DAY 1

Today is the first official day of our six week school closure. Initially, we teachers were scheduled to spend a full 7 hours at the school, preparing enrichment for parent pick-up, but last night the directive was changed to optional. Instead of arriving at 7:30am I came to school around 9am, dressed in a new skirt and boots, even wearing a bit of make-up, having decided to continue being professional during this uncertain time.

Fortunately, several of my colleagues were there too - Ms. Miller, the AP English teacher, Ms. Serka, another Spanish teacher and Ms. Landin, Yearbook and French teacher. We discussed how to approach the vague directions for enrichment material, swapped stories about our weekend and shared our thoughts about the future. I was on the verge of tears several times but kept it hidden, preferring instead to be overtly optimistic, brainstorming ways this extended time could be an opportunity for growth.

I left my office soon thereafter and headed to Trader Joe's. I noticed I felt anxious as I parked the car, dreading seeing the empty shelves that have been the new normal. This time, however, the shelves were still full and the lines were short. I picked up more chicken broth, pasta, rice and 5 pounds of ground beef - each time I go to the grocery store now I buy a few extra things to put in the closet, for emergencies. I have never shopped this way before. How long will my 'emergency' food last, I wonder?

Back at home I open my laptop to the John's Hopkins Live Feed World Map of Coronavirus cases - new cases, deaths, recovered. I note that the number of total cases has increased to 174, 884 from 167,446 the day before but deaths have only risen by 265, from 6,440 to 6,705. I open the Seattle Times and read updates, then updates on the New York Times. Nothing is positive.

I text a few friends who I haven't been in touch with in months -- asking how they are, waiting for a response. So far, everyone is still healthy.

It's a beautiful Spring day in Seattle. My backyard is full of delicate pink blossoms, growing grass, fallen pine cones. I need to change the sugar water in the hummingbird feeder, and I make a mental note to do that tomorrow. Time now to change clothes, pull out my road bike and go for a ride. Time to pause the pandemic thoughts and be in the present moment, surrounded by beauty, feeling healthy and strong and grateful.