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