Geez, I hate Coronavirus!

We visited Brandee and family in March over spring break and met our new granddaughter. That was the last week of normal life. Because of this stupid China Virus, we've been 'quarantined' and masked and I've pretty much just been mad about the whole thing. My lifestyle hasn't actually changed that drastically since I'm a homebody anyway and Tim's work still went on. We have gone to the actual church building for church on Sunday one time since March, and it was ridiculous. We had to wear face coverings and weren't allowed to sing the hymns along with the piano. We've done 'at-home' church mostly. 

Anyway, enough about the weirdness. I've been thinking a lot (since there's so much time!) about a lot of things. Tim's mother passed away in May and one of the things I thought about is that LIFE IS QUICK! It goes by so fast! There's so many things on my someday-I-want-to-do list and I should just start getting them done.

I recently read a blog post about a book called The Top Five Regrets of the Dying (by Bronnie Ware). I might buy the book; I might not, but the top 5 list is interesting. 

1) I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

2) I wish I hadn't worked so hard.

3) I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

4) I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

5) I wish that I had let myself be happier.

Interesting, right? What do you think? 

Those of you who know me, know that I love the power of words and the importance of choosing the correct words for communication. Lots of thoughts here, but stick with me. I first thought "I wonder what the difference is between regret and disappointment? When would one be more appropriate than the other?" Then I though about the theory that anger is actually not an emotion; there is a feeling beneath the anger that is that actual emotion. I thought about me being mad about this dumb virus and what I realized is that I'm disappointed, saddened, upset, anxious, and distrustful. That's a lot of emotions! I'm disappointed in the things in the world that have changed that didn't need to. I'm sad that there were things that we couldn't (and still can't!) do, like have a church funeral for my mother-in-law or visit our new grandchild at the hospital. I'm upset that we haven't been able to attend the IndyCar races so far this season (thank goodness they are still racing and we can watch on TV!). I'm anxious about quantity of "information and reporting" about the dumb virus and the number of people who proclaim "the truth". I'm ending up so distrustful of other people - was that sneeze the virus? 

So, back to the subtle difference between regret and disappointment. 

Regret - noun - a feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.

Disappointment - noun - sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one's hopes or expectations. 

It seems like either of these two words could be used in most instances. I think if the above mentioned book was titled The Top Five Disappointments of the Dying, it would have a different meaning - maybe more like the regrets were things that they themselves could've changed or done differently, as opposed to the disappointments that happen in life just because that's the nature of life!

I have thought and thought about regrets and disappointments, and in my life there's been loads of disappointments - in fact, that usually is the base of my anger - that I'm disappointed in someone's behavior (or my own). Comparatively, there hasn't been as many regrets.

Fall 2019 Band Competitions

Here's some of my favorite photos of Kirsten at the Band Competitions North Iredell attended. My oldest 3 used to love to go to band competitions! I had never been to one because they are on Saturdays and since Tim could drive the bus for the band, it was up to me to get the other kids to their soccer games. I'm not sure what this fall is going to be like at high schools. I don't know how much 'competing' in anything there will be. I hope that there will be sports and band; I'm afraid that there will be so many kids missing out on these experiences!

I MISS SPORTS!

I am ok with staying home. I am ok with washing my hands after doing things in public (I did that anyway!!). I am ok with making sure I have enough food and other essentials in the house. I am ok with my daughter doing online school. 

However, I am having a tough time without sports!! I love watching all kinds of sports - soccer, ice hockey, racing, tennis, and the olympics (which were supposed to be this summer!). 

I know what most people are saying "sports and concerts and things like that aren't important; health comes first". I get that! I really do. 

BUT - I think that the competition, the interaction, the entertainment, the rooting for a team or driver or athlete adds so much to LIVING that it's hard to do without it! 

Social Distancing

Here's another catch phrase from our "NEW NORMAL" that I'm really not a fan of - SOCIAL DISTANCING. I think the phrase that should be used is 'physical distancing' because of all the times in our lives, right now is not a good time to become socially distant.

I truly believe that humans were created to be in social groups! We do not do well left alone. Our relationships are so incredibly important. We have family circles and friendship circles. We have church families, and work families.

The most incredible part of this age that we live in is that our technology enables us to keep in touch with all of our families! We don't need "social distancing"! If nothing else, we should become closer! We should be taking the time to check in on our circles - the time we didn't have before because we filled our lives with busyness and silliness trying to be important. Create facebook groups; snapchat groups; email groups.... whatever you can that will allow you to interact with the most important part of your life - PEOPLE!

This goes back to Adam and Eve - they were created to start the human race; to start families. PEOPLE are the reason!!

New Normal

I took a walk this afternoon and Tim surprised me on the road by getting his bike started and bringing my helmet and sunglasses. We went on a long-ish ride and just had some fun in the 85 degree weather.

While I was riding, I was thinking about how "normal" it was and how the phrase "new normal" keeps coming up in commercials and social media. I really disagree with it! Having social distancing is temporary; not a "new normal". Having certain times for certain people to shop is temporary; not a "new normal". Having online schooling is temporary; not a "new normal". I'm sure there are other ones that we could add.

On our ride I noticed several people outside. One older couple was working on cleaning out a shed. That might've been something they've been wanting to do but haven't had the time until there was a "stay at home" order. I saw a family of 3 working on a flower bed in front of a house. That might've been something they have put off for years because they couldn't get to it. I saw a party starting at another house even though there is a suggestion to not have gatherings of more than 10 people. Maybe these people realized that it was more important to finally get together and see each other just in case the unthinkable happens and people die.

Are these things the "new normal"? I hope that working together at home, making our houses beautiful, and gathering together become the "new normal" as opposed to the toilet paper shortage and living with the fear of pandemic sicknesses.

I thought about how "normal" it was for us to take a ride and just enjoy being out and how "normal" it was for Tim to have to switch to the reserve tank and head to the gas station hahahaha!

What parts of past "normal" do I want in the "new normal"? It seems like the old normal has been missing for a few years. I want the normal to be Sunday dinners with family. Church meetings with singing and fellowshipping. Grocery shopping with plentiful shelves; getting a little extra and putting it in storage. Washing our hands because it is a habit that keeps us and others around us healthy. Taking care of our neighbors. Listening to world news that isn't filled with hatred, campaigning, propaganda, fear mongering, and exaggerations. Watching sports on TV and attending games and races. Caring about our homes and what happens in them rather than just using them as a place to sleep in between hours at work. Talking with friends face to face when we can instead of through technology.

Maybe we should just be "normal".

Hayleigh's Bridal Shower March 2019

Right before Corey and Hayleigh's ring ceremony and reception, we had a bridal shower for her. A lot of family and friends came and gave them some lovely gifts!

EIMS Spring Soccer 2019

Kirsten played soccer for middle school again in her 8th grade year. She didn't like it much better than the previous year, except this time, she wasn't keeper. There were still 'managerial differences' (anyone notice that's a trend with Kirsten??) She played really well for not playing club. It's hard to play only school soccer as the coaches are usually teachers and don't know much about soccer.