The New Normal...

We've had a lot of rain this week, it's starting to feel like we live in the NW instead of a southern CA beach town. These days, I am loving the rain! More warm fires, more cuddling, and more baking! In fact, today it's been raining since we went to bed last night and has only changed in intensity.

As we prepare to spend the afternoon reflecting on all things Good Friday during this hunker down Lockdown, I am choosing to focus on the things for which I'm most grateful. 

My husband.
My baby girl who just turned FIVE!!!
My Boxer girl Sophie
Our home and the roof over our heads
Our heating in the house, though I must say, our Nest is so confused right now with all this staying home business
My family who joined us in a virtual birthday party to sing happy birthday to our girl
Jesus, for being a living example of how to live, and for sacrificing himself for us
For this rain pouring down right now, watering all of our plants (maybe not so much the little flash of lightning I just think I saw out of the corner of my eye!)
For Peter Sagan and his amazing personality
For everyone else who makes us laugh during this crazy time

And mostly(hah), for chocolate chip cookies and birthday cake.

These past few weeks have been challenging as we've learned how to stay at home while staying sane. I think we are finally finding a routine, and everyday I try to remind myself I want to come out of this a new/renewed person, in my faith, my mental AND physical well-being, my marriage, my parenting...among others.

I read an interesting article this week about productivity in this COVID-19 time, and I want to share it with you because it kinda hit home with me, especially the comment about the "alleged" free time LOL Here is the link.  

This week especially we have had to learn to celebrate in new ways with our families, as we celebrate Passover and Easter. Let us never forget how meaningful family gatherings of any kind are, and let us never again take them for granted the next time we consider attending (or not attending) them in the future.

My hope is our "New Normal" is one of better appreciation of each other and our families, and a renewed sense of family and close friends. Connection is important, in these times and even when/if we go back to "normal." We cannot overuse FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, whatever to connect with families near and far.

Now, go wash your hands ;) and give your family a big hug.

xoxoxo

PS I want to share this wonderful poem shared by my friend Deacon Mike earlier this week:

"When this is over, may we never again take for granted

A handshake with a stranger

Full shelves at the store

Conversations with neighbors

A crowded theater

Friday night out

The taste of communion

A routine checkup

The school rush each morning

Coffee with a friend

The stadium roaring

Each deep breath

A boring Tuesday

Life itself.

When this ends

may we find

that we have become

more like the people

we wanted to be

we were called to be

we hoped to be

and may we stay

that way — better

for each other

because of the worst."

by Laura Kelly Fanucci