dual personalities

March 16, 2020

“This lemonade is insane!” “That’s because it’s a Margarita, Paul”*

by chuckofish

We had a super fun visit from daughter #2, although she left a day early (😭) because DN was worried that she might get stuck here and then what would he do?! (He’s very sweet.) Well, all is well, and no one will be traveling for awhile.

Besides gabbing at home, we did go out to eat a couple of times–in restaurants that were half full. The wee babes came over a few times to see their Aunt Susie. And, of course, we went to the lovely baby shower hosted by my BFFs Becky and Carla.

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Live from Portland, it’s Edwina!

IMG_3810.JPGEverything was perfect and little baby Underland will be well supplied and adorably dressed when she arrives.

On Friday night when daughter #2 hung out with her friends who had flown in from Denver for the shower, daughter #1 and I stayed in and watched Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009), which is one of our favorite go-to stress-reliever movies. And, lord knows, we are all stressed, right? So I recommend Paul Blart.

Screen Shot 2020-03-16 at 2.26.44 PM.pngSunday night, after everyone had gone home and I was sunk in despair, I chilled and self-medicated by watching The Fighting Kentuckian (1949) which featured John Wayne in buckskins…

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Yes, that’s Oliver Hardy with the Duke!

and a really good score by George Antheil, American avant-garde composer, of all people.

Yesterday it was back to work as my flyover university endeavors to figure things out and we edge closer to telecommuting. Heavy sigh. This too shall pass.

Take it easy and wash your hands!

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Jesus said to his followers, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).

*Paul Blart: Mall Cop

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March 16, 2020

Back to reality — sort of

by chuckofish

I am back to the east coast safe and sound after cutting my trip short by a day. I can now “self isolate” for at least 2 weeks (conveniently aligning with spring break anyway) and we will all hope things don’t get too much worse. Being in St. Louis was definitely a calmer vibe than being in a densely populated city. “Social distancing” comes naturally when the grocery stores are larger, restaurants less jam packed, and living quarters aren’t on top of each other.

Of course, it was particularly nice to be celebrating a baby shower and seeing my family one last time as “just me!”

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Mom & sister time is the best treat

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Childhood friends braved airports to join us

It was so lovely to open everyone’s sweet gifts and get started on a collection of soft baby clothes and swaddles. I hadn’t made a registry or declared a nursery theme or really thought much at all about all the gear, so it was funny how naturally everyone can pick out lovely things that go together — it turns out, a theme emerged on its own: bunnies! Lots of cute bunny patterns in soft colors. I am on board.

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It will be just as fun to unpack everything with DN. I think we will use our social distancing time to really get started on nesting and put the house in order. In the midst of all the social media frenzy around the corona virus, the one thing that is resonating with me is: It’s a privilege to stay home! What can you accomplish while “isolated”? Can you cut down on your to-be-read pile? Cook or bake new recipes? Organize your files? Write more letters? I, for one, will be trying to make the most of this time as I am officially now in the third trimester. And I will be very  happy with the excuse to stay in stretch pants, reclined on the couch!

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