How are you all doing with the pandemic situation? Hope everyone reading this post is healthy, safe and quarantined.
We are doing well so far - staying healthy, staying safe, and staying (mostly) home. We are allowed to leave the house for exercise and groceries, so except for these 2 things, we've been home.
There is so much to be grateful for during these uncertain times - we have continued employment and paychecks as we transitioned to working from home without any issues; kids have switched to online schooling, and although the teachers, parents and kids are still trying to figure out an optimal process/way of learning, there has been no dearth of resources or opportunities to grow during this time.
When there was no school during the first couple weeks, we focused on life skills like making their beds, folding their blankets and laundry, rinsing dishes, making smoothies and baking cookies, vacuuming the floor, and helping with general de-cluttering around the house, starting with loads of school paperwork that needed attention. Now that online school has started and there are assignments/tests due weekly, we try to wrap up our day by 3pm, and still get enough outdoor time and play/reading time in the evening.
Many new recipes have been tried and tested; many new skills have been gained; many books have been read; many family walks around local trails and neighborhood have happened; many family board games have been played; many much needed conversations about expectations and boundaries have happened!
The introvert within me is enjoying the social distancing (which does not equate to social abstinence). I am loving the slow pace of life with nowhere to drive, and no activities/sports/gatherings to attend.
The lockdown for us in California started more than a month ago. I was leading a project at work and had a deadline to meet couple weeks ago. I took an extra week to meet the deadline under tremendous pressure and after assessing the amount of hours I had to work, I made a choice (at the risk of either slowing or negatively impacting my professional growth) to give up my lead role and move back to an individual technical contributor where I could choose flexible hours to work and still be able to complete my deliverables on time. I don't know if I'm happy or sad about this change - I wish I didn't have to make a choice. But for now, it is what it is!!
I have taken vacation this week. It's been liberating to have screen free, meeting free days so far. I'm trying to optimize how kids can get their school work done with minimal intervention and help, and also knocking down items from my personal to-do list that had piled up!
One thing that has tremendously helped me, and which I'm proud of - is that I've exercised almost everyday. Although gyms are closed, my favorite trainers are all doing online classes from their garages/homes, and I've been able to fit in at least one strength/HIIT session on most days. My yoga instructor who taught me out of her home has also switched to ZOOM classes, so I get to do Yoga with her. And we've managed atleast 3-4 long hikes/walks as a family during the week. I am going to do everything I can to keep the same momentum going!
That's it for now from us - do update me on things at your end!
PS: Pictures from our 5-mile bike/walk around our neighborhood today:
(after many years, my terrible allergies have returned but it's too gorgeous to stay indoors and not enjoy this beautiful weather).....
