Are you ready for this year's A to Z theme?

Every year, I participate in a huge writing event called the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. You can read all about it here—but essentially, the goal is to pick a theme, and then for 26 days in April (every day except Sundays), write a blog post on that theme, corresponding to the letters of the alphabet. For example, if my theme is "fruit," then on April 1, my post might be, A is for Apple.

Obviously my theme is not fruit—I do love apples, though. So what is? Keep reading...

In the past, I've written about people who inspire me, things that grow in Alberta (yes, c was for canola), excellent writing tips, books I've read...and more. But this year, things are a little different.

For one thing, I won't be scrambling to write posts before I head off to school—school is cancelled for the rest of the year where I live. And, I won't be able to suggest any "off site" activities, since we're all supposed to stay home. (We've been doing that, and it's not so bad—we play games, watch movies, and go for short family walks. It's nice to see how the community is supporting each other too.)

So what am I going to blog about for this year's challenge?

I thought you'd never ask.

This year's theme is:

26 Super Fun Learning Activities You Can Do From Home

A bit of a mouthful, I know. Don't get too hung up on the "learning" part—instead focus on SUPER FUN. Sure, watching TV all day, or getting immersed in a book sounds fun, but aren't you getting bored of that? I am...and it's only been a couple of weeks. I miss school. I miss my friends and family. And I miss going to the library.

So, throughout April, starting next Wednesday, I'm going to blog about an activity that is not only fun, but something my teachers would probably approve of. These activities will take advantage of things you can find in your home—but if you don't have the books from the Superman Duffy series of educational graphic novels, now might be a good time to download or order them. I plan to use them for some of the activities.

I know there are a lot of resources out there, so please don't hesitate to share some of your favourites, either on my post, or by email at chase.superman.duffy@gmail.com.

Okay, gotta jet! I'll be spending some time this weekend coming up with my 26 blog post ideas. And hey, if you want to take part, there's still time to sign up. I bet "blogging" counts as writing if you're looking for ways to impress your Language Arts teacher when you do go back to school.

Have a great weekend. See you Wednesday!

~ Chase Superman Duffy 

Springing into a new normal

*waves*

Hello from self isolation!

No, I'm not sick, and so far, everyone in my family has steered clear of the coronavirus pandemic that's sweeping across the globe. No doubt about it, these are...different....times. And I'm not afraid to admit that I'm also a bit scared.

Who wouldn't be? Spring hasn't quite "sprung" the way we envisioned.

I'm also grateful, not only because my family is healthy—but also because the four of us have never spent so much quality time together. It's true, too much of a good thing can be overwhelming, but so far, we're all getting along. In fact, we've even started creating routines that hopefully will set a new normal for us as we navigate these difficult times.

Here's how we've been spending time together since we're all "working" from home—even Dad:

1. Amelia helps Mom make breakfast, while Dad and I catch up on the morning news. We try not to watch too much of it—the statistics are pretty grim. I like a good horror story but this hits just a little too close to home. It's important to be knowledgeable though, so Dad helps me "filter" the news. 
2. After we all help clean up breakfast, Amelia and have a couple of hours of free time. For me, that means writing, reading, or doing some kind of craft. Mom likes when Amelia and "craft" together, so we've been looking for fun things we can do with the supplies we have. If you have ideas, send them to me, please! 
3. Next up is education time. That's when Amelia and I focus on "learning." We take virtual tours of museums, practice our math, do crossword puzzles or other mind games, and write in our journals. (Dad says it will be cool to read these journal entries in a few months when life returns to normal.) Every year, I take part in the A to Z Blogging Challenge—and this year, I'll be covering the A to Z of educational activities you can do at home. More on that next week! 
4. Dad and I usually make lunch, and then we FaceTime Grandma and Grandpa. Neither of them is sick, but Grandpa has diabetes, so he's high risk—which means he's quarantining himself. We talk to stay connected, but we also check to make sure they don't need anything. If they do, Mom or Dad will go to the grocery store to get it and leave it on their doorstep. 
5. The afternoons include more free time—which at this point is pretty loose. Amelia and I go for a daily walk if it's warm enough, and when the ice melts, I'll go for a run. Sometimes we Skype with our friends—I'm really missing hanging out with my bestie, Sophie. I play video games or read comics. Mom says it's important that we spend time doing things we love since a lot of our favourite activities aren't allowed for a while. 
6. Before dinner, we do chores—our house is REALLY clean—and after dinner, it's family time. We play games (I am the reigning Checkers champion), we watch a movie or an episode of a Netflix show, or we go for a walk around the very quiet neighbourhood. I always read before bed. 

Obviously there are some variations, and I'm sure as we all settle into this new normal, things will continue to evolve / change. But for now, I'm thankful that we are spending time together, doing our part to "flatten the curve." <-- That's a term I learned watching the news. And it's really not too bad, aside from not being able to hang out with friends or go to school.

How are you spending your days in self isolation? Next week, I'll share how I plan to roll out this year's A to Z Blogging Challenge. I hope you'll join me for the month of April.

Gotta jet! See you next week.

~ Chase Superman Duffy

Preparing for an extra long spring break

There's only a week left before we're supposed to be off of school for Spring Break—but I have a feeling it might be a longer break for everyone.

We've already cancelled our short family vacation to Seattle because of coronavirus, and all around me events have been postponed—like hockey, baseball, the Foothills Young Writers Conference, and so much more. Even Disneyland is closed!

I don't understand all of the potential impacts, but I do know my parents are concerned. Not in a "stockpile toilet paper" kind of way—though we do have a few extra rolls laying around—but more in thinking about how my sister and I will keep ourselves busy if we have an extended time off from school and possibly quarantined.

Good question, right?

I thought today I'd come up with a list of ideas:

• Read! Mom took us to the bookstore this weekend, and I got a couple of new comics, plus a new book. We're going to the library tonight too.

• Write! If ever there was a time for me to focus on my short stories, this is it! And my "apocalypse" tale feels kind of appropriate right now!

• Bake! We have lots of canola oil in the cupboard, and Mom says we can make cookies, breads, and other delicious treats for the family. I've already dug out the recipe for Monster Cookies.

Mom says we might have to stay away from my grandparents too—Grandpa has diabetes, and so he's in the risk category—but we're going to Skype with them every night, so it will ALMOST be like we're hanging out.

I'm also trying to come up with some crafts my sister and I can do, and of course, I'll help clean the house.

And I'll be washing my hands—a lot. Hope you are too.

Gotta jet! Stay healthy!

~ Chase Superman Duffy