We’re at week 3 of sheltering in place. Like most people, we’re not used to so much isolation coupled with non-stop togetherness. There’s no escape.
On Sunday, I told the kids what they already knew: that this situation would continue until summer, and they wouldn’t return to school until fall.
Then I said that for us to make it through—that is, for me, specifically, to make it through—we needed to make a change: namely, we needed to implement a reduction in the snark factor, pronto.
The snark factor, I realize, is “normal teenage behavior,” which, under normal circumstances, I can take. But not now.
Yesterday, a teacher of one of my kids posted guidelines about an upcoming Zoom classroom meet-up. A few highlights:
- Please get dressed… or at least a little dressed.
- If you’re working from your room; please do not be in your bed. Or, if you must be in your bed, please sit up.
- Please do not eat during our meetings.
- Please do not play games on your phone.
- Your pet may listen in.
Upside # 1: On our walk with Charlie this morning, we saw yellow irises, a sidewalk rainbow made with chalk, and sculptural purple flowers. The jasmine had bloomed and it smelled sweet.
Upside # 2: Mateo said, “You can’t just put a ‘Pause’ button on corona and make it go away.” A life lesson, that, and hard earned. Will someone please tell those people running around, out and about, as though nothing has changed?
Stay safe, everyone. xox
o