The New Normal...how's everyone doing?

Hello Friends! 

Today I wanted to check in with everyone and see how you all are doing.  I hope you all are home, safe, and feeling good.  We are feeling OK.  Yes a bit stressed (like everyone else) but trying to stay positive.  We are trying to keep as normal of a routine as possible. I don't watch the news as much as I used to because I found watching it was just making me more anxious.  I check in a few times a day to get updates, otherwise I'm not listening.  

I am grateful to be able to work from home.  It's taken a few days to get organized and accept the situation, but ...we are all in this together, we are all working together, and we will make it through this!  

And so... if I have to be self quarantined I'm grateful it's at home with my family.  John is home from school until at least April 7th and we are hearing it might be longer.  We have officially entered the world of "online learning".  It's new for us but we are getting used to it. I keep telling John this is a time his kids will be reading about in the history books someday.  

Here is our homeschooling situation we set up in the basement.  It's not bad.  Organization is the key, right?  He's been great about doing his daily assignments so they don't pile up.  Also, it's familiar and normal for him, and right now familiar and normal is comforting.

My grocery shopping experience on Friday was insane.  I have not stocked up on things. I buy weekly.  Maybe that's just me hoping for the best. Also me not having a place to store large quantities of things.  I felt like I was being swallowed up by all the crazy shoppers pushing me around the store.  

It was madness. 

And before you ask, YES the toilet paper isle was empty.  Luckily I wasn't desperate, but some people were, and they were not happy.  It was very disconcerting.  

So did I grab a few extra things? Yes I did.  

Important things like ice cream and carbs.  

I have my priorities! 

That whole ordeal had me a bit shaken, but then all things were put into perspective when  I got home and saw this...

Daffodils are sprouting.  Spring is coming.  Life continues.  I was so happy : )

And so this is our new normal for a while and it's ok.  We are doing our part to stop this horrible thing that's happening in our world right now.  For my own personal health I have decided that when possible (if the weather allows) to get myself out for a walk, maintaining social distancing of course, daily.  

I did this yesterday and it felt SO GOOD! 

Play games, watch movies, let yourself eat snacks and enjoy them.  Go for walks if you can.  Fresh air does wonders.  Take naps. Read.  Stay safe & healthy.  

Also, laughter helps.  The next day my husband texted me this photo.

We have struck gold! : )

Hang in there everyone!  I'm thinking of you all!! xoxo

PS - HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!!!!  Did you think I forget? 

I've made two of these Irish Breads this week.  Here is the recipe if you would like to make it

  (click me).  

Last weekend I made this video of me sharing the recipe. 

Enjoy!