Friday March 20th, 2020

This is the last Friday of our Spring Break.  We have off Monday as well, but official distant learning will be happening on Tuesday.  I moved SUPER slow today.  I got half of the kitchen done, a little bit of laundry and then watched a whole lot of Tik Tok.  I did set my alarm this morning to send the hubby off to work!

I watch the news.. I know how scary it is outside the house where I can't control things.  However, we are in a situation where my husband needs to work.. not just for a little bit of financial stability (which we DESPERATELY need) but for himself too.  I know how I already feel day 7 of not leaving my house.  Sent him off to work with VERY strict instructions on what to do.. and then what would happen when he came home :)

Before I go any farther- HUGE shout out to ALL of the medical field, first responders, store workers, and restaurant/food places! You guys all deserve a medal!

I do have to admit, this might be my favorite Tik Tok I have made so far

Hubby got home, we followed protocol (thank goodness that in the past I had bought Lysol almost every month) talked about bills.  If you are in a spot where you are saving, already live on one income, manage your money better than we do... awesome!! About 4 years ago I finally started putting money in a 403B. It isn't a ton.. but at least it it is there.  But, that doesn't mean that we don't live paycheck to paycheck. We do pretty good about not living too much beyond our means.. but man, when you go to one income it gets hard and there is struggle.  My husband is a Chef- and these are very uncertain times.  So.. when we talk bills, we talk about what we are going to pay right away (I only get paid once a month) and who we were going to call to get extensions.  But, when he got home, we were able to talk about  bills this with a little room to breath because we knew that we were not going to be single income.

About 3 hours after he left work.. he got the phone call that the building he had just started working in was closing due to COVID-19.  His job that he had just started.. completed his first day today.. was no longer there right now.  The company is taking good care of its employees.. so he has been furloughed.  Silver lining- he has a job ready when this all passes.

As always- I do not write any of these for pity.  I know that we make our own choices for what we spend money on and how we spend money.  Sometimes we are smart.. sometimes even being smart it doesn't always work out. I also write this to remind myself of the hard things we are going through and how much better we are going to come out on the other side (and cleaner too!!) When we went to one income we started loosely following Jordan Page- check her out! She also has some great shelf cooking ideas.  I also know I am VERY lucky with all that I have- I do not take that for granted.

Happy Heart for Today
-Fun Tik Toks
-text messaging
-A roof over my head and a fridge full of food
-Talking about ideas for activities for the Girl Scout virtually
-The reminder that there are SO many awesome things happening right now.
Also- have I mentioned how much I loved Frozen 2?
-Work on a presentation with one of my awesome librarian friends

https://wdasgifs.tumblr.com/post/190983947396/disneyfilms-you-okay-there-olaf

My plans for this weekend
-Finishing cleaning the house and make myself a spot in my office for actual work
-update my Google Keep
-planning a BINGO challenge for school
-working on the latest Installment
-plan those virtual activities for my Girl Scout troop
-Hopefully mow my lawn soon! It looks TERRIBLE.. but at least we have gotten a ton of rain!
-Finish up my YouTube videos for Girl Scouts
-clean out my car (which I haven't touched since last Friday)

I hope that whatever troubles that you might be going through- you find those silver linings.  Although it is super tough right now for many, I can't wait to see what the world looks like on the other side of this COVID-19.  I am sort of ready for it to already be the other side.  I also hope that you give yourself grace.. and remember it is okay to be upset, but it is also okay to talk through it... take a deep breath.. and decide what you can control.  I see you and I can honestly say I understand! These are uncertain times for so many people.. but we got this with love, compassion, understanding and grace.

One last thought.. I consider myself an Introvert/Extrovert. I put on a very extrovert face most of the time.. but spend my lunches and evenings "recharging" my introvert self. I can say.. I am recharged.. and ready to go actually see people. We got this!

Thursday March 19, 2020

I have started only watching the news in the morning and then again in the afternoon.  The COVID-19 is on every news station, every Facebook story, almost every tweet/Instagram/Tik Tok.  However, what I also see a ton of is teachers curating resources, librarians sharing where to find books and read alouds, families reaching out to see how we can help each other (by keeping a 6 food distance), and the reminder to help small businesses that are now facing some major uncertainty.  

Today, without an alarm, I was awake by 7am (remember.. I am still on spring break)  I didn't watch Frozen 2 last night.. so I made myself a cup of coffee and muffin and sat down to watch a movie.

I loved every bit of it Frozen 2- I do believe I will be watching it again. Also, Olaf is my spirit animal.  I could totally be Olaf, I am not as funny.. but I am totally that awkward friend that is always happy even when I am not. I loved it! I also think that much of what is going on in Frozen 2 had good reminders that we can make it through right now.

This was one of my favorites of Olaf (although.. there were SO many more!)

I didn't get any Tik Toks made, but I did get a video created and shared in one of my Girl Scout groups.  I am a Girl Scout leader for a multi-level troop that has Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes (I have 30 girls!) I sort of love it.. and I am really missing my normal routine of leading them. Our next meeting wasn't going to be until March 30th, but we have cancelled that and are unsure when our next meeting will be.  One of the members posed the question if as leaders we were sending information/badges/things to work on home.  I emailed my parents and asked them these three questions:

1- Would you be interested in a virtual meeting?

2- Would you be interested in some badge work/patch work that you can do at home?

3- Would you be interested in joining a Google Classroom where I can house all of this?

I got a huge YES! Now, I also prefaced the email with I will post stuff and send stuff.. but it is completely optional and you and your family can do as little or as much they like.  This morning I created 3 Google classrooms and then recorded a video to share how I created these to the Girl Scout group.

After I posted the video I got so much feedback about sharing it, I asked if they would be interested in other how I organize my meetings and life through Google (because that is where I live!) So, it looks like I will be creating some more videos.  I used to make videos all the time, so today was nice to get back to that.  

Happy Heart for the Day:

-Creating Google Classrooms for my Girl Scout troop

-Creating a useful video for others to use (that made me feel really good)

-Finishing the guest bedroom- the closet and bedroom look amazing! 

-Watching Frozen 2

-Organizing my closet

Plans for tomorrow:

-send hubby off to work and not stress all day about this

-Tik Tok

-Kitchen is on the agenda for tomorrow!

-Record videos for using Google Drive and Girl Scouts- how I stay organized

I have also seen many teachers reminding students to write down how they are feeling and create journals of what they are seeing. This blog is a place for me to share what is on my mind, news, and reminders of our current situation.  I am also using this as a place to help with my own anxiety. There have been many breaks where I have decided that I am not leaving the house (because I am not good at slowing down)  I do always end up leaving.. but right now with no choice of leaving the house, funds are low, and there is so much uncertainty makes it hard. I am thankful to my friends that I get to chat with through various messaging apps. I hope that if you are reading this, you are doing things to take care of yourself too!

Wednesday March 18th, 2020

I did it! I got one thing done of my To Do List.  I SUPER deep cleaned the guest bathroom.  I mean.. there are NO germs in that place!  As it took me forever because I took breaks I reminded myself that I am still on break.. even though this has got to be the weirdest break ever.

I have a couple of really big unknowns right now.. so that is sort of stressing me out. Not only is it unknown it is things I really can't do anything about right now. So, I spend hours on TikTok

Happy Heart for the Day
-Cleaning the guest bathroom- it looks great
-Texting of the #skurtcrew
-Texting with my Wednesday breakfast bunch- I sure do miss our breakfast!
-Gliding with Viola
-Making 2 TikToks- one of those starring Jax!
-Not crying today :)
-We are about to watch Frozen 2!! (well.. I say that.. and hubby said that is okay.. cross your fingers it happens!)

Reminding myself of the happy hearts of the day remind me that although times are tough.. we still have good things!  I found a TON of funny letter boards to do for Tik Toks- going to start doing them every Wednesday (#Wednesdaywords)  I would do more of the letter boards because I love them- but they take FOREVER!

Plans for tomorrow
-Actually put my laundry away (big goals!)
-Organize my closet
-Tik Tok- don't know which one yet
-Dive into curriculum

If you don't have TikTok.. or you are not my friend on Facebook, here is my fun one from today.

I know that we are all trying to navigate this craziness. It is okay to be sad.. it is okay to be upset.. but it is also SUPER important to find at least one bright spot each day.. and stay in contact with friends.  I know that I am on spring break, but I am also feeling all the uncertainty as we are about to go into school in a different way.  One of my favorite apps lately is Action for Happiness. I love the daily reminders that it sends me. Check it out here

Love you all!

Tuesday March 17th, 2020

I want to start this blog with my ridiculous known as my dancing on TikTok

I am going to know so many dances by the time we go back to school!

Happy Heart of the Day:
-Hubby got the phone call!! I know that we are all in trying times... but please send up prayers that this works.  Yes, we are still practicing social distancing.. and I already have a protocol in place for how he will come home
-I recorded 2 TikToks today
-I got to converse with friends via Glide and text which is always nice

We did venture out for a bit today to pick up a steak to celebrate tonight (it was on SUPER sale.. and the store actually had some) and cheese to go on our pizza we will make later this week.  Not going to lie.. I almost cried in the store because it is just sad. I know those guys are working SO hard right now.. and I think of all the people that are going to go without because they do not have the funds to stock up on supplies.

So, that to do list? I didn't get it all done..
-I did call some bill companies- not fun.. but got it done
-I did wash Ladybug (our 15 year old pound puppy)
-I did actually vacuum the house and do laundry
-talked curriculum and ideas
-recorded TikToks

Having just a little bit of weight lifted off my shoulders with the phone call for my husband is going to make me much more productive tomorrow.  Being stuck in the house because of social distancing.. unsure of so many things..it makes it hard to focus!

List for Tomorrow:
-Plan virtual Girl Scout meeting
-Guest bedroom/guest bathroom
-Dive into curriculum
-TikToks
-Start curating the massive amount of resources that have been shared lately! Think this is going to be a great time to use Wakelet

I LOVE you all!

And I leave you with this TikTok from today.. and a cartoon my mom sent me

You can find the whole comic here

Monday March 16th, 2020

Oh my goodness.. guys.. today I actually got up and got dressed!  I also had a small panic attack as I had to have a conversation with my landlord... sometimes I adult really well.. and sometimes I SUCK at adulting!  We are not super frivolous spenders.. and we have done pretty good at trimming some things down, but when living on one income it gets a little hard.  With all the news that has come out today, please send good thoughts that something comes through financially.. we could really use a small break (as probably most of the economy)

The day started with the news information that STAAR is cancelled for this year- this is a BIG deal.

Here are the happy heart things from today:
-Did I mention that I actually got dressed... and have eaten 3 meals today!  Getting back on a schedule :)
-Made a couple of TikToks- if you are on TikTok- you can find me at @akbusybee (great cardio!)
-Chatted with some friends via Marco Polo, Glide and Messenger
-Took some deep breathes and reminded myself that we are ALL in this together (hmm.. next TikTok dance?)

We just finished watching the news.. and although it stressed me out more, I know that there are SO many people that are in the same situation that we are.  I feel for the places that are now even impacted more with the required closures.







We live in such a time where we are able to get whatever we want whenever we want and this change in what we can do is going to be hard for many.  It is an important mindset change and to take this very seriously. 

My heart and understanding goes out to:
-The businesses that are now facing some very hard decisions
-Parents that are trying to navigate a new norm of online learning and still take care of the house as well
-People that just got married or getting married
-Seniors that are supposed to graduate this year
-ALL people in leadership positions.  NONE of this is easy.  NONE of the decisions are easy.
-Those that are already financially struggling and now have to make even harder choices.

As I have mentioned before.. I am a lister.  I haven't pulled out my planner, because it gives me anxiety thinking about how unsure I am of the future. Listing, however, gives me a chance to put to paper what I really want to get done.

My List for tomorrow:
-Call a couple of our bills (these are NOT fun phone calls.. but with the way things are right now- it is the hardest part of my adulting right now)
-Guest Bedroom/Guest Bathroom/Laundry room
-TikTok- maybe another dance- but I also want to do a Library one
-Clean out my overflowing email boxes
-Marco Polo/Glide my friends
-Virtual CG!
-Think about how to help my Girl Scouts

Although our school is closed until April 6th as of right now, we are still in very uncertain waters.  What this will look like for the rest of the year and what it will look like for next year.

These blogs are a reminder for me of all the craziness that is in our world right now and the uncertainty that we are living through.  We can get through hard things, and I know I will look back on these and know that we made it through this hard time too.

Sunday March 15th, 2020

Day 3 of Spring Break... and I have done NOTHING except for
-nap
-watch Schitt's Creek and Law and Order (I REALLY want to watch Frozen 2)
-read
-reminding myself to eat (you would think I would not have a problem with that
-I have done a GREAT job of staying off social media

I might be a super busy person, but I am a structured scheduled busy person.  I knew that Spring Break would not be structured and I would need to keep myself busy.. but the email came yesterday that we would be on virtual learning starting March 24th (that is the first day back from spring break) and will continue to April 3rd. 

I love that I work on a VILS campus.  VILS is Verizon Innovative Learning Campus.  All of our students have iPads with data.  Our teachers use the devices to increase learning and implement instruction.  The important thing to remember with any devices is that it is not just about using technology, but still using good teaching with technology.  Our district is implementing at home learning plans to prepare for the closures.  Teaching is a hard profession, and I know that there are so many teachers that want their students to succeed.  I know how important it is for schools to be closed right now.  Although I have been staying off social media, I have seen enough news articles and information from doctors in the US and friends with family members in Italy to know how much this can devastate communities.  Changing to all virtual schools is not an easy task... and our administrators and superintendents are making tough decisions to ensure safety for our students and staff.  Think about your teachers that are doing everything possible to ensure that there will still be learning going on at home.. along with some structure

Here are my couple of reminders today:
-Your school library has SO many digital resources (I know ours does!)
-Your local library has SO many great resources too!
-Reading books online (through Youtube or other ways) violates copyright.. I know.. I know.. but Andrea I can't see my kids.  There are a TON of resources out there that have the author reading their books. 
-We are all in this together! Think about your neighbor.. but also give yourself some grace

I want to be proactive as a librarian... because here is that nagging thought in the back of my head.  We are all going into very unknown waters in what learning is about to look like for a mass amount of students.  When we finally travel through these unknown waters- what is it going to look like on the other side? We are currently only adding 2 weeks, but who knows.. it could end up being more.  This will most likely effect our STAAR testing.  Schools get money with students being at school and from testing.  What will life look like beyond this?

Since we are still on spring break- I am not going to be pushing out too much stuff.  If I am overwhelmed, I can only imagine how my students are right now. I am coming up with ideas though and will begin to create things to push out.  Don't worry.. all that I make I will be sharing!

Ideas:
-Some at home ideas for my Girl Scout troop
-Tik Toks library style
-Videos and challenges that have students make things
-A reading challenge
-Mindfulness activities- we are all stressed!

Think About and some virtual love and good thoughts:
-Our healthcare workers
-The people that are working in the grocery stores
-Custodians
-Parents that are now trying to figure out a new norm (from money to food)
-Parents that have wonderful children with special needs
-Families that are living with someone that has mental illness of any type (I know that I have anxiety that has not fully been diagnosed.. but I also live with an amazing husband who is bi-polar.. so I am personally trying to be as positive as possible)
-People that are living with mental illness themselves.  We all joke about living as an introvert.. but for those that suffer with depression and anxiety- this can heighten all of this
-Those that are struggling financially and are already uncertain about how to put food/supplies in their house
-EVERYONE- everyone is trying to figure out these new norms.  Some have already started to take the advice of social distancing and are staying at home.. others are not. We all need to have grace with each other and realize that this is a VERY real deal.


Disclaimer:
I write these blogs for me.  To remind me of my thoughts, to lower my own stress, and to get on "paper" what many of us are probably thinking (right.. I can't be the only one out there with these thoughts!)

Spring Break 2020

I am on day 2 of not leaving my house (I did leave yesterday morning at 6am for groceries and noon for gas.. but will get into that later) I have a migraine that has been brewing, but I think it is because my brain is on overload.  When I get anxious.. I list (and usually clean, but I have a feeling I am about to have a TON of time for that).  I list and overthink things and list some more.  I also scroll endlessly on social media. Instead of listing this time, I am deciding to write.

I have had this blog for almost 9 years.  Some years I post often.. some years not so much.  Some of my blogs are viewed over 15000 times some barely 100.  I have 186 different posts that share my random adventures, thoughts, and activities.  I write my blogs for me to remember what I have done, where I have been, and all the awesome people I have met along the way. 

The week before spring break was filled with a Book Fair and amazing author visit, I went to a FREE community hip hop dance class.. and there was a time change, short week.. and the overhang of the COVID-19.  Oh.. I also became addicted to TikTok. Guys- yes, I might have downloaded it to see what all of these dances are about.. but there are some really smart people on there! I have already made 3 videos (If you are really interested you can find me @akbusybee)

On Thursday we left school with sort of the unknown of when we would be back (I did check out about 10 books).. or what school would look like after spring break.  I now am upset with myself at not getting more books in kids hands. 

Guys- this week.. I stressed. I stressed because I had the AMAZING Sharon Draper come to talk to all of our 7th graders. I stressed because I ran a book fair for 3 and a half days.  I stressed because I all I could think about how COVID-19 is going to affect and effect our economy.  I am not trying to be a dooms day person, I just see the bigger picture.  I am lucky that I am on salary.. but just because I am on salary does not mean that I don't live paycheck to paycheck (if you don't know.. most teachers/librarians only get paid once a month)-and since November- we have been a one income family.. that gets a little more behind each month.  I also work with some awesome people on campus that are not salary.. and when school is not open.. they don't get paid.  Not only that.. when school is not open many of our students don't eat- or have a safe space. I also stressed because reality is- my husband is in the service industry. Is is an extremely talented Executive Chef.  But the service industry changes so much.. and he has been unemployed since November (He did just get a job last week.. but we are unsure of when he is going to start). I don't write any of this for pity- I write this because it is my story- and more than likely there are other people out there with the same story.  

Friday morning- I set my alarm for super early- and I was at the grocery store when it opened at 6am.  It wasn't very busy- of course there was no toilet paper or water bottles. I didn't need toilet paper.. and it looks like I will be drinking tap water soon (which I am totally okay with.. just add extra ice!)  I did take pictures of the empty shelves- not to post.. because I think that is adding to the paranoia.. but as a reminder to myself next year of the craziness that we have survived.  I found some great deals and didn't overbuy. I also made sure to THANK every person that was working- because I know how hard they are working! This is not an easy time.. and when people get anxious people get cranky. Now, granted- I can't really overbuy.. because I am on a budget.. we still have about 13 days until payday.   I think of those families that see others stocking up on items and realize that they can't afford to do that.  I then spent WAY too much time on Facebook with overload of information from both sides.. and that is stressing me out too! I might have cried last night at the stress- and it is only day 1 of Spring Break!! Hubby reminded me I should put the phone down.. so I did and finished my first book of Spring Break.

Today is Saturday- I have watched Season 1 of Schitt's Creek, I am unsure why Netflix asked if I was still watching- what else am I going to be doing??

I am also working on my second book of Spring Break.. and trying to just take one day at a time.  I might be pretty excited about Frozen 2 coming out tomorrow.  We will be practicing social distancing and also hoping that although this is affecting our whole economy that my husband can return to work next week.  This is a VERY real deal.. and guys.. I had a little panic attack last night too.. because about four weeks ago.. I had a terrible cough and low grade fever.. and it wasn't the flu or strep throat.. just some virus.  

Already as I have written this blog my stress has lessened and my migraine is going away because I have gotten thoughts on a page and out of my brain. Breaks are fun and games and everything, but I know that this is not a normal break and I am going to need to stay focused and have my own "schedule"

Here is what I plan to do:

1- Document/write- not necessarily on social media.. but get it on paper.  One of my #50by50 is to write a book.. and right now I sort of feel like I am in a dystopian novel!

2- Keep a schedule

3- Do some major deep cleaning

4- Read

5- Exercise and Eat- I am a CG member.. I don't think I will actually go.. but I will be doing the stay at home items they recommended

6- Try not to stress- and remind myself that we are all in the same boat.. and it is not just my household that is having a tough time making it financially! (this one is going to be hard!)

7- Limit my time on social media

I have also pulled out some board games and plan to create some Girl Scout activities to send out to my troop to offer something more to parents to work on.  I do believe this is a spring break that no one will forget.  When/If I do go out.. I also plan to be SUPER nice to all those that are working.. and wash my hands often!  To all those that are in a limbo as to what your financial situation might be.. I see you and I feel you.  I also am thinking about all the administrators and superintendents that are having to make choices for safety of lots of kiddos.. but with that safety also comes other hardship.  Just be kind to one another and remember that it is happening everywhere. 

#50by50

So, I hit the BIG 4-0 January 20th.  It was a laid back low-key birthday. I did start out the day at Camp Gladiator and then learned how HOT hot yoga is! One of my favorite parts of the day, however, was heading to the park for a super fun photo shoot! Elaine got some SUPER fun photos!

In 2017, I gave myself a list of 40 things that I wanted to get done by the time I turned 40. You can find my whole list here.  Of course, I didn't finish the list.. 3 years is not very long.. and I have some lofty goals in there! Life happened.. money hardship happened... adulting happened.  What this did give me though, was a TON of fun adventures along the way!

Here is my list of 50 things I want to do by the time I am 50.  This gives me 10 years.. and these are not listed in any particular order (some are random.. some are weird...some of them might sound petty.. but if you don't speak it into the world sometimes it doesn't happen..all of them make happy!).  Not only that.. I know that I will have some other random adventures along the way (I mean.. I thrive on randomness!) But, it is good to have goals too.  There are so many websites out there that give you great idea for your own list. Some of the items on my #40by40 list have moved over to this one.. and some are completely new!

1. Book and pay for a vacation to Ireland
2. Take Mom to New York
3. Go on a cruise
4. Drive Route 66
5. Camp in a national park
6. Float the river
7. Go on a Segway or bike tour
8. See the Grand Canyon
9. Go Fishing with dad
10. Take Girl Scout Troop overseas
11. Go wine tasting in California
12. Attend a balloon festival
13. Go to New Orleans for the food
14. Indoor skydive
15. See a drive in movie
16. Recreate our first date
17. Have a Christmas in July
18. Take a photography class
19. Go to a horse race
20. Watch a meteor shower
21. Be an extra in a movie
22. Present at Texas Library Association Conference
23. Be recognized by the board
24. Grow vegetables
25. Cook a 3 course meal
26. Renew vows
27. Have family pictures taken
28. Recreate a childhood picture
29. Become a TALL Texan
30. Go ax throwing
31. Visit the missions in San Antonio
32. View the Marfa lights
33. Visit Shiner Texas
34. Publish a book
35. Write an article for a well known magazine
36. Meet Pam Munoz Ryan (and have an autograph and picture!)
37. Have 3 months of bills saved
38. Sew a full outfit
39. Zipline
40. Rock Climb
41. Attend a high school reunion
42. Learn how to hand letter
43. Meet someone famous
44. Get a DNA Test
45. Get a gold ticket for Destination ImagiNation
46. Attend a televised parade
47. Take the Amtrak train
48 Own my own car.
49. See a Broadway musical
50. Get new luggage

It is a big list full of random items.  I can't wait to check these off and add more along the way!