My Inadvertent Quarantine Bucket List

My Inadvertent Quarantine Bucket List

As we start heading back to the office, I have been reflecting on my quarantine experiences. To provide some background, I am a litigation attorney, a wife, and mother of two younger children. One day-POOF-we are all home together. We are all trying to work, teach our youth, eat healthy food, and exercise. The entire quarantine experience has been a roller coaster. I have never spent so much time with my husband and kids. I have to say: it has been a great experience.

I started posting personal "bucket list" items on my personal Facebook page. This is not a bucket list in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a fun, yet sarcastic list of experiences that have occurred while working from home. My personal fun, yet sarcastic bucket list includes the following fun times:

• I gave my 10-year old son a haircut.
• I helped my 13 year old daughter clean up a massive red Kool Aid spill on the carpet.
• I used all my scented candles (much to my husband's chagrin).
• I taught my children "old school" math. And I do not apologize for it.

As I think of these fun and humorous times, I have actually had real bucket list moments. I have been blessed to be surrounded by a wonderful family. My husband and two children are wonderful and this experience showed me so much more about them. So, here is my real quarantine bucket list, i.e. those experiences that define me and will forever be in my heart:

• I got to listen to my 10 year old present his show and tell items to his class. He was so proud of those Lego creations and I got to see his pride.
• I got to see how hard my kids work at school. Watching them learn is fascinating.
• I celebrated my birthday and Mother's Day with a lot of home made decorations, gifts, and food. This included home made candles and a Lego ear bud holder. It was so much more thoughtful and meaningful.
• I observed my kids getting along in private, when they did not know we were watching. There were definitely fights, don't get me wrong! But it is obvious that they do really love each. This warmed my heart.
• I have been "getting together" more often via social media with old friends that I do not see very often.
• I got to listen to Andrea Bocelli on Easter Sunday and the family listened with me. That was incredible and I could have listened to him for hours.
• I enjoyed listening to my husband and son spend quality time playing video games. I know, I know. They will rot your brain. But I can say their brains rotting away together was worth every giggle and trash-talking comment.
• Finally, I got to know my family....really know them. My husband is a worry wart but cares so much for us. I did not realize how stressful it is for him when I go to the store. He volunteers to go most of the times. My 10-year old son is hilarious. I mean, he is truly quippy and sarcastic and I had the chance to hear all of his quick witticism. My 13 year old daughter is simply an old soul. She is beautiful inside and out, but something about her is so mature. As I talk to her, I often forget that she is only 13. She is wise, kind, and confident. She has the usual teenage angst on occasion but she is passionate, mature, and thankfully part of our future.

Today marks my first day back at the office. I already miss the quarantine days with my family. I suspect today will not be a full day. I hope you all have your own bucket lists to cherish forever. Take care.