The days and weeks have been more repetitive than ever, with all of us following the same routine with little variation. Working from home, having a schedule for the kids – staying more or less focused and productive (some days decidedly less productive than I’d like to). The mental weariness is a challenge, and having a daily routine, however simple, is my sanity-saver.
My routine has been largely comprised of working till 5 -6 pm, depending on a day, taking turns with Brian checking on the kids and generally being a parent in between work calls.
On some mornings when Brian and I don’t have early meetings, we’ve been spending a few minutes on the back porch. I am grateful for these moments.
The porch was supposed to be gone by now and replaced by new landscaping. All that will have to wait till Covid-19 is out of the picture.
Making dinner – by myself or with the kids, or delegating it to Sonia and Ethan if I am stuck “at work”. This for me is a way to come out of the fog and start feeling semi-normal after work. Here are some highlights of the meals we cooked and ate throughout the week.
Crock-pot pulled pork with no-mayo Cole slaw, corn on the cob and hush puppies. Microwave corn, husks and all, for 4 min each plus 2 min for an additional cob
Jerk chicken with black bean- pineapple salsa and quinoa
Middle- Eastern chicken thighs with grilled vegetables
Salmon with charred zucchini and onion and orzo salad
Saturday breakfast: buttermilk pancakes, with chocolate chips this time. I’ve been making this recipe for years.
Sesame crusted tune steaks, white bean puree, asparagus. Not pictured: strawberry- rhubarb cobbler for dessert
A workout after dinner, about 30 minutes on a stationary bike and/or Pilates. To be honest, working out has been an inner struggle. I am a believer in the importance of exercising and will not give it up, but my body and mind are running on 30% battery power by the that time. Of course, I always feel so much better post-work out physically and mentally, it’s the getting started what’s most challenging.
A bath after the work out. More often than not, Phoebe joins me for a bath.
Their have to be candles, lots of candles.
And then I crash with a book. I mostly read library books on my tablet.
One of the best books I’ve read lately. This is a page turner but not in “easy summer beach-side read” way. It’s mostly very uncomfortable but brilliant at the same time.
Phoebe’s into Laura Ingalls Wilder books, which I love too.
Most days are not very inspiring, and feel like we are going through the motions. It’s largely a consequence of the circumstances due to Covid-19, and all other events happening right now in this country. So it’ll have to do for now.
Next week is going to be a three-day week for me because of the 4th of July holidays. I am so looking forward to a couple of extra days off. We don’t have any plans (what plans can there be at this time?). I just need to have a bit extra time to sit in peace and quiet.
Hope your weekend was nice and relaxing and you are managing whatever it is you are facing.
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