A year in review.
Captain’s Log
14 days to flatten the curve, 365 days later.
March 14th, 2020 was the first day of our pandemic voyage for myself and the crew, and like everyone else, were anxious about the days to come. I was more than a little crushed that I would not be spending my 2-week vacation in Argentina as planned, instead, I found myself abroad the S.S Shit Show.
I had planned my first solo trip since, well ever and was so excited for the adventure. That being said Number 2 and I couldn’t remember the last time we were all home together for any length of time and were excited to have our kids to ourselves for a few weeks. How sweet and naive we were.
Monday, March 16th, 2020- The crew remains healthy and optimistic about the weeks ahead. Although times are uncertain the crew is in the honeymoon stages of this voyage and is looking forward to family time.
As 2 weeks turned into a month the crew relished in an extended March break and although annoyed that their social lives were put on hold, and that they were going to be spending a lot of time with their parents, they took it in stride.
Relic poured his abundant energy into skateboarding, Minecraft, and maintaining his Snapchat streaks. I am pleased to report that over the last year he has made us so proud with the maturity he has shown (despite the Minecraft.) He hit some pretty big milestones this past year and Number 2 and I couldn’t be more thrilled with his progress.
April 8th,2020-I’d like to thank Number 2 for his unwavering commitment and support in helping me nag our son. This was a team win. (The first time Relic put his laundry away unprompted)
Monday, April 27th -I am pleased to report that Relic has been promoted to senior communications officer. He logged over 20 times the average person’s monthly text messages as well as reached the top score in snap streaks.
Driving lessons have gone as well as predicted and we are looking forward to passing the taxi driver torch over to him by mid-summer. Fingers crossed, our vehicles have yet to sustain any major damage.
As he nears the end of his grade 11 year we have begun to discuss the future and what plans he would like to pursue. Currently, his goal is to find a career that includes enough free time to live in a van out west so he can mountain bike all summer long. Whatever he chooses, I have reminded him as long as he lives a life full of integrity, we will always be proud of him.
The Dutchess spent the early days binge-watching Grey’s anatomy in her cabin and perfecting her surgical skills. She also managed to transition into a teenager seamlessly.
She has shown amazing aptitude in her execution of an eye roll and is able to demonstrate a brilliant range of emotions in a single huff. She’s right on target in her level of embarrassment. My existence tops this list and she ensures to critique me on my style, taste of music, books, home decor, the way I breathe, my love, what I cook, the way I do her laundry and pretty much anything else she can think of. As much as I hate humble pie, I have a newfound level of respect for my parents, as I am sure I was equally charming at 14.
On a whole, I have to say the kids have blown our minds at how well they have managed the last year. I actually think that they are closer now than they were 12 months ago.
March 31st, 2021 The ship has been running incredibly smoothly, and I am happy to report we have gone almost 48 hours without incident.
I feel so badly for our youth the most, this time in their lives is so important. Making both good and bad decisions, testing their parents’ limits and being social with their friends is so important. Shenanigans and tomfoolery are integral for their personal and mental growth and I fear they have missed so much. Although Relic seems to be on a mission to make up for lost time. He's such a good boy, so committed to himself and living his best life. Selfishly I have relished in this government forced family time but I’m not a complete mom-ster and respect how hard they’ve had it.
I suffered so deeply from postpartum depression and anxiety when my children were young that I didn’t fully appreciate the time I had at home with my kids when they were little. Going back to work full time when Lucy was 4 months old was a choice I had to make for my own mental health, and although I am proud of how I overcame my struggles with motherhood, I do look back and remember being so envious of other women (and men) who were able to find joy during that time.
This past year (although very hard) was also a blessing in a way. I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend time at home with my crew. I've enjoyed being a homemaker for a year and spending the time with my family in a way that (gulp) 15 years ago I wasn’t able to.
As I write this I have tears in my eyes because Covid took so much from so many people and it feels wrong to admit how much it gave me.
I found the courage to write, something I have always loved but never had the courage to do. It also gave me a do-over with my children and for that, I will be forever thankful.
My family is coming out the other side stronger, more resilient, and stronger together. My children are closer than they have ever, finding joy in each other’s company once again.
Number 2 and I have really taken a lot from this year. Parts of life we were neglecting have been made priorities and I think we are coming out the other side stronger than ever.
April 2nd, 2021 Number 2 and I have settled in for a romantic evening of tea, sweatpants, and a movie where shit blows up. A paragon of romance we are.
I am not pleased to report that the bread-making trend has perhaps helped with a slight weight gain but fuck it, life is short, eat the bread.
May 7th- By 3 pm I’d eaten 4 cookies, baked fresh bread, and ignored the veggies I’d prepped for lunch. As the day progressed I’d fallen so far off the wagon I sent a message in a bottle to Number 2 telling him to bring home Pizza, wine and refined sugar.
Again I find myself hopeful for the future. Vaccines are coming and perhaps by the fall, we will all be in a place of relative pre-pandemic normalcy. I look forward to keeping you all updated on the crew and our adventures.
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