My youngest starts school next Tuesday. For our district, they've decided to do a hybrid schedule. The kids are broken up by last name (A-K and L-Z), going to classes only two days per week. Three days will be remote learning. We're hopeful that this gives the kids a chance to have the one-on-one instruction they missed from the spring, while also giving them the distance they need to avoid more spikes in Covid cases. I suppose time will tell.
My eldest begins classes for her junior year, tomorrow. Her college didn't seem to have any plan of action for returning students. Only a couple of her professors have been in contact with her and they've opted to teach remotely. She is still waiting to hear from the others. (Not one to sit on her laurels, she's already reached out to them to see what they're wanting to do). She is a bit irritated that she spent money on a parking pass they she may not end up using. I told her that this is all unprecedented and I don't see why the school couldn't refund those students the fees if, in fact, most of the classes will be taught online. Again, time will tell.
I am grateful, however, that she decided to forgo cheer this year. Two of the girls on her team tested positive, but the coach wasn't sure about what to do. Wasn't sure?! Since my daughter is considered high-risk, her dad and I were quick to counsel her into dropping for the year. From what she last said, the coach was considering gloves and masks at practice. Um, okay. "Better that you wait for things to improve then to put yourself in harm's way, kid."
Kid. That kid turned 20 on Sunday. I'm still reeling over that. Where did the time go? Wasn't it just yesterday I was running her around to all of the dance competitions? Helping her with her homework? Drying her tears when her feelings got hurt? Now, she's a grown-up through and through. It's tough to watch her not be able to enjoy this time of her life, right now. I remember what I was doing at 20 and it certainly wasn't wearing masks and self-quarantining. Our world is so crazy, right now.
Hubby has had enough of being trapped in one place. For Labor Day weekend, we're setting off down south for a bit of a retreat. Of course, we won't be able to be out-and-about like we normally would on a trip, but the place he's booking will have a private pool and we can take a break from our nutty world for a few days. I'm really, really hoping that things improve soon. It's such a downer.
On the upside, I did manage to remove all of my quarantine weight. It was rough! Everything I saw, I put into my mouth. So many psychologists have been promoting the "forgiveness" of all the over eating that's happening right now (comfort, soothing, healing). Well, maybe for others, but my pants were down right violent towards me, every time I put them on. I put an end to that madness quick and in a hurry. Staying hopeful that I don't fall into the rut of it again, I've been working out and trying to get outside as much as I can (which is sometimes hard to do in triple-digit heat). Anyway, I think I'll look into getting a seasonal affective disorder lamp for the winter.
