So a lot has happened over the last year. I realize my last real post was a year ago and then nine months prior to that… so I have said much since pre-COVID times so let’s update.
When COVID hit and they shut down the schools in my county, at first I was worried and then they shut down the adjacent county where my wife works. So fortunately we had life covered. Downside though was I was my family’s means of outside contact as I did all the shopping and outside the house errands. I also in good conscience could go out, despite enjoying outdoors, because my wife was homeschooling and working from home… wouldn’t be fair.
Fortunately by summer time we started at least shopping together and we’re trusting some family so we still did that. Then as the new school year approached… my son would not be returning to physical school. Therefore I started working third shift so I could be home with him. Only until November… January… maybe we’ll do hybrid… and then it was a very short day hybrid so I was stuck on third for the whole school year.
Also, towards the beginning of the school year my son was diagnosed with ADHD and associated issues. Not being in school and with friends has seriously made this worse. Has caused some struggle trying to get him all the help he needs but has made me a lot more compassionate and understanding to his “misbehavior”
November I slaughtered another deer and this time they totaled my car. Oh and it was totaled before the new engine even got its first oil change as that blew up during the summer. I got a pretty nice payout which I used to pay off all my credit card debt. And just financed another car. Ridding myself of that credit card has been such a relief.
Between the card payoff, working the entire pandemic, no childcare payment and stimulus checks… went from almost 9k in credit card debt and no savings to more than that in savings. Also refinanced my home for almost half the interest rate and house was worth 30-35% more. Yay!
Got through the school year. Recently took a family trip and stayed in Wildwood NJ. I hate the beach but those two love it. Meh.
School is starting again in a week and half and I have opted to stay on third shift. Few reasons… one is saving $500 a month in childcare. Two, never know when the school will shut down due to COVID again so I’m prepared. Three… I don’t miss first shift drama, micromanaging and bullshit.
It’s been a crazy uneventful year that’s been full of drama. So much that we are grateful for as we’ve prospered through the pandemic and fortunately haven’t lost any friends or family so far. The best part was being home each day with my son and being apart of schooling and just bonding with him more than ever.