A pandemic Lent, ox cookies, and Valentine’s gifts (7 Quick Takes)

~1~

In many ways, it feels we have been in one long Lent for almost a year now, so naming it Lent with the arrival of Ash Wednesday felt right. So far Lent has been dreary, icy, and gray. I’m excited by the idea that this year, as we work our way through this pandemic, Easter may hold a little more promise and joy.

~2~

I have been working from home since last March, so I was excited to go to campus this week for an employee COVID test. I know, it might not sound like a thrill to you. But leaving the house all by myself in real pants and shoes (that almost matched) and running into colleagues I haven’t seen in ages, in person, was just so wonderful. The pandemic is isolating in so many ways, but it has also brought me new and deeper friendships with many of my amazing colleagues.

One coworker I first connected with by phone a year ago—Marlena—I had never met in person until this week. Marlena and I took a walk on campus together, and it was as if we had been friends forever. If not for the pandemic, though, I’m not sure our paths would have crossed—or if we would ever have worked so closely together.

Good things come of every situation, no matter how bleak. Maybe that’s something to hold onto this Lent.

~3~

Last weekend I made chocolate cows and ox cookies. There are other ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and we do some of those too. We enjoy Chinese food, often do haircuts, and I refuse to sweep out the good luck the first days of the New Year by cleaning the house. But one of my favorite ways to celebrate is by focusing on the Chinese zodiac animal of the year.

When we adopted our sons, we promised to help them know and love their heritage. My approach has always been to make it fun and keep them curious about it. Then, as they get older, I hope they want to learn more.

Ox cookies might not be the key to success, but I’m pretty sure they won’t hurt.

~4~

My sister Maureen surprised us by sending us Chinese New Year gifts—an enormous bag of Skittles and a Year of the Ox kitchen towel.

Our boys were excited about the Skittles, and I was thrilled with the kitchen towel. I love unexpected gifts, but I also particularly enjoy practical household items.

And I think it’s clear that I am a big fan of Chinese New Year anything and everything.

~5~

My husband and I usually give each other a little something for Valentine’s Day, but we both feel we have enough stuff in the house already, so we went with edible, practical gifts this year. We never discussed it. It’s just how things worked out.

John gave me the most delicious chocolate-covered strawberries and cannoli. I ordered a package of burger patties, steaks, and jerky from Bell Road Beef and some Valentine’s Day-themed sponges from Scrub Daddy. (My friend Julie spotted them and sent me the link after I shared my excitement about smiling sponges a few weeks ago.)

The burgers were so juicy and fresh. Now I’m trying to get up the courage to cook the steaks. They look really great, but I want them to be just right.

~6~

I love when one of the boys borrows my phone and takes pictures with it. They always see the world a little differently from the way I do.

The other day, our younger son used a thermal vision app to take photos of our finches. I thought it was such a fun idea.

And, of course, the finches were only too happy to pose for him.

~7~

Oh, it snowed again this week. And iced. And snowed some more. And sleeted and iced and did who knows what else. I’ve been so worried about the people in Texas who lost power and water and seem to have limited food. Is anyone else ready for spring to come?

Find more quick takes on Kelly’s blog, This Ain’t the Lyceum, and have a great weekend!

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