What a Week-In W's

      What a week. Yesterday was a press conference to mark the one year mark of Minnesota's first Covid-19 case. I had just come back 52 weeks ago from New Orleans for a  business trip, with the last day texts and emails exploding cancelling subsequent trips. I drove that Friday to get my daughter for my nieces wedding on the 14th and was hearing the plans to start closing things-but not yet schools at that point. Well, no more need to rehash, as we all know the story. DH said his mom got together with her three sisters and sent a picture. All have been vaccinated, so a positive mood. The crab ass in me though is annoyed seeing  "I got my shot" from people that did little to no social distancing in  the last year as evidenced by big family get togethers, vacations, and were the first ones  in the bars and restaurants when they opened to limited capacity. Then, I try to remember, each person is one step closer to all of us being in a better place. With that shared, that starts my Fridays recap of my life, my activities, and plans in the form of my Friday W's. 

What's top of mind: The vaccine connector and getting DH in the door. With his heart  issues in the past, a TMI in 2010, he meets the next round priority. Technically I do as well with RA, but since I work from home, I'm focusing on looking for a slot for him. 

Where I've been: Working at my daughters was a nice change of scenery. It meant no risk of a barking dog for the important person meeting, and I was out of the space where we needed lightbulbs replaced in our ceiling  recessed lighting. It's nice having good light again! We had dinner at my daughters on Saturday, and it felt like a big night out. She is such a good cook. I also picked up another two books by curbside at the library-I need to return some. 

Where I'm going: I didn't end up stopping at Kwik Trip for the grounds beef sale as we need other things and I'll do a middleish shop this weekend. I'm debating driving to Aldi or staying in town. If I go to Aldi, I can treat myself to a Starbucks, via gift cards. Stay tuned to hear my big decision. I'll get out to a park or the river as well with the dog-of course I will as that is the highlight of my weekends. 

What I'm watching: No movies this week-I've watched Premier League soccer on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Well, it is on in the back ground as I go about my morning. I think I watched a few episode's of Moving On steaming on BritBox. Each  90 minute or so episode is a different take on someone moving on from something-letting go, deciding a different path is OK too than what was intended. I've been watching episodes off and on for the last year. I did not watch the Meghan and Harry Oprah interview. Did any of you? Are you following  their story at all?

What I'm reading:  Reading wise, I picked up the next book club book, The Taster by VS Alexander. The other Vegan cookbook was available as well, so I have that to look through over the weekend. 

What I'm listening to: While I have not watched the interview, I can't help but hearing news coverage of it. I'm also listening to programs stripping back  issues of racism in both in the US and the UK, depending on which radio station I am streaming. 

What I'm eating: There was some good responses to my Wednesday pantry post. The verdict from most was meal kits are expensive and  most of you can cook better meals from your own recipes and ingredients. However, I agree with those that  saw the use for people  with busy schedules, new to cooking, or just want home cooked meals, but don't want to stock up on groceries. Clearly they have a place in some peoples kitchens. I'm making country style bone in ribs and the carrot-apple slaw and roasted potatoes for dinner. Yum-looking forward to it. It was supposed to be yesterdays meal, but since I  worked away from home, it works better today. I also wasn't feeling great last night-DH made himself a pizza of which, I will eat leftovers today for my lunch-or a mid morning snack as feeling a bit hungry not having eaten supper last night. Oh, and I am back on Diet Coke, but trying to keep to not more than one a day. Well, this week has had a couple two can days. Worry once I start pouring rum into it during the week.

Who I'm paying attention to: Lot's of who's, myself included. Last week I mentioned that a very stressful issue happened in the work place with, hurt and feelings of not being heard by my non-white colleagues, experienced microaggressions, and lost opportunity to make progress in our place of work towards racial equity. By Monday, this had exploded. While it may not have been the direct cause, it had to be part of the decision for our top executive to step down, effective pretty much immediately. This has a tumble down effect. My boss's (who was promoted a year ago and her position still not filled) boss, was promoted to that top spot-now there are two holes above me. I've already taken point on three projects, Covid related, that are outside my core responsibilities, and yet my job duties have not waned. My team is frustrated, a bit with me, as they don't feel like they are getting as timely responses as they would like from me or my colleague that is trying to serve in an interim director role, but also have been really good support, stepping up as they can, and when they can. 

What I'm planning:  Oh man am I looking forward to the week away from my computer for a vacation week-not for another two full weeks though. I know I'll be pulled in here and there, but getting some head space and time with my girls will be a great respite. I'm planning to get communication to all the extended family on the Adopt a Park, and our selected first clean-up date of May 1. I think I mentioned, my sister offered to host an outdoor gathering after the clean-up. 

     

      It was and wasn't at the same time a typical week. The snow is melting-my yard is left with just the pile from the snow plow, and the side yard where sun doesn't hit the same way. The back yard is in desperate need of grass seed, so hope we can get that done Sunday, but look at all the bare spots. The firepit is inviting me, so maybe that will be on the weekend plans if it is dry out. That's about it for my wrap up-another W! Play along in the comments if you are so inclined.