momma mommy bwuh

It’s been a weird year so far. January was… different.

There were some health situations in my immediate family, and I was sick myself for more than a week. A lot of time was spent rescheduling what I missed during family emergencies and illness, then trying to catch up—both personally and professionally. Somehow, through it all, I managed to keep up with homeschool and soccer, but that was about the extent of my capacity.

At the same time, life kept happening. We had our roof replaced, a hot water heater break, and a new couch delivered. It felt like so much was going on, while also somehow nothing was happening at all.

We even had snow—a rare thing for Charleston. It wasn’t much, but the boys played in it anyway, and for a moment everything felt simple.

I reconnected with an old friend during a two-and-a-half-hour phone call, one we’ve decided to make a biweekly thing. That felt grounding in a way I didn’t realize I needed.

And then there was the world—the country—around us. I don’t really know what to say about all of that. I sank into a strange place. I think a lot of people did. It felt like grieving the America I thought I lived in. I made some donations. I wasn’t sure what else to do.

During all of this I was also re-watching Schitt’s Creek, a comfort show I love, when the news came that beloved actress Catherine O’Hara had passed away.

Time has passed. I’m no longer sick or numb. I’ve made it through the appointments and observations that had to be rescheduled, and I’m moving through day-to-day life again. But I still feel weird. I’m still tired. Maybe it’s lingering recovery, or maybe it’s society. I honestly don’t know.

Before I sign off, I want to share a resource I came across that Boy1 really enjoys: KidMinds.org. They have fun science experiments, activity pages, crafts, and other lessons that have been a bright spot for us lately.

What have you been turning to for comfort lately—whether a show, a book, a hobby, or something else? I’d love to hear what’s been grounding you.

What I’m reading: Small Mercies: A Novel by Dennis Lehane and The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money by Ron Lieber