End of May

Much more of the same here in TN.

Bogdan works from home occasionally, but mostly goes into the Lab.  He is stressed about work, as always, but continuing on.

Gabriel will be home sometime next week, we think, haven't heard definite plans yet.  He has graduated and we went to his virtual commencement ceremony, which goes down as the shortest we've attended to date.

Marian is done her junior year after taking 3 AP tests in May and celebrating by starting her summer bucket list. (She's calling this one "Quarantine edition")

I'm still making masks, but will probably stop in another few weeks.  2,906 to date so far!  Been working on my doula business in the off time, working my way thru my certification packet.  I have only 2 more things to do, which of course, are the hardest!  I have 2 more births to attend and it's been so hard to find anyone.  Hospitals are just relaxing their restrictions, and I'm hoping that will encourage moms to choose a doula option.  Fingers crossed.

Happy Memorial Day to all.  NOT having our annual Memorial Day BBQ, which is fine for me.  (Having 100 people over is exhausting, but not happening in this current pandemic!)

May already!

What's been happening?!

Marian is technically done with Physics and she is SO happy and never wants to think about it again.  She has 3 AP tests this month and then she's done her junior year.  She's been doing some online "Safer@home" contests and won $150 for a piano performance and $50 for a Shakespeare piece.  Otherwise, she's been playing lots of piano and looking forward to the day when social distancing is over.

Mask making has reached 1,864 as of Thursday last week.  Ventured into making more kids' sizes and also some for lip readers (a clear vinyl middle piece).  My weekdays pretty much are consumed with making masks from 8am-6pm.  I have to take the weekend off to give my elbow a rest (chronic tennis elbow from too much cutting/sewing). 

While the stores and restaurants are open here, we are still hunkering down and staying home.  Really only have gone to the drive thru bank, post office, grocery store, and pharmacy. 

Gabriel is finishing up at Rice and graduating.  He's taking June and July off before he heads to San Francisco in mid August, he starts at his new job on Aug. 31.  He's cleaning out his rental house now and getting things ready.  He is heading to NM for June and July and staying with friends and then will go from there to SF.

Bogdan is still working at the Lab and they have a plan to test every employee for Covid-19 by this summer.  He hasn't heard from his division leader when this will be for his group, but soon he hopes.

Anna is excited for the promised bonus and extra week of vacation for being one of the few employees to stay and work during the crisis.  Many have opted to leave and collect unemployment.  She was also excited to get her stimulus check :)

A new world

So, we've technically been on Spring break for the past 2 weeks.  Marian and I have done lots of house cleaning, watched a lot of movies, taken a lot of walks, and sewn a lot of face masks.  This week is a transition week and then her high school will start online learning.  She is not looking forward to her Zoom Physics class at 9am each weekday.  She is in review for AP tests for her other classes, hasn't heard more about those yet.

Gabriel is in Houston and also transitioned to online classes, which he said aren't so bad.  All his roommates have left (but still paying rent) and he is in a big house alone, but doing ok otherwise.  He will miss his ultimate Frisbee games and potential tournaments.  He is still on target to start his new job in July, but may reach out to them and offer to start earlier from home.

Anna is still working in childcare and much needed during this time.  Not a lot of kids there, about 1/2 the normal number.  I told her to carry on and keep her job!

Bogdan is working from home, but may go back this week and work at the actual building at ORNL.  But, there are rumors that the lab may close to on-campus work, we'll see!  Every day is a new scenario and being able to adapt is key in this changing world.

I've been taking a break from Doula work as most hospitals are restricting labor support to a partner/husband only.  BUT, then I got in touch with someone who wants to use me as a virtual doula!!  So, I'm going to try to do that, let's hope for the best solution in this environment.

Little Mermaid Photos

Just a couple photos

Everything changes

Time flies by

Too busy to put anything on the blog lately.

In no particular order...

Marian is busy "Under the Sea" as she is at rehearsal daily for The Little Mermaid.  She is happy with how it's going.  Otherwise, she is busy with classes and Girl Scout cookies have just arrived, so she will be delivering them next week. 

Costumes have been consuming most of my time, had the privilege of creating/altering Marian's wedding dress for the musical.  It's a monstrosity, weighing easily 12 lbs, but it looks great onstage. 

On my doula side, I've been doing a lot of classes lately.  Don't have any more clients, but hopeful in finding some soon!  I'm encouraging Bogdan and Gabriel to finish my website, and then hopefully I can get some more clients.  I need birth #2 and #3 to finish certification.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Happy early birthday to Anna!!

Merry Christmas!

O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give to them. Help them to know one another better, and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness, and purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join them all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.

— Pope John XXIII