Let it snow? Today is May 31.
This morning I wanted to feel energized and have a productive start to my day, but instead I opted to eat a plate of leftover pancakes and stay in my pajamas until noon. At roughly 11:50 a.m. a fellow journalism staff member, Snowy Li, came over to my house to pick up her staff shirt from the year and drop off a nice note meant for another student. I had lost track of time, so when she rang my doorbell, I was on my couch watching Netflix in my pajamas wearing a shirt with a hole in the sleeve that used to belong to my dad. I sprang from my seat and raced to the bathroom to grab my robe, which I wear mainly in the winter, before answering the door. I laughed off my embarrassment and chatted with Snowy for a few minutes before saying goodbye. I’d meant to be in real clothing by the time she arrived, but since I hadn’t accomplished that I opted instead to put on shorts and a t-shirt after she left and pretend like I was a well put-together person.
Once I’d changed, I headed back to the living room where I talked with my dad. He offered to make me an egg sandwich, which I gladly accepted. When I’d finished eating, I decided I wanted to make a loaf of banana bread. Actually, I’d intended to try a different bread (such a pumpkin or zucchini) but we didn’t have the right ingredients for those recipes. I put the necessary items on our grocery list, so whenever my parents go to the store next I’ll be able to make a bread that isn’t banana based. I love baking, and I had a blast playing music and dancing around the kitchen while I mixed the ingredients together.
When I was about half way through with the recipe, my grandpa and mom arrived out of our house from their trip to St. Louis, MO to pick up a chaise lounge chair. My grandpa teased me lovingly about my baking rut while he and my parents sat on the deck and talked. I love him so much, and I couldn’t have asked for a better grandparent. He is so kind, loving and funny, and I hope one day I can be as generous and good as him. I was really happy about getting to see him, and I wished I’d started baking earlier in the day so I could have given him some bread when I saw him. My mom helped me break up walnuts for the batter, and because of her help I was able to get the bread into the oven in record time. An hour and 15 minutes later when I pulled it out and cut myself a slice, it tasted wonderful. I’m sure my family is growing tired of my same two treats, so the next time I bake I’ll try to use a new recipe and make a different dish.
My parents and I talked about going on a bike ride, but because my brother and dad left to play tennis so late in the day we ended up pushing our ride off until tomorrow morning. I haven’t been biking since the fall, so I’m sure my bike will need more air in its tires and a little bit of care, but I can’t wait to be back on the trails and soaking up the summer sunshine (with plenty of SPF 100 sunscreen). I felt a little sore from my workout yesterday, but not as much as I expected. I guess next time I’ll have to push myself even harder, but I’m hoping tomorrow’s ride will leave me feeling tired and happy.
In the evening my family and I sat down to share yet another of my mom’s delectable meals. This one included sweet potatoes with harissa, charred and steak with chimichurri sauce. I am so grateful for the time she puts in to cook for us each night, and I love that she cares enough to make each meal healthy and unique. In return for the hard work she does, my brother and I took care of clearing the table, loading the dishwasher and washing any dishes we needed to. I think sometimes we take for granted all she does for us, and from now on I want to be more intentional with making sure she knows we appreciate her by taking chores off her plate.
After dinner the four of us played Toss-It in the back yard as the cottonwood tree “snowed” around us. My brother and I lost to my mom and dad 2-1, but I’m almost positive there will be a rematch in the near future. Not to worry, though, because my dad and I turned around and beat my mom and brother in Spades. I love that we have activities we do as a family. I hope in the future, even when my brother and I move away from home, whenever we get together we can maintain these traditions because some of my absolute best memories come from the time we spend together.
“I have found that when you love life, life will love you back.” ― Arthur Rubenstein[TS_VCSC_Lightbox_Gallery content_images=”331147,331148,331149,331150,331151,331153″ content_images_size=”full” content_images_titledata=”caption” content_title=”A glimpse into Bailey Stover’s 75th day of social distancing” data_grid_preloader=”-1″ lightbox_title=”caption” thumbnail_size=”full” lightbox_effect=”simpleSwitch”][/TS_VCSC_Lightbox_Gallery][penci_text_block block_title_align=”style-title-left” custom_markup_1=””]How did you spend your 75th day of social distancing? Let us know in the comments below.[/penci_text_block]
