Day 16 - California Reopening Plan - Phase 3
French class is over…
6:30 - The dog starts barking so I take her out and go back to sleep.
9:00 - I’m awake, but feeling lots of anxiety because I haven’t checked any of my email accounts in two days. I’m sure there’s nothing of import from my jobs, but I have a lot of trepidation. I also have a French Final today and I’m not prepared.
9:55 - I settle into my home office, with my coffee, and decide to start with my state job email first. When I log in, a bell goes off reminding me of the 10:00 Commander meeting. I mixed up my dates and thought it was tomorrow, but as luck would have it, I’m on time for the Skype meeting. Spoiler alert: I won’t move from my computer, other than bathroom breaks, until 7:00 p.m.
10:00-11:30 - Skype meeting. My colleague, E., is 10 minutes late and sounds like he just rolled out of bed. Our Commander starts with small talk and wishes me well with my retirement, saying that she will live vicariously through me. We’ve always gotten along - she’s one of the few people I’ll miss. There is talk about California’s budget, a hiring freeze, 10 state vehicles that we were supposed to receive aren’t coming…none of it matters to me as I’m retiring in August.
11:30 - 12:00 - I field emails concerning some of my investigations and speak to an Expert who just reviewed one of my cases. He’s concerned that the doctor he surveyed for my case will end up killing somebody. Yes, most of them will go on to hurt, maim, or kill other patients - my agency routinely does nothing and there is nothing I, personally, can do. Don’t get sick, people.
12:00-1:00- I get ready for my French Final and fill out flash cards for the authors and texts we’ve read. I check email from College No. 2 - a Zoom meeting is scheduled for all the high school/adjunct instructors next week. I was guaranteed a spot at a Catholic high school in the Fall, but now I don’t know. The administrator from a few days ago STILL has not bothered to thank me for posting grades and scanning her the grade sheet two hours after her request. I hope I never work with her again.
1:00-2:00 - I continue with my French flash cards and check College No. 1 email - nothing of consequence. Enrollment is up for two of my classes, BUT, my Ethnic and Racial Politics course, the class I thought would have the most play in light of the recent events that have occurred, has just TWO students enrolled. I sense a cancellation in the future… if I don’t have 12 students enrolled on Day #1, the class is automatically cancelled and it’s $800 a month down the drain.
2:00 - 3:00 - I check my personal email. I’m a sub for two school districts in my community and one of the districts sends an email blast to all personnel and parents explaining that school MIGHT start in the Fall, but if it does, the school day will never be the same. Classrooms will more than likely be divided into two shifts, with one group of students going in the morning, the other in the afternoon, and virtual education throughout the week as a supplement. The Superintendent actually tells the parents to get their childcare ready because school as they know it will cease to exist. This District doesn’t mess around. I find their proposal interesting - it reminds me of the ‘year round’ fiasco, when my Mom was teaching. The model was a disaster, but the money was good. Plus, having fewer students in the classroom for any reason is a win-win.
I have two cookies that L. brought home. Not hungry.
3:00-4:30 - I Zoom into French and take my Final. A few of my essay responses still need to be graded, but I end up getting an A on the Final and in the class. I’m both glad and sad it’s over. Madame P. was a great teacher and we covered some interesting works, BUT showing up every Wed. for a 3-hour virtual Zoom class was exhausting. Although I’m scheduled to audit French 02 in 5 days, I think I’m going to withdraw. It’s every day, Monday thru Thursday, from 1:30-4:00, for TWO months. I mean, every day? Come on.
I start a load of laundry.
4:30-5:30 - I read online news.
5:30-5:45 - I purchase tickets (a misnomer because the tickets are actually free) for an online play, on Sunday, at The Torrance Theater. I have a feeling that it’s live so am really excited about it.
5:45-6:15 - I place my weekly online order for non-perishables - EVOO, Italian seasoning, and Mr. Clean magic erasers. I break down and take advantage of the Kohl’s sale so I can buy two pairs of yoga pants. Right now, I alternate between the two pairs I currently have, but they are 7 years old and falling apart. Delivery costs $9.00 unless I have them delivered to the Kohl’s store, so I pick that option.
6:15 - 7:00 - I catch up on my blog. I hang my laundry and put a few things in the drier.
7:00-9:00 - I eat the herb chicken I baked the other day and have a glass of champagne. I read Smile For the Camera.
9:00-9:30 - I do a HIIT workout through my app.
10:00-12:00 - L. and I watch two episodes - it’s that good! - of Love After Lock-up and scream at the TV. Another glass of champagne.
12:00-1:00 - Nighttime routine and bed. Where did the day go?