Part 1 of 2

PLEASE STAY HOME!

As I worked on this blog this past Sunday, my husband entered the office and told me he thought he needed to go to the ER. I literally stopped typing mid-sentence and off we went. Mr. FTF was in excruciating pain, had been coughing for quit some time, was having difficulty breathing and despite having been on Doxycycline for nine days he was only getting worse not better. Two weeks earlier he had a kidney stone and they spotted something on his lungs. To say I was scared is an understatement. My heart was in my throat! What if they wouldn’t allow me into the ER with him? What if we’d be exposed to COVID19. What if he has COVID19? Would I be saying good-bye to him at the door of the ER and for what amount of time? What if….a dangerous game to play and I try never to go there in my thinking but I was scared! So relieved that they allowed me in with him. He was struggling to breath and, therefore, speak. I wanted to be able to assist and answer their questions and keep him from coughing!

Mr. FTF was diagnosed with Pneumonia. They tested him for COVID19 but we won’t have the results for another three – four days (hopefully today). We elected to come home from the hospital as his vital signs were stable the whole time we were there and we felt as though our home environment would be a safer place to be right now. I must add that the ER staff at Copley Hospital were nothing short of amazing! They treated us with care, compassion and respect! It’s a difficult job in the best of situations and right now they are pushed and pushing to their maximum limits! If you’re a prayerful person, we’d appreciate some prayers at this time and continued prayers for all front line workers! I’m reminded of my mantra from when we were dealing with Mr. FTF’s pancreatic cancer: It’s the little things that are really the big things worthy of celebration! This sign sits in our family room and is a constant reminder. This scare has been a refocusing on this exact believe…

Embrace each other and those that you’re currently sheltering with at home! Stay safe and healthy! The sooner we all cooperate the sooner we’ll be able to resume our lives outside of our homes. Use this gift of time to truly enjoy the little things!

Here’s the post that I had written before we left for the ER…

Most of us are currently in week three of social distancing and sheltering in place in order to flatten the curve of COVID 19. In all honesty, figuring out a “new normal” in my house has been quit the challenge for me. How about you? Have you established a routine and structure to your days? After the first few days of feeling like I was becoming a couch slug and binge watching Netflix, I decided that I needed to establish a better routine and structure that would give me a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Hope you find something on my list of things to do while you’re sheltering at home that appeal to you…

1. Zoom Calls to Stay Socially Connected

Zoom calls with work have become part of my new norm. They’ve also been a joy to see familiar faces that I miss as well as productive as we plan and discuss how to support our staff and our students during this challenging time. I’ve been working on creating on-line courses and trainings for our para professionals, which will begin next week. We are technically on spring break right now.

Zoom calls are also a great way to stay connected socially with family and friends. I was extremely grateful these past two weeks to connect via Zoom with my Weight Watchers Wednesday group and leader. Being home all day has been such a challenge to stay away from the frig out of boredom and just because it’s there. Talking with my support group not only reinforced that I’m not the only one feeling that way but allowed me to commit to the group what I’m going to do better this week.

2. Spring Break Staycation

My husband and I had reservations for Secrets Resort in Huatulco, Mexico, at an all inclusive adults only resort. Lying on the beach soaking in some sun was something I was really, really looking forward to doing. Sadly, like everyone with spring break plans, we had to cancel them. My step-daughter and granddaughter had a mother-daughter trip planned to New York. In lieu of not going to either destination, I planned a beach staycation. Thank goodness for Amazon as I was able to order things for a beach bag full of fun for my granddaughter. I spoiled her with all of her favorite candies (she usually doesn’t eat candy so it was special), light up flip flops, her favorite color (right now it’s light purple) nail polish, beach towel, and Minnie Mouse T-shirt. We drank out of flamingo glasses with umbrella straws – her favorite special drink Cherry Pepsi (something she usually doesn’t get). This made it feel more special than just a typical visit to our house although we do try and make every time special for her!

Spending time together, laughing, talking, playing games, watching movies and enjoying each other while creating positive memories during a difficult time is important especially for children. I felt as though our themed staycation achieved all of these!

SHOP STAYCATION

3. Exercise

Since going for walks is the only real opportunity to get out besides grocery shopping, it has become a regular physical activity for us. There are a few challenges with walking when it’s March and early April in Illinois, which include cold, wind and rain! Therefore, we try and get out as soon as the weather seems to be cooperating no matter what time of day. While on our staycation, we decided to “Chalk Our Walk”! This is a great idea to add an element of fun and creativity and it really is a thing! The originator of “Chalk Our Walk” reached out to me when I posted pictures in Instastories. Additionally, it was fun thinking about others who might walk after us and see our art work and uplifting, positive messages. By the way, I would have done this even if I didn’t have my granddaughter with me.

SHOP CHALK

While I enjoy walking, I feel as though I need to be incorporating more physically activity into my days. Physical activity/fitness has been my personal goal for the past year and half. I feel as though I’ve made good progress and don’t want to loose what I’ve gained. Plus walking is always so dependent on the weather. The internet is a great source to find additional physical activities and support. The first thing I did was sign up for a free virtual personal training session with Brooke of Brooke Fitness Goals. I follow her on Instagram. We facetimed and she asked me my goals and gave me exercises to do at home with and without weights. This was a great opportunity and gave me personalized ideas. She’s as cute as can be and she especially enjoys working with midlife women.

Recently, I was briefly in Miami for a conference for work before it was canceled due to the Coronavirus. I had the pleasure of meeting Gail of Boxing Princess 22. I also follow Gail on Instagram. She and I immediately connected. Gail has been a fan of fitness her entire life and is very knowledgeable. Gail graciously started sending me links to numerous on line workouts that she thought I might enjoy and that might be beneficial.

My Step-Daughter, Tiffany, has her own fitness blog called You Are What You Eat Health. She features healthy eating, overall nutrition and fitness. Tif’s recommendation for a free workout website is Fitness Blender. I had the pleasure of doing my first video with her and my granddaughter.

Since we’ve been on quarantine, our gym is closed and obviously I’m unable to attend my Pound Fit Class and Aerial Yoga class. To see previous blog posts click here: Pound Fit and Aerial Yoga. As I was scrolling through various social media platforms, I happened to notice that the Pound Fit website was now offering on line videos for a free 30 day trial! WOO HOO! Perfect timing! I immediately went on line and ordered my own rip stix so that I could take the classes on line. The rip stix were delivered this past Saturday. I immediately signed up on line and literally changed clothes and did my first class! Words can’t express how excited I am to have this option at home! Where there’s a will there’s a way!

4. On Line Classes

Psychology and the Good Life Yale’s beloved happiness class is now on the internet for free. Happiness, they say, is infectious. Perhaps that is why the most popular course ever to be taught at Yale University—this semester enrolling 1,200 students, or a quarter of the undergraduate student body—is one titled “Psychology and the Good Life.”

Until recently, I have to admit that the thought of taking an on line course was a little bit of the unknown and scary. On line courses didn’t exist when I did my undergraduate work or my master’s degree. A friend at work convinced me that I should take a course through Yale University because I would enjoy the topic and the content – “Happiness University”. Initially, she encouraged me to listen to the podcasts but I’m not good at doing anything when it’s only presented auditorily. I did sign up and am so grateful I did because I’ve loved the content. The course is titled: The Science of Well Being. My thought was that it would be great if I could assist those I work with to find greater happiness – both staff and students. I consider myself to be a happy person but wouldn’t it be great if as a result of the class I was even happier?! I’m happy to report that’s exactly what happened. The course is free although I paid a small fee so that I could receive a certificate stating I completed a course through Yale (LOL!); and I’m sure with a little searching there are other courses on line that are free. If there’s a will there’s a way! By the way, it was super easy taking the course on line; and I worried needlessly! My Yale University T-shirt is on order! LOL!

Click here to sign up for the class: The Science of Well Being

5. Clean and Organize

Since my cleaning ladies couldn’t come into my home and clean, I decided to give my downstairs a spring cleaning. I don’t usually get to my spring cleaning until I’m off for the summer. While it’s not the most fun thing to do, it does feel great when it’s finished and talk about a sense of accomplishment. I plan to tackle the upstairs some time soon. Additionally, I’m thinking now is a good time to tackle my closet. Again not a super fun thing to do, but feels great when it’s finished. Think about projects that you’ve been putting off. Now might be the time to take them on since we have the gift of extra time! Lori and her husband decided to do some painting to freshen up their house. It made me think that I might want to paint my front door in time for spring decorations!

6. Puzzles

Early in my marriage, Mr. FTF and I enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles. Over the years, that activity has fallen by the wayside. It always seems as though there are other things that need to be done. We have rediscovered our love of doing jigsaw puzzles. While we were enjoying our staycation, we completed a Thomas Kinkade Disney puzzle with Mickie and Minnie Mouse in a tropical location. It reminded us of our family Disney Cruise we took last summer. Working the puzzle together brought us lots of laughs! Puzzles are an activity that all ages can enjoy doing together.

We were bummed that we didn’t have another puzzle to start when we finished this one so we ordered another puzzle on Amazon. Since my husband is a musician, I knew he’d like this one!

SHOP PUZZLES

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6. Games

Games are fun activities for all ages that can be quick or go on for days like Monopoly. Lori and I used to play Backgammon and various card games for hours while in college. I really enjoy game playing put typically don’t have the time. Again the coronavirus has provided us with the gift of time! While planning our staycation, I figured it was a perfect time to pull them all out! They’re still out and I’m sure my Mom and I will be playing them more while staying put!

SHOP GAMES

7. Read

Perhaps reading is an activity you already do often despite this quarantine. I love to read but my challenge is that I’m typically so tired that by the time I sit down to read I don’t get very far before I start falling asleep! Since we’ve been gifted extra time, I’m trying to build in reading every day as part of my routine and structure. I’m reading several books right now – one for enjoyment and one for work. The best part is staying awake and recalling what I’ve read! Winner Winner!

SHOP BOOKS

9. Meditation

Full disclosure, I have not YET started mediating but it is on my list of things to do while at home. There are so many benefits of mediating including it bringing you happiness. See #4 above!

• Reduces Stress. Stress reduction is one of the most common reasons people try meditation.
• Controls Anxiety. Less stress translates to less anxiety
• Promotes Emotional Health
• Enhances Self-Awareness
• Lengthens Attention Span
• May Reduce Age-Related Memory Loss
• Can Generate Kindness
• May Help Fight Addictions
• Improves Sleep
• Helps Control Pain
• Can Decrease Blood Pressure
• You Can Meditate Anywhere

Here are some apps that might help you form a meditation practice:

Calm

Headspace

Insight Timer

Glo

Simple Habit

10. Fashion

While we’re spending most of our time in pjs, sweats and athleisure, it might be a good time to play dress up. While organizing your wardrobe you could shop your closet and be thinking about how you might wear something in a different way than you had been wearing it. You might want to consider pairing things differently than you have in the past. Pinterest might be a great source of additional inspiration. Many bloggers and influencers grab a picture as a point of inspiration and then put together their own look inspired by the picture. Since we have the gift of time, experimenting might be fun!

It’s difficult to feel motivated to want to do your hair and makeup and get dressed up since we’re not going anywhere or seeing anyone. For me doing it occasionally throughout the week, feels good and lifts my spirits. It’s how I feel most myself and how I prefer to be seen on our work Zoom calls LOL! Perhaps pampering yourself with a DIY facial, manicure or pedicure will lift your spirits! Do those things that will make you feel better, fill you with joy and bring you enjoyment!

Our current situation won’t last forever! I am excited to see how things will be changed forever as a result and to see the good that will have come from a challenging and difficult situation. I’m not sure who’s quote this is but it’s been all over social media: “I think that when the dust settles, we will realize how very little we need, how very much we actually have and the true value of human connection.”

This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase. These picks are NOT sponsored, are selected solely by me, and opinions are entirely my own.

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Part 2 of 2 on Monday

Come back on Monday for our monthly collaboration, to see how my fellow fashionable friends are sheltering in place around the world!