I stayed at home to raise my three children for ten years in the 80s to 90s. I know many women do not find the routine of child care, household chores or family life fulfilling or mentally stimulating. Staying home sounds boring.
As my children aged, I went back to school to earn a master’s degree and spent many years working in the field of public health. I’ve experienced both sides of the equation, both staying home and working in a busy career. While I enjoyed my job, the meetings, travel, presentations and grant writing, I’ll take staying home any day.
I used to think that full time motherhood prepared me for the much anticipated retirement, when in actuality it prepared me for the isolation of a world pandemic. Don’t get me wrong, I totally respect today’s parents and the challenges they face that couldn’t have been imagined in my time. I simply mean that I have no trouble filling my days with quiet yet stimulating activity. I am extremely privileged to have adequate income. Living in Mexico means our expenses are few. The gas tank sits full.
I guess we never know how today’s experiences will prepare us for the future. One thing is certain, life as we knew it will never be the same. And in the opinion of many, myself included, that will be a very good thing.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
Hey there. I’m really not suffering from staying home–as an only child and a closet introvert, being alone feels kind of normal. There are things I don’t like, of course. I can’t just pick up and go to North Carolina to hunt sea glass. Without a COVID test I don’t feel comfortable staying at Rick’s house. I fail to understand this whole “me, me, me” thing going on by people who want to call it “freedom”.
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We are not suffering either and even my MIL is deciding to be happy which is truly a blessing. The levels of selfishness in our country has risen to an all time high. Love Thy Neighbor, a basic tenant of Christianity seems to have been thrown out the window.
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BTW, have you had any rain?
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YES! We’ve had a few good showers and the fires have died down. Hallelujah. We are almost to what is considered the rainy season although it seems to shift on the calendar with climate change. Everything is greening up.
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Great point of view, Alex! I enjoyed it. I’ve been able to work from home and am LOVIN’ it. Hanging with my animals and staying busy. I have limited contact with friends and, of course, I still see my horse frequently. Feels pretty balanced, really. Oh, and I’m getting at least 3 hrs. back in my day M-F. And saving $$ on gas, but spending $$ on GOOD FOOD! Cooking a lot and that’s a happy thing. Glad to hear you guys are doing well. Nice.
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Nice to hear from you Nancy. Yeah horses over people! We are well. Maybe we’ll see each other again sometime. I’d like that.
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