Small Good Things

1. Game time!  We're all really enjoying playing chess.  I've learned enough that I actually need to go easy on Tiny Boy or he loses too quickly.  He prefers to forfeit slightly before he is destined to lose.  Last night we played Rummikub; Tiny Boy won.
2. A local market I like but don't often shop at (about 15-20 min drive) is doing CURBSIDE.  It was as easy as writing an email with my list (i.e. "two dozen eggs--organic/cage free preferred").  They called to confirm substitutions and take payment.  Super easy.  Very low contact.  Had 90% of what I wanted.  Supported local business.  Will definitely do this again.
3. As a result of said market run, we have enough potato chips, jelly beans, chocolate, and coffee.  You know, all the food groups. (Also purchased actual fruits, vegetables, and protein sources for both carnivores and vegetarians in our household)
4. My STUDENTS.  My dept chair has asked select seniors to do a profile that we can circulate (since graduation is not happening in a recognizable form).  I've already been mentioned in five (?) of them.  One woman I almost needed to fail last semester singled me out as being influential and supportive.  I'm feeling really good about pedagogy when I'm not in the classroom.  (ha)
5. I've learned a lot about Tiny Boy's learning during this process.  He doesn't get in trouble for not sitting still at Fun Learning Center.  He also can't talk to his friends out of turn.  His reading has improved. His handwriting has improved. He is doing math above grade level (instead of the second grade equivalent of a "D") He wrote a letter to the president, guys, in which he called him out for not helping.  Not sure what I will need to communicate with his teachers when they actually go to school but clearly there's something here other than his intelligence and aptitude.