Nom was bulldozing the walls today.

Nom was bulldozing the walls today. I had to take him for a walk outside. I foresee many tortoise walks in my near future. 😂😂😂

I finished my certification class...

I finished my certification class (and enjoyed every bit of it)! 😁 Now to prepare for the exam...

But first, a nap. 😊

The last two days have been pretty good. 😊

The last two days have been pretty good.  😊  I'm working on getting a certification so that I can get the job I want.  I had to do a bit of setup to get ready for that but it's ok.  I like learning new things.

I am on Zoom now.  Probably late to the party compared to everyone else since so many people are working from home currently, but better late than never!  I joined a tutorial meeting before actually using it for my class.  You would think that would keep me from doing something goofy on the first day of class, but it did not.  😂😂😂  The teacher asked us to introduce ourselves.  For those of you who don't know you are supposed to be able to use the space bar to temporarily unmute yourself in Zoom, but it wasn't working for me.  Later when I typed in the chat my text was down a few lines.  Obviously, that is where my spaces went.  😛  Lesson learned - pay attention to where your cursor is!

Since I'm in a class that has a start time I had to get my schedule on track.  I wasn't sure at first if I was going to be seen on video or not (I wasn't), and if the teacher was going to keep us muted by default (he did), or if there were going to be breaks (there were), so I got Shaun on my schedule to help with the dogs - just in case.  Booka  spent Wednesday sleeping in my room - snoring as usual.  Faith napped in with me for a while today, but they mostly stayed on the couch.  I'm good either way, but I wanted to be prepared.  It has worked out.

If this is a taste of what working from home will be like then I am extremely happy.  That was my plan even before the plague happened, but I imagine that it would be even easier now that it is basically mandatory in a lot of cases.  Regardless, getting out of bed and letting the dogs out, then getting some yogurt and tea and heading to my bedroom full of light and succulents to do nerdy stuff on the computer has been really fun and fulfilling so far.  For the last two days I've fed my animals on my first break, had lunch with Shaun, and done small errands like pay bills online (or just stretch and look at my plants) at my last break.  Then when the class is over I clean litter boxes and my chores (as well as the "work day") is over with.  I could REALLY get used to this.

Anyway, I guess that's enough rambling.  We took a walk today and I'm sweaty so I'm off to shower and if I'm being honest I'll probably crash soon.  I'm not upset, though - I want to be ready for my last day of class.  I hope you all are doing well and staying safe!  ❤

I'm having the kind of day...

I'm having the kind of day where your dog poops and has a dirty butt, but she is being chill and lets you wipe it without a fuss.

😂😂😂

Can't complain!

For my out of state friends:

For my out of state friends:  Check out this email from the state government of Alabama. I found it disgusting and disturbing. And despite our "invisible enemy" they're trying to "reopen our economy" on May 1. 

"Our nation is under attack from an invisible enemy. We are at war with the coronavirus. It has brought our powerful economy to a halt and millions have lost their jobs. It has closed our schools and forced almost every American to live under state government mandated stay at home orders. Worse it has taken the lives of tens of thousands of our loved ones and sickened many more.

In this war, the front lines are all around us. Our warriors are our healthcare workers, doctors and nurses. Our grocery store clerks, truck drivers, delivery staff, farmers and producers, first responders and law enforcement. And so many, many more that strive to keep our lives as normal as possible.

Make no mistake: Our nation will come back from this fight stronger than ever. And we must learn the tough lessons from it.

First and foremost, China is America’s enemy of the 21st Century – either we win or they win. There is something deeply suspicious about China’s role in the coronavirus pandemic. They still have not told the truth about its origins. They continue their disinformation campaign blaming the American military. And on top of that, they are hoarding medical supplies and sending bogus testing kits around the world. We must see China for what they are – a corrupt, immoral Communist dictatorship that is a direct threat to our way of life.

Next, our nation cannot be taken advantage of by international groups like the World Health Organization (WHO). As the sponsor of H.R.204, the American Sovereignty Restoration Act, my bill would terminate America’s participation in the United Nations (UN) and the WHO. That’s why I strongly support President Trump’s decision to cut off American funding to them. We know that the WHO’s leadership is heavily influenced by China. Their actions in the early stages of the pandemic makes me believe it is nothing but a puppet of the Chinese Communist Party.

Finally, our nation must become much more self-sufficient for key healthcare supplies, medicines and critical care equipment. These vital lifesaving goods must be made in the USA. We can never again depend on corrupt foreign nations like China.

As our nation recovers from this terrible pandemic, remember our perseverance is stronger than any challenge, our spirit cannot be conquered and we are one nation under God.

Sincerely,

Mike Rogers

Alabama's Third District"

I know that there is talk of Alabama opening back up...

I know that there is talk of Alabama opening back up, but I'm not into that.  Whether anyone else believes it, *I* know it's not smart and we (me, Shaun, and the kids) will continue to stay in.  As weird as it might sound I'm kind of digging our "new normal."  Obviously there are some things I miss but overall I'm starting to relax into staying home.

I feel rested - and not just my body.  Like, in my mind.  In my bones.  Deep down.  There are no expectations of us - just survive.  I'm not always running, trying to keep up with a million things.  The house is cleaner and more organized than ever.  There are still things to do, but our to-do lists are shrinking and that feels nice.  I have games, coloring books, reading books, and puzzle books at my disposal.  I have hobbies (like nail art and plants).  We have Netflix and Hulu.  We have ani-pals.  The purchase of this big-ass comfy couch couldn't have BEEN more timely.  Not gonna lie - I could get used to having monthly supplies shipped to my house and curbside pickup for groceries.  Now that my initial panic has worn off I'm starting to feel at peace.

The only thing that bothers me is we don't see the kids a ton.  They are being good and staying in, as are we.  They do come over to do laundry, though.  I'd rather them do that than go to a laundromat (if those are even open - I don't know).  But we have fun with our time together and watch movies and hang out.  Kira baked a cake for Easter.  It was really good.  She made some yummy cookies for today.  Sometimes I paint her nails.  Today I trimmed her bangs and let her cut my hair. Shaun and Shadow talk games.  We just spend time being with each other.  It feels nice to take care of each other.

I don't know... I guess I'm just rambling.  But I feel ok for the moment.  I know these are really bad times for some of my friends and I hate that, but just know that my little family is doing everything it can to make sure we are staying out of the way and not spreading this disease.  I hope that you all are staying as safe as you can.  Please be well.  Much love.

Schedule is still jacked.

Schedule is still jacked.  Working on that.  Haven't done much physically in several days.  Not depression hiding, but straight up chilling in my bed reading or on the couch playing games and snuggling animals.  The most intense thing I've done was beat like, 200 games on the Microsoft Solitaire Collection while watching Netflix (I know... but ACHIEVEMENTS!), paint my toes, and prioritize my to-do list.

I guess I am *finally* rested enough that I'll do some physical work tomorrow (or later today when I wake up - whatever).  I've got some training scheduled for next week that will hopefully get me working soon.  I feel sort of optimistic, given... well, everything.  For the moment I'm ok and we're ok.  I hope you all are, too.  ❤