Dear Internet, I Need Advice.

Well, it’s come to this. I’m writing this entry in hopes that it’ll not only giveme some therapeutic relief but that some of you will potentially sound off and point me in any sort of direction. Yep. I’m relying on throwing this out there into the Internet abyss, in hopes that a possible stranger just may come back with some decent advice that will send me on my way. *insert me smiling awkwardly through clenched teeth*

I know my last blog post was about not knowing what to do about the whole school situation over here in Ontario, and legit- I still have no idea what to effin’ do. The only difference between THEN and NOW is that the “academic plan” has been broadcasted and the kiddos are set to head back to their beloved classrooms as of September 8^th. Wiiiiiiiiicked. And I actually kinda even mean that because I decided to take another job on as I’m absolutely bat sh*t crazy and don’t have enough spare time. But, the reality is that I like money and I want to make money so I can do all the things I want and… well,  I don’t even really need to explain that and I’m sure I’ll have some good ol’ back-to-work stories in a matter of time. 

I feel as though times are about to become really entertaining around here. I am going to figure out how to juggle my 5 kids navigating their way back-to-school, my eldest heading back into her competitive dance program (which straight up, I am WAY more confident sending her there than into her academic institution…. God bless out dance studio) ME going back to teaching a couple nights a week, heading back to work, opening a business with a gal pal, finishing up the children’s book we’re writing AAAAAND stay on track with my realtors licensing courses. But like, I totally got this, right? Honestly, I’m not super worried about my loaded schedule- I tend to thrive in the hustle and bustle of life and legit… it ain’t that bad. But, there will be some funny stories along the way and absolutely 5 million mini breakdowns. 

And we need to get real around here, too. As far as school goes? The SECOND our kid sneezes, or if the kid BESIDE our offspring sneezes- we can all assume that these children will be sent home for at least a couple of days to ‘isolate.’ I am 100% working with my kids (specifically my 5-year-olds) on their coughing and sneezing etiquette but I’m not entirely sure they ‘get it’. Regardless, you can count on mine wearing masks all day because teachers, I have your back and will happily buy you ALL the things you need because I have no idea how this is manageable. 

So, my question to you all is…. What is your plan? For the working parents, what are you gonna do when the dreaded phone call comes in that you need to pick your child up ASAP because of a tickle in the throat that lead to a coughing fit? Did you put your parents, in-laws or aunts and uncles on standby while we attempt to navigate this new way of life? Are you buddying up with other families in your neighbourhood?! Is your spouse just a totally kick-ass human who will just magically snap their fingers and make sure this all works out? Or are we just winging this all and praying for magical things to happen? And to my fellow single parents…. I feel you. I’m grateful that I currently live with my parents, but they are also juggling their careers and life. I’m also aware that there is an option to HOMESCHOOL but people- I’m their ONLY parent and we need a breather from each other for our mental health sake. Don’t judge. Well, go ahead and judge me but make sure you’re perfect, first.

But, on a happy note- the kids are looking forward to this new normal and although we aren’t sure what it will actually look like quite yet- I’m anxious to see their spirits rise just from seeing their friends. It’s been a super isolated 6 months and as grateful as they are to have each other, my eldest voiced how much she’s looking forward to hanging out with someone her own age and I felt that. They’ve done really well with their elongated March Break, aside from the fact that two of them ended up in the Emergency Room at the local children’s hospital this week (ughhhhh to stitches and terrible bug bites that turned to cellulitis.) But, I’m proud of them and the way they’ve dealt with this insane world we’re currently living in. And I’m extra proud to know that they can handle it and if we are facing a second shutdown, they’ll pass it with flying colours. 

So, I need you to sound off and tell me what you’re doing for September. What are you doing to organizing and disinfect everything? Are you bringing in more help or keeping your fingers crossed, closing your eyes and praying for the best? My goal is to dedicate the next couple weeks to complete organization and planning to have a seamless September… but I totally need some direction and Internet? I’m relying on YOU.