pandemic – Page 3 – Pretty Good Ugly

Period chocolate

Dear people with periods— if in your supply box, you have not already stashed some chocolate, might I suggest you do. Signed, Someone who took too long to figure that out.

I’ve lived under the weight of Shoulds for as long as I can remember. The “supposed to” Unspoken and unspeakably high expectations. Through the last decade or so, I’ve been breaking free of the Shoulds.Liberating myself bit by bit,Loosening, though not breaking my shackles. The external ones were easier to see, “Don’t Should on me!”Continue reading “Divorcing the Shoulds”

Mom Tips

If you sit on the couch, you’ll be asked for something. If you sit in your room, you’ll be asked for something. If you sit at the table, you’ll be asked for something. But if you sit on the floor of your kitchen, you can find temporary peace. There’s a frightening amount of Cheerios andContinue reading “Mom Tips”

Tax Suitcase of Keep Forever Things:

I keep my Keep Forever things in the tax suitcase because there are two things in life you can count on, death, and that I’m-going-to-keep-that-forever.

Confessions of a Depressive Optimist

I’m combing through boxes and came across a lot of old writing- some scribbled onto napkins and paper towels, some cursive on lined paper/backs of receipts, some typed and printed, This gem stood out. Call me Cassandra. “I wonder what will be born from a society that’s obsessed with commentary (ironic pause). It used toContinue reading “Confessions of a Depressive Optimist”

Confessions of a Depressive Optimist

First Impressions in 2021: Parent Teacher Conference on Zoom

I’ve learned a lot about first impressions, in the year of our plague, 2021. A) I’m usually Wrong in my assessment B) Tone is hard to read in text C) There’s no point in pre-stressing over might-be issues Historically, I don’t have the best track record with first impressions– that is, what I first noticeContinue reading “First Impressions in 2021: Parent Teacher Conference on Zoom”

Big Feelings, Bigger Picture

A year ago I took my girl to the park for the first time in over 200 days (206 to be precise, we were definitely counting). Now she’s back to Kindergarten after a couple days out with a sniffle and testing negative. We had a play date with Forever Friends. It was amazing to watchContinue reading “Big Feelings, Bigger Picture”

I am tired and Do Not Know Where the Halloween Decorations are.

I should be decorating for Halloween right now. I am usually decorating for Halloween by now. But I am not. I am tired and I do not know where the Halloween decorations are. I am tired and do not know where the Halloween decorations are because 569 days ago I came home from work andContinue reading “I am tired and Do Not Know Where the Halloween Decorations are.”

Week One

Notes from the field after three days of Kindergarten after 523 days without in-person learning. She’s 5 and she’s exhausted and exhilarated. She woke up and put on a tutu and her star shirt and started playing a math game. Then stares blankly into space. “Hi honey, you’ve had a big week.” Her response isContinue reading “Week One”