Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Catching up during COVID-19

I hope you all are staying safe and healthy. It's an unprecedented time. We have a stay-at-home order, issued by the governor a few weeks ago. So far it's going pretty well.

Before the break, kids were keeping busy; Elena had straight-As in school, and was getting ready to go on her New York Field trip (which got cancelled). Vivian performed in her school play, and enjoyed jazz dance and violin. I was able to get out a little more--there is some great live music around here!

Now, with things on break, it's very different. School officially started distance learning this week; the kids are very receptive, and enjoy interaction with other students and educators. I'm not sure how well assignments will be completed, but we're doing our best with this new platform. Vivian is definitely lonely--video chats only do so much. I've been keeping them tasked as best I can. We have home projects, and everyone has to go outside, video socialize, and work out every day. 

Elena has been doing a great job with her personal trainer and her trike riding. She's matured a lot, and is really great company most of the time. We miss going to to gym.

Vivian has been seizure-free for almost two years. She's still on epilepsy meds; we had an appointment to see if we could start weaning her off medication, but it had to be postponed due to coronavirus. My hope is her mood swings back off a bit; I think she's more emotional because of the medication. With any luck, she'll be able to get her EEG done by the end of the summer.

As far as things with me, it's much the same. The divorce process is slow. I try to exercise every day, and spend a lot of time cooking. I've been trying to make masks using my sewing machine, with limited success. I have a few home improvement projects going. I've actually found the change of pace nice--slowing down has been a good thing. 

My family is doing okay. Dad had a second brain surgery in January...he hasn't been bouncing back. I think this is normal (?) for a glioblastoma patient. The quarantine has been most difficult regarding family visits--we've been staying home, which has been rough b/c I want to see my parents and help out if I can. No one wants to get sick--especially my Dad and Mom. 

How are you out there?

I'm not sure what else to write, so I'll leave you with our first audio-video project. The kids wanted me to get TikTok. I may have made a huge mistake.

@ousemay ##quarantineroutine
♬ original sound - lauraclery