and started a new book called 'Super Attractor', which is about manifesting. I started it thinking it would help me manifest getting called back to my job early and not being laid off, but of course one of the first things she talks about is letting go of outcomes. I've been thinking about creating a morning mediation routine and she gives one in the book which I did for the first time this morning. I also created a new mantra about how I want to feel, which I've started using.

I've decided to increase my mid-day walk and make my evening walk totally optional, only doing it if I want to. Most evenings I do really enjoy it and I know getting out for the fresh air is helping me sleep, but I don't like having a must-do late in the day, it's kind of a burden.

Hope everyone has a healthy and peaceful Wednesday.

 

[Summer2018]

Woo Hoo!

I decided to make the most of me having makeup on and being dressed on the top half. I filmed two read alouds for my YouTube channel. I feel better now that my early morning preparations didn’t go to waste.

Woo Hoo number two:

One of my parents sent a video of my student writing his own name. It’s something that he struggled with this year, so it’s definitely a win.

I knew if I gave it some time, I could find something to Woo Hoo about.

 

[PollyannaMom]

3. Learned how to use Zoom!
4. Talking to family out of state more often.

I second these. Nobody would have pegged me as "techy" before (well, except maybe MIL, because I can occasionally help her with stuff ) but I now have both Zoom and a YouTube channel.

I have also been better about calling my dad and step-mom in Florida, and checking in with other relatives. My cousin in Texas will behaving a baby very soon, and I am both worried and excited for her!

 

[MickeyMom76]

Saw this and it’s so me! I need to have a good cry to let it out sometimes. But then I pull myself back together and move on....or go to sleep and try again tomorrow

 

[Summer2018]

View attachment 486511
Saw this and it’s so me! I need to have a good cry to let it out sometimes. But then I pull myself back together and move on....or go to sleep and try again tomorrow

100 times yes!

 

[4Mickeys]

Woohoos for this week:

1. Beach walks
2. Being on Easter Break - even though I started work from home last week - this next 2 weeks I am on break and am enjoying no pressure to do anything.
3. Spending time with the kids

 

[MickeyMom76]

It’s Thankful Thursday!
Time for that attitude of gratitude!
I loved this image because it shows that no matter how dark things seem, there are still many things to give thanks for. And when you start identifying those things, you will start to shine! So what’s going to be your brightness today? What are you thankful for?

 

[MickeyMom76]

I am thankful for my students and their parents trying to figure out their online learning.

I am thankful for the healthcare provided, police officers, grocery store employees and all the other essential employees who are keeping our lives moving forward.

I am thankful for all who are working from home to help keep us safe.

I am thankful that my sister & BiL (doctors) are mostly working from home for now, limiting their exposure to the virus.

I am thankful for the food we have been able fill out fridge, freezer and pantry with so that we do not have to go back out for a month.

I am thankful for this time home with my husband and kids...especially because I know this wouldn’t normally be the case. (Normally my husband would still be working as a ups driver, but due to injury he is home...a blessing in disguise).

I am thankful for this group! My daily dose of global online socialization

 

[PollyannaMom]

I love that image!!

This morning, I'm thankful for:

My family. - DH and DS are struggling through all of this working/learning on line stuff, cheerfully trying my efforts at more home cooking. FIL called yesterday, just to check in on us, and I've been keeping more in touch with far-away relatives as well.

So many other people. - The brave medical personal and essential workers keeping things going, the researchers trying to end this crisis, the people at home doing little things to cheer each other up - chalk pictures, videos... and certainly all my DIS friends here! It so nice to have something that's same as it always was.

The sunshine, which we had a bit of this morning.

Coffee.

The many video entertainment options I have here at home. - I've been catching up on DVR'd shows, watching Disney+ on the treadmill, enjoying Hallmark movies... Last night, I was watching Game Show Network. - Who knew there was a whole channel devoted to quiz shows?

 

[piglet1979]

The last 2 days have been a bit busy. Nick had a great birthday. He was not upset one bit about it being different and was thankful and happy for what we could do.

Tuesday night we had some horrible storms roll through. At my house we just got hail, high winds and lots of rain. I hate storms so i was wide awake. The meteorologists were saying at the end of the 11 pm news that they did not think there would be a tornado but a very small chance of one. About 5-10 minutes later there was one spotted before a warning went out. It was going right by my moms. I texted her to make sure she knew. Thankfully they were already in the basement. She said it was really scary by her. If my step dad is in the basement it had to have been bad. Yesterday they did confirm a tornado by my moms and 2 other more south. Thankfully no damage at all at my moms. Now my aunt that lives only about a minute away had several trees down around her but they didn't cause any damage. It was a very eventfully night and I was up until at least 2. I left the TV on because I was afraid of more storms coming and the weather service decided to do a test at 4 am. so I only got a few hours of slept.

Yesterday Jeff and I went to the store to get a few last minute things for Easter dinner and get crickets for Nicks bearded dragon. This is the first time I have been out in like 3 weeks. I have to say I handled it very well. I was a little anxious but to the point I was before. We did have masks so i think that helps. As we as people kept there distance. As soon as we got everything put away we both took showers and put our clothes in the washer.

My woohoo is that Nick had a great birthday. Also that my office chair got here yesterday. It is so much better then sitting on a dinning room chair.

I am thankful for all of the front line workers. They are dealing with so much right now. I parent I know from my kids school is an ER nurse. One of the doctors that she works with died from the virus.

 

[sjrec]

Loved the image!

Grateful that we’re all healthy.
Grateful my daughter and son in law have income coming in while teaching/counseling from home.
Grateful for a freezer full of food.
Grateful for my pile of books.
I am so grateful for every day of sunshine because it lifts my spirits
So grateful for all those still working to keep us safe, taking care of the sick, feeding us.

 

[Oneanne]

Most of these have already been said, but I am also thankful for:

- Essential workers who are keeping things going, taking on the risks to keep us safe.
- My little house, which is my haven.
- A fridge and cupboard full of food.
- My health and the health of family and friends.
- All the people who are following the stay-at-home guidelines, because together we have flattened the curve. Yesterday they started dismantling the national guard field hospital set up at the football stadium, so it can move to somewhere it is needed. The core city hospital said their covid case load has gone from 50 a day to 20, and they are finally able to catch their breaths.
- That I work for a company that is making the best choices while navigating something no one has experienced before.

Yesterday was the first day of doing the "alignment" mantra and meditation. She mentions that old stuff will come up, and it is... it's like when you smooth things out you can see/feel the bubbles surface vs when you are stirred up they are just part of the chaos. I'd say last evening I was uneasy with old thoughts surfacing, but as uncomfortable as it is right now, it is good work and I am thankful for the book and the ideas in it.

 

[Summer2018]

I’m thankful that my family is still healthy even though my husband has to work outside the home every day as an essential worker (federal government).

I’m thankful that he is over 60 and is able to grocery shop at 6am with the senior citizens.

I’m thankful that he bought toilet paper today. It hasn’t been on the shelves, and I was beginning to get nervous.

I’m thankful that this is my last day of working from home until April 20th. I really need to deal with myself and my personal needs without constant work related interruptions.

I’m thankful that the 5 pounds extra on my scale yesterday were not there today. As of this moment, I’m maintaining my 20 pound weight loss.

I’m thankful for all of the First Responders, like my niece and nephew who are Paramedics, that risk their lives daily.

I’m thankful for the restaurants that remain open for curbside pick-up. My other nephew is executive chef and owner of a five star restaurant. He has started selling farm to table groceries in addition to providing curbside pickup meals.

I’m thankful for those that are willing to comply with the social distancing rules in spite of the others who refuse. I’m thankful that my police department has started fining those that don’t comply $100.

I’m thankful for my Principal who provides support and shows appreciation for her teachers.

I’m thankful for my Noom coach who supports me, appreciates my honesty, and doesn’t put pressure on me.

I’m thankful for all of you and everything you do for me every day.

 

[Summer2018]

My Principal sent this to the faculty today, and I would like to share it with all of you:

 

[4Mickeys]

I am thankful for:

Everyone in Australia who is doing the right thing and making a fast response to flatten our curve with relatively low numbers compared to many other countries - although any death is one to many.

Having the ability to also stock a freezer and pantry to limit outings

Our health - despite being so paranoid about any tickle in the throat, sniffle, etc. "touch wood" we are all healthy in my family.

Beach walks

Healthcare workers (including those in the wards working in admin - like my friend), supermarket employees - everyone involved in the food security we are enjoying in Australia

A well developed healthcare system where I do not need to worry about the cost if we need to access it. Including the ramping up of telehealth.

My kids keeping me sane when I am teetering on being overwhelmed by it all!

The array of entertainment on offer to pass the time.

The wonderfully creative people who are able to raise our spirits during this time, with a meme, funny video or performances.

A comfortable space to isolate - I saw on the news this week where a group of family were living in and under a tree - yes a tree with a tree limb each as a way to distance!

Friends to lean on during this time.

I’m thankful that my police department has started fining those that don’t comply $100.

Here in Australia that fine ranges from $1000 to $1400!

Also loved the Friends clip - watching "Friends" is one of my 'happy places' and I am re-watching it again at the moment.

A heads up to all my friends on here with kids - DD told me this morning that when chatting with her friends yesterday in a group chat - they all agreed that many of them are not telling their parents if they have a twinge of a sore throat or any symptoms on the Covid list because they are worried about OUR reactions. I know I am guilty of it and my DD too - such as when she had the sneezes and the pain in the chest this week - she said "I didn't want to tell you as I knew you would react like that" - apparently us parents have a - particular "LOOK" as a response - one DDs friends said she coughed once yesterday and got the "LOOK" from her mother. It is so stressful as we know the look is also about being worried about them as well as ourselves and the rest of the family. I did reassure DD the other day that I thought she was fine but if things weren't I would look after her no matter what. I think it was a reminder that even though our kids and mine are teens may be putting up a good front most of the time - things are getting to them.

 

[sweetpeama]

Happy 3 day weekend to me. DH does not go back to work till Monday night so is home for an extra day this weekend.

 

[sweetpeama]

For those who don't know me I am Tammy and I live with my husband and two girls 15 and 12 in Montana. My husband works in a warehouse that supplies food for away from home dining experiences such as resturants, hospitals, schools, and prisons. I homeschool our girls with 15 year old having already completed her hours for the year and 12 year old who doesn't like to study 7-10 hours a day like her sister on track to be complete somewhere from mid May to early June. We have till the end of June to get her required hours completed and this is normal for our family.
Both girls are active in 4-H which has changed a lot in the past month. Some clubs are doing facetime and zoom meetings others like the one the girls are in well let's just say mentioning the idea of doing the record books online and 90% of the families are deer in headlights. 15 year old is taking cat and ceramics. She has 3 of her 7 required activities to finish for cat this year. Originally they were supposed to be done by May 2 in time for the cat show, however since the governor of Montana has extended the stay at home orders till April 24 I really don't see it happening that there is enough time for the kids to get their enrollment forms and their proof of immunizations on their cats completed in order to have them to the office in time for the organizers to know how many kids and animals are in the show a little over a week later and that is if things don't get extended again. As the club cat leader I have told the kids or at least their parents that I want them to have their activities done by April 30 so that the next time I see them I can sign their books. I highly doubt though that at least one will do anything as this one hasn't bothered to show up to a project meeting either the ones I have or the ones put on by the county leader. The other one other than my own I need to touch base with but I do know that at least a couple activities have been completed. (Might have to have 15 year old bring me her book so I have it on hand when I call her friend so I can easily reference the pages.
15 year old was supposed to have ceramics this weekend but that is canceled. She is able to work on a lot of her pieces though she has one part that she is not sure of so I need to try and call her leader tomorrow and see if she could possible do an online meeting with 15 year old, that reminds me I need 15 year old to make a list of ones that she is familiar with besides ******* and facetime. I have zoom on my phone and could let her use that and we should have skype on the computers or at least can get it beyond that I don't know.
12 year old is currently taking microwave cooking, photography, leathercraft, and family adventures. We have till the end of the month to decide which ones we are keeping other than microwave cooking. Photogaphy even before we were placed under social distancing and stay at home orders had a huge monkey wrench thrown in it as the county leader ended up being diagnosed with cancer in the stomach. It is stage 4 and does not look good. We were supposed to go to a fundraiser for her this weekend but obviously that is not happening. I don't know enough about photography to be able to do it without some help and there is no leaders guide so if 15 year old can't help me figure out enough to be able to do the required activities in the book we are dropping it for this year.
Leathercraft 12 year old does not like the sound of the pounding on the table so we are going to borrow father in laws tools in a couple of weeks and try it with putting the pieces on folded towels to muffle the sound. Family adventures well let's just say 15 year old was not too excited about it because you have to try and get your family involved plus the activities include things like family stories and trace your family tree.
We have a lot of the family tree done on my side though there are parts like my German relatives who came from the Volga River area of Russia that information has just come available in the last 10 years or so that we need to fill in. There is a bunch of information on DH's dad's mother's side that some of the cousins have done. We were supposed to have a reunion with that side this year but it is being postponed till next year so I am thinking we might end up dropping it for this year though it is going to depend if we can come up with enough activities to do.
I wanted to have at least 2 done by the first part of this month and then another 2 done this month but getting these people motivated no 15 year old doesn't want to and DH lets her get by with what she wants because she is his little pride and joy princess.
I am too harsh on her when I expect her to help clean around the house according to him but a lot of it is he doesn't like conflict so he won't discipline her hind end. She does a great job cleaning when she wants to this week she decided to clean off a few of the counters in the kitchen all on her own with no prompting from me because she was bored.
Please dear heavens let this child be bored more often because there is still plenty of areas in the house that need to be cleaned once the kitchen is all done. I can do some but with my fibro I am limited on what I can do physically so I am still trying to play catch up from when I was out of commision when I injured my knee on top of our being behind due to it being fair week at least on the deep cleaning.
I am trying not to overdue it but am wanting to get things done so that when this is all over we can get our mortgage refinanced. Because of our loan having had an interest assistance when we first got it we have to have an inspection to determine how much of the money we got in the assistance has to be paid back in what they call a recapture.
Right now with 12 year old and her health problems and to an extent me we are not allowing anyone in our house. We don't even open the door for deliveries until they are at the bottom of the stairs if we happen to be awake when they come. Sometimes with a night shift schedule house they show up between 9 and 10:30 AM and we are still tucked in our beds fast asleep. If we do happen to get to the door they are usually at the bottom of the stairs heading out the gate so we just hollar thank you and they wave to us.

My goal this month is to be in the x50s or lower by the end of the month. I am currently in the x60s mainly boucing between x63 an x65 which is a range I stayed at before for quite a while so it is going beyond that set point to a lower weight. I have noticed when I get to a set point that I previous spent a while at it takes a bit to get past that.

 

[MickeyMom76]

Anyone else feeling this way?

 

[MickeyMom76]

It’s Free-For-All Friday!
Share what’s on your mind.

It was just announced yesterday that schools in PA will not reopen this spring. They will remained closed for this academic year. I am sad for many reasons (miss my kids, some I won’t see again in person as they’ll go to a different school for first grade, the poor seniors miss out on the fun of senior year...prom, walking the halls one last time, graduation...although I hear they are actively working in finding ways to do things either virtually or after the social distancing ends). But honestly I had already prepared myself for this. Once they extended it to the endive April, my mind just went to the rest of the year. But still, it’s sad.

On a lighter note, we watched Onward on Disney+ and loved it!

Yesterday was my aunts 70th birthday. We did a Group FaceTime call to sing to her. My family, my parents, my brother’s family and my sister’s family all participated. It was such a surprise and really made her day.