Untitled Pandemic Journal

     My name is Laura and I am 44 years old. I am born and bred in Chicago and live on the north side with my nine-year-old son Liam and husband Jeff. I am a school librarian at a rural/suburban school 30 miles away. I have been a school librarian for 16 years. I started out as a history teacher but worked in a few Chicago area museums for a couple more years. I enjoy reading YA books, writing book reviews, watching movies, knitting, baking and exploring Chicagoland and the suburbs. I have kept journals since I have been in high school and especially on my travels. I don’t write frequently anymore but I had space in my journal and wanted to document my feelings. I have never wanted to publish any of my journals. I like the idea of keeping my story for future generations after I am gone.

3/13/20
Friday the 13th. School is closed until the 31st. Liam [my son] (Sharon [my sister], Mark [my brother in law], girls [my nieces Madelyn and Ashlyn] + CPS [Chicago Public Schools]). Jeff [my husband] is working at home. Libraries are closing too. Might have to cancel Florida. Liam would be heartbroken.  Mom just doesn’t get it - she thinks chlorine will solve everything. I don’t know if it's because she is secluded south or just shops and hangs around her house all day. Mom is so excited to see us too. How long will this last? Is it just time? Will it heal all wounds? I felt like Alfred, Lord Tennyson “ours not to reason why - ours but to do and die - cannons to the rights of them. Cannons to the left of them. Cannons in front of them. Boldly they rode . . . into the jaws of death. . . “  Dad’s favorite poem.  WWDD (what would dad do) or say? The mayor quoted that there isn’t a precedent for this since the 1918 influenza outbreak. I texted Sharon but she didn’t ask about me or Liam. Glad mom’s house is ok. Glad I didn’t forget Mad’s bday.

3/14/20 Day 1 quarantine or teen?
Finally got a hold of Michael and Jocelyn [brother in law and sister in law who live in Atlanta] for a minute- they are not stopping their social life. WAtched a few movies - final “Deathly Hallows.” Went to Walgreens and 5 Below - normal if we can call it but, not one on the streets. It snowed today too. MSI [Museum of Science and Industry] and Field [Field Museum of Natural History] closed. Like a snow day except nothing is available. I don’t know how I’m going to make it. Did some cleaning and knitting and school work but I can’t get in more than a couple of reading chapters. Maybe I will just have to listen to audio while knitting. Bought a book from Book Cellar to help them. Heard Ali’s [cousin] Universal (+ Disney World) closed.  Mom is lonely and realizing we will have to skip Florida. Trips to Puerto Rico are less than $100.00 Miss dad and the girls so much. We are so divided.  Jeff brought up watching the whole “Avengers” series. I want to die. Ate such garbage today - twizzlers, Jeff bought a shamrock shake - and pie for Pi day! Going to end up +30 Lbs after this, if we make it.

3/15/20 Quarantine day 2 Ides of March
My idea of Hell - trapped inside and not feeling my book. Like the’ Twilight Zone” - “all the time in the world” and no interest. Played chess and two games of Chinese checkers. Made a video of ELA [ELA area library in Lake Zurich] book resources. Watched “Bombshells” and “Cheaper by the dozen.” Went for a walk around the block to mail our taxes. I got weepy and called mom - who insists Liam and I still come to Florida. While Liam heard and got all upset. We FT’ed [face timed] Gwen + Iris [cousin’s about Liam’s age] and hopefully will keep it up. I don’t know how I will make it. Maybe “school” will help.

3/16/20 Day 3
It’s snowing and grey.  The affected toll is 105 up from 66 yesterday. Started school with Liam at 8 - he did reading 9 Math then we went for a walk and trip to Indian Boundary [nearby park]- trying to stick to schedule. Checking email and uploading videos to Canvas [my school’s online teacher/parent portal]. After lunch - science projects didn’t work well. Went to art - liam drew animal comics for about an hr. We read some more and he was building with popsicle sticks.  I’m getting sleepy and depressed. Knitting a little and I’ll start dinner soon. Liam face timed with Vera [another cousin] and we will call Gwen/Iris again. Mom just talks about the same thing- how they aren’t cancelling any domestic flights but she hasn’t gotten into her comprehension yet.

3/17/20 St. Pat’s Day 4
At least Shar responded.  Not like i’d get a picture or facetime or anything. Sunny today. It was amazing at our walk about break at 11.  Went to the public garden - or the woodsy area that used to be cemetery owned.  Symbolism or metaphor? I’m seeing doomsday everywhere. Worried today that i won’t remember all I’ve had Liam do and that I didn’t do enough professional work.  What else can I do if they don’t accept my Canvas invitations? I did get digital $ and quickly sent my order in! I would love it if I could have new ematerials for them during the plague.  Jeff is worthless - only focusing on his work - he doesn’t even ask Liam what he did or what he can do to help or what help do I need? At least I'm capable - how everything would collapse if it were just time? He can’t even manage planning dinner.  I’m so touchy but can’t stand Donna’s [mother in law] cracks about how I should bring Jeff lunch . . .  No one would reach out if it weren’t for me - Vera, Gwen, Mom . . .  I even reached out to Liam’s friends and they are all too overwhelmed.  Maybe I’m the needy one. I can’t focus on my reading. I”m almost finished with my cable scarf - Liam said I failed since I didn’t meet my 3/17 deadline.  I bought Dinkle’s [local bakery] cupcakes to help them and remember dad. Plus Liam was disappointed he didn’t get a St.Pat’s Day gift.

3/18/20 Day 5
Jeff cancelled the Florida trip.  I feel like blaming him and his mom but I know it is the safe non reckless decision. Yesterday I heard there were Midway[airport] delays + closures because the ATC [air traffic controllers] were sick and flights couldn’t go off.  We can’t dine in restaurants, shops are closing. Took Liam to the forest preserves Bunker Hill [Edgebrook] along Caldwell and if felt crowded - like I should move away from people.  Sharon still won’t call or text. Just a St. Pat’s call. 128 have Covid-19 in Ill. 22 in a retirement home in Willowbrook.  During school time, Liam is a champ - transitions are rough. So lonely.  Book Cellar has curbside delivery. What will we do next week - work when it’s break? 
3/19/20 Day 6
Liam has been surprisingly flexible and cooperative with this.  He loves routine and order. It is so difficult calming him [Liam] down or taking him away from an activity he likes.  I don’t think I'm all that bad teaching him - He definitely likes choice and I have to practice restraint and trust that he can remain on task.  This afternoon’s writing was an example.  I turned and let him write. He wrote a longer passage than the one we wrote together yesterday - and he still did his edits.  I don’t stay on a topic more than an hour- we switch up text/print - religion,  art. It is hard always being “on” with him [Liam]. I get my down time making dinner - which I hate all this woman's work.  Michael’s puzzle is great for him [Liam].  He [Liam] works so quietly and intently - with  or without HP [Harry Potter] soundtrack! We are reading Kid Athletes - short bios at dinner/bedtime. Today was wet + dreary - I don’t know where to take him [Liam] out anymore. I wish mom wasn’t alone but she will just say she wishes we were with her in FLA - just like grandpa. [her dad who would guilt us into coming south]

3/21/20 Day 8
Gov [Pritzker] put us on shelter in place can’t leave unless for food, meds, + walks. Won’t go back to school till April 7th after shelter in place possibly lifted.  Ran out to Michael’s [craft store] with Liam and got some yarn, legos and iron on shirts. People are not observing 6ft distance. Stores mark the floor but people are still on top of one another. I told Liam to keep his gloves on - but he still touches everything.  Still no word from Sharon. People are really struggling with home teaching. I hope perspectives really change about teachers and the Arts. Liam is doing remarkably well without friends. He is not so bad bugging us to play with him.

3/22/20 Day 9
Leslie [cousin] is breaking down - she asked why bother - what’s the point? I answered - there is no point- we just do it - gotta get up.  After dad died - my view changed -  I would have said, “yes,” there is a point . . .  nope - we live, we die hard and no one remembers us.

3/23/20 2nd week quarantine
Spring break - ya right. It snowed yesterday and stuck on the grass this morning. I took Liam to the riverwalk by Kedzie/Peterson. Liam was enthralled by watching the digger. He thought of Nelson’s “On the road again” when we got on the path b/c it wasn’t faded black yet. Had a good workout to Devon then back. Liam has been playing Roblox with Maddie [ school friend] + video chatting the past two nights.  He is doing well so far with new meds and this quarantine. I’m concerned about his eating + not drinking enough H2O but since he grew 2 inches since Xmas his cravings might plateau for a bit.  Asked Shar if we could FT for Mad’s Bday + no answer. This is  only the end of the world - but she still doesn’t trust Liam to have a conversation with her + the kids. I finished a 125pg. Maldenado In your lane but feel I can’t bring myself out of my reading slump. Snuck in some spinach in our spagetti tonight + Liam ate it. He had a few gag reflects but ate it. Win! Mom is getting onto conspiracy theories about Russia + the virus. I hope this destroys Trump for Nov. How can anyone still believe in him?

3/24/20 Day11
I hope no one listens to Trump after this. He wants this to end by Easter so he can improve the economy and be the conquering hero.  All I know is, I don’t want to do work. Yes, I check into email - but all I want is some book to move me. Where should I walk with Liam tomorrow? I”m so glad I have options. I couldn’t imagine just going in circles.  Having Liam to “teach on the prairie” is good structure for me - Leslie is a mess. I get it, but that’s why I’m still sending her images of people sleeping in the subway during WWII Blitz or Anne Frank (and others) in hiding.

3/25/20 Day 12 
Tonight I’m feeling kind of nauseous. Spent too much time inside and it was nice out. This morning I planted some forget-me -nots and cleaned up a little garbage.  I should rake tomorrow. I finished two books today so, kind of productive. Liam played online with school friends - he is always upset when it’s over.

3/36 feels like it 3/26/20 Day 13
Felt like shit today. Yesterday’s headache stayed with me all day.  My neck + sinus hurt.  Pust I have to find a new chiropractor- she won’t take insurance anymore.  Sharon actually facetimed me today! It only takes a global pandemic! So hard to think of things I do differently each day, Tried to drop library books offin the drop but they aren’t taking them.  I can’t wait till my period is over and I get out of this funk,  I can’t believe it’s been two weeks - worst spring break ever. Jeff didn’t get the full time at Blue Cross - he’s done in May [work contract is up]. More good news. How can he tell me not to worry as if we have savings let alone emergency savings.  I wish I had a book that really spoke to me.  Nothing grabs my attention or focus - it is not for lack of trying.

3/28/20 Day 15
So much screen time.  Can’t stop. Can’t read but I can veg out. Yesterday cleaned the windows and it rained - the way things go.  I felt a little surge of creativity when I planned an online book club in Flipgrid.  I sent the links to Canvas + staff - lets see who bites - especially the librarians.  Kind of limited can’t use real time video chat with Google Hangouts but still video might work.  Sharon Brown EL teacher had the gall to ask me to give her Myon instructions (arter I already provided handouts 3xs). So I just gave  her the link.  After months of trying to get Liam to try his lego chain reaction book - I laid it out for him and he put some together. He asked me to play with him then he promptly told me he could do the legos himself - lead a bear to honey. Today was the 3rd anniversary of Steve’s [father in law] - Donna was a wreck.  It’s so quiet.  Yes the hum of distant cars and emergency vehicles but no people still see people walking but some people take the distancing too far and don’t even talk.  An Amazon guy almost scared me. He walked right past and not even an excuse me.  Took out Bad Apple [local burger place] for din [dinner] and got 2 bottles of red from Bottles + Cans [local liquor shop] - the only type of small business thriving.  Meeting with my super [superintendent on zom] on Monday- I wonder how much longer. All the data points to a drop off after 8 weeks  - We are starting 3rd. Also participated in Knit a thon for Knots of Love digitally.

3/29/20 Day 16
Wen’t to Jen’s [BFF] to deliver bday gift. Tried taping a sign to the car but didn’t use enough tape and it was pretty windy. We held it [the sign] up and sang happy bday -  Jen loved it. I planted some more forget-me -nots in the former Aloe-garlic container and we can test if the indoor/outdoor planters or ground takes to the seeds. Woke up with another headache this AM - now at dinner it's coming back. We crockpotted a roast for beef stew. Stopped into CVS for a card to send to Jocelyn. Just like my window washing - I have to document everything I do to justify not vegging out on my phone.  I need to get more exercise - I am 163 now and look like mom.

3/30/20 Day 17
Rough day teaching Liam - he just shut down. It started when I had to leave him for a super staff meeting - then after our walk, I couldn’t get him back.  He just wanted to play and didn’t want to write any stupid Religion sentences.  I get it.  Crying and throwing a fit. It is good Rachael [therapist] can talk with him tomorrow.  My day was spent in meetings. It was kind of funny seeing Liam + I both on video conference calls in his room at the same time. Grey and cold here. I told Liam we will get his free pie slice. On Wed. It's April Fool’s Day - Liam is planning some tricks - if he remembers.  I’m planning a trick of my own - the old newspaper in the shoes trick of dads + his granddads.  Time to booze up - a nightly glass of wine.  I wanted to make a funny pic of the cork container filled but I worry it will be true.  

3/31/20 Day 18
First day I felt busy and productive in awhile.  Liam’s therapist helped him write his religion 9just used art therapy to get him to draw his ideas + make Harry Potter parallels). Had 3 online meetings (2 at one time) today. Went for a walk at 2 to Walgreens with Liam. I get such anxiety - he wanted a mechanical pencil and I want to do little things to keep life normal- but I felt so stupid for risking our lives + others for a stupid pencil. I’m so distrustful of others and scared. Did I do something really stupid or was it just boredom? Did I risk unnecessarily for boredom?

4/1/20 Day 19
April Fools! I got Liam with the ol’ “what’s that on your shirt” bit and Jeff with “brownies!”[cut out brown ‘e’s]  Liam didn’t fall for the twix as poop on the toilet.  One thing I have been experimenting with daily is my eye makeup.  I have been trying various eye shadow/liner combos.  I found one gold I really liked but can’t quite remember which color. I should journal the colors to remember. Dark browns don’t look well and grey is too severe - taupes, golds - they look good with brown eyeliner. I got Liam good today - and he was bummed out! I fooled him with broccoli as a lollipop then gave him a lollipop with a grape inside! Next he was more aggravated by the newspaper in the shoes! We went by moms for a couple of hours break.  Stole some groceries and made chalk drawings. I am proud of myself for learning new tricks.  You definitely see the difference between those teachers who want to do the same old things opposed to those who adapt and work with what we can.  No one is responding to my book club - but at least i’ve tried.  I dropped the ball and forgot Liam’s teacher zom meeting. I first thought there was one at 1 but I was wrong, and didn’t think it was at 2:30 - oh, well, I have had him submit all his other work so I”m doing great. Not bad for doing the cooking, cleaning, and my/Liam’s schooling.  Jeff just takes care of himself and his stupid 1,000 words.  I guess I would be bad handling mediocrity too. Such a blowhard.  

4/2/20 Day 20
It's funny how some people have different #s - like starting on a Monday.[quarantine countdown]  Donna sounded better today but she kept repeating herself and she is all worked up about her parents.  They are 91 and lived a good life - I feel bad saying this but it wouldn’t be fair if they come out of this when so many others don’t.  I know you never have enough time with your parents but every year over thirty seven is a bonus.  I know I”m heartless- and they are all she’s got.  Got Liam a book lego set - finished in 40 minutes - now what? I bought him another sticker mosaic book. We went out and drew chalk sayings on the sidewalk.  Liam had his usual face time with friends and cousin Vera.  I was really lost today - couldn’t read.  I answered work email and made a book club video.  Tomorrow I have more online meetings and can check out zoom for book club options but I'm still scared of using it. Only two teachers added me as a guest to their classes (let’s see how that goes Monday). Bought our pie today from First Slice [local bakery] so awkward going into places.  Glad I could pay with my card over the phone.  I started listening to Brain on Fire a Memoir of a reporter misdiagnosed with mental illness.  Somehow listening to NF [nonfiction] is helpful in getting me out of my slump.  I”m running out of yarn - one ball left!

4/3/20 Day 21
Afternoons are hell.  I feel so useless and bored until dinner. At least I didn’t have to cook tonight. WH [White House] now says we should wear bandanas over our faces when we go out now. Gave Liam my old red one from running of the bulls Pamploma. I wore a brewery one. Mom things it won’t matter anyway.  I finished All-American Muslim girl finally - it was such a religious manifesto that I just can’t stomach now. I ordered a 859 piece lego book I’ve been thinking of for a while. Anything to keep his [Liam] spirits up.  I ordered some yarn. Working on my last ball of lavender silk cashmere for a chemo cap.  Finished the other hat - Liam + mom liked the colors and bright soft acrylics.  Pre Ordered the Suzanne Collins book.

4/5/20 Day 23
It’s sunny outside. I should go out. It would help my mood.  I should keep a meal diary: today 3 mini cinnamon rolls, some cheese, cashews + raisins and choco chip cookies. Oh and coffee . . .  Bought mom a furnace filter and changed hers.  She is going to send me a check.  She just doesn’t get it.  I finally finished Spin but I glossed over the last couple hundred pages so I dont’ remember the murder’s motives.  Started listening to Impossible Music which is good because I’ve been able to listen better than physically read.  Yesterday we walked to LIncoln Ave. and dropped off a clothing donation bag to the drop.  They aren’t collecting but at least it's’ in the bin.  Finished a chemo cap and now waiting for yarn.  Donna is making masks out of old fabric from Liam’s baby pillows!

4/6/20 Day 24 4th wk.
At least I know how to spell quarantine now. Liam was awful today - so wound up since 6:30. I did not get a break -Jeff lays down on the couch with a headache and I have to wash up dishes from dinner I made. My yarn arrived but not Liam’s lego book.  I need anything to occupy him. Finally got Liam down at 9:15 - the old back scratching worked.  I’m all twisted up in “Little Fires Everywhere” [Hulu] - it's so raw.

4/7/20 Day 25
Mom was mad at me that I had Sharon + UK [Ken her brother] on her case about not coming home.  She texted me late last night she wanted to fly home [from Florida]. She only listens to others so I needed them to intervene.  She has no problem telling Sharon about DCFS but is all worked up when I speak up. Break from “Little fires” with John Malkovich’s ABC Murders (a Christie book). It was a beautiful day today - my indoor forget me nots have started to sprout.  Karla [neighbor] made it a point to note my tulips in the front are just weeds because they grow in the grass.  I finished Impossible Music and now in the reading upturn.  3rd Rosie book and aCeleste Ng audio next.  Wrestling with eBay seller over Liam’s book lego set.  Working on some Warm Up America squares with leftover yarn - who knows when they will collect them again.  

4//8/20 Day 26 
Finished 2 graphic novels and listened to Rosie today.  I feel useless in work meetings and helpless with resources.  I got excited for Marc records today but they were just back ordered books that I have no idea where they will be delivered since there is no one to receive them.  Had my 3 lost hours today from 1-4. Then started watching TV after dinner which wasn’t good because - missed my window to walk before the rain.  Liam got his legos from mom and he completed his largest work in 2 hrs.  I finished a WUA [Warm Up America] square and will start a cap tomorrow.  More yarn coming! I am at such a loss.  I don’t know what to write.  Sharon has agreed to FT on Sunday. I’ll have to call.  Liam doesn’t want to leave the house - I have to coak him every time - making it worse.

4/9/20 Day 27
It was hard to wake up this morning.  I was up a little late watching TV and the bed is so comfy - I don’t wake up at night - I can shut my eyes to all this literally.  Everyone is speculating that we will not go back to school.  I was talking to a history teacher and I agree I wouldn’t want to not be working and worried about pay.  Liam is on spring break now - I ordered him another sticker book because he finished the legos from mom + the “book” won’t arrive for while.  I don’t feel like cooking.  I hope we can get gyros from Hubs and I don’t have to compromise on Reza’s. He’s [Jeff] too and I cook every night.  When I give up on the weekends he orders out! I am ready for my wine- since 2pm! Cold day today + windy.  

4/12/20 Day 30
Easter. Trying not to cry eating jelly beans. Had a nice morning until Liam got in a mood. He’s mad I won’t let him keep a dumpy old Indian garbage can right by his bed instead of in a corner. It was Jeff’s old college can he doesn’t want to get rid of - so now Liam has to be snippy with me all day.  I just made him cinnamon rolls for breakfast, bought all his Easter gifts and filled all the eggs.  He doesn’t give attitude to Jeff. Plus I tried to FT Sharon (who said we could today but takes back everything she says the day of). I do everything at mom’s house and keep buying + sending her books.  I am so tired of getting shit on.  Sharon can’t be bothered to video chat with me.  I hate my crappy uncomfortable basement that I have no space of my own in.  

4/13/20 Day 31 
It’s been a month in quarantine.  Sharon texted last night late saying her phone was upstairs so she didn’t see I facetimed.  As if you could forget Easter. I’m just forgettable. Liam is on spring break so  I let him wear all pjs all day - and be on tech all day.  He won’t want quarantine to end.  Played a little football catch with Liam outside. He [Liam] managed to knock some pots and break one.  Mom was happy to receive Donna’s mask - she said she could get fined $1,000.00 without one. I finished another book and I’m almost done with a hat - too small for Knots of Love but I could give it to Care for Real.  Productive ebook research day for 7th grade courage unit for fic/nf books found good #s at ELA [number of copies].  So frustrating having to reteach.

4/14/20 Day 32
Another fun filled day with Liam.  He gives me such attitude if I don’t let him do what he wants.  I was really lost all day - my only work obligation was a history zoom that never happened.  Felt down all day.  Plus it was windy and snow flurries.  I made a chocolate chess pie with homemade graham cracker crust.  I started my fourth chemo cap.  I was up at 3 this morning and I didn’t want to wake up.  I started to reread Anne Frank - started with her time in hiding 7/11/42. She said it felt like a vacation at start. Jeff is making a crazy family playlist. Today’s theme - songs with colors - tomorrow - songs with numbers. Liam picked “yellow submarine” + “10 Duel Commandments.”  I packed (or rather Jeff did for me) ‘9 to5” and “Red Dragon Tattoo.”

4/15/20 Day 33
Bought some yellow banana fiber yarn - yes from banana trees just for the novelty of it! Liam was better today - I kept feeling guilty about something, when I left to take Liam pokemon hunting I missed an opportunity to help Billy Heisler zoom a class [science coworker] then missed a teacher's random zoom because he changed his weekly meeting at the moment.  Liam was happy to catch pokemon so I was glad.  He got to play Robloxs + FT Ella tonight too so that was great. Heard my cousin Bill died from Corona last night. Turns out yesterday at 5 he liked a facebook joke I made.  Felt guilt for not talking to him because of dad - especially in his final moments.  Sharon heard from Holly.  Mom didn’t listen to me when I said he[Bill] was living in Texas. No one pays attention to me.  MSS librarian [coworker] was on the chip today about our new library head. Just give her enough time to bitch about me.  I would rather people think I’m an idiot than open my mouth and remove all doubt.

4/17/20 Day 35
Jeff is making a music playlist from a “book club bingo” sort of list with Michael/Joc/Donna + us. It’s funny to see what Liam picks - more funny to hear what mom says - either picks a book or gives the content without title.  I’m due for my period so that means 2-3 days of headaches before that I just can’t shake.  We had snow today- at least not 2-4 inches and it melted by 1pm. Gov said schools officially or physically closed for the rest of the year.  I don’t want to go in and close the library because I will just get all anxious and worked up about inventory.  Best to let sleeping dogs lie.  Bought Liam another sticker book because he only has about 3 pages left. A coworker asked what I was planning to do for the weeknd - same thing as everyday.  Eat and get fat. We are supposed to zoom with Sarah/Paul/Bergers + Lauren [Jeff’s college friends] tomorrow at 8. “Sort of social, demented and sad, but social.” I’m reading I, Rigoberta Menchu that dad read in Guatemala. It has his notes and a hand woven bracelet. Bittersweet to think it was just as he left it. 
4/18/20 Day 36 [written as day 35]
I thought I missed writing about yesterday but I forgot I didn't or didn’t forget.  Otherwise the  days blend. Had a friend zoom tonight - I called it the Brady Bunch friend-a-thon. Jeff gets so loud - like he’s always trying to be heard over others.  Lliam was all messed up.  He wanted to stay up later then he couldn’t settle himself without us keeping the reading routine.  I read a page then rubbed his back.  Had Thai for dinner from Royal Thai [local place]. We lost power for a few hours and it spooked Liam.  He said he thought that was a precursor to a tsunami or earthquake.  I laughed that it seemed preposterous but then who would have thought we’d be quarantined shelter in place.  Mom gets spooked when she hears ambulance sirens when we face time.

4/19/20 Day 37 [written as day 36]
A bright sunny day. Almost 50 degrees - I stayed out back most of the afternoon. Walted to the park and played frisbee all 3 of us - Liam takes instruction/criticism better from Jeff.  Liam’s 3rd quarantine sticker book arrived today and it is an easy one - will take him an hour.  Glad it's school tomorrow. Preparations are being made for spirit week [Liam’s school] - made a boat out of popsicle sticks for recyclable Wed. Liam is excited to Kool-aid dye his hair raspberry blue tomorrow for crazy hair day! I have 3 zooms tomorrow and I will make a screencast video of Who done it for an Audible connection.  Made it through the “witching hour” before dinner, after that I don’t feel guilty watching TV - but iPhones don’t seem to count. :(

[] = added later

Musical playlist 
3/11 “Last day on Earth” Kate Miller-Heidke 
3/13 “Living Life” Kathy McCarthy 
3/16 “I need a hero” Bonnie Tyler
3/19 “Gotta get up” Harry Nilsson 
3/21 Temptations “Ain’t too proud to beg”
3/27 “A whole new world” Aladdin 
3/30 “we can work it out” Beatles 
4/1 “April come she will” Simon & Garfunkel 
4/2 Snoop Dog “Bow wow wow yippi yo yippi yay”
4/5 “Karma Chameleon” Boy George 
4/7 Jefferson Airplanes “Somebody to love” 
4/10 “I’m still standing” Elton John
4/13 “I’m Free” Kenny Logins 
4/14 “Eternal Flame” Bangles 
4/15 Make your own kind of music Mama Cass 
4/24 “Better” Regina Spektor
4/26 Talking Heads “once in a lifetime” 
4/28 “my sweet lord” George Harrison
4/30 “Get the party” started Pink
5/5 “Winter” Tori Amos
5/7 Tchaikovsky “Swan Lake” op 20 
5/8 “Try Everything” Shakira
5/10 “Only you” Yaz
5/11 “Never my love” The Associations
5/12 “Handle me with care” Traveling Wilburys 
5/13 “I get knocked down” Chumbawamba 
5/14 “Kiss the rain” Billie Meyers 
5/15 “Tracks of my tears” Smokey Robinson
5/18 “Lets go Crazy” Prince 
5/19 “Valerie Plame” The Decemberists 
5/20 “Hair” Ragni 
5/21 “No” Megan Trainor 
5/22 “The Father’s House” Because of Winn Dixie soundtrack 
5/23 “Heartbreaker” Pat Benatar 
5/27 “Come on let’s go” Ritchie Valens 
5/28 ‘Eleanor Rigby” The Beatles 
5/28 “Come and get your love” Redbone 
6/1 “Radioactive” Imagine Dragons
6/6 “What about us” Pink
6/7 “Blueberry Hill” Fats Domino 
6/8 “I know You’re out there somewhere” Moody Blues
6/13 “Better when I’m dancing” Megan Trainor
6/14 “It’s my life” No Doubt 
6/15 “Back to Life” Soul II Soul
6/16 “I’m Still Standing” Elton John 
6/17 “Uptown Funk” Bruno Mars
6/18 “My oh my” Camila Cabello
6/19 “Push it real good” Salt-n-pepa
6/20 “Lay all your love on me” Mamma Mia soundtrack ABBA
6/27 “Beat city” the Flowerpot Men
6/29 “I have a dream” Amanda Seyfried 
7/4 “let my love open the door” Pete Townsend 
7/5 “In your eyes” Peter Gabriel
7/6 “We built This city” Starship
7/12 My favorite things Julie Andrews 
7/13 “July,July” Decemberists
7/14” I will buy you a new life” Everclear 
7/15 “a Little Bit of Soap” The Jarmels 
7/16 “What is Love” Haddaway 
7/17 “Waterfalls” TLC
7/18 “Shake your groove thing” Peaches & Herb
7/19 “Hello Mary Lou” Rick Nelson 
7/20 “Scarborough Faire” Simon/Garfunkel 
7/21 “Good life” One Republic 
7/22 “When I’m 64” the Beatles 
7/23 “No sleep till Brooklyn” Beastie Boys
7/25 “Fear” Sarah MacLaughlin 
7/27 “Bittersweet symphony” The Verve
7/30 “Uma Thurman” Fall Out Boy
7/31 “Move Along” All American Rejects 
8/1 “California Love” Tupac/Dr. Dre
8/7 “Ob la di” Beatles 
8/8 Dog’s Eye View “Everything falls apart”
8/9 “The world has turned and left me here” Weezer 
8/10 “This Woman’s work” Kate Bush
8/11 “I can see clearly now” Johnny Nash

Books read
The Only road by Alexandra Diaz
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
What lane by Torrey Maldonado
Nowhere boy by Katherine Marsh
Kid Artists: True tales of childhood from creative legends by David Stabler
Kid Authors: True tales of childhood from great writers by David Stabler
Just Breath: Meditation, mindfulness, movement and more by Malika Chopra
All-American Muslim girl by Nadine Courtney
Brain on fire: my month of madness by Susannah Cahalan
Spin by Lamar Giles
Impossible music by Sean Williams
The Magician’s elephant by Kate Di Camillo
Book love by Debbie Tung
The Rosie result by Graeme Simsion
The Giver of stars by Jojo Moyes
I,Rigoberta Menchu: An Indian woman in Guatemala by Rigoberta Menchu
Pride by Ibi Zoboi
Who done it by Jon Scieszka
Kid Activists: True tales of childhood from campions by Robin Stevenson
The little book of Lykke: The Danish search for the world’s happiest people by Meik Wiking
Kid Scientists: true tales of childhood from science superstars by David Stabler
Suggested reading by David Connis 
Frankly in love by David Yoon
Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park
Secret of Danger Point by Kim Dwinell
Maurice and his dictionary by Cary Fagan
One time by Sharon Creech
No pretty pictures: A child of war by Anita Lobel
The radius of us by Marie Marquardt
The unexplained disappearance of Mars Patel by Sheela Chari
Walk two moons by Sharon Creech
The shadow society by Marie Rutkoski
King of the mild frontier by Chris Crutcher
Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz
Keep it together Keiko Carter by Debbi Michiko Florence 
The best we could do by Thi Bui
The Ambrose deception by Emily Ecton
Burmese moons by Sophie Ansel
To drink and to eat vol 1 by Guillaume Long
A good kind of trouble by Lisa Ramee
Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia
Tyler Johnson was here by Jay Coles
Yes no maybe so by Becky Albertalli
Catherine the great: Empress of Russia by Zu Vincent
Parked by Danielle Svetcov
Small spaces by Katherine Arden
I’m not dying with you tonight by Kimberly Jones
The midnight lie by Marie Rutkoski
Nine perfect strangers by Liane Moriarty 
Last dance by Hanna Schroy
Generation Brave: the Gen Z kids who are changing the world by Kate Alexander
Journey to America by Sonia Levitin
In my hands: memories of a Holocaust rescuer by Irene Gut Opdyke
Little Josephine: memory in pieces by Valerie Villieu
Making friends with Alice Dyson by Poppy Nwosu
Spy school by Stuart Gibbs
Something in the water by Catherine Steadman
The Ickabog by J. K. Rowling
Wink by Rob Harrell
Dragon Hoops Gene Lue Yang
The lucky ones by Liz Lawson
When I was the greatest by Jason Reynolds
Quince by Sebastian Kadlecik
Stamped by Jason Reynolds
My name is Jason. Mine too: our story. Our way by Jason Reynolds
Where the crawdads sing by Delia Owens
Beach read by Emily Henry
Parachutes by Kelly Yang