Raise your hand if you made it through Day One of Distance Learning. How was that?! I spent the first two hours in panic mode because I couldn’t find my kids’ assignments. After no less than 7 Remind messages over “spring break” from their school saying the formidable “Distance Learning” would commence on Monday, April 6th, and after telling the girls over and over, “You have school tomorrow!” there were crickets Monday morning come time for “school” to start. Is it in Canvas….Think Central….Moby Max…what’s that other one called that took me an hour to find the other day???!
This very type A mama sat here on my hands yesterday morning, resisting emailing and reminding myself that my kids’ teachers were also likely just needing some time to get organized. We did end up receiving information around 10 am for both girls, and we managed to make it through their assignments in fairly decent spirits. I can’t even imagine what teachers are going through right now, especially those who have kids of their own.
If there is one thing this virus is teaching us all, it’s patience. I clearly don’t have much of it. I think this crisis is also teaching us the value of human connection. My hope is that we take things for granted a whole lot less in the future. I’ve been trying to find silver linings in the little things, but overall, I’ve been scrolling too much, worrying a lot, and trying to predict the future to no avail. To say this is all unproductive is a huge understatement. I decided this morning it’s time to start sharing some hope and “feel good” content.
So here it is. I’m going to find and share 4 good, inspiring or hopeful things happening locally, nationally, or around the world each week. If something catches your eye and you’d like me to share it, reach out on my Contact link.
PS – this photo was taken week one of school closures, before we had concrete plans from the district. My favorite part of this photo? My dog’s feathered bangs making an appearance in the lower right corner. He is the local celebrity at the Rose household, so it’s no surprise that he thinks I must be taking the photo of him.
1. Zoom Surprise: Some Good News with John Krasinski Ep. 2
Admittedly, being a total fangirl of The Office, I was inspired to start this series because of “Jim” and his You Tube “newscast.” Watching him is like Zooming with an old friend, but without the awkward anxiety of actually having to be on Zoom yourself. (Man, I look like death in this awful light. Wait, should I mute myself or not? Can they even see me? I hope my kid brushed her hair and doesn’t still have Nutella smeared all over her face if she’s going to creep up behind me and watch this meeting.) But Episode 2 made this musical-loving choir girl feel alive again. A nine year old girl had her birthday trip to see Hamilton cancelled, and John Krasinski made up for it in the most fantastic way he possibly could have during quarantine. Go watch it (links are in the headings)!
2. Death, Sex & Money Podcast, This Senator Saved my Love Life
I’ve been listening to this podcast for the last two weeks upon a recommendation from a friend. Don’t let the name fool you; this podcast is surprisingly super uplifting. Anna Sale, a former New York political reporter, is the host. She has a concise, unassuming and empathetic tone, and I have really enjoyed every episode I’ve heard. She aims to have open and honest conversations about the things that we “think about a lot, and need to talk about more.”
I was going to share a different episode with you here about the recently late Bill Withers (it is fantastic, listen to that one too), but I was perusing her website and happened upon how the podcast began. I was shocked to find out that this NYC-based podcast has Wyoming roots. One of her first guests was our very own Al Simpson and his wife, Ann, who were both interviewed by Anna Sale at their home in Cody. I adore Al, and I often mourn the loss of politicians of his caliber. You’ll also fall in love with his wife in this episode.
3. Deviled Eggs from The Paramount Ballroom
Get these smelly-yet-incredibly-delicious morsels of gold delivered to your door or picked up this Friday or Saturday. The Paramount is doing this, along with coffee, pay-it-forward options for essential workers and tickets to eventual reopening parties on their website. If anything can give me hope right now, it’s having these deviled eggs in my life again. Thanks, Jon and Renee!!
4. Sunshine + Spring
I know this sounds really corny, but I don’t care. Get off the computer or phone. Go outside and listen to the birds sing. Cheyenne’s weather through Friday is amazing. Blue sky and big fluffy clouds have been lifting my spirits every day lately. Top all this warm weather off with a bright, nearly full moon glowing like a beacon in a dark sea of blue each night, and I can almost convince myself that it’s a summer night and things are normal again. Walk, bike, stand on your porch, but just be sure to get some fresh air, this week especially!
Finally, stay safe and healthy out there, friends. Reach out if there is something I can do to help you get through these trying times.
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