It’s been a hot minute since I’ve sat down to write (October 28^th was my last post…how have almost 2 months flown by that quickly??!!)!

I’m not going to lie, when I started this blog I fully expected to be posting all the time. I was prepared to have so many funny stories to share, embarrassing moments for us all to laugh at, learning curveballs that I was thrown and adjusted to.

But instead, COVID teaching happened and I don’t have those funny stories. I don’t have embarrassing moments to share and laugh about. I don’t have any powerful insights into first-year-COVID-teaching-curveballs.

Those things will come, I know they will. I know that this isn’t a normal year. I know that I will soon have the opportunity to joke and laugh with my students. To embarrass myself and share those cringe-worthy moments with you. To share the wisdom of someone who’s “been there” and “done that”.

For now, this space has become a place to reflect. A place to evaluate the unique situation I’m in. A place to share the ups (however few and far between those feel) and the downs. A place to write down what’s happening in the moment so I don’t forget.

I’ve been doing a lot of forgetting lately.

Forgetting to sit down and write out a blog post.

Forgetting to water my plants (I regret to say that I lost my sweet plant whom I lovingly named “Fern” in early October. “Death By Neglect” has got to be a hard way for a plant to go.)

Forgetting to drink enough water myself (thankfully I’m a bit more resilient than my $1 succulent).

Forgetting to fold the laundry until it’s been sitting in the dryer for a few days getting wrinkly.

Forgetting to read a book from my “fun” pile.

Forgetting to post pictures from my Tennessee adventures (speaking of, please enjoy this masked-selfie my best friend and I took on our recent trip to Dollywood).

Forgetting to work out.

Forgetting to pick up my Bible.

Forgetting to return phone calls and texts.

Forgetting where this blog post is going so I accidentally just keep rambling 😉

Forgetting to stop, to smile, and to take in this incredible and unique journey I’m on.

Forgetting to find joy in the little things.

Forgetting to take it one day at a time.

Forgetting to thank the friends and family who take time out of their own stressful and busy lives to check in on me and make sure I’m doing alright.

So friends (or strangers depending on who you are and how you came across this post), may this be a reminder to you.

Take a sip of water. (Give one to your plants, too, if you’ve got them.)

Take a walk around the block.

Fold the laundry (or don’t, you make the rules).

Put down your phone and read a few pages from one of those books taking up space on your nightstand.

Call your family and tell them you love them.

If you forget? Well hey, I probably did, too. We’ll try again tomorrow.