Eish. It had to happen. Someone sheepishly came into the study and asked "Did anyone hear that noise in the lounge? No? Oh good. It was just the couch breaking. Bye now." And off it skedaddled as though butter wouldn't melt despite regular requests (and several threats) to not leap onto the sofa.
The slightly taller version kicked the lid off my toilet tonight, leading to frantic rescues of the screws before they were flushed to I-don't-want-to-know-where-thank-you. Ah.
Good news is that the strategic plan is out and the newsletter got a thumbs up, so tomorrow should feel less like I am waterskiing behind a jetboat and we can do what I am going to call a "Cederberg Day". Tech is GONE for tomorrow. This preoccupation with killing someone's bed - really - is all-consuming. Ctrl-Alt-Del is happening. Tempted to format the drive too.
Le Tat continues to amuse and entertain. He is very sneaky about taking over office chairs. However we did get some comeuppance today when Adam came back to the study and inadvertently sat on a super soft but unmoving cushion. Le Tat kept the chair and Adam moved to a stool... I say no more about office cats!
Ninja did finally get off his chair, but only to attack the table tennis net and obstruct the game by sprawling in key areas on the table. He's not too worried about being hit by a ball and there were several close misses by a bat. My favourite cat moment, however, was Exercise Hour (2.4km round the pool) where he was carried round the pool as part of weight training and then ambushed me as I marched up and down the patio. He's asleep back on the office chair right now.
Had some lovely calls connecting with friends. Must admit that I do have to remember NOT to turn on video if I am still in PJs or a dressing gown which I almost did tonight.
Reflections on the day:
- It's funny how deadlines can follow you into self isolation and lockdown
- Grateful for work to do and interrupting kids (really)
- Love the creativity that comes out if you engage your (whatever side it is) brain as DD wrote a lovely kids story and HD wrote his own story about Le Tat and the squirls
- It seems guineafowl are taking over Cape Town. Huge flocks keep rushing down our street.
- LOVE LOVE LOVE being married to HH. Heard the neighbour across the road having a real barney with a relative. The kids might bicker but our home is safe and full of affection and love.
- There are demands to read this, pray that, do whatever. There is peace in stopping the ding and quietly engaging with your faith and your people in your own way.
- I'm rediscovering faith slowly. I haven't lost it, it's just been buried under daily avalanches of do-go-say instead of be-in-G (God awareness). Spending ten minutes gazing at the leaves of my brush cherry trees fills my heart with delight at light and colour and motion. Surely the God who spun galaxies into place and created me also stops to feel the wind and marvel at the light. If I do, and I am created in His image, then part of who He is is reflected in me.
Big thought. Good night.
Tuesday, 31 March 2020
Monday, 30 March 2020
Co-nsolidating (Day 15)
Today has been a mish-mash of work deadines, internal noise and trying to keep up with dinging phones and work. HH has been hard at it since 7.30 this morning.
Breaths of respite included a call from some friends (our first 3-way video call) and lots of laughter at the thought of practicing some cycling by strapping cans of beans to your feet and then lying on your back and circling your legs. This would make an ideal workout for someone stuck in a flat like one couple who were still in the PJs on the call (er-hmm!). This really tickles my sense of the ridiculous. I just need to talk a kid into trying it out so I can video it!
Another favourite moment was helping His Dukiness with a research project he did not want to do on the Arctic Fox (hey, he chose the animal, I gave him the zoo). While HD sat in dudgeon as I reviewed his scanty notes, I made him watch a video of an arctic fox hunting. Best thing ever! They leap straight into the air and then dive nose first into snow drifts. HD couldn't hold the grumps when he saw it and a giggle escaped.
DD is still reading up a storm and has taken to painting and drawing again at last in her newly tidied room (that's darling daughter, 'cos she really is rather a darling in her teenness, see below for reason why room was cleaned). His Dukiness - I do hope someone remembers Lord Igthorn as they read this - is a pro at commandeering the spare ancient laptop at any unexpected moment. He then has to be tossed off, much to his apparent surprise that he is NOT allowed to play all day. I was amazed at how quickly a list of things that includes vacuuming the kitchen, study and lounge can be completed as the play-off time of 2pm approaches. HH had to move out of the study to facilitate the vacuum efforts and stood bemused.
PB: I made 3.5 km of jogging and walking around the pool and garden. Given that the pool is only 6x3m I think that's quite good. We added a game of basketball to get the heart rate up using the refurbished hoop. I'm a rubbish shooter. It was fun!
I've decided to personally take part in an art challenge. You get a different topic each day to draw or photograph. I'm muddling it up a bit and not posting on their group, but today's topic is Shelter and my photo of Ninja as he surveys his garden this morning at sunrise makes me think of shelter.
Why consolidating? Perhaps because this is what today has been about. Consolidating reports. Consolidating newsletters. Consolidating kids.
Consolidating me - con (contrary) / solid (finding a place to stand) / dating (making a mark on today through what I have been doing).
Sunday, 29 March 2020
Co-ndiments (Day 14)
It was a quiet Sunday in our home. We started with some exercise (3km round the pool and up and down the patio), moved indoors for a streamed church service via FB live, had a slow breakfast. Then everyone moved to the workshop to refurbish the basketball hoop and backboard, followed by lunch, a nap and lie down with Le Tat.
Chuckle of the day was the attempt to get a ball out of the tree in the back garden using the pool cleaning brush. Take a close look at the protective mask on her face (hee hee)!
And lastly, I planted some seeds in hope. I am notoriously bad at growing seeds but hey, a great opportunity to give it another go!
We finished off with supper and the BEST movie ever: Hidden Figures. What an inspirational story of three women who challenged all the norms to become the women who made the first American in space possible, and then continued to contribute to the NASA space programme! Wow! Definitely a great watch with and for kids. It's an excellent conversation starter about how the rights of women and different races have changed since the 60s. What brave ladies to take a stand to achieve their dreams and speak out for others' rights too.
So why "condiments"? Well, condiments are sauces or things that add flavour to a meal. And the things that added flavour for me today included being together, planting, being creative, learning, resting, praying. I hate to say it, but I think I could use hashtag-blessed when describing today.
PS: Doesn't mean kids didn't argue! :)
Then it was out with the drill to put up the basketball hoop and enjoy tea and home-made muffins and the hammock. And a chat with the neighbour over the wall.
Chuckle of the day was the attempt to get a ball out of the tree in the back garden using the pool cleaning brush. Take a close look at the protective mask on her face (hee hee)!
And lastly, I planted some seeds in hope. I am notoriously bad at growing seeds but hey, a great opportunity to give it another go!
We finished off with supper and the BEST movie ever: Hidden Figures. What an inspirational story of three women who challenged all the norms to become the women who made the first American in space possible, and then continued to contribute to the NASA space programme! Wow! Definitely a great watch with and for kids. It's an excellent conversation starter about how the rights of women and different races have changed since the 60s. What brave ladies to take a stand to achieve their dreams and speak out for others' rights too.
So why "condiments"? Well, condiments are sauces or things that add flavour to a meal. And the things that added flavour for me today included being together, planting, being creative, learning, resting, praying. I hate to say it, but I think I could use hashtag-blessed when describing today.
PS: Doesn't mean kids didn't argue! :)
Saturday, 28 March 2020
Co-llapse! (Day 13)
Today was the first day of shopping since I did not stock up in the Great Shopping Panic! So I headed off to the shops at about 9.30. Quite surreal to see the empty roads, but there were a few cars in the shopping centre parking lot. WW was quick in and out and had most things. Checkers took a 45 minute queue to get in the door!
Our kettle died so I had a kettle on the shopping list, but alas, Clicks would not sell me one (it's listed as non-essential) and apparently PnP has them on the banned list too, along with clothing, other household appliances and wine. Thankfully Checkers doesn't mind selling kettles, so, with family input, we went for one that is super cool and lights up with blue lights and you can watch the water boiling. Small boy comment" "That's sick, man!" Small things bring much joy!
The boys had family swim (how privileged are we) and family exercise time. I had some painting time with Jessica's help and now we have a new garden bench! We reduced, reused and recycled some of the old paint in the workshop.
HH (hero hubby) leveraged the super-heavy railway sleepers onto my painted breeze blocks while Ninja tried to catch all the geckos that ran for cover. The bench is a great hang out spot and nice and sturdy.
Ninja is becoming reconciled to the exercise runs and is now joining in the short sprints. He loves chasing Adam (I love this cat!) He also believes in the importance of eating the net when you play ping pong and taking over one corner of the table tennis table. It definitely adds some excitement to the game and some technical challenges!
Day 13. A day of rest and being active around the house and garden. It's good to collapse into bed tonight.
Our kettle died so I had a kettle on the shopping list, but alas, Clicks would not sell me one (it's listed as non-essential) and apparently PnP has them on the banned list too, along with clothing, other household appliances and wine. Thankfully Checkers doesn't mind selling kettles, so, with family input, we went for one that is super cool and lights up with blue lights and you can watch the water boiling. Small boy comment" "That's sick, man!" Small things bring much joy!
The boys had family swim (how privileged are we) and family exercise time. I had some painting time with Jessica's help and now we have a new garden bench! We reduced, reused and recycled some of the old paint in the workshop.
HH (hero hubby) leveraged the super-heavy railway sleepers onto my painted breeze blocks while Ninja tried to catch all the geckos that ran for cover. The bench is a great hang out spot and nice and sturdy.
Ninja is becoming reconciled to the exercise runs and is now joining in the short sprints. He loves chasing Adam (I love this cat!) He also believes in the importance of eating the net when you play ping pong and taking over one corner of the table tennis table. It definitely adds some excitement to the game and some technical challenges!
Day 13. A day of rest and being active around the house and garden. It's good to collapse into bed tonight.
Friday, 27 March 2020
Co.. darn! Popcorn vs lentils (Day 12)
Today is the first official day of lockdown and we are taking it quietly... well, in action not in volume! Adam is locked down in front of his computer working on end of month actions for his company and coordinating a zillion things (one down on the team as someone moved).
Kids have been noisy. That's quite normal. The small girl is hugely into her popcorn but we had a minor crisis when brown lentils were added to the pot by mistake! It does give you something extra to do, sorting out popcorn vs lentil. (Grin!)
Adam has come up with a running route that goes through the house, out to the garden, around the pool and back again. He's done 3.5 km but the cat is taking strain. Not used to the sound of running feet!
Altogether a very silent day. Concluded with some Star Wars which the kids loved. Our neighbourhood is not coming out and shouting / cheering etc. I think they are all in bed!
Thursday, 26 March 2020
Co-habiting (Day 11)
FAMILY UPDATE
Youngest: Seems the threat of no electronics and a monster argument has my son in his own personal lockdown state hiding in his room. Door barred. It's been peaceful, now that the shouting is done.
Eldest: Has now finally (3 days later) put away her clean washing and vacuumed her room. Only because she wants computer time.
The Tat: Keeps stealing office chairs and sprawling on keyboards.
The Awesome Hubby: Is working hard and being a calming influence. My hero!
Me: Tried the early am shop but with 50+ people storming Checkers and WW keeping their doors locked while they try to restock. Note, no one is buying carrots - why not?? I could see them through the windows. Now relegated to writing letters to my nearest and dearest. And planning a last walk in some uninhabited spot before we cannot leave the house for 21 days. Will have to haul youngest from his room to join me but may, on second thoughts, try take eldest instead. She's quite happy to stay home for 21 days as long as there is a book and a computer.
Wednesday, 25 March 2020
Co-ordinating (day 10)
WEDNESDAY
So today I had to get my drivers license renewed before lockdown happens. Sudden reminder with a late letter. Eek. It was up before sunrise to make coffee, pack some rusks and head for FH Licensing Department so that I would not be number 256 in the queue. Driving over Boyes Drive was surreal - sun coming up, quiet waters, everything quiet. No indications of the coming frenzy of buying, shopping and shut down.
Turns out that FH takes things easy and I was first and alone in the queue until about 7.45. So I was first in to the freshly sanitised offices and then first out again by 8.20. I supported local businesses along the way home and bought cinnamon sticks and bread from Olympia Cafe, a bagel and cream cheese from Xpressions on the Beach and then took a few pics of the empty stretch of Muizenberg. Not a surfer in sight! Reminded me of pics from early 20th century (except mine was in colour).
I met a few interesting people on the way. The extra lesson teacher stocking up on jigsaw puzzles... carrying six to the tills at Readers Warehouse. To keep her anxiety at bay. Comment from she who shall not be named: "well, she earns lots of money doing extra lessons mom!" Personal thought: "Darn, that's at least R1500 in puzzles right there! I should be an extra lesson teacher!"
The security guard who turned up an hour early for work at the licensing department, with a smile for each person who entered plus hand sanitiser, a wife, three children to feed, a baby on the way and no idea if he will be paid for the next 3 weeks.
A child who is complaining about being bored already. And we are not in lockdown.
A walk with my son in Kirstenbosch's empty gardens before we are denied access to mountains, guineafowl and fresh air. With showers of rain passing through and gorgeous birds flashing above us, sharing the simple meal of bread, tomato, a peach, tea and a cinnamon stick.
The stark contrast of life in the townships right now as staff from one of the NPOs hand out emergency food rations to children who may not receive their one meal a day for the next 21 days.
Co-ordinating for lockdown...
So today I had to get my drivers license renewed before lockdown happens. Sudden reminder with a late letter. Eek. It was up before sunrise to make coffee, pack some rusks and head for FH Licensing Department so that I would not be number 256 in the queue. Driving over Boyes Drive was surreal - sun coming up, quiet waters, everything quiet. No indications of the coming frenzy of buying, shopping and shut down.
Turns out that FH takes things easy and I was first and alone in the queue until about 7.45. So I was first in to the freshly sanitised offices and then first out again by 8.20. I supported local businesses along the way home and bought cinnamon sticks and bread from Olympia Cafe, a bagel and cream cheese from Xpressions on the Beach and then took a few pics of the empty stretch of Muizenberg. Not a surfer in sight! Reminded me of pics from early 20th century (except mine was in colour).
I met a few interesting people on the way. The extra lesson teacher stocking up on jigsaw puzzles... carrying six to the tills at Readers Warehouse. To keep her anxiety at bay. Comment from she who shall not be named: "well, she earns lots of money doing extra lessons mom!" Personal thought: "Darn, that's at least R1500 in puzzles right there! I should be an extra lesson teacher!"
The security guard who turned up an hour early for work at the licensing department, with a smile for each person who entered plus hand sanitiser, a wife, three children to feed, a baby on the way and no idea if he will be paid for the next 3 weeks.
A child who is complaining about being bored already. And we are not in lockdown.
A walk with my son in Kirstenbosch's empty gardens before we are denied access to mountains, guineafowl and fresh air. With showers of rain passing through and gorgeous birds flashing above us, sharing the simple meal of bread, tomato, a peach, tea and a cinnamon stick.
The stark contrast of life in the townships right now as staff from one of the NPOs hand out emergency food rations to children who may not receive their one meal a day for the next 21 days.
Co-ordinating for lockdown...
Tuesday, 24 March 2020
Co-BOOM!! Day 9
Cederberg was heart-stoppingly beautiful! Towers of red rock. Arches. Slot canyons and stone bridges. Cold mountain rivers. Frogs. Proteas. A hammock. Tents. Cups of tea. Cuddles. Laughter. Kids. Snoring from the neighbours. Canyoning. My heart is full.
Back home to hills of washing, a presidential country-wide lockdown to happen on Thursday, milk and bread stop at a supermarket sold out of flour and yeast and pasta, a plant run at the local nursery and people queuing to get somewhere, I'm not sure where. From solitude and the whisper of the wind to vrooming and crowds and, darn it, the addiction of Minecraft.
And now the BOOM from asking if anyone would be interested in entering a competition as a team - to be part of a TV series that would involve water play, forests, exploring and space (oh, and a trip to the US and UK - paid - what's not to like?)
Kid 1 went woohoo, Kid 2 went boohoo and emotionally exploded on us all. I am still reeling almost an hour later. Is this THE outlet at the prospect of lockdown and no friends and no school and no sport? It's quite something to experience.
Parental navigation of these seas is tough. Finding out "what lies beneath" means trying to "Find Nemo" again after Nemo turned into Jaws I, II and III. The aim is not to be bitten. Or to pull out the big-ass gun and shoot. This script is a bit more like "Finding Dory" at times. Ah well. There seems to be a truce right now and peace again. I should be able to emerge from the study where I am hiding, er, writing... unscathed.
Of course, Le Tat is back from Kitty Hotel and made the most of the wash day today. He slept on EVERY item he could, dived into bed making with alacrity and all his claws out - gotta kill that duvet - and is curled up next to me as I type. The purr is so soothing. Thursday's scratch is still a red line though. Mr Claws, Paws and Jaws is not to be underestimated, even when most loving. I do love that cat though!
PS: As an aside, I've just noticed that there is chocolate in the study. G-ma sent eggs for the kids for Easter. I wonder if they will notice if the big ones are missing?
PPS: If I send the kids to bed now, I think Adam and I can hide out and watch non-kid movies! Banff just released all their movies free to watch online. All 100. (Happy dance!)
Back home to hills of washing, a presidential country-wide lockdown to happen on Thursday, milk and bread stop at a supermarket sold out of flour and yeast and pasta, a plant run at the local nursery and people queuing to get somewhere, I'm not sure where. From solitude and the whisper of the wind to vrooming and crowds and, darn it, the addiction of Minecraft.
And now the BOOM from asking if anyone would be interested in entering a competition as a team - to be part of a TV series that would involve water play, forests, exploring and space (oh, and a trip to the US and UK - paid - what's not to like?)
Kid 1 went woohoo, Kid 2 went boohoo and emotionally exploded on us all. I am still reeling almost an hour later. Is this THE outlet at the prospect of lockdown and no friends and no school and no sport? It's quite something to experience.
Parental navigation of these seas is tough. Finding out "what lies beneath" means trying to "Find Nemo" again after Nemo turned into Jaws I, II and III. The aim is not to be bitten. Or to pull out the big-ass gun and shoot. This script is a bit more like "Finding Dory" at times. Ah well. There seems to be a truce right now and peace again. I should be able to emerge from the study where I am hiding, er, writing... unscathed.
Of course, Le Tat is back from Kitty Hotel and made the most of the wash day today. He slept on EVERY item he could, dived into bed making with alacrity and all his claws out - gotta kill that duvet - and is curled up next to me as I type. The purr is so soothing. Thursday's scratch is still a red line though. Mr Claws, Paws and Jaws is not to be underestimated, even when most loving. I do love that cat though!
PS: As an aside, I've just noticed that there is chocolate in the study. G-ma sent eggs for the kids for Easter. I wonder if they will notice if the big ones are missing?
PPS: If I send the kids to bed now, I think Adam and I can hide out and watch non-kid movies! Banff just released all their movies free to watch online. All 100. (Happy dance!)
Thursday, 19 March 2020
Co-operate Day 5 (I mean 4)
Huh. Co-operate? Well, I pulled out the covid-this-is-what-we will be doing schedule and it was shot down before it even finished printing - while using up the last of the printer's coloured ink. As a famous person in a brilliantly written kids story says, "Sucks Boo!" (And that's The land of Green Ginger which is definitely worth the read.)
One child liked the Meal part of it - he who shall not be named - and the other liked the Creative Time part of it, except for my art suggestions to kick off the hour of creativity, so she who shall not be named retired in high dudgeon to her bedroom and did something creative on her own. I'm still not sure what.
Suffice it to say that the plan is a vague guideline to getting some sort of routine and will be hopefully resurrected after the third night, when we get back from a camping trip FAAARRR from Cape Town, coronavirus and social media.
Adam seems able to work through the noise far better than I do. I had an instant headache from the furor over the schedule and trying to juggle two website updates, one newsletter, google business posts, an edit of a new book, calls to Holland, a strategic plan, what on earth to eat for lunch, packing for the trip, shopping for the trip and his Catness who leapt off my lap ripping a scratch down my leg as he left. The fruit cake I made for the trip is slightly burnt on top but deliciously moist and yummy underneath and small fry don't like fruit cake.
I tell you, it's a gift to be able to work through this lot! The shopping trip was well sanitised and oh so peaceful (grin!). The bleeding has stopped though I have an impressive red line. Ha. Someone is going to Kitty Hotel tomorrow am.
Reading through this post it seems I might have descended into some kind of mommy-post-school-break-up syndrome. Slightly cross-eyed and wild-haired. Clinging to my morning cup of coffee. Really. No. I'm ok. We are ok. No sniffles. No fevers. A few blood pressure issues but then all parents have those. Right?
Tips and insights for those who might be interested:
1. Rusks are off limits after morning coffee (otherwise 3 tins are eaten in 3 days)
2. Naartjies are limited to one per day per person (the first bag was eaten in 3 hours)
3. Everyone is always hungry by 11.30 and it takes about 2 hours to get to 12.00
4. There is instant silence if you offer a child screen time - unless they have to share the screen
5. Exploring the deeper issues of faith and life right now is not happening as my heart space and head space are not inhabiting the same realms
6. I am looking forward to big mountains, my down sleeping bag, a dip in the river and walking long distances, even more than I thought I would
Rest, resilience, co, cooperate. Shew. Big words and huge life moments. Found in everyday small places. Good night.
One child liked the Meal part of it - he who shall not be named - and the other liked the Creative Time part of it, except for my art suggestions to kick off the hour of creativity, so she who shall not be named retired in high dudgeon to her bedroom and did something creative on her own. I'm still not sure what.
Suffice it to say that the plan is a vague guideline to getting some sort of routine and will be hopefully resurrected after the third night, when we get back from a camping trip FAAARRR from Cape Town, coronavirus and social media.
Adam seems able to work through the noise far better than I do. I had an instant headache from the furor over the schedule and trying to juggle two website updates, one newsletter, google business posts, an edit of a new book, calls to Holland, a strategic plan, what on earth to eat for lunch, packing for the trip, shopping for the trip and his Catness who leapt off my lap ripping a scratch down my leg as he left. The fruit cake I made for the trip is slightly burnt on top but deliciously moist and yummy underneath and small fry don't like fruit cake.
I tell you, it's a gift to be able to work through this lot! The shopping trip was well sanitised and oh so peaceful (grin!). The bleeding has stopped though I have an impressive red line. Ha. Someone is going to Kitty Hotel tomorrow am.
Reading through this post it seems I might have descended into some kind of mommy-post-school-break-up syndrome. Slightly cross-eyed and wild-haired. Clinging to my morning cup of coffee. Really. No. I'm ok. We are ok. No sniffles. No fevers. A few blood pressure issues but then all parents have those. Right?
Tips and insights for those who might be interested:
1. Rusks are off limits after morning coffee (otherwise 3 tins are eaten in 3 days)
2. Naartjies are limited to one per day per person (the first bag was eaten in 3 hours)
3. Everyone is always hungry by 11.30 and it takes about 2 hours to get to 12.00
4. There is instant silence if you offer a child screen time - unless they have to share the screen
5. Exploring the deeper issues of faith and life right now is not happening as my heart space and head space are not inhabiting the same realms
6. I am looking forward to big mountains, my down sleeping bag, a dip in the river and walking long distances, even more than I thought I would
Rest, resilience, co, cooperate. Shew. Big words and huge life moments. Found in everyday small places. Good night.
Co Day 3
Hmm, I'm cheating by writing this actually on Day 4. Right now I have a small boy who is driving me CRAZY because he does not like the list of what we are going to do each day. Finding some kind of routine through this is going to be my life preserver.
Also stinks to have two people working to earn money for food and two kids goofing off complaining. ARHGHH!
Reverse to yesterday. Much safer than the looming headache. And I have 3 more minutes to write before I have to emerge to the argument over the proposed schedule. I'll fill you in on that tonight.
Also stinks to have two people working to earn money for food and two kids goofing off complaining. ARHGHH!
Reverse to yesterday. Much safer than the looming headache. And I have 3 more minutes to write before I have to emerge to the argument over the proposed schedule. I'll fill you in on that tonight.
Here's yesterday's pic. The mew-star is into tuna and arrived from the study at speed. Adam and I tried to work. One quick trip to shops to discover that people have bought all the potatoes at WW. Really?? TP is in stock at Checkers but not WW. Hmm. We don't need any.
Other happenings yesterday - we set up the camping table in the kitchen with the old laptop so that the kids can do computer time in a very public space. They had to earn Minecraft time by each looking up something interesting. J researched jaguars (have to admit I am now into jaguar kittens which are super cute and playful) and L researched things cats hate. Balloons are on the list.
Then it was a run for L and A, supper, and family time finishing off a movie. Some reading then bed. Day 2 done.
OK. The stopwatch has gone off. I might do something to that stopwatch.
Tuesday, 17 March 2020
Co-living day 2
There are some things about working from home during a covid self isolation period that do not change from normal working from home. I think I might as well start cat diaries again for this new cat.
Ninja believes in SHARING office chairs and space, which normally means he TAKES OVER the office chairs and space. Here's today's cat take on things...
So where are we personally on the grand scheme of things? Obviously mostly at home. The mission for yesterday was to empty the school library of books, then follow that up with a visit to the local government library before it closes down, which sounds imminent.
Unlike many of my friends, my kids went to school today so J can learn about Google Classroom and hand in a book report. She is having a hard time choosing which book to report on since she has read about 10 books in the last week alone. And not weeny books either. Yesterday she finished Trevor Noah's 'Born a crime'.
L is more interested in online work at school. And Adam and I? Well, we're trying to clear some work from home before kids are locked down. From tomorrow we will have to figure out a new routine (erk!) which includes online time, art time, reading time and exercise time with friends that is respectful of distance. Maybe some home projects. I'm itching to move the house around and declutter and it will be great to have some hands to help.
So, Day 2? Stocking up on books, getting school reports and some planning. Grateful for a healthy day and amazing school, caring teachers, good friends. And for a good catch up with my brother in Malta, also on lockdown.
Monday, 16 March 2020
Covid-2020
As I sit down for a few minutes while the rusks bake, it's interesting to think through the first day of coronavirus. Argh, that really should be two words!
Lots to process:
- the belated, African-time speech of our president who did, for which I am grateful, finally tackle the looming pandemic of covid-19 decisively and with clear direction
- the reactions of friends at 7.00am
- prayer moms fervently praying for our parents and kiddies and the principals across our valley who have to deal with panicked people at 8.00am
- the 20-something man wearing a face mask as he drove past our primary school at 8.30am this morning, all alone in his car
- the 40-something man wearing blue surgical gloves in Checkers at 9.15am
- a 50-something woman diving into the hygienic wipes in Woolworths at 9.45am, scooping them all up then seeing me and shamefacedly offering me a pack too, the rest clutched to her chest
- I spoke to the Executive Director of an organisation working in Khayelitsha at 12pm who has to choose between keeping outreach programmes open or closing the offices which means that children will play in streets with open sewers unsupervised, are vulnerable to alcohol and physical abuse and will probably go hungry
- South Africa's inimitable sense of humour in the midst of crisis
- faith versus fear
- teachers coming to terms with a month of holiday now and very short July holidays
- how to keep two kids from eating everything in sight over the next month
- juggling work and kids suddenly when each had their own space
- planning meals so that we don't shop every two to three days but rather every 7-10 days
- finding out that many people in our country believe this is a rich man's disease and so it won't affect them
- realising the rich believe they are personally under-resourced for what lies ahead
- being grateful for those who share their stories and lives and fears and encouragement
- choosing what OUR family will personally do to limit the spread of illness amongst communities less than a kilometre from our home who are immuno-compromised and suffering with TB / HIV
- how to turn this stay-home mandate into an opportunity for creativity, family, prayer and faith
Gosh, that's a lot of processing. Of all the things that 2020 has tossed our way, this was the least expected so far. But actually, I think that this is one of those unexpected gifts. Of time. An opportunity to be grateful for people, resources, a call to prayer, dad working from home, family and even some adventures.
Come On, Ve Is Doing 2020 differently!
My word for this year was REST. But I think I want to add in another R-word. RESILIENCE.
Lots to process:
- the belated, African-time speech of our president who did, for which I am grateful, finally tackle the looming pandemic of covid-19 decisively and with clear direction
- the reactions of friends at 7.00am
- prayer moms fervently praying for our parents and kiddies and the principals across our valley who have to deal with panicked people at 8.00am
- the 20-something man wearing a face mask as he drove past our primary school at 8.30am this morning, all alone in his car
- the 40-something man wearing blue surgical gloves in Checkers at 9.15am
- a 50-something woman diving into the hygienic wipes in Woolworths at 9.45am, scooping them all up then seeing me and shamefacedly offering me a pack too, the rest clutched to her chest
- I spoke to the Executive Director of an organisation working in Khayelitsha at 12pm who has to choose between keeping outreach programmes open or closing the offices which means that children will play in streets with open sewers unsupervised, are vulnerable to alcohol and physical abuse and will probably go hungry
- South Africa's inimitable sense of humour in the midst of crisis
- faith versus fear
- teachers coming to terms with a month of holiday now and very short July holidays
- how to keep two kids from eating everything in sight over the next month
- juggling work and kids suddenly when each had their own space
- planning meals so that we don't shop every two to three days but rather every 7-10 days
- finding out that many people in our country believe this is a rich man's disease and so it won't affect them
- realising the rich believe they are personally under-resourced for what lies ahead
- being grateful for those who share their stories and lives and fears and encouragement
- choosing what OUR family will personally do to limit the spread of illness amongst communities less than a kilometre from our home who are immuno-compromised and suffering with TB / HIV
- how to turn this stay-home mandate into an opportunity for creativity, family, prayer and faith
Gosh, that's a lot of processing. Of all the things that 2020 has tossed our way, this was the least expected so far. But actually, I think that this is one of those unexpected gifts. Of time. An opportunity to be grateful for people, resources, a call to prayer, dad working from home, family and even some adventures.
Come On, Ve Is Doing 2020 differently!
My word for this year was REST. But I think I want to add in another R-word. RESILIENCE.
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