The first thing you need to know about me is that I’m an introvert. I absolutely loathe being around people and much prefer staying in with my family. Or a good book, especially when the kids have depleted me.
The second thing you need to know is that our school district is closed, so my oldest is home and I get to be his secondary teacher (his teacher is still doing everything in her power to do video classes, of which I’m insanely grateful because having to homeschool at the drop of a hat has been a bit stressful).
The third thing you need to know is that I’m actually enjoying being housebound during the coronavirus outbreak here in the USA. So, I thought I’d share some of the things I’m loving about being stuck at home.
- Not having to drive. I hate driving. I absolutely, completely, utterly hate it. Which might seem weird considering I’m a Southern California girl at heart and anyone who knows SoCal knows we love our cars. Well, not me. I dragged my feet about getting my license so I didn’t actually get it until about 2 months before I started college, and only because my parents made the appointment. So, I really love not having to drive 4 times a day just to get my son to and from school.
- No small talk with parents and grandparents and other relatives. As an introvert, small talk makes me feel itchy. I don’t like it. I can’t stand it. I’d rather stand in silence and be completely happy. I cross my fingers 5 days a week that no one will talk to me. Of course, they’re actually all very nice, but I just don’t do small talk. Please stop talking to me.
- No lunch to pack. Well, this probably should have been #1. My son is super picky. It’s much easier to feed him at home. I try to perk up his lunch by throwing in new things. Sometimes I’ll add a cookie or some chips, but he always come home with it untouched, asking, “Why’d you pack that? I don’t want it.” And then he’ll ask for cookies and chips for his snack. I hate making lunches for this kid.
- I get to try out homeschooling. My husband and I have tossed around homeschooling for close to a decade now (our oldest is in Kindergarten). Since I’m at home, it’s completely reasonable for us to switch out of a traditional school. I do like that he’s around his peers and learning how to be in a more structured environment, but I also really like the idea of being in charge of his education and going at whatever his actual pace is. So, as difficult as it is to switch to a new format in the middle of the year, I’m really relishing this opportunity.
- I get to stay home! Like I said, I loathe being around people and would much rather stay home with my family. Yes, I’ll miss being able to take my kids to the park, the mall, play spaces, even Target, but I will not miss having to be mindful of other people’s kids while they are only watching a screen, having to dodge around people who aren’t looking where they’re going, and being pulled in two different directions by two very stubborn children who have conspired to hardly ever agree. I’m so happy to have an excuse to stay home. Party coming up? No, I’m staying in, not exposing myself to a nasty virus and small talk. I mean, it’s a ready-made excuse that completely makes sense.
- Getting to watch my kids play together. I love having both my kids at home. They’re not quite 3 years apart, but are really best friends. They do yell at each other and get on each other’s nerves, but, right now, they are each other’s favorite playmate. Just yesterday they were down the hall from each other in their own rooms, jumping up and down on their beds, and waving at each other. It was so cute, it melted my heart. I adore watching them together. They’re sweet and silly, when they’re not being destructive.
What are some things you’re enjoying about having to stay home because of the coronavirus?
And, before I go, here’s a new blog from a preschool teacher in Italy. As she’s on lockdown, she decided to start a blog to share some teaching resources. Also check out some advice from my best friend who lives in China and has been dealing with the coronavirus since last year.
Stay healthy, everyone!
The Lily Cafe 
I don’t mind at all staying home because I too am an introvert. I don’t work outside the home but do volunteer work (on hold at this time.) My husband had surgery 2 weeks ago and he’s been home recovering. Timing has been good because his recovery means he is home and not out in the public. I am using this time to read. I’ve also had to do the taxes. And, all those things I usually don’t have time for.
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Yes, it sounds like great timing for you and your husband! It’s so nice to find there are more hours in the day. I hope you and your husband stay healthy!
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Yes, it is an introvert’s dream come true! I’m not looking forward to the homeschooling though, since I still have to work some days (Neonatal RN here) so that might be challenging. However, those full days off of not having to drive back and forth to school, gymnastics, etc., feels absolutely glorious! I might even squeeze in a Lord of the Rings or Twilight marathon in between the homeschooling and spring cleaning. There are some bright spots to all of this but still praying for all of us to stay healthy!
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Haha, yeah, homeschooling has been challenging, and I’m a stay at home mom. But it is so nice to not be carting kids around all day every day and having to deal with other adults and kids. I hope you and your family stay healthy, especially since you’re in healthcare!
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Thank you so much for the link to my blog 🙏 I hope it can be helpful.
Great post, I think you are right to mention the perks of staying at home, nobody talks about that. I’m happy to know I’m not the only one who likes to stay at home! Better to see the positive sides than the bad ones for sure.
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It’s been amazing to connect to so many people who are introverted and/or enjoy staying home through blogging. I almost thought I was the only one for a long time! It’s been challenging lately, but looking on the bright side has been good for my mental health lately, so I hope more people can think positively.
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Let’s hope! 🙂
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I am getting some much needed project finally finished.
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That sounds like so much fun! I hope we’ll get to see them when they’re done; I absolutely adore all your crafty posts! They give me so many ideas, and I’ll be especially needing them with the kids home from school now.
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We don’t drive at all, since we don’t own a car. A personal choice, let’s say. And since we both parents are strangers on a strange land we don’t engage on small talk neither. But I do relate with the rest 🙂
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I must say I like that personal choice. I hate driving and often fantasize about moving somewhere where one isn’t necessary.
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This resonates in my introverted heart =) There’s something incredibly freeing about having a good reason to stay home for awhile. Plus, I’ve finally finished The Wheel of Time! Can check that off my bucket list =)
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Congratulations! That’s such a hefty series, but I’m sure lots of people are getting tons of reading done these days. It’s so nice to be able to say no to going out, kind of like this pandemic has been made for introverts. It’s just terrible that it’s so deadly.
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Awesome post! Very informative and easy to read! If you have a minute to spare, can you check out my first ~real~ blog post? I just published it and I am eager to promote it on social but wanted to get some other blogger insights on it first! If you like what I have to say, hit that “like” button and let me know your thoughts in the comment section! Thank you so much in advance!!
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Thank you very much! I’d love to take a look at your blog, and all the best of luck!
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