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What a crazy couple of weeks. I am in the process of completing my Spring semester, wrapping up a full year of doctoral studies. A full year that includes a summer session. And, switching campuses...as Concordia University-Portland closed after 100+ years and I was tasked with enrolling at Concordia University-Chicago.

Then, there was a sudden shift to "distance learning" as schools have closed for the year. It's been a crazy weeks all wrapped up in a ridiculous set of circumstances. It's hot. It's cold. And, rarely it's just right.

Participating in a tonight's #midnighpedagogy session there was talk about the Goldilocks Option. That got me thinking that maybe this year is like the Goldilocks Option gone rogue: it's too hot, it's too cold, and sometimes it's just right. The problem is the sometimes. But, the sometimes can be sweet. I need to remember that part.

Things change. Options change. And, take time for the sweets. Like WuTan flan. 

*photo source unknown

f/u = follow up 

I always love writing that abbreviation in my notes. It makes me smile. It’s the little things. 

It seems like I’ve been doing quite a bit of “follow up” lately. Following up with distance learning lessons, doctoral studies, Zoom conference schedules, and DIY projects around the house. 

It’s weird, but I actually like working from home.  I never thought I would. But, now that I am getting used to the pace and the schedule of working from home, I enjoy it. 

My “office” for afternoon calls isn’t so bad, either. 

That’s the order from the California governor, and echoed by the federal government. I’m practicing physical distancing and wearing a face mask (bandana) when venturing out for essentials items. And, now more than ever, my home is my sanctuary. 

It’s time to upgrade the sanctuary. Tore down the print shop (bedroom), even the closet. Fresh coat of paint + new floors. Those floors got my OCD level orange going, but it’s done. And. It looks awesome. Now, to move all the furniture, type cabinets, and supplies. Spring break is looking good in the sanctuary. 

#CovidCribs #QuarantineLife 

Practicing my social distancing in the El Dorado National Forest. Giving a lot of thought to the idea of distance learning. Remote learning sounds a bit isolationist, I suppose. Educational continuity sounds too stuffy and a bit like a business model. 

How do we continue to educate students when they are no longer in a physical classroom? For the past 100+ years, students attended class for 180(ish) days and the magic happened in a set routine. With the COVID 19 pandemic, this is no longer the case. 

Maybe this is the chance teachers have wanted for so long—a chance to redefine the educational landscape. Maybe this school closure is an opportunity radically change school. I don’t know what that redesign looks like right now. No one has the answers. But, I’m having this conversation with others...and I’m optimistic about the changes ahead. 

Strange times. Across the globe, and now locally, COVID-19 is altering daily life. And, no one really knows what the "new normal" looks like...we are all still trying to find our way. 

Yesterday, the stores here in California (and elsewhere) were overrun by shoppers. Hysteria finally gained traction, and panic buying ran rampant. Carts overflowing with non-perishable goods. Empty store shelves. No toilet paper to be found. The run on toilet paper really puzzles me, but I am not terribly concerned about it. Thankfully, I have plenty of provisions on hand and I doubt this "flattening of the the curve" will turn apocalyptic. 

At least, I hope my assumptions prove correct. But, the main disruption of COVID-19/corona virus is the "social distancing" and the advisory that people over age 65 (or those with a chronic health condition) stay isolated. Quarantine is such a nasty, clinical word—isolation doesn't sound so punitive, I suppose. Regardless, this is how we flatten the curve and prevent such a mass outbreak like the ones in China, Italy, and Spain.

Schools announced on Friday that they will remain closed for up to 3 weeks. Meaning, no school until after Spring Break. Schools are struggling to push lessons to students and to continue the learning. Many schools are implementing a drive-thru service for student breakfast and lunch, as some students rely on those meals.

Social distancing also means that I will be delivering meals and other necessities to my parents (both over age 65). I am sure they aren't happy about cancelling dinner outings, book club, or any other social event they enjoy so much. But, in order to ensure they have what they need while they remain isolated at their home, I will be making deliveries...and staying 6 feet away. *sigh*

On a personal note: the upside to all of this, if there is one, is that I will finally be able to work ahead on my doctoral studies. And, I like to joke that I have been training for "social distancing" my whole life. That is partly true. As an ambivert, I am elated that I do not have to attend large gatherings! But, I wouldn't wish it for others.