Back to School! Aug 2021

[Taitai]

It’s already August! Where has the summer gone? Time to get ready for the kids to go back to school and all of the fun stuff that goes with that. What has everyone been up to so far this month?

[Taitai]

We made it back to Southeast Asia, and now we’re completing a glorious 16 day hotel quarantine, complete with 3 Covid tests, no housekeeping for all 16 days, and no leaving our room 😩. At least online school starts for DS1 next week, so that should bring some structure to our days.

The process to get back to Asia was so complicated, stressful, and full of paperwork/many approvals. Luckily, everything went smoothly and we arrived here without any issues or setbacks. The entire travel process was looooong and complicated though. I definitely took for granted how “easy” trans-pacific travel was before the pandemic. Interestingly, the travel from Asia to the USA back in June was super easy - all we needed was a Covid test before we departed (to show to the airline when we checked in). To get back to Asia, however, oh my gosh the hoops we had to jump through. And we’re still not through with it, as evidenced by the hotel jail….I mean quarantine…and more Covid tests to go.

I wonder if this stuff will ever go away…Covid is totally raging here (we broke the dismal record of 20,000 cases/day here today), and with not enough vaccines, I don’t see it getting any better any time soon. We feel very privileged to have gotten vaccinated while we were in the states this summer, but I wish so badly that my employees and our nanny could get vaccinated. Sigh. Hopefully they all will in October - we’ll see.

We already miss our family, friends, and general life in the USA, but it also feels good to be back “home.” Once we’re done “doing time” in quarantine, it will be so nice to be back in our place, with our stuff and our nanny and her daughters. We’ve missed them a lot. Hope you are all having a safe and healthy week back on the other side of the world!

[CoachTsWife]

Sounds like you had a great trip Taitai - I'm sure you're all anxious to leave the hotel and get back into your home! So glad you were able to get your vaccine while you were here!

I think I missed all of July in here. I had my sabbatical at work and didn't touch my laptop for 4 weeks, for the most part. I had to uninstall Tapa Talk from my phone a while back so it's been a while since I've been on.

DS1 starts K the 23rd and the school board meets tomorrow to vote on mask policy. I'm really hoping they make everyone wear a mask, but the neighboring district voted last night to make them optional so I'm not very optimistic. I'm sending him in a mask either way, but will be so much safer if everyone wears them. DH's (smaller) district is back to normal with regular schedule, optional masks, and no social distancing guidelines. I'm not as worried because DH will wear a mask when necessary, plus he's vaccinated. I can't believe we're starting another school year like this.

[Taitai]

danvers duskymonkey August Blooms CoachTsWife curmudgeon

What are you all up to? I’ve been stuck in hotel quarantine the past week and I’m so bored! Hope you are all enjoying life back in North America!

[Taitai]

CoachTsWife I’ve been reading about all of the controversy over mask/vaccine mandate stuff on the USA, especially in places like FL, Arkansas, and TX, and I’m just like - what is in the water over there. I feel like people aren’t seeing the forest for the trees - this is a public health issue, and why would any school district want to limit the tools available to keep all students and staff safe? It’s truly mind boggling. I would be sending my kid in a mask regardless, but masks are most effective if everyone wears them. Sigh. Let’s hope the FDA approves a vaccine for kids 12 and under soon, so that at least those who care can get their kids protected.

Hope your DS1 enjoys his start to K! We are starting school online again this year, which makes me sad. It would have been DS2’s first time in person at the “big school” - where DS1 also goes, but no dice this year. Covid is so bad over here - we’ll probably be online through the end of the year ☹️.

[Taitai]

Also, there’s either a rodent or a lizard running around inside the ceiling of our room. We called the front desk to notify them, and they sent someone to set some glue traps. The guy said to my husband in Thai that it was probably a big gecko, and if not that some rodents. Then, as he was leaving, he said it could also be a snake chasing some rodents. And then he laughed and shut the door. HA HA HA MR. MAINTENANCE GUY. SO FUNNY TO TELL US THAT RIGHT BEFORE BED. Now I’m sitting here like….

[CoachTsWife]

Oh no Taitai. OK to a gecko and even rodent (but ugh). But a snake - NO WAY.

[curmudgeon]

Hi! We just got back from a trip to Orange Beach. DS1 said it was better than Disneyworld 😆 I’m so happy he had so much fun. We brought back a lot of seashells.
School starts next week. We have meet the teacher this Friday, but I don’t plan on going. They are holding it outside (it’s 100 degrees) and I don’t feel like competing with 20-40 other parents just to say hi to his teacher. We won’t get to see his classroom or desk. And I am 10000% sure no one will be masked. So no thanks.

Taitai good luck catching the snake. Or rat. Or lizard!

[curmudgeon]

DS1 lost his voice on vacation, from too much excitement. And has been talking in a raspy whisper the past 3 days. I told H I feel bad for him, but it is so nice to not have to remind him to use inside voices all the time.

[danvers]

Taitai I am so sorry you are in a hotel room for so long but so glad your trip was a success. The boys will have so many good memories! I cannot imagine that long in a room with two young boys but I hope the time goes fast for you all. I don’t real out wish online schooling on anyone but I understand the need for structure or some semblance of routine!

CoachTsWife we are operating here like your Hs school. Masks optional, no real social distancing… they want us as close to “pre-covid” as they get wi those out saying it officially. It’s maddening at the elementary level! I hope your DS1 has a good start for his kindergarten year. DD1 loved kindergarten last year despite all the Covid precautions. Hopefully they can find a way to keep everyone safe.

curmudgeon we had a lot less parents for our back-to-school night and I tried to tell my admin - there is a still a raging pandemic, we are a community of less than 50% fully vaxxed, have never really masked…. Yea. Some ppl might have been less than thrilled at her back to school night plan. Including this teacher. 😑😑😑

[danvers]

School started Monday.

On Sunday night, at like 6:00, we made the decision to pull DD1 from public school and pursue the state voucher to send her to the local Catholic school. We are not Catholic but their classes sizes are small, they have strong academic programs, things like a long lunch and multiple recesses, and just an overall strong first grade program.

It was an incredibly hard decision because one of the reasons we choose to stay here in this community was for the girls to go to my elementary school. But I’m not thrilled with a lot things there: teacher quality, a single 15 minute recess, large classes, and whatnot.

Poor DD1 has been such a trooper transferring schools with zero warning. Each day I feel a little bit better about our decision but it has been the craziest week enrolling her, teaching my own class, trying to order uniforms overnight for DD1 (and just trying to understand the uniform policy in general!)… it’s been a lot right now but I do think it will be the right decision in the long run.

[Taitai]

curmudgeon The like was for your fun vacation! …and the fact that your kid can’t talk in a loud voice right now. Can that please happen to my boys? They are so LOUD and it’s driving me extra crazy while we are all stuck in this hotel! Good luck with getting your kids squared away at school. Long wow to schools basically not putting place any precautions while COVID continues to rage. Ugh…..

CoachTsWife No snakes attacked us in the night, so I’ll consider it a win! We did hear a lot more scraping/scratching/running around noises, but then it stopped. So, maybe the creatures left when the rain subsided? Fingers crossed for a snake-free remainder of our stay. Although last week, the hotel lady did tell us that they found a nest of baby cobras in the garden near where our unit is, and I was just like….thank you…thank you for telling me that.

danvers I think your DD1 will love her new school - it sounds great! You did the right thing by putting her in the beat possible school available, and you shouldn’t feel badly about it for one second. Sounds like she’s adapting really well, and I’m excited to hear how this school year goes for all of you!

[curmudgeon]

Taitai we have our governor to thank for the lack of restrictions in schools. He has forbidden them from requiring masks, so other than attempting social distancing I have no idea what else they can do. Students can still choose to wear masks, and DS1 loves to wear one. I will try to urge him to wear it as much as I can, but there is no telling if staff or other students will wear them. Masks were worn last year and the school had zero cases of Covid. I hope we continue to be that fortunate.

[CoachTsWife]

+1 to an awful governor who won't put any restrictions in place. The SW corner of our state (2 hours from us) was the nationwide hot spot a few weeks ago. Seems logical to do nothing, right? It is infuriating.

[Taitai]

The governor of FL is a real piece too. People over here literally think that 1/2 of America is insane. It’s just a total disgrace that so many people in the states accept (and even appreciate) this appalling and unsafe behavior from state governments. Ugh. I really can’t wait for the FDA to approve vaccines for 12 and under - I hope that can happen soon.

[curmudgeon]

I took DS1 school clothes shopping yesterday and had such a fun time with him. Today I’m making Oreo Rice Krispie treats because Yard House doesn’t have them any more. I am impatiently waiting for them to set in the fridge.

H is traveling this weekend so I plan to have solo movie nights after the kids go to bed. If anyone has recommendations - we have Amazon prime, Netflix and Hulu.

[duskymonkey]

Hey guys! I am still here. Just super busy with the kids especially with such bad AQI, we've been stuck in the house mostly and trying not keep them entertained and stop wrecking the house *sob and out of hubs office so he can work and school starts next week for us. Will check in later. Hope everyone is doing well.

[Taitai]

duskymonkey Heyyyyyy! I’m so sorry that you all are dealing with poor AQI - I can empathize. It really sucks not being able to have access to healthy air. Hoping things improve for you all soon. Good luck keeping the boys entertained indoors - will be thinking of you!

curmudgeon I took DS1 shoe shopping while we were in the USA, and I was shocked at how fun it was! He actually was so cooperative and interested in trying on tons of different pairs of shoes. It was so cute to see how happy he was when he found his “perfect choice.” I’m not sure he’s ready to do clothes shopping yet, but at least we had a good experience with sneakers!

[curmudgeon]

Taitai awww I’m glad you had a fun shopping trip too! It’s so fun watching them find things they really love. The only time DS got upset was at shoe shopping. Once because the shoes he loved were out of his size and again because I said no to his 2nd choice ($130!!). 3rd choice was a winner.

[curmudgeon]

I have had the most awful sinus infection for a week now. DS2 brought home a little cold* and passed it to everyone in the family. It gets to me and sits and develops into this. My usual doctor is out this week and getting someone new to see me in person was a struggle bc of Covid. Finally got a new doctor who pumped me full of a zpack, steroid, and cough medicine and I finally feel somewhat normal today. Enough to try and work at least. Prescription cough medicine is no joke tho. I could pass out at any moment.

*we did test him for Covid and strep, and H too to make sure and both were negative.

[CoachTsWife]

Hope you're feeling better curmudgeon!

[CoachTsWife]

My mom passed out and fell on Wednesday. Cut her face up, chipped a couple teeth, but thankfully no broken bones! We tried the local clinic but they quickly sent her to the ER due to her passing out. (We were trying to avoid the hospital due to covid risk.) She had to be admitted for observation due to (slightly) elevated heart enzymes. She had a plethora of tests and everything checked out ok, they think her BP dropped too low and caused it all. She's left with a severe black eye, couple gashes on her face, busted lip, and chipped teeth. I feel SO sorry for her - it looks so painful. But it could've been way worse! Taking care of aging parents is stressful.

[August Blooms]

Sorry I’ve been MIA for the past month! Work and life has been super busy, I’m going back to shift work next month so I’ll have some spare time to check in. Working Monday to Friday is just so busy!

I got into the graduate program but am turning it down due to the cost. It would really be for my personal enjoyment but it really would cost a lot of $ and time away from the family. I completed my triathlon two weeks ago, it was super hot and my heart rate wouldn’t come down so I didn’t hit my goal time but was within my estimated finish time. I have the race bug and signed up for a 10km race, (one of the few in person races here) that’s taking place in the city at the waterfront in October. Now I just have to get up to 10km distance in my runs.

[August Blooms]

CoachTsWife Glad your mom is ok. I can commiserate with you, my mom has been struggling lately as has my MIL. Aging parents are so challenging.

Taitai Glad you made it back and out of quarantine in one piece! Sorry for being MIA and not able to help entertain you! Sounds like you guys had an awesome trip! I saw your purse haul in the bags thread, those are some very nice bags!

duskymonkey How are you doing? How’s the AQ there?

[duskymonkey]

CoachTsWife I am so glad your mom checked out alright with no serious injuries despite her fall. I hope she will heal and recover swiftly. It is definitely very worrisome as our parents get older. My parents are so far away now and I worry about them all the time especially more now. They are in strict lock down with police check points at village and state borders and my cousins aren't close by and and will need to obtain permits to travel. They are doing well and I hope they continue to be well.
Your DS1 starting K, that's a milestone and stinks that he has to start school in the current situation. I also saw that most counties in your state are no longer reporting and tracking cases. It's just outrageous. I don't know, the state of affairs here are really worrying me.

[Taitai]

curmudgeon Oh man, sinus infections are the worst! I used to suffer from those regularly when I lived in a cold climate, and they are terrible. I am glad you received some meds, and I hope you are back to 100% soon!

CoachTsWife I’m so sorry about your mom’s fall. I am glad there were no broken bones, but that whole experience sounds so painful and difficult. Will she be able to get her chipped teeth fixed soon? Will be thinking of her. I’m also feeling the aging parent issues over here, and it’s hard.

August Blooms Like was for signing up for that 10K race! Before kids, I used to enjoy distance running, and 10K was my absolute favorite length. Glad that you finished the triathalon, and good luck as you train for longer runs. Totally understand about your graduate program too - it’s hard when faced with a difficult choice/trade-offs like that. Hopefully getting back to shift work will be a good change for you, and I’m glad your back around here! Sorry to hear about your mom and MIL having health issues too.

duskymonkey Things in your parents’ country is very similar to how we have it here. We’re on a very strict lockdown - interprovincial travel is not allowed and there are no domestic flights, trains, or long-distance bus routes operating. That said, I think your home country is more strict with its Covid enforcement than what we have here. I hope that your parents stay safe - will be thinking of them from up north.

[duskymonkey]

Taitai are you back home? I cannot imagine being stuck in a hotel with the kids for over 2 weeks! Did you at least have a suite and a balcony? As loud as DS is, lil fella basically SPEAKS, SHOUTING LIKE THIS ALL THE TIME! He is an incredibly loud child. I read about the critters in the ceiling and NTY to snakes! No baby cobras!!! it's probably mice. We always heard them scampering around in our ceiling back home. If you're back home, it must be so nice. Sorry we weren't around much to entertain you. I cannot fathom how fast the summer has gone.

The school year dragged danvers , did it feel like the summer just flew for you too? How's the home reno going? I heard about Catholic schools having much smaller classes. A friend decided to move her kid to one since they are in a district that isn't mandating masks. Our board made a decision a week before to reinstate Covid protocols which was a relief and provided medical exemption options for those who needed them which is very fair except the application didn't require a doctors letter, just the honesty of parents. Well you can imagine how that is working out. I am so frustrated and angry because my friend told me parents are telling each other to make up bogus medical claims in FB parenting groups to get their kids exempted. I wrote a lengthy letter to the principal and Super and both called me back very promptly yesterday. The principal sounded as perplexed as I am but she's just following rules and guidelines in place and doing anything in her authority so I know I am preaching to the choir. It all just sucks. I am so angry that these parents are making their children into political pawns and are so brainwashed and willing to endanger their own child let alone someone else's. I also pointed out and am so angry, the fact that they are teaching these kids to be dishonest and lying and cheating is an appropriate behavior to get what they want. It's utter BS. We are in the fringes of the school district and from what I asked, they told me that only 1-1.5% of students in the district have a mask exemption. Our elementary school is at 20% and climbing. It's obviously disproportionate and we are an outlier so something obviously isn't right. Also I spoke to a neighbor across the street and I didn't know she was a virologist and she said at 20% unmasked, an outbreak is inevitable given the demographics of the exempted families. She is angry and planning to move her kids out to another school. I don't know, I am just tired and frustrated and don't know what else I can do. I also heard this obnoxious group also had another huge meeting about the mask mandate. The school in the last minute, managed to hire another teacher and added another 2nd grade class to probably lessen the number of students. I don't know if other grades were the same. Since we made a last minute decision too a week ago to put DS back into school. I've been on a mask making marathon.

[duskymonkey]

curmudgeon , CoachTsWife , danvers , I realize that at least we have a mask mandate here and you guys are just left to fend for your selves. So many things wrong with all this. They are screaming about their freedoms yet they are endangering the safety and health of children, teachers, their community. It makes zero sense!!! They want schools to open but want nothing to do to help keep out an outbreak. The absurdity of it all is totally mind boggling and mind numbing. I cannot comprehend. Like someone help me comprehend!!!??

[Taitai]

duskymonkey Yep - we’re back home, and you’re right, 2 weeks in a hotel with the boys sucked! That said, we did have a larger suite and a balcony, so it could have been much worse. Those animals running around in the ceiling ended up being big geckos! Thankfully no snakes or baby cobra sightings during our stay. 😅

On the mask thing that you are dealing with, I would be incredibly pissed. Could you pull parents together who feel the same way and pressure the school district to make parents provide a doctor’s letter if they want a medical exception? I am sure that some parents would probably be able to get such a letter, but maybe others wouldn’t. Plus, I am all for making it more inconvenient and more of a hassle for people to endanger others’ health.

In terms of comprehending these kinds of people - simply put, they’re brainwashed and radicalized. Logic does not work, and arguing doesn’t work. I’ve read scientific articles which explain that this mask/vaccine thing is a similar process/occurrence as to how terrorists get radicalized, or how you see people brainwashed/groomed to become homophobes. It’s really yucky, selfish, and it makes me disappointed about a big, big chunk of Americans.

One thing I have to remind myself is that I can’t allow myself to be consumed with outrage and anger over it, to the extent that it damages my quality of life or totally embitters me. That’s not going to be productive for me and my family, and anger/outrage is what fuels all of these crazy anti-mask and anti-vax people. I don’t want to be like them.

Sorry that you find yourself in the situation you are in….those parents really suck.

[danvers]

It’s been a crazy week or however long since I dropped off the face of the internet.

As predicted, no mask mandates and a low overall vaccine rate have caused school cases to skyrocket here. There are kids out in each class and we are doing nothing…Not notifying parents of close contacts or making kids quarantine for at school exposure (you only have to quarantine if someone in your own house has it and your family is honest enough to admit it which is becoming a problem as well). Our principal continues to maintain that we are social distancing which is a joke because my students sit 4 kids to a round table in my room. ROUND tables.

My teaching bestie just tested positive and I’ve been making her sub plans all last week in addition to my own lessons. Thankfully because it’s the beginning of the school year I have been too busy to be around her in any sort of close contact so I haven’t been exposed.