News:
Halito! Thank you guys for being so understanding about my lack of content these past few weeks. It's been hard to juggle my parents both being hospitalized with COVID, remodeling and moving into our new house, and my son's never-ending school work. (Seriously, he's staring at a screen for most of the day and then they have him doing at least an hour's worth of homework every night.) My parents are both home and doing better, although my mother still uses an oxygen tank to help her breathe most days. She's started wearing two masks when she leaves the house, so I guess that's one positive to come from this ordeal (she wasn't wearing one at all before).
Our new house is really coming together! I've been posting some pictures on my Instagram, but we still have a lot of work left to do. My husband is making our kitchen counter, and I'm trying to repaint all of the rooms. We finally put the trampoline back together, so the kids are happy. 😁 Unfortunately, the guy that was supposed to remove some of our trees totally ghosted us, and we're not sure how to proceed from here. Fingers crossed someone else can do the job for the same amount! (Removing trees in VA is apparently a VERY lucrative business - - geez.)
I am OVER homeschooling my child. He wants to go to school, I want him to go to school, his sisters want him to go to school (hah!), but we're stuck online because the United States doesn't want to take this pandemic seriously. They're not even talking about it anymore! Thank the stars Biden won the election (WHOOP!), because we really need a President that has a plan to heal our country (both literally and figuratively).
I still have a few posts I need to backdate (My Weekly Pulls & Can't wait Wednesdays, blog tours, etc.), so please be patient while I try to catch up on everything I've missed. I can't wait to visit your blogs and see what you've been reading! I've been listening to a lot of audiobooks (they keep my ears and mind occupied while I'm painting or unpacking), so those reviews will be posted in the next week or so.
Oh! I've been working on something for our new neighborhood! I hinted at it several weeks ago and Roberta assumed it had something to do with wood, but this has zero woodworking involved! It took a lot of phone calls and emails, but I'm finally able to move on to the final stages - - ahh! I cannot wait to share it with you.
Stay safe, everyone.
Previous week on the blog:
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| I couldn't resist... |
- The Bromance Book Club has been a delight so far! I can't believe I'm just now getting to this one! Aren't there three books now?
- I'm reading the Frozen book with my girls, and Aliens Ate My Homework with my son. Both have been great so far! I think the kids are really enjoying both.
- I started all of these pre-move and never got around to finishing them! Hopefully, I can get to them soon. 🤞🏻
- Read the Alphabet Challenge 21
- Audiobook Challenge 29 / 50+
- Beat the Backlist Challenge 38 / 110
- Discussion Challenge 2 / 1-10
- Goodreads Challenge 272 / 365
Wow, you've been really, really busy ! I hope you'll be able to relax some now. I'm happy to read that your parents are out of danger, you must be relieved. And moving to a new house how is exhausting, but also so very exciting :) Have a great week, take care.
ReplyDeleteI was thankful when they were released from the hospital, but dismayed when I learned they still weren't wearing masks or taking the proper precautions. *sighs* The new house has been exhausting! I am SO READY for it to be finished!
DeleteSorry to hear about your parents, but glad they are home and healing. I can't say I envy what parents are dealing with right now, but you know, I don't know if I would say America isn't taking the pandemic seriously. Most countries are dealing with the same things we are. I follow a teacher in the Netherlands, and they still have their younger kids in school, and this is what she had to say: "There was a lot of research amongst children and our experts say that children below 13 almost don't get infected and almost never transfer is, so that's why our Primary Schools are still open." Every locality makes their own choices, and in the US, they are choosing distance learning.
ReplyDeleteMost of our schools have started going back full time. We had to choose between two options at the beginning of the year - 100% online for the first semester, or starting online and then transitioning to in-person as the year progressed. Now the superintendent is saying that everyone is going back to 100% online learning for the next semester. It has been SO HARD on my kid. I hate that this has been his school experience so far.
DeleteI also get what you're saying, but I do think the American population has been the most reluctant to wear masks and social distance. I'm just ready for it to end.
DeleteWe can only do what we can do at the moment! I missed blogging too but other stuff was more pressing... Like you, I'm looking forward to properly getting back in the swing of things. :)
ReplyDeleteLook after yourself!
PS - the author re-tweeting/commenting is awesome! I love it when they interact for good. :)
I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things! Two blog posts so far! And look at me now - - commenting on people's blogs and responding to the ones on here. ;)
DeleteIt's sad that your parents had to learn a lesson the hard way. At least they're both recovering now.
ReplyDelete"my son's never-ending school work. (Seriously, he's staring at a screen for most of the day and then they have him doing at least an hour's worth of homework every night.)"
It ain't life for a kid 😶.
OK, I was wrong about the wood...but it's all your fault, what with that bunch of wood-related projects you enthusiastically showed us a few months ago 😂. Now I'm EVEN more curious...
I hope the house is coming along nicely (I can't scroll through your Instagram).
And I'm SO happy for you guys - I hope the nightmare is over, and some sensible decisions are going to be made...
They still haven't learned. They're both carrying on like nothing happened.
DeleteNope. I hate that my son is constantly looking at a screen or doing homework online.
The rain and people working at our house (cutting down the trees) have impeded my progress on the project. I'll let you know when it's finished!
The house is chugging along... we're taking it room by room. ;)
Wow, you have been busy! Hope the renovations go quickly and smoothly!
ReplyDeleteThe renovations have stalled, because the people removing our trees keep dragging their feet. Fingers crossed they can finish before the holidays. We have things to do! ;)
DeleteGlad your parents are better!! We have been having in person classes since August. Cases are on the rise in our school now. Its frustrating for sure!
ReplyDeleteOur superintendent just said everyone would start online for the first two weeks starting next semester. This madness is never-ending.
DeleteGlad to hear that your parents are out of the hospital and back at home. Hopefully your mom will continue to improve. It's so sad (and frustrating) to read articles about people who didn't take the virus seriously, got sick, and only after started warning people that it's a real thing. How many stories like that do people have to hear? *sigh* Hopefully next year with strong leadership we'll make some headway.
ReplyDeleteMy mom still has pneumonia and refuses to take it seriously. She's already back at work (AT A SCHOOL) and still not social distancing or wearing a mask. I. Just. Cannot.
DeleteHi there! This is my first time stumbling upon your blog - how delightful! Aaah life is hectic across the world. I'm from South Africa and a teacher (or if you want to listen to Elza's "voice" - I'm a fluffy white kitten and my Mommy is a teacher/librarian) and I can sooooo understand why you are over homeschooling. I work at a private school and we are very fortunate to have 80% of our students back in class. We do still have to do online schooling for the other 20%...
ReplyDeleteLuckily I see you have great books to keep you sane and I'm sure the wine bottle and strong coffee is there somewhere as well.
Have a good week and good luck! Here's my latest The Sunday Post #17
Your blog is adorable! I've never seen one written from a cat's perspective. ;) I think you've started something super creative - love it! I'm homeschooling but hate that I have to homeschool. I love my kids, but hate that they're missing out on those social connections. They're supposed to be making friends and learning how to solve problems with their peers.
DeleteI'm currently drinking the last of the wine, but we have plenty of coffee. ;)
Oh my daughter is over the whole online learning too.
ReplyDeleteIt's the worst and I hate it.
DeleteGood to hear your parents are doing better. The homeschooling is a total pain, the first lockdown my pair had to homeschool but they’ve now said if Scotland goes in to a second lockdown the kids will still have to go to school.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have loads on your plate, take care and stay safe.
Thanks! My mom still has pneumonia, but they're home and on the mend. Homeschooling is slowly sucking the life from my veins, and I'm not sure how much longer I can stay positive for my kid. 😭
DeleteI'm so glad to hear your parents are both on the path to recovery! One of my dear friends from college lost her mother and sister this week to COVID-19, so this is all hitting a bit too close to home for my comfort. On top of all of that, my boyfriends mom was notified that she's been in close contact with someone who tested positive, so now our Thanksgiving plans are in freefall.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm so sorry to hear that. I really hate that we can't come together to combat Covid. Do I like homeschooling my son? No. Do my kids want to be stuck at home or doing solo activities all the time? No. Are we doing it anyways? Yes. It's better for everyone if we do. Covid is no joke, and the lasting effects are proving to be increasingly detrimental to those who "got over" Covid.
DeleteI hope your Thanksgiving was enjoyable despite the obstacles. <3
DeleteWow you've had a lot on your plate. I'm gad your parents are doing okay. I hope we can finally get a handle on the virus too- what blows my mind is it's not rocket science, follow epidemiologist advice (I mean, we understand how viruses work generally), why is it so hard to make small sacrifices now for the greater good? Good grief they wear masks all the time in Asia but here you'd think it's the frickin apocalypse...
ReplyDeleteI need to read some Roanhorse!
My plate is so full, there's no way I'll ever get the bottom. RIGHT? People in other parts of the world wear masks all the time, but asking people to wear them here is apparently the equivalent of taking away ALL of their freedoms. UGH.
DeleteI'm so sorry that your parents got COVID. Glad they are recovering! Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHere’s my Sunday Post!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog
They're on the mend, but still not taking it seriously. I give up!
DeleteGreat to see you back here again! I'm glad your parents made it out of the hospital and are taking it more seriously now. I found out Friday my 93yo Mom has it but she is asymptomatic and has 98% blood oxygen so far. Her nursing home was taking precautions but I doubt the staff had adequate PPE to change it out frequently.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy with election results and can't wait to move on with Biden/Harris. It's exciting to have a woman in the White House. I saw they announced there covid task force today. I'm stil worried. We just stay home and get deliveries or do pickups.
I think the Bromance book club series gets better with each book! I hope you enjoy and get to do a little relaxing and reading now.
Anne - Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
I tried to "be back" in November, but it didn't work! I have done much better this week though, so fingers crossed I can keep this momentum going. :)
DeleteI really thought my parents would start taking the virus more seriously, but they're back to doing what they did before. *sighs* I'm glad you're mom is doing okay and now showing any serious signs. I really wish people would take it more seriously. I know a lot of people that are already refusing to get the vaccine.
Thank the stars Biden won. He's not my favorite person (really wanted Bernie to win the nomination), but he's infinitely better than Trump. Trump managed to destroy so much in four years, and I'm worried Biden and Harris won't be able to repair it all. We're staying home as much as possible, but it's still scary.
I'm really enjoying The Bromance Book Club! I can't wait to read the others. :)
I am glad your parents are home from the hospital and on the mend. I am glad the remodeling and move are going well. I hear you when it comes to school. It's never ending. My daughter's teacher was positive during her parent/teacher conference, so at least there's that. We must be doing something right, I guess. It doesn't feel like it a lot of the time. The hybrid students were supposed to start back in school this week, but it had to be postponed because of the COVID rates in the county right now. There are a lot of people who are upset but these are also the people who think it's all a hoax or not as serious as our "dictator" governor would have us believe. These people drive me mad.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are enjoying The Bromance Book Club. That is good news for me. I have that one on my TBR shelf. You've reminded me I need to get to The Diviners too.
I hope you have a great week!
My parents are doing better physically, but mentally they're doing about the same. I can't believe they still like Trump and want to treat the virus like it doesn't exist. I honestly cannot wrap my head around it. All of the hybrid students started back full time a few weeks ago, but the superintendent just sent out an email saying everyone will be 100% online for the fist two weeks of the next semester. There has been an increase in cases and they want to be cautious.
DeleteIt sounds like your kid's school is extremely strict with time management. I hope they ease up and let them be kids a bit too. I hope your parents are doing okay.
ReplyDeleteThe Bromance Book Club is such a fun read, you'll enjoy!
We've simply stopped going to "gym" altogether. It was a joke. I have him outside and actually exercising/using up his energy during that time period. My parents are doing better, but they're still not taking it seriously. I thought they would for a while, but they're already back to doing what they did before.
DeleteI'm really enjoying The Bromance Book Club! <3
I think your parents have had a lucky escape overall. Personally I fear this virus a lot because my dad and I both have asthma and I'm overweight, plus my uncle died of Covid in May. So we stay home most of the time and go out once or twice a week at most to local shops wearing masks! I hope they continue to recover.
ReplyDeleteI think so too. Unfortunately, now they think Covid isn't a big deal, and still aren't taking the proper precautions. I cannot wrap my head around how they justify things. It's batshit crazy! I'm glad you and your dad are staying home and staying safe. We only venture out when we have to.
DeleteYou moved again?! Is this yours where you will be staying? 🏡
ReplyDeleteI didn't know your parents were hospitalized! I have been trying to stay away from book Twitter because when I post political content I lose follwers. I won't be back on until after the inaguration. I am much happier on my music Twitter, they love my political posts. I hope your parents don't have any residual affects. Sending good energies. 💜
I too am tired of the anti-maskers. I'm tired of having to stay away from my son and wear a mask in my own home because he's a store worker. I hope Biden makes it a national mandate and that people get fined for not wearing masks. 😒
I hope you had a good week. 🌞
Yes! We were only in out rent house for 9 months before finding a house we wanted to buy, so we moved again for the second time in a year (UGH). We're mostly settled, but there are still some renovations we need to do. I've stopped caring about whether or not I lose followers for my political views. If they're Trump supporters, they weren't people I wanted to talk to anyways.
DeleteThank goodness for both of your parents being back home! And I hear you on the online schooling. Last spring was horrific and I couldn't handle it again for my sanity or theirs. So I pulled them from their district and we're doing our own homeschooling. It's a billion times easier, our days are cut in half time wise and we're actually ahead of where the schools are for learning and learning extra stuff too like chemistry for 2nd and 4th grade cause why not lol! Here's hoping your kiddo school work starts to lesson *hugs*!
ReplyDeleteJen @ Star-Crossed Book Blog
We've considered doing our own homeschooling, but I'm worried about those missed social connections. He isn't able to interact with the students in his online class, but at least he sees people outside of his family most days. I just don't know what to do, to be honest. I'm happy you've found something that works for you and yours! <3
DeleteIf you have any questions at all, you're more than welcome to DM me. I'm planning on them going back to public school next fall, if our area goes back to normal. Fingers crossed♥
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