COVID-19 Chaos and a Beach

The past two weeks have upset the routine of our lives, with the coronavirus COVID-19 coming to the United States from China. We can tell that these changes are just the beginning for several weeks (perhaps months) of changes as people quarantine and self-isolate as a way to keep the virus from spreading. The governor has closed all of the schools in Washington for the next six weeks, starting this week. Jeremy will be working at home indefinitely for the foreseeable future and all of the spring quarter classes that I teach will be held online.

I am concerned about how I'm going to keep my kids happy and occupied (preferably learning!) for six weeks at home, while I'm trying to work at the same time. One of the classes I'm teaching is one that I've never taught before, so I already anticipated extra work before knowing it would be online. Jeremy and I will need to come up with a plan. Sam asks, "What are we doing today?" right when he wakes up, and he often asks "What are we doing this morning/afternoon/evening?" a few times per day. He likes consistency and a clear direction from his parents about what to do, even if he actually has an opinion about how he would like to spend his time. So we will need to think of a clear plan for him. And Lucy doesn't like to do anything without "a friend" for company (unless she is watching TV or playing the iPad), so it will be interesting to try and multitask with her around.

I was supposed to go to Utah later this month to meet new baby Winston, but I've had to cancel my flight now that the kids are going to be home from school. I'm really disappointed, but Jeremy will need my help caring for them during the day so that he can work. And I thought about bringing the kids with me to Utah, but it doesn't seem too wise to travel right now. We don't want to spread the coronavirus, in case we come in contact with it. It is worrisome that a person can transmit the virus without even exhibiting symptoms. Plus I'm not sure if my family members want to host three people while they are supposed to be staying at home themselves - we might just contribute to the chaos of their own cabin fever.

This weekend we are self-isolating, but at least in a new location other than our house. Jeremy found an Airbnb beach house rental in Kingston, so we booked that as a way to celebrate his birthday. Even if we are staying mostly indoors with our family, it has been really nice to look outside and see the constant changing scenery with the moving water and the passing boats. Yesterday at low tide we explored the shore and saw some of the largest, most intact shells that I have ever seen.

The birthday man with his waterfront view

It's hard to get a clear sense of what will happen in the months to come. Some people on Twitter are speculating that this might be the defining moment of the 21st century that changes everything that comes after. Other people on Twitter are suggesting that this is a time to write down your thoughts or make something during this period, so we remember what we were thinking and feeling during such a historic moment - which is one reason why I wanted to write this post. Maybe I'll get more chances to write on my blogs in the weeks to come...or maybe I will be too stretched thin to do anything by try and get by.