I think being at home all the time is a big environment and routine switch. I find I’m so much more active at home: it’s not all sitting or standing around talking and typing. I’m in and out of the garden as opposed to just going out in the morning or evening, etc etc. And working from home is working from HOME. Even doing a zoom call or something... there’s something really dissonant about wearing full business attire at home.

JAileen, it will be interesting to see what and how we decide to add things back into our lives when things improve. It will also be interesting to see what changes we made out of necessity we decide to keep.
Zaeobi, yes, you make an important distinction between interpersonal and online instruction. I do think the steep learning curve with lots of DIY training for various platforms, devices, constant problem solving have left me with a less favorable impression of online instruction, our district really did an amazing job of stepping up and delivering instruction, support, food services, and more. However, there is room for improvement and I know the experiences we have moving forward have a high probability of being more pleasant. Making sure we have reliable technology for all students and staff is critical.
Shevia, thank you. I will bounce back. Once my last meeting wrapped up yesterday, I felt an immediate weight lift off my shoulders. I will have a few weeks before committees and summer advisories begin. I have limited my participation to two. Each will have a few meetings in July and August. Of course, more will need to happen in August, but we don’t know what yet. I do know that it will not be necessary for me to be online nearly as much and I welcome the break. I can’t wait to read a book again!
Barbara Diane, this is the ideal time for me to see what my hair wants to do. Pulling it up makes the most sense for gardening, grandparenting and time at the lake. By August, I may decide to get my hair cut and styled. Or I may not. Maybe I am going to like long gray hair, or want to pull it up, especially if masks or shields are required for returning to the classroom.
Rachylou, so true. Dressing like I would for the classroom or in person meetings, while at home, would not be authentic at all. I was much less active while working from home. In the classroom I was on my feet all the time. At home, I did sooooo much sitting. Oh sure, I could get up move around and get a little activity in, but Aaaalllllllll the sitting was another adjustment I had to make.

So much wisdom and compassion in this thread. You all help soothe my heart.

“Not every challenge is going to have an answer right now, so I am going to need to be ok with that.“

So much this. I’m reminded of wise words from Rilke:

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything.“

Hugs to you, Mainelady - I could have written this post! Your words resonated SO MUCH with me. Creating authentic outfits for WFH is something I am trying to figure out. I like my 'armor' for going out in the world (even moreso now) and at home I like to be comfortable. I don't know how to marry the two.... deep thoughts...

Oh Janet, where are all the heart emojis? I love that quote from Rilke. I had not read it before.

nemosmom, I am sorry you are going through this. It does help to know that even apart we are not alone. For 37 years I successfully kept my work life and my home life separate. Home is May haven and respite from the challenges of my job. As much as I love teaching, the job has become more difficult over the past decade. Then Covid-19 arrived and difficult became an understatement. WFH meant new ways of doing things and it also meant I had to find a way to allow my work self and world to coexist with my personal world. It was not an easy endeavor.

Jeez nice legs Mainelady! You look great! Were you one of the people who started a new exercise program while trapped at home?

Hahaha, Phoebe. You make me laugh, but I appreciate the compliment. Ever since we purchased our lake house I have joked that I am going to have strong glutes and thighs. The place is built on top of a boulder and on a steep hill. The interior only has 1 set of stairs, but between the top of the driveway and the decks, the exterior has 4 sets of stairs. I get lots of steps and stairs in every time we go to camp.

Spot on Firecracker. Our styles evolve over time and perhaps these times we are faced with are prompting our evolutions.

I love Janet's Rilke quote! And I think you look great in your WIWs -- beachy casual makes perfect sense for your lifestyle, and I can tell you're ready to have fun. Also, your legs look amazing in shorts.

The elementary school where I work wrapped up classes about two weeks ago, and then had three days of virtual planning meetings for staff. I've definitely felt a shift in how I dress since classes ended.

My primary responsibility now is keeping DS out of DH's hair while DH works from home for the foreseeable future. That means as much outdoor play as possible, with adventures to nearby trails, ponds and streams almost every day, plus lots of gardening and art projects. I'm not in gear *all* the time, but I definitely choose outfits that can accommodate trail shoes or water sandals without looking too goofy, and may swap out top and/or bottoms throughout the day depending on weather and activities.

I made the mistake of wearing cotton chinos on a hike last week and it was much more humid than I'd expected! Sweaty and miserable. The chinos *looked* better with the loose-fitting tee I was wearing, but it would have been worth taking the extra minute to switch into some loose-fitting nylon shorts before heading out the door!

I have realized that while I don't outright copy outfits I see out in the world, I do take a lot of inspiration from the people around me, be it colour combos, proportions, tweaks to hair style, etc. When I don't see other people I tend to default to the same handful of practical outfits over and over. It doesn't really bother me yet, but again, that's because my frame of reference is gone! The only people I see on a daily basis are DS and DH.

Like you, I can't figure out what I want to do to my hair and feel unmotivated to change it up. I've been growing it out since last fall and have a lot of extra length to work with right now but just don't feel inspired! It's strange, because usually I have a very clear idea of where I'm going with my hair.

Outfits are lovely and you look great! The stairs are definitely working - legs are envious. I see great hair, accessories, fun shoes and a smile - well done on your challenge!

LaPed, our students finished on the 8th, staff on the 16th and then I had a couple of committees that still had meetings until Monday.