Silver Lining Thursday
Last week, a reader suggested that it would be helpful to think about the silver linings that have come with a year of pandemic life.
So, I thought we'd do that today in lieu of a normal Thankful Thursday. It's kinda like Thankful Thursday, but with a twist.
I have to say that OF COURSE we all would choose not to have a pandemic. And the point of this is not to make light of the real suffering that people the world over have suffered this past year.
But none of us get to choose whether or not to have a pandemic; it's non-optional for literally everyone on this planet.
So in light of that, it makes sense to hunt for the parts of this that are a blessing.
I'll make a list to start us out, and then you can join me in the comments.
(It is extremely easy to complain about the pandemic, so it should go without saying that I could also make a long, long list of things I hate about the pandemic. And I haven't even suffered as much as many people have! )
Lisey got moved to a better work location
The first shop she worked at had a lot of dudes that did not know how to behave or speak appropriately around women.
Lisey got furloughed at the beginning of the pandemic, but then when she got called back to work, she got moved to a location that was full of female employees. Much better!
Lisey got to do online college classes
She was having a really rough time with in-person classes last spring, and she was seriously thankful that everything got moved online.
Some non-local people have gotten to join our book club
Some of our members have invited friends in other states to join us, since we meet via Zoom these days. It's been fun to meet new readers!
I like not sitting in waiting rooms
I appreciate being able to sit in my quiet car and read a book while I wait to be called into an appointment; much better than a waiting room with a TV broadcast.
A lot of people have adopted pets
The cats have been flying out of our adoption center since the pandemic began, and I know this has been true all over the country.
Many jobs are now able to be done from home
A whole lotta jobs that people swore could not be done from home (such as Mr. FG's) have now been able to transition to at-home work.
Obviously, it'll be better to have some choice in whether or not to work at home, but I think overall, the end result of this will be more flexibility for workers.
Online college has its upsides
Such as, no time spent commuting to class! And no awkward amounts of time to kill between lab and lecture either.
We have put fewer miles on our cars
Mr. FG's commute alone added a lot of miles to our yearly usage; he hasn't commuted more than once or twice in the last year.
I am really, really going to appreciate a lot of things once this is over
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, after all.
So I am really going to have a fresh appreciation for the joys of being able to see people, to travel, to have in-person book club, to be able to smile at people and have them actually see my smile...there are a lot of things to look forward to.
Already, I find myself being so thankful that the toilet paper shortage is over; I really appreciate that toilet paper is in stock!
Having my children home with me during the pandemic as they went to college remotely has been challenging, but also pretty nice. I like living alone, but I also miss my children.
Getting the virus and being hospitalized for a week was scary, but it also made me re-evaluate my health and how I treat my body. I always thought of myself as a vibrantly healthy, vigorous 20 year old, despite being 55 and chronically ill, oh brother, but now I'm taking better care of myself.
So glad you fought it off and yes to taking better care of my Beatle year self!
I wondered about Lisey working in that environment! I started working in an all male prison system when I was 22. I am now going to hit my twenty year anniversary this year. I transitioned into a much better position about five years ago and have since been promoted twice. I work in an all female office and don't have to deal with any more inmates face to face. Yes, a mostly male environment makes for interesting small talk to say the least. I really should have kept a journal all these years. The things I have seen and heard. Yikes, crazy to think about it really! There were definitely times I would have equated it to going into a war zone.
On that note. I am thankful for the opportunity to work in the position I am in. It was not easy to get into. I have to give credit to all my years of service inside the walls of the prison. It does teach you how to deal with people as you have to.
I am thankful for 15 years of marriage. It hasn't been easy but so thankful we stuck it out. I don't know what I would do without my husband.
Thankful for my two boys. They are different in so many ways but such a good compliment to each other.
That my workplace is learning how much of the work can be done from home is going to be a big one.
For me personally, my new job (same organization) is a longer commute so I negotiated working from a closer office. Back then it was an uphill battle and I wasn't sure that my boss (or boss' boss) would stick with our agreement. The pandemic has put paid to all of that. I don't expect any problems with working from another office and the occasional day from home.
Another benefit to teleworking is conserving vacation time re doc appointmets I can telework (with flexible hours) around the appointment.
Yes! Pre-Covid, my husband was battling with his boss about telework. His boss was convinced that telework was inefficient, that not as much work would get done, and they hated when he worked from home. Now this year has allowed him to prove that he gets just as much done--in fact more, because of no commute time.
So the big silver lining for us has been his ability to work from home! We've definitely saved on gasoline and car costs this year.
Great post! I'm thankful that...
* I've had a year of working at home. After 30 plus years of working in an office, it was a real treat to not have to commute and sit in a cube. And that both my husband and I have jobs that were able to be done from home.
* For most of the pandemic, tennis has been possible--and even with having to wear a mask when playing indoors, it's still a ton of fun. Plus, I'm thankful that I've met a whole new group of ladies who meet to play doubles.
* Daily walks in the neighborhood--despite having to cross the street every time I encounter a human ;-).
* That for most of the pandemic, my son has been able to live on his college campus with in-person classes. They did have some hiccups...but for the most part, the college has handled it well...although his study abroad semester didn't happen. And for the fact that he was able to have a virtual internship last summer--and is applying for one this summer.
* We added a second cat to our family--and after a bumpy start of acclimating to our existing cat, they're now buddies...most of the time. And I figure that they'll be able to keep each other company when we're no longer home all the time.
* That we've been able to put more money in our rainy day fund since our spending is down since we're not dining out, traveling, etc.
* That we pulled off a somewhat relaxing vacation last summer at a lake--although not our usual trip with our extended family...and I got to kayak for the first time, which was a ton of fun! The not relaxing part is that every time we saw humans, I worried...and not all of those humans were diligent about mask wearing. [On a somewhat related note--I'm super thankful that in my own town 99% of people wear a mask and wear it properly...which makes things like going to the grocery store much easier.]
I know a lot of people do not care for Zoom, but the mass adoption of videoconferencing has been a huge boon for my work. I work in a pretty niche area and we are geographically quite distant from most of our peers doing the same work (and much of the audience for it). We are also not an industry that has a ton of resources to spend on travel. This meant that it was hard for us to be remembered and included in group initiatives, hard to keep up with the field, and hard to get attention for our contributions. All of a sudden, we are on an even playing field. Three times the number of previous attendees just came to an event we did virtually, because it was accessible not just to people willing to invest a lot of time and money to attend. There is no way that our field would have embraced videoconferencing without a pandemic forcing the issue--there is a lot of technology resistance, especially among older peers. It's also been great for seeing older relatives who are starting to find it more difficult to travel and host.
When thinking of silver linings to a pandemic, I am reminded of a quote from one of the books written by Jean Kerr, in which she quoted her mother as saying, "What I'm looking for, Jean, is a blessing NOT in disguise." And I have to say amen to that.
However, there are silver linings to most things, so here are mine.
We only worked from home for five weeks, when everyone was first told to go home. We are considered essential, so we came back to work in May. However, being home in April, without having that long weekday commute, and with slower office work during that period, I had the time to finally set up a nice container garden, which I am still using.
My daughter was 6 months pregnant when this all hit, and had been sadly facing a quicker return to work than she had with her other kids, because she'd used up a lot of her sick time on those other kids, what with ear infections, stomach bugs and such. When the pandemic hit, her office was sent home to work long-term, so she was able to keep her new baby home with her longer than she had originally planned.
My lipstick lasts a lot longer.
I feel sure I am not alone in having used some of the home time to have done some de-cluttering. I get a good feeling every time I look at the areas I've decluttered, and I am keeping it going, albeit at a slower pace now.
I had an uncle in 2020 that I knew wasn't going to live much longer, as he was 100. I also knew his funeral would be a long trip, and chances were really good that my siblings wouldn't be able to go, and my husband definitely couldn't go, so I would be driving several hundred miles alone if I went to his funeral. He died late in 2020, and due to the pandemic, no actual service was held. He was cremated and his cremains put with his late wife's at their home church. His son sent us all a wonderful little Shutterfly booklet highlighting his dad's life. I'm sad that he's gone and that we couldn't hold a family-wide memorial service, but it was also a lot easier on all of us to stay home, especially for my 91 year old uncle and his 90 year old wife, rather than travel a long way to a state where none of us live.
Yes, lipstick does last longer. I find I can go out in a mask and sunglasses, and I don’t have to worry about make up at all.
Now if I want to dress up, I put on mascara, and that's it. 😀
I think about this quite often, so here goes:
1) No international work travel has changed my life for the better, in so many ways. Unfortunately/fortunately, it has made me realize that I can never go back to this, so when international travel is a thing again, I'll either need to be ready to retire, or find something else
2) I've lost 14 pounds. No international work travel, consistent workouts during commute time, no office food/treats
3) WFH means I have mid day breaks where I can get things done (toss in a load of laundry, etc). I actually take a lunch break, for the first time in my career.
4) My friends group started doing weekly or biweekly get togethers. We're in different states, so we will keep this up, post pandemic.
5) Both of my kids discovered tennis, as one of the only COVID safe sports, and now one absolutely loves it, and plays tennis several times per week. Made possible by the fact that there is a free court down the street from our house.
Congratulations on the Weight loss. You have worked hard at it. My husband also lost 12lbs during Covid. Like you, he travelled at least 50% of the time. He was finally able to work exercise into his schedule and there were no more fast food meals. I, on the other hand, gained 7lbs. My jeans are a little tight. I cooked more, ate more, and did not run everyday.
Why why why do the guys lose weight while I gained the COVID 19?
After the first few months of not seeing our (single) 28 year old son at all, we started meeting him in parks and then eventually at our home (keeping our distance and no hugging)! Normally he would be with his friends, at concerts, and at sporting events so we have actually seen more of him. Definitely a silver lining, but I am anxious for him to be able to get back to doing more with his friends. He seems to really appreciate time with my husband and I and we are grateful for that.
Lots more cooking at home and trying new recipes weekly.
Using much less gas-some months I don’t even go to the gas station at all.
Almost no shopping, other than for groceries, so I have saved a lot of money. I rarely shop on line.
More exercising at home and walking outside when the weather was good.
Our huge upside was that our oldest daughter, who moved the MD for a job in January 2020, has gone permanently remote and has moved back to CA! She has been living with us for 3 months, which is the longest she’s lived at home since she was 20 (she’s 26 now).
I opened my Etsy shop, which has been a lot of fun!
I learned a TON more about finances and investing, which is already serving me well.
Dh and I used to get out every day and often this would revolve around eating lunch out. Yes, we blew 100s of dollars a month and I cringe thinking about it. Now, I do a drive thru "splurge" on Saturdays and the occasional Wendy's 2/$5 on Wednesdays. I don't feel guilty and that's a meal I don't have to cook.
That I was finally brave enough to order groceries online for free pickup at WM.
That I discovered I don't have to leave the house everyday or I would go crazy. Seven days in a row at home? Not a problem.
That my marriage is strong enough to handle us being together for those seven days in a row!! Y'all know what I'm talking about!!
That a tank of gas can last us a month - especially with gas prices rising.
That our dd and her dh work in positions that won't be affected even by a pandemic. She's a teacher and he's an armored car driver with a Sharpshooter rating.
That our two ds's, who are in college, are rolling with the flow of online classes. Especially the one who chose not to stay at school when he could have. ☺
In my family, I am the silver lining queen, so I loved this topic. You can always find the silver lining if you look for it.
Boy, us, too on not eating out !
Every cloud has a silver lining..,
• I lost my big, old dog during the height of the pandemic - April 2020. In September, I adopted a new dog. She was actually very hard to find. (Three Cheers for people adopting pets!) I drove 3 hours to a rural shelter to pick her up. I adore her!
• We actually travelled during the pandemic. It was wonderful. The middle seat was empty on the plane. The airplane and airports were clean. The service was great. Airport security was a breeze. I wish it would stay that way!
• People were finally respectful of personal space. I hate to feel crowded.
• Individuals and businesses made efforts to be cleaner in order to mitigate the spread of disease (wiping down grocery carts for example). Hopefully, this will continue and maybe cold and flu season will be milder in the future.
• The absolute quiet that lasted from the middle of March 2020 until May 1, 2020. I heard the rustle of the leaves and birds singing without any background noise. I would walk and not encounter cars or other people. This is unusual where I live — I loved it.
Yes to respecting personal space! It has been great to be in the checkout line and not get bumped by the cart behind me. I would love it if six feet apart becomes the norm in certain situations!
Our towns high school has been 100% online since last spring. We live in a small house (1200 sq foot ranch),so unless I am having my own zoom for work, I can hear what he is learning. This has been fantastic! In the past when I asked my kids (one is now in college) what they learned at school that day, all they would say was "nothing" and it was hard to get any info out of them. Now, since I have heard what was going on all day, we can easily talk about what he learned that day!
The silver linings have been many. The highlights: My husband was moved to permanent work from home, which I think is better for his many health problems. He can now walk over to the sofa and take a nap at lunch. This also has saved us tons of money, as he doesn't commute, eat lunch out, or buy sodas and snacks from vending machines.
All three of us contracted Covid, but we all recovered well and weren't hospitalized.
We're all homebodies and haven't missed going places that much. We've had takeout less than ten times in a year. Although I get tired of cooking and often just declare "there's the fridge: it's every man for himself," we are saving piles of cash by eating at home.
After ten months of searching for a job, I was hired in July. I think it's largely because I was willing to work in a Covid high-risk environment, but I'm grateful still.
We didn't adopt any pets (we have three dogs and two cats already), but our oldest dog, who is losing her sight due to a genetic disorder, has greatly benefited from having my husband at home. She is nearly completely blind now and it comforts her to spend most of her day next to his desk while he works.
It is making me more appreciative of the doctors and scientists and other medical and front-liners. Now vaccinated, with the other 70+'s, I appreciate getting closer to grandkids and kids. I know I will be so happy to return to volunteer work in the schools when that occurs.
I have learned to love the Ipad for library books--would never have tried it before, plus now I have my own Ipad for email, etc., and don't have to do without when my husband is on the main computer.
With the time freed by lack of outside activities I have become a more adventurous cook; husband likes that.
All in all, I agree it's not a choice we'd have made, but there are silver lining bits.
I began a weekly trivia night for my church last March, and we're still going and it's been great to get to know some of the members I only had the most superficial relationships with before. We range from my 21-year-old daughter to an 86-year old to whom I take a printout of the slides each week and then she calls in to play with us. We now have a lot of silly inside jokes and have formed a fun bond during this time.
We expected to be empty nesters as of last fall, but instead have had both our kids home from college. Last night when all four of us piled on our bed to talk was not typical during the last year, but it was a lovely gift.
I'm in my last semester of my second college degree and very much miss my classmates in my small program but, like Kristen, do NOT miss driving to campus or the hike from the commuter parking lot.
There is some light in the silver lining:
NY State is lifting its quarantine for state-side visitors if they have the vaccine in full. This means once I get my vaccines, I can go visit family and pay my respects to my mother who passed last May. That has been the hardest part of this past year.
Florida says they will be lowering the age limits for vaccinations very soon. I fully understand people that do not want their vaccinations, that is their choice, but I want my vaccinations so I can visit family.
Having my sisters-in-law send me a beautiful gift for my 60th birthday and the love and support I receive from them as part of their big family. One sister in law even said it was the 13th child (there are 12 in that family). Even though we are not celebrating all together like the others did, I feel the love.
At a teleconference the other day, I started the meeting with an "ice breaker." Every person on the team participated. It was great. So great, that it will become the start of the weekly meeting each week to get people talking, which we rarely do. And we have been telecommuting for years way before the pandemic.
Having baseball in Florida open up for 10% of fans in the stands. Yes, we had to buy tickets in a pod -- a group of 6 tickets -- but we get to see some live baseball this year. My husband needs a break from his hard physical work, and watching baseball live is one of the things he loves. And I don't mind either. And yes, we will be masked up and have plenty of sanitizer on hand (or on our hands!)
And having Kristen remind us that there is a silver lining. Yes, we are all thankful for things, but sometimes we have to be reminded of the silver lining. So Thank You Kristen!!!
Oh, I am so glad you will get to travel to NY soon. Yay! Hoping for a vaccine really soon for you.
The governor of Florida reduced the immunization age to 50 yesterday for certain groups.
I have pre-registered at https://myvaccine.fl.gov/. I am hoping that I will receive an email soon. I miss some members of my family terribly.
I hope you both receive your vaccines soon!
I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing my mother was/is so hard.
This could not have come at a better time Kristen as I find myself very depressed - buying a home is a real challenge and not something that I am sure we will be able to do after all. So...silver linings for this past year....
Certainly the ability to work from home is a huge win. It has saved me gas expenses and huge wear and tear on our vehicle as my commute was almost 100 miles a day round trip. I am also one of many whose employers would not allow us to work from home with any regularity. The pandemic has allowed them the chance to see that a hybrid model is a very real possibility. This is a huge win for my family.
Homemade meals, home canned foods, a beautiful garden last spring. All of these are things that would not have been a real possibility if I had to continue to commute. The Pandemic gave us the priceless gift of time and we tried to make the best of it.
All of the gardening & canning has meant that I have learned quite a bit about planting, recipes, frugal meal planning and the like. This is a gift that I will keep with me for life and I am certain it will serve my family well.
Savings. No Makeup costs. For many months manicures and pedicures which I got before on a very limited basis were totally non-existent. No need to purchase new clothing or office attire.
Looking forward to the weekend ahead.
Big hugs; pandemic life is really hard, and it has made home buying super tough!
I too am glad the toilet paper shortage is over. It was all really silly thing and shows just how fickle most people are (or at least a vocal and visible minority.)
I'd also argue that the "Work from home" thing isn't really ideal even if people are working from home now. So many people are not nearly as productive as they used to be. Some are but for a lot of people their work quality has taken a dive.
But anyway, for the silver lining stuff:
My financial situation definitely improved. I put more money in investments a year ago when everything was crashing down and that has paid off.
My daughter wasn't in daycare for a couple of months so that was a huge money saver, even though I would've preferred she had more time with her friends (I noticed a bit of a social setback for her being alone all the time.)
Both my wife and I got a lot of overtime (which again, was at the expense of spending time with our daughter but it helped us financially.) Luckily that is all more or less over with.
I do miss casual grocery shopping (and I would do anything for a day wandering IKEA again) but I will confess that order pickup is nice. No masks, they load my car up for me and I don't waste time in the store.
I've more or less stopped my convenience store habit although that was on the decline before the pandemic. Now it's just a full stop.
Battra, great point about working from home. It definitely does not work for some...and some intentionally take advantage of it. I've watched this in my own job and my husband's as well. The compounding problem is that the work that doesn't get done falls on the plates of people like me and my husband! Compound it again by no consequences for these people and it does get frustrating.
Silver lining though... Because we are good workers, we are taken care of and allowed flexibility when needed!
The vaccine. Both my husband and I work at a large company that makes a variety of medically-related supplies and equipment. They administered vaccines to employees. I am hugely grateful for this. Most of my husband's family is eligible and will be fully vaccinated within the next few weeks, and we'll finally be able to see each other again indoors. My parents will be vaccinated in time to come to our house for spring break in a few weeks, the first time we've seen them in person since August of 2019.
Being home on really heavy snow days! I love snow, but it definitely bogs down the traffic, even here in northern IL where we're used to it. I love that I got to play in the snow, shovel snow (I'm weird - I actually enjoy shoveling snow, as it's a productive and physically taxing job), and generally enjoy the additional light it adds indoors, while not needing to deal with driving in the stuff.
Respite from depression. For whatever reason (reduced stress, something with my immune system, something unrelated), since I received the first dose of vaccine, my depression has been getting steadily better. I've been much more productive both at work and at home, sleeping better, more patient with my kids and husband, and able to engage in things beyond just "keep work going reasonably and make sure the kids don't die."
My husband and I have had two really awesome date nights in the last two weekends (at home!), and are rediscovering how much we just enjoy doing fun things together.
Getting to know our quarantine family even more! We started doing weekly card game nights, alternating who hosts (and cooks dinner) on Wednesdays. It's such a weeknight treasure to just get together, share a meal, have some adult conversations while the kids go play and we pull out a card deck to play euchre or Oh Hell.
I love this!
Working from home with my kids doing school from home is a luxury. It's not always easy but they're growing so fast and I get to have a career and be with them. The four of us have never been together this much! When I was a SAHM, my husband always had to be at work so he missed out.
We don't have to go to social obligations and that has simplified my life.
We're consuming less non-essential stuff and that aligns with my green, frugal, simplicity -seeking side.
I think this whole situation has strengthened our abilities to flex to the situations that life throws our way.
We eat at home more often.
I'm working out daily and my husband is using the treadmill daily.
This situation has helped clarify our priorities and it's much clearer what we need to do vs. what want to do.
Agreed -- I really had to be more flexible and patient and those are good skills
Our life didn't actually change that much--we were socially distant before it was cool :-)--but one thing that worked in our favor with all of this has been the stimulus checks. We have a bunch of kids and we live in a place with a very (very) low cost of living. We put all of that towards our (very, very) low mortgage, and now our house is paid off. Both of them actually--the one we actually live in, and the adobe one next door that we bought and are slowly fixing.
So that was nice.
Congrats on being mortgage free!
Very nice. All our stimulus checks (which we didn't need) went toward the mortgage. If we get more cash (I'm hoping we won't) it will probably just go toward some renovations.
That is such an accomplishment! Wonderful!
Congratulations!
I'm a die-hard optimist by nature, and my go-to coping mechanism is to look for actionable things that I can do. Thus, last year's sudden bevy of free time was funneled toward my "Someday" list of projects. I can't really say what they were without doxxing myself, but I can say that I actually finished the list!!! Some of the line items had been there for 10+ years, and it still feels a bit surreal to have those things be real and out there now vs. "Someday."
Related: One one of the frugal blogs I follow--I want to say it was the Frugalwoods--I came across the 80/20 rule. That is, getting something to where it's 80% better than before is often more than good enough, especially in a multi-step project. For someone who struggles with perfectionism, this was a revelation! A good deal of my "Someday" list was hindered by "Just one more tweak, one more change, THEN it will be done--except for this last thing...." Perfectionism is its own form of procrastinating! I spent a good deal of 2020 working to embrace the 80/20 rule, and it made SUCH a difference in so many ways.
As a person with a deep love of history, it was honestly a joy to have more time for it. Zoom has been a wonder for attending lectures held on the other side of the world. I've also been steadily working through my pile of unread books (Santa got ahead of me!) as well as revisiting old favorites and catching up on new discoveries.
Lastly, I'm thankful for the silver lining of frugal blogs, including this one. It was always a relief to know I could come here to read something helpful and to enjoy a comments section that took care to be the same. Thank you, Kristen!
Working from home. It makes such a difference to my health not to commute, not to sit in a cold, loud office, not have to use energy engaging in trivia or nonsense. With my chronic illness energy is hard to come by. I really hope I can keep wfh as much as possible in the future.
I can also make a proper lunch, lie down for a rest if I need it, and even eat outside when the weather is nice.
I’ve discovered two things I care a lot about, my therapy sessions and acrylic nails (odd combo I know), can be done at home. Seeing my therapist on Skype works fine and I’ve taught myself to do my own nails. Which is also cheaper. These are things that impacted my idea of moving house so I’m a little freer knowing I can move and not lose those.
I had to find a new osteopath during the first lockdown as my normal one was closed and the new one is closer and cheaper!
Medical appointments done by phone aren’t the same as in person, but I don’t have to travel there and back, find parking, pay for parking, find train etc.
Outside is quieter and when we have had to travel, the roads have been quieter too.
I've had so many good things happen because of the pandemic.
My 3 yr old grandson began staying with me from 30 to 40 hours a week while his parents worked...to narrow our bubble our family decided he would only be with his parents or us.
My husband got a promotion through going the extra mile with covid...without looking for it.
My son was promoted as well but he had been trying for one.
The company my husband, son & dil work for has done well because of the shut down.
My husband has been able to work from home & will be able to keep working home through to retirement.
I love virtual dr visits.
I've gone back to middle school & have started pen palling...I've loved it, writing letters at least once a week.
Oh, the cute cat pictures!
I have learned over the years to look for the opportunity in challenging circumstances--it's not something that comes naturally to me but the mindset has proven to be helpful. So for my silver linings, in no particular order:
I work in a large health care system and have been amazed at the ability of the organization and individual staff to make innovative changes constantly. So much of the red tape that we used to have to deal with in order to make the simplest changes has disappeared .... because it was sink or swim. Our CEO has commented on it and I think it's to everyone's benefit.
Along those lines .... seeing the constant selflessness of my coworkers and management team. It's been a tough year dealing with covid and to top that off, many of us have had to deal with life circumstances that would be hard at the best of times. I've been blessed with a good team to work with and I think we've gotten even better at it supporting each other.
Having my kids and husband home more--I'm not gonna lie, sometimes it's been irritating to not have time to myself, but my son is a high school senior, my daughter is a freshman, and my days with them living at home are numbered.
Hybrid school in the fall worked to our benefit so we could do an in-person college visit for my son (obviously following precautions) and make it into a little family getaway at the same time. My kids could keep up with their school work remotely. We would never have been able to pull that off if life was "normal".
I've gotten closer with a work friend--we live about 40 miles apart so seeing each other in person outside of work doesn't happen often, but we started emailing regularly at the start of the pandemic--I know both of us have deeply felt the benefit of having a set of listening ears.
While there are some school/church activities that I miss, it's been nice to dial back on the go-go-go syndrome and I am doing some serious rethinking of what I want to be involved in when the restrictions are lifted.
Thanks for doing this, Kristen.
My children's love for reading has really developed. My preschoolers now routinely enjoy being read to for very long stretches of time - about as long as my voice can handle. We now normally have 60-80 library books checked out at a time (we will never be without books if things get shut down again!) so we've been able to read a large variety of books.
We visit the library more often and our relationships with the employees there have really deepened. Pre-pandemic we went once every 4-6 weeks, but now we go every week. We're also able to participate in their Facebook virtual storytime every week. It's during that time that we normally go to Community Bible Study, so this is the first year we've been able to attend.
My definition of "good weather" to be outside in has changed and we're spending a lot more time outdoors.
Over the summer our church did a number of park playdates since kids weren't in regular kids ministry. Through those I got to meet a couple of other moms I had only interacted with in passing and our friendship has been developing ever since.
There's a greater partnership between parents and teachers/administrators at our school. Over the spring I got to see why my daughter loved her teacher so much. I think people have been appreciating teachers more, which is great!
Our drop off/pick up process has been completely altered, but from that I've gotten to interact with my friend Nicole almost every day. She's someone that I've always wanted to get to know better and this year has really given us the chance to do that.
My appreciation for my husband's workplace has grown. They allowed him to work from home during the 3+ months that they were completely shut down and I'm grateful for their investment in him and the care they've shown to him and our family. His hours have also been more "normal" since they haven't been able to host large events on Saturdays and evenings have been slower.
1. I am not a hugger and I get tired of fending off people who insist on full body contact, even after I clearly state, "I don't like to be hugged." It has been a relief to be hugged only by my husband this past year!
2. Ditto with Kristen's comments about not having to sit around in doctors' waiting rooms when so much of the stuff can be done by telemedicine.
3. Curbside pickup, I hope it continues after the pandemic fades. For someone who sometimes cannot walk more than a few feet, it has been a true blessing. At one point my husband was pretty ill for about two weeks and I was at a low point, and curbside pickup really saved us.
4. Life in general seemed less frenetic, not so much at our house since we are introverts anyway, but in the world at large. I think it is a good thing that may help people keep a slower pace in the future---I have friends with children who marvel at not having every evening taken over by school sports and activities and who have said they somehow never thought about putting a limit on after school activities.
5. I find it easy to think that, except for my clearly deluded husband, I do not have that loveable a personality. As my father used to say, "You are an acquired taste." I have been touched by people who have gone the extra mile to call just to check in or called to see if we needed anything from the grocery store because they know I am high risk so staying out of stores.
I very much relate about the hugging!!! <3
Lindsey, I don't know you in real life, but I find you to be delightful and interesting! I don't think your husband is deluded.
Ditto Kristen's comment! I always love reading your contributions. You have a delightful perspective on life. If you would start a blog, I would read it!
Regarding the hugging, my husband has said he is relieved to know that he has an excellent excuse to never shake anyone's hand ever again! As he put it "Why would I want to squeeze any part of a complete stranger???" Hahaha!
I read your husband's observation about shaking hands aloud to my husband, who has always been averse to shaking hands, and he said it was the most succinctly put reason he's ever heard for how he feels about it.
I thought I was the only hugging averse person alive. Thank you, Lindsey for your confession. I totally agree. I also agree with you on 2 & 3.
I like this!
1) I have big social anxiety, so being able to attend faculty meetings and meetings about students over Google Meets has worked well for me personally.
2) As a teacher, I now use Google as my main platform, so no more worksheets or photocopying.
3) My college-aged sons are both home, have been for the past year, and I’ve enjoyed spending time with them.
4) I’m a better baker now!
5) I’ve gotten into borrowing online books from my library. So nice to avoid driving to the library and germs...
I have been working from home going on a year. Last summer I was able to walk my son to and from daycare. He was around a year and half and it was amazing to see the joy and wonder in his eyes every day, morning and afternoon. We live far north, about 100 miles from the Canadian border, in the Midwest. I am hoping I’ll get some of that sweet time again maybe in April or May. March is still too cold and full or winter.
Like many, my husband has been working from home for almost a year now. We have saved a bunch of money on things like gas, lunches out, and dry cleaning. And, since his company proved to be very productive while WFH, it looks like they will allow a hybrid schedule when things open back up.
I have still been working in the office but many court settings have been held via zoom or phone, which has saved a lot of travel and helped me be more efficient with my time at work. I think some of that will remain in place as well.
We have rediscovered our love of the outdoors and hiking. We have realized there are a lot of great places to see that are within just a couple hours of our home.
I am so grateful for not feeling pressure to always be going somewhere or doing something. I honestly dread that element of things coming back eventually. I wish we could live in a society where everyone appreciates staying at home more often. <3
I am so grateful for online EVERYTHING! I am not super social and honestly really don't like in-person things very much in the first place, so the fact that so much is virtual now has been GREAT for my mental health and happiness.
I am so grateful that I have realized I really don't need much in my life to be happy. <3
Same- I love to go and do but really dislike the pressure to participate in everything.
1. For the last year, the classes that I teach were held online or hybrid, so I did not have to commute to another state, or can go/return in one day. This has allowed me to spend more time with my partner and cats and I could turn off internet at work apartment.
2. Only going to the grocery store once every 2 weeks (rather than twice a week) has forced us to meal plan, and has really reduced food waste.
3. Not eating out has saved us SO MUCH MONEY! And, we realize we can make most dishes just as well as in a restaurant. This is will be a long-term change of habit.
4. I'm not crafty, but I do like to cook, so the creative outlet of the pandemic has been cooking. We have been having adventures by exploring cuisines that are less familiar to us, especially south-east Asian cuisine.
5. My bookclub has been going for 25 years, but we now live in 2 different states, so in the last 15 years, we really only meet 2 times a year. Since last May, we have had had "Bookclub Goes to the Movies" (TeleParty) and since we rotate choosing a movie, I've seen a ton of great ones that I probably would not have watched.
If anyone is interested, my favorites have been: CripCamp, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Mucho Mucho Amor, and TicToc.
You know... another blessing in having that new window put in? The cat seems to enjoy the extra light, too 😉
Yes! More warm sun!
I have been able to have my baby at home with me while working (with the help of my MIL and a neighbor)! Looking back at my work life before, I would have only seen my baby for a few hurried hours before and after work. I am so beyond thankful.
Family members able to get finances straightened up because of incentives.
Finished many house projects and able to hire local trades.
Saved money in many ways.
I appreciate that this past year has taught me so much about teaching and learning online and that my program, department, and school have supported me the whole way. It has also made me heighten my practices of hospitality and compassion for those I teach and those I teach with. I'm tired but thankful. I hope to carry these things forward.
Again, I appreciate all of the cat pics. I always love seeing your kit kat but the ginger looks so loving. The head butt pic is my fav. My he/she/they find a good home as quick as all the other babies!
So true about teaching and learning (for me!) on line this year!
I’m glad that despite being technically able to do full remote school, our district has maintained the sanctity of the “traditional snow day.” We’ve had a couple of big storms that would have been two or three days off in the past. In both cases they gave us one “traditional snow day” and then went remote for the others. It’s a great balance - fun break for everyone, but not so many days to make up in the spring.
My husband and I are techie missionaries that host spring break trips for computer science students to work on computer projects for missions every spring break. We are head deep in events and people every single day of March. And this year, (almost) all the colleges cancelled their spring break. I didn't realize last fall that the cancelled spring breaks was an unexpected silver lining.
So when my father-in-law was suddenly diagnosed last week with untreatable stage four cancer and given 1-3 weeks to live, we were able to uproot our family with a day's notice and move across the country to help care for him at home and be with him in his last days.
Being there for him: priceless.
That's amazing that you get that time with him. I am otw to Yoga Therapist so lmk if you want support.
Oh, what terrible news! I'm glad that you get to be with him. I'm sure that getting to be together is a tremendous comfort for all of you. Sending you healing and love!
I'm so sorry to hear about your father-in-law but so glad that you could go to him immediately.
Well this is definitely an exercise because I am ready to see the end of this whole awful situation, like yesterday.
But there are surely silver linings. I'm reminded of when I read The Hiding Place, when Betsy and Corrie were encouraging the other women to find something to give thanks for, even in a place as unimaginably horrific as a concentration camp. If they could find something, I'm sure I can.
Here goes. Because of the pandemic,
- my husband gets to work 100% from home, which we all love
- there has been a refinement of our view of trust
- we had the opportunity to try full-time homeschooling and discovered it not for us. Our kids are returning to their twice-a-week study center in the fall. I looove having them home full time, so I'm gonna miss them those two days, but it will work better for us all.
- a lot more people seem to be doing necessary things to boost their immune system, which is important
- I've realized that even a hardcore introvert like myself eventually misses social gatherings
- we've realized in a whole new way that our hope comes from Christ, not from circumstances going well
- when our last baby was born in September, we got to enjoy a restful couple days in the hospital because of the no visitor policy!! Visitors mean well, but after you give birth... well, it's just easier without them.
Fellow introvert here. I hear you.
I read the book. They have thanks for the lice because the lice kept the guards away.
That book had the most profound influence on me - thanks for mentioning it, I still can't believe that I've lived 50 years without knowing who Corrie ten Boom was until recently!
My Yoga Therapist program moved online so I was able to earn a certificate - Advanced Teacher of Therapeutic Yoga. (Working on becoming a Certified Yoga Therapist now.) Also that school is hybrid with more kids coming back to school full-time.
We've all been forced to slow down. Lots of families in our neighbourhood who used to be out all the time at organized activities are now playing in the yard with their siblings. Kids who have only ever lived the daycare-school-daycare-summer camp lifestyle (which is a perfectly valid choice for families) are getting to experience just being at home. We are making do with what we have instead of rushing to the store because we want something in particular to eat. It's forcing more intentionality and a slower pace which I think is good for most of us despite the hardships. I will be very glad to get back to a lot of the activities I was doing but I think this time of experiencing a slower pace is good for us.
So, my job and my husband's job was deemed essential and we never missed not even one day of work. And I continued to grocery shop, etc. I even did so for my parents at the beginning. And I've seen that the world didn't come crashing down as a result of me being out and about. So I'd say the biggest silver lining for me is doing more research for myself about illness, and how the government isn't necessarily looking out for your best interests. I've learned that the media definitely is trying to feed you feelings each day, and not to pay much attention to anything you see on a major (or any) news source. I feel empowered about that. I've learned to think for myself more, and not give trust to sources that don't deserve it.
Ditto to all of the above!!
Hear hear <3
Love this! It has been very eye opening for me as well.
Silver linings - so many of them. Hubby and I have both kept our jobs and he, working from home, has helped his business not just survive, but thrive. We have the funds to send youngest to college without taking out loans. We have ONE payment left on our mini RV and will travel places this summer, for sure. All of our peeps are making their way through this pandemic with jobs intact, too. I have learned what to weed out of the nonsense the news media is pushing and brighter days are surely ahead!
My favorite thing about this is that cats are being adopted at such a high volume! I love that! Spending more time at home has also been a silver lining for me. The whole family has been closer as a result.
I love this so much! I had to go and read through all the comments before I wrote mine. It was neat to see what everyone had to say. We have had a lot of silver linings in this time...some of which I feel guilty about.
Financially we are the best off we have ever been (hence...guilt). My husband works for a hardware company and sales were record breaking. He received a large raise and several very large bonuses. Plus, he has been working from home so we have saved on gas, food, etc. In addition, since interest rates fell so much we were able to refinance our home which reduced our interest and eliminated our PMI from when we moved in 2017.
I am a total home body introvert so being forced to stay at home was good for my mental health and social anxiety. While it was a big adjustment getting used to having my husband and all the kids home all the time, I have enjoyed using the pandemic as an excuse to not do a lot of things I really didn't enjoy doing.
I really feel like my relationship with my kids have deepened. I have been able to be present with them one on one much more than usual. This is especially true with my 16 year old son. We have had some of the best times hanging out and being silly together. We had some rocky times during his preteen/early teen years but now I can honestly say he is one of my favorite people to hang out with. I really hope this is the foundation for our future relationship.
Finally, my husband and I were commenting on the fact that it has been over a year since any of the 5 of us have gotten sick (which is weird to say during a pandemic). My girls are incredibly prone to illness and every year I partially dread the fall/winter for this reason. It has been a nice reprieve thanks to masks and social distancing. This is especially nice since my kids have been going to in person school for several months. I hope I didn't just jinx us by typing this (ha ha).
Yay for financial health!! And a chance to enjoy your teen (especially)!
My son (fragile respiratory system) hasn't been sick either. It's such a relief not having to dread sick season and the accompanying exhaustion of seemingly constant illness.
Favorite things have been a rhythm of family walks after dinner and appreciating our neighborhood - both the neighbors and our setting near a creek and great trail system ... so good for outdoor adventures close to home. We’ve always taken advantage of the creek and trail but we have been so deeply thankful for them this last year, particularly when there was a limit that we had to recreate within a certain radius from home early on. Also, this school year the kids have largely been in person, but especially in the fall there was a feeling that we could go remote anytime. That made me be a lot more intentional with my time while they’re at school - making sure the things I do are really what I want to be prioritizing. And I think in general, I’ve noticed the things I really miss from The Before (volunteering at the school library and a home for single moms) and things I don’t (big mingling events) - I’m hoping to put that knowledge to use as restrictions hopefully start to lift in the next few months. And, I’ve seen my kids’ friendships with each other deepen, particularly when their best neighbor buddies weren’t able to play for a few months.
Here are three of my silver linings.
1. I discovered Amazon Prime. I'm just sick of stores, not just because of health reasons, I'm just tired of driving to them. If costs are reasonably the same, we order from Amazon.
2. I worked at a food bank for eight years then left for several reasons. When the pandemic hit my friend told me they were short on volunteers because most of them were elderly and worried about catching Covid. I went back a year ago and am glad I did. I forgot how fulfilling it was.
3. This is the biggest one. My older sister was not nice to me when we were growing up and we had little in common in our basic personalities. But for the last year we have been talking every Sunday for an hour. She lives in Europe, I live in the USA. There are still lots we're different on, but I stand up to her more and we do have our, very long ago, shared childhood and family of origin. We also have the exact same sense of humor. We are closer now than we have ever been.
I love your #3. All of my siblings are far away, but one of them has made a monster effort to keep us all connected via Zoom, and I'm super appreciative of that. I miss them, but the frequent Zoom meetings are great (and quite hilarious -- a real case study in family dynamics). Glad you're connecting with your sister.
That is so wonderful!
Sibling relationships can be very difficult even when you feel so connected. I am happy for you both that you have become closer! J.
Excellent for Lisey ! (and the cats 😉 Also, yes, I will be sooo grateful when this is over
Teaching on line from March to October really challenged my wretched tech skills -- but I am thankful I learned a lot of new stuff -- albeit kicking and screaming -- which I would otherwise never have bothered with or needed to know.
Thankful that my district kept us ALL on the payroll throughout the distance and now in- person learning -- even though we technically have children for only half a day. I appreciate how much this consideration has cost them. Also, that I got to meet my families and work with them every day on line during distance learning, as opposed to just knowing the students. It made me appreciate how devoted and hardworking they all are, and how beloved these children are.
Shopping once a week has seriously helped me to plan better, waste less, and spend less. Also, only eating out/taking out once a week has helped my budget and helped us to eat healthfully. If somewhat monotonously (looking at you, Big Salad With Chicken).
Because I was nervous about coming back to the class in October, I went to the doctor (which I always avoid) to check for underlying conditions and this really concentrated my brain on HEALTH. We are eating healthfully (see above) and exercising and losing weight -- a long slow process but I am actually thankful (?) to COVID for jumpstarting the process.
Love reading the comments!
I am thankful that I have been at home to watch the birds congregate at the feeders near my dining area window. I have taken lots of photos, and I enjoyed an unusually prolonged visit from a Carolina wren who took up residence in the repurposed Christmas tree shelter near the feeders.
I am also thankful for all of the long distance classes I have been able to take thanks to Zoom. Bible classes from a former church and classes from Cornell.
I know I am one of the lucky ones in the Pandemic, and my heart goes out to the losses and hardships many have faced.
1. My 5 second commute! It used to take me 1 hour each way to/from work. Even though I used that time to prepare for the work day ahead and leave the office behind on the way home, I much prefer just having the extra time to do something other than ride a bus.
2. Sharing and afternoon tea/coffee break with my husband. At the office I usually had them alone since anyone else I wanted to spend them with was usually busy.
3. Not having to wear a bra everyday. Yes, I know, TMI...but I know so many of you totally understand the freedom!
4. Being able to do small house chores during lunch breaks. It frees up time later in the day to relax.
5. Being able to listen to music while I work without having to use earbuds. And singing along out loud along with it!
6. Saving money on my commute means we can order in more often without busting our budget. That allows us to support our favorite local diner during these tough times.
#3 - Tee Hee!
I totally get #3!!!
The scarcity of canning jar lids! That looks like a problem, but to me it is a silver lining because it shows that people are growing more of their own food! That's healthier and more frugal for more folks!
Hmmm. I sold almost all the vintage puzzles in my Etsy shop. Although we don't do many activities normally, even fewer helped us get our school done...especially while we were working to get my father moved in with us. I love a slow pace.
Living in Hong Kong, we were about 3 months ahead of the US when is comes to all things pandemic. Hong Kong shut down tight with stay home orders very quickly and started wearing masks/having shortages of things before my American family and friends. Oddly enough, this was comforting because I was able to give some guidance and quell a little panic ahead of time. Both my husband and I work at an international school, and I really didn't know how secure the jobs would be, but we have been blessed to both keep the pay checks. I have learned computer skills I had no interest in learning (ha!) but now am thankful. We are spending WAY less money in pretty much every category, which has bolstered our savings. HK also passed stimulus packages, which lowered our electric and taxes, gave us a bonus and masks, and provided free testing whenever it is needed (and hopefully, soon, vaccines also!) We haven't had so much as a sniffle for at least 18 months! I have absolutely loved the ways the pandemic has brought the world together even in the midst of suffering. Two of my sons and some other family members have had Covid, but with mild symptoms, and I just found out today that my 2 oldest siblings have had their first shots, so that is a relief. And most of all, it really does seem like there is a light at the end of the long, dark tunnel!! Happy March everyone!
The one that comes to mind is not missing out completely on family events—we’ve lived out of state most of adulthood and it stinks to miss parties/holidays. We have done the pass a phone around a party/video chat a few minutes thing, but now everyone is meeting in that virtual context for certain events & it makes me feel like we’re not totally missing out. But I feel bad that they know the missing out too—so complicated. Silver linings—not missing a friend’s wedding, and cousin’s baby shower, because we can zoom in:)
We attended a trivia night at a pub with some friends just before the lockdown started last year. I love playing trivia, but it was hard to attend this one because of kids and the distance. Well, my friend started an online weekly trivia game on zoom and we've been going strong for almost a year now! I've met old and new friends in different cities and we have a core group who meet to play weekly. So fun. No more worrying about babysitters for the kids or spending money to play!
I've been able to connect with long-distance friends more regularly since the pandemic started with the increased use of video chat platforms and I've had some great meetings with college friends who are scattered to all different places around the world.
We've been more deliberate about connecting with friends and checking up on them and have had some fun video chats with friends in different cities (whom we might normally see when we travel there).
Having online school last year has truly made me appreciate the kids' teachers and school system here in Texas, where they made an effort to get the kids back to school in person in a safe way. My kids have been going in person since September and are doing so much better mentally because of it.
Thankful for trip to dollar tree. Found caramel dip for apple slices. Yellow cosmos seed and blue bachelor button seeds. Thankful that my neighbor is helping me organize kitchen tomorrow. Thankful for sunshine little sunshine each day and other of blooming daffodils and jonquils and white and purple lenten roses.
I love not having to get my kids up at 6:30 and rush them out the door every morning. It was never fun. I feel our daily life is much less stressed than it used to be.
I also love that I’ve been able to have so much extra time with my kids and husband. Not that we never get tired of each other, but it’s mostly good!
There have definitely been tiny personal wins mixed into this year, but mostly I have felt very overwhelmed by everything and the only thing that makes me feel better is to try to keep learning and adapting. I wasn't sure how to word this, and then this evening, while I was reading to my boys, I came across this quote that I think sums it up quite well:
“The best thing for being sad," replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, "is to learn something. That's the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.” -T. H. White, The Once and Future King
So, I guess my silver lining is that I have personally learned so much this year and have also been able to witness the learning of others and that has been a true gift.
Thank you for sharing your learnings with us, Becca!
That is a powerful quotation.
LOVE this quote and now will order the book from the library! Thank you!
I have loved all of the extra time I have gotten to spend with my own children and our doggies. My adult daughter had already graduated from college and had a grown up job. Her job went virtual so she could come stay at my house which she never would have been able to do before from four hours away. Seriously, I have loved it!
That my husband and I are spending more time together than we have since we were dating in college almost 20 years ago. We are both working from home and go on walks almost every day at lunch.
Saving time, money and carbon emissions by not driving to work everyday. Having a more relaxed dress code and being able to wear sneakers! My feet appreciate the arch support.
Catching up weekly with my mother-in-law, parents and sister, and a hilarious group text with friends from college - I love having these connections with people who live far away.
That I was able to find ways to volunteer while staying safe and socially distanced.
That we could attend a family member’s funeral service via live streamed video. Not something I ever contemplated before, but it was really meaningful to be able to “be there” for family. Being 3,000 miles away didn’t feel so far away.
During the first part of lock down our state had strict rules and it was very quiet here. Our library allowed patrons to borrow up to 70 books for the next five months or so. Every afternoon I had a rest and read so many books. I enjoyed that so much.
Rules are much relaxed now. I live in Australia and some times I have to shake my head and remind myself that there is still a huge problem elsewhere.
This might sound hurtful but no one in my family or friend group has had the virus and that is wonderful.
I am thankful that work on SARS and MERS vaccines has helped towards developing the vaccines that are rolling out now. I hope and pray that they are safe and that help the authorities to manage this problem.
God bless
While I could think of a lot of non silver linings like not being able to see my dad for 1 year now. He does not use any kind of computer or phone so other than seeing 4 times through a window I miss seeing him in person. He is 97. BUT silver lining is my sister lives with him and we have avoided nursing homes so far & thus the virus getting him. We lost his brother and his wife who had been married for over 50 years last March of covid within a week of each other. My dad is the last living.
Our first grand baby was born Nov 2019 and we attended the birth, both kids were still on maternity leave when shutdown happened so they were able to spend 100% of their time with her for almost 1 year before dil returns in person to work. Son still working from home. He walks their Golden Leo to pick her up at day care and all the children go to the windows and wave to their dog.
A very kind person live streamed our youngest sons wedding, we opted not to travel over 1000 miles to attend several moths ago. So nice they included us & all our families watched it too.
I am 50/50 love/hate working from home. Love not having to drive on icy roads, I can pick which days I work in office. I really miss being around my co-workers. They are a funny bunch.
There are definitely silver linings, and CO2 reduction due to less traffic in our country (and globally too) is on the top of my list.
No commuting is the second one - I am one of the fortunate people who can work from home all the time. I can now get out of bed 2 hours later (!) each day plus I can eat all my meals from home.
Another thing is, that I hear more people expressing appreciation for beautiful things in our immediate surroundings (birds, trees, buildings, sunsets - you name it). Hearing other people revel in a bird or a blossoming tree just like me gives me a strong sense of connection with them.
Finally, our cats thrive now we are at home all the time. They are definitely looking for our company more, wanting to cuddle and play or simply sitting on my desk purring as one of them is right now.
There have been several but the biggest one is that we could all watch my brother's dissertation defense online live! Normally we wouldn't be able to do that - he lives many hours away and I don't know how many observers they would have in a "normal" world. He was also able to see so many friends and family show up in the Google meet to support him. What a wonderful gift it was! And yep, he now has his PhD with distinction! So very proud!
Yay! Congrats to him!
About 6 months before the pandemic I mentioned to my boss and co-workers that I totally think we could work from home at least part of the time (I work in the Finance department of a large oil & gas organization). They all piffed and phewed (picture a cat hissing and spitting) saying no way....And since mid-March of 2020 we have all been working from home and doing it well. I am SO thankful for this.
My commute, one-way was 43 miles....so needless to say I am saving miles on my new car and for the first time in history it may last a while at this rate. I am SO thankful for this.
I've lost 40+ pounds because I am not tempted by office get togethers of food/cake/donuts --- I prepare each of my meals from scratch every day and I've never been healthier. Super-duper silver lining here.
I have created a bird sanctuary by putting out multiple types of feeders and they are my entertainment during the day or when I need a break from computer work. I can see the ones in the back and front yards from my work chair just by turning my head. Brings me joy everyday.
I see friends at Church every Sunday (we've continued service since Mother's Day of 2020 - very small Church and able to social distance). I also go to the gym 4 days a week during my lunch hour.
These are all silver linings.
My husband lost 30 pounds and we joined a gym and got way more fit because of covid. Working from home made him realize how much he was snacking all day and when he stopped he lost the weight.
We have saved money not eating out and going on vacations or excursions.
The is vaccine development has advanced vaccine science so far and thankfully his virus isn’t as deadly or as transmissible as it could be. When this happens again in 50 years the virus could be worse and we will be glad we have the science figured out for a new vaccine.
I work in healthcare and the PPE shortage forced our organization to stop really useless isolation, like for mrsa patients and other things where there is no evidence it is useful. So yay for less waste there.
With more time at home I got better at baking things with yeast which is nice because it is a useful skill and the more you do it the easier it gets.
I think I know where your husband's 30 lost pounds went....
I have turned a couple of acquaintances into friendship. There are a couple people that I walk with just about every week now. We have gotten know each other better and I think we will make time to be in each other's lives when this is over.
That it has been a time to reevaluate with who and on what activities I spend time. I think going forward I will make some shifts.
We have gotten to know some neighbors better. There have been quite a few homes that have switched ownership during the past years. Some of the new neighbors I had not met before we all started spending more time at home and outdoors.
My husband has enjoyed being able to eat lunch at home during this time. Some days we are able to get a walk in during what would have been normal working hours, as sometimes there is some flexibility in his schedule.
Finding out that I feel better when I eat out less. I have never been big on eating out but I would go out for lunch about once a week with one or more friends and often there was a family meal out on the weekend. My digestion is much better when I make my own meals.
I am glad that grocery pick-up and delivery has become common place. I do not have any problems with shopping in person but I may in the upcoming decades (hello 70s and 80s) and it is good to know that it will be possible to get goods locally even if I'm no longer able to drive or navigate a store.
My charity knitting/crocheting group has gone international via Zoom. We have someone join us from England weekly as well as someone that is currently in Toronto. When one of the members travels to her mountain condo (after waiting for her second vaccine to fully activate) she will be able to join us too.
I have been home more and have done a deeper dive into files and possessions to find things that are no longer needed.
Other than some people that have had Covid, a terrible thing, people have not been sick with colds, flus, stomach bugs, etc.
Kristen started Thankful Thursday.
I agree about friendships. It's amazing to me how deeply friendships have grown out of this past year.
And I agree about Thankful Thursday: a highlight of my week!
Aww, that makes me so glad to hear! I find that because I know a Thankful Thursday post will happen each week, I do a better job of hunting for the mercies and joys over the course of the week.
During Covid, I have been working on living each day fully not to waste the day. This led me to walking a lot in the mornings in the warmer weather and appreciating the outdoors much more than before.
A second silver lining was in this increased amount of 'alone' time I got out my sewing machine and tackled the sewing projects that I had been saving for 'some day' to get around to. Well, this was my 'some day'! I got 5 of these projects finished so far. after holding on to them for years. It feels really good to be a finisher, and it feels good to have the use of the completed projects.
Silver linings
1. I have really enjoyed trying MANY new recipes since pandemic started.
2. Less mileage and gas in my car.
3. I have had the time to walk my dog every day. We are a happy walking team now in all kinds of weather.
4. I have found that I LOVE podcasts. Who knew? Not me!
5. I now know that me and the hubs are truly on solid ground Pandemic hit at our first year of truly empty nest.
So refreshing to read all these comments — so many examples of eventual “good old days” remembrances.
It has frequently crossed my mind that many children of today might eventually remember this time fondly, if they’ve had mom and dad both home full time, and a couple of siblings for playmates. (I’ve always enjoyed reading fond remembrances of living during the Great Depression, which I’m sure was quite terrible at the time, but you hear about the camaraderie and people pulling together, and even fondness for some of those strange meals. Just recently it occurred to me that one of my favorite foods might be an example of that, which is creamed tomatoes on buttered bread.)
-We live overseas and it has been nice to occasionally stream our US church's service, something they started doing due to the pandemic.
- I have at times enjoyed the excuse to stay home.
1. A whole sick-free year for my son whom we have protected so fiercely because of his medically complex respiratory history. He usually gets every cold, flu, and respiratory virus floating around, develops pneumonia and ends up in the hospital, but because he's not in school or going to all the therapies, he hasn't had sickness, let alone a single hospitalization!
2. Extra time with my 3 littles. I have so many more memories with them this year than some of the previous years because I have more time to sit with them and soak them up.
3. A slower pace of life. Previously we had children in 2 different schools, and 12 hours of therapies between 2 children, not counting medical appointments and periodic hospitalizations. Now we are doing all of our school and "therapy" at home, and our fragile kid hasn't been sick at all!
4. Fewer hours in the car and the waiting rooms.
5. Rich friendships that in normal times I wouldn't have had the nerve to develop "because they're too busy for another thing." None of us were too busy in lockdown and all of us wanted to have some type of contact with the outside world. It's hard to believe 13 months ago I hardly knew 2 of my closest friends.
I am a healthcare worker, working in direct contact with patients, so I've lived with "in-your-face-Covid" for the past year, no going around it. With all the anxiety that this bring up. Still, I can attest to some good things coming out of it (for me and my family):
1- More (quality) time with my family. Since the kid's activities have been cancelled and not much is happening outside of the home, and we cannot have visitors over or go visit anyone, we got to spend much more time together playing board games, going for walks, taking bike rides, etc. And both my kids got to spend a lot of time with each other, which is sure strenghtening their already strong bond.
2- Hubby working from home has been a blessing. He does stuff around the house on his lunch break (not that I've asked him to) and after work, and this helps a lot. He's there to supervise the morning routine and put the kids on the school bus, which gives me freedom to organize my mornings without having to take care of them. And he is safe, not having to travel by bicycle year rounds (again, his choice), which is really scary when he goes out in the ice and snow and rain, in traffic...
3- We stopped eating out and going out for entertainment, and this made me realize that I'm ok without and that I'm ok being quiet at home. I'm not always looking for a way out (of my thoughts) anymore.
4- We saved money. Since we were both lucky enough to not have our jobs impacted and to not be sick and out of wages, the fact that all is closed down gave us the opportunity to save money and finish paying the house. Mortgage free feels amazing.
5- I stopped "having" to have over some people that I'm not so fond of. Not being allowed to have anyone over is the perfect excuse! And on that note, I've realized which friends and family members I really miss seeing, and which ones I'm ok letting go of.
... TO FOLLOW
.... AND MORE :
6- Since my social life outside of work basically stopped since I could not see anyone, I was forced to expand my social circle at work and actually made a real good friend over the last year. And it got me going on walks with coworkers-friends a couple times a week, at lunch.
7- My exercice routine got more pleasant. I cancelled the gym membership (that closed down anyways) . I discovered a love for swimming (my public pool has been open on&off since Covid). I discovered great free activities offered by the city, stuff for which I paid prior. I pushed aside what was not pleasant and focused on what is making my body feel alive. Feels nice.
8- I eat healthier. No more restaurant = home cooked meals = more veggies, more proteins, less crap
9- I finally had time to stop to smell the roses and READ books. For years I complained: "So many books, so little time!". For years I longed for time to sit down and crack a good one open. Well, I did it. Last year I've read 60 books, and this year 13 so far.
10- My kids don't say : "I'm bored!" anymore. They got to slow down and they (seem to) feel better for it. They were always creative, but this year it bloomed. Lots of art and craft, lots of writing stories, creating new projects. We don't have a lot of "toys" and we limit screen time, so they have to think outside of the box to stay busy.
11- No more having to drive one kid to this activity, to that birthday party, bringing the other one to the dollar store, to the playdate, etc. I don't miss being a chauffeur, and I don't miss having little ones over for playdates. I do it for my kids, so they are well-rounded and have a good social life, so they get to explore their environment and be open minded, so they get to learn and discover, and I am very grateful for their social life and activities, but... this is exhausing sometimes. Covid brought a halt without ME having to feel guilty about it.
12- Online stuff : online activities, doctors phone appointments, online university class, etc. I am not a technology person, so I'm very surprise to be liking this aspect so much. I hope some of this stays after Covid
...and the last : I have not been sick this year (knock on wood). Every winter, without exception, I get this cold that turns into a 6-8 weeks of coughing and having to sleep upright. Not this year. All the PPE, hand washing, masking and social distancing is paying off
Thank you, Isa, for working in healthcare and especially during this past year! I am SO grateful for those like you who have sacrificed peace of mind and comfort to help others. May you be blessed as you are blessing others.
You are welcome 🙂
Hands down the time we got with our teenage sons. They were a senior and sophomore in high school when the lockdown started and once school activities stopped they were always at home. The older is now in online college so still around the house a lot other than work days. I was starting to feel the anxiety of the boys getting close to going off to college so I have really cherished this extra time with them.
I can actually think of a few things:
1. It has slowed me down and made me spend more time at home. Because of this my ironing and mending are up to date and it made me think of what is in my freezer and look at what needs to be used up first and before we are smacked with hurricane season when I don't keep a lot in the freezer.
2. My husband is partially retired and the pandemic came about the same time he started the partial retirement so I have gotten used to having him at home more for both (2=1). And when he is working he is able to do about 90% at home.
3. I was really grateful that my first doctor appointment during the pandemic was a tele doc appointment by cell phone. I didn't have to get on the scale. I know, its silly, but it was such a relief. I knew I hadn't gained but there is something calming about not getting on that scale.
4. We are using a lot less gas. DH uses his car maybe once a week and when we use mine we don't go nearly as far. Really grateful since gas prices are now increasing rapidly. Our tolls are less too.
5. It's probably weird but prices for some foods have gone way down very temporarily. Not sure I understand all the reasons why but for several weeks last summer my local Publix were cutting chicken and pork prices way down so I stocked up a bit. Cheese prices also came down. However, ice cream prices stayed pretty much the same whereas beef and sandwich meat prices skyrocketed.
I think that it. Good idea!
I started a project of writing to my “away” children the week the pandemic started.
My youngest child still lives at home and has cognitive disabilities along with medical issues. His older 3 siblings have moved on to their own homes. One in the city we live in, the other two in completely opposite areas of the country.
I suggested to his worker (who assists him daily) that maybe they could craft a letter that he could hand write and send to each of these siblings weekly.
A year later we are on the 52th week of writing.
I never imagined he/ we would still be at it.
I photograph each letter that he sends.
I then write a letter to each child about where they are in their life that week. We have covered birthday and holiday celebrations and what is happening with shut downs and openings. I noted when we started to wear masks and stopped taking public transit. Cross country moves and university graduations virtually were celebrated ,job offers and new roommates were discussed. Joy and sorrow visited our family during this year and was spoken about and recorded.
Sometime after a few months had passed ,I realized that I had an oppourtunity to talk and reminisce about so many other topics. So I did. Many of these topics reflected about each of the children individually.
When I send the letters I use the wonderful cards that I have received over the years and was saving for “ someday”. It seems the perfect “ someday” arrived. New cards were purchased at my favourite volunteer run thrift shops as they were able to open. It appears I’m sending cards others had also saved for “ someday”:)
I purchase stamps as new issues come out. Frequently the stamps might actually pertain to a certain child’s life or interests. They then get a packet to use for their correspondence. I enclose a bit of “ pin” money and am fascinated to hear what they do with it. I write a joke on a sticky attached to the paper money and each card starts off with a quote or verse( aphorism)that I think is pertinent for that week.
I’ve had a wonderful oppourtunity to concentrate on each child individually. It takes time, but wow what a snapshot of a year in our family.
We still video chat weekly as a family and keep in touch individually. But I think everyone has enjoyed receiving the snail mail. I know I was blessed:)
Now that my husband works from home he saves 3 hours of commuting each day and it is way easier for him to pick the kids up from daycare if I cannot (I still go into the office) and he can help more with dinner etc. which gives us more family time in the evenings.