I went into work today and had a really nice chat with a co-worker from any division within my department. She was in the hall while I was in my office.

Guys, no surprise really, BUT I MISS SEEING PEOPLE!! I feel like a million times better just from getting to talk to someone without a rush or an agenda or connection issues.

Oh well, back home now and about to start sewing.

I miss seeing people too. I miss the interactions at work and the rhythm of it. There are a few regular customers I really miss seeing. And having different conversations. Plus we got a new head of asset protection (security) that I never got to meet and I'm curious about them.

I ended up having a pretty good day. Figured out my headset will work with my phone,it's bulky and wouldn't be comfortable if I was out taking a long walk but for laps around the yard it worked. Made dinner-- burritos.

And then I had helped Matthew's mom order candles for his sister in laws birthday and bath & body works accidentally sent a double order so she is going to give us one of the candles.

New fragrance in the house! Something different!

Also his aunt came by and took our trash off to the dump so his Mom didn't have to stress about the neighbor. And I spent a lot of time pacing/walking laps in the backyard which was really nice and relaxing and I need to do that a lot more.

If I'm not in a meeting, I basically run outside whenever I hear neighbors. Chit-chat with people in person makes a huge difference! And I even have my mother.

I think I'm just getting more entrenched in my hermitty ways. Although I seemed more inclined to be chatty when I was interacting with people over the weekend. Work is as enervating as ever.

What are you sewing, msbelle?

Sheryl, you've probably already had this advice, but it did work for us for about 3-4 years until StY learned enough restraint not to put his hands on EVerything. We cleared off all surfaces, including books we loved from bookshelves and ceramic and glass pieces from tables, built shelves in a designated closet to put it all, and put a lock on that door. We had a very MCM-Scandinavian-minimalist decor for a while, but it saved a lot of yelling and swearing (we were child-rearing before it was a gasping offense to yell and swear at, or about, your kid). His older brother had a small chest with a lock to keep his treasures in. StY wasn't really wantonly destructive. He just couldn't learn about things without putting his hands on them, and he was both clumsy and careless. He did grow out of it. Mostly.

masks Beverly. I have 6 to get to friends in NY, then I told neighbors I'd get them some, so that approx 10.

Now the Gov has issued a mandatory mask policy for going into any essential business, so I'd also like to get some to co-workers.

And last time I was at the local grocery, they were not wearing them, so I'd like to have some to given them next time I go.

Then there are the medical facilities around here still asking for more.

Basically I could probably make 50 masks and not make a dent.

Sheryl, sorry about the destruction. I agree with Beverly. Limiting what is out might be the only way. I knew (from so many adoption books and sources) that mac would seek to destroy things he knew were important to me when he eventually got upset beyond his ability to express himself. Not that this is what S is doing, but purposefully or not - things are getting broken. I have things out in this house now that I have not seen in 12 years. I just boxed them up after the adoption and kept them away.

And as much as I do not like locks on doors - it may be needed for a short time if he is going beyond where he should be when you can't have your eyes on him 24/7.

As of yesterday I've made about 20 masks. Gave a few more to friends, and one to the neighbor, and have to mail a couple to my parents. But they're just cloth, not for medical purposes.

Just had my second hour long Skype Spanish class. It's exhausting, but good for me.

I super miss people. When I dropped off masks for friends yesterday I didn't stay long--they offered to give me a glass of wine to sit in the yard and talk to them through the doorway, but I left after just a minute, because I was afraid if I did that I'd give in and run up to them and hug them all. And they've been sick!

I did go to the big grocery store yesterday and they had most everything--the frozen fruit section was decimated and only had pomegranate seeds left, weirdly. But I got sugar, and that was the real concern!

I miss a few very specific people, but I'm actually starting to feel the relief of not having to interact with the general public on a daily basis.

It took me longer than it probably should have, but I have achieved a batch of Thai red curry with veg, shrimp, and crispy tofu. Properly crispy tofu! By using the freeze and boil in salt water method. I am enjoying it, which is good because I made a lot so I could eat the leftovers.