UMKC Provost Jenny Lundgren is sheltering in place with her 5-year-old daughter, 10-year-old son, her husband and their dog. As life takes steps back toward “normal,” their household is beginning to resemble pre-COVID activity.
“My husband goes to work each day and my daughter is back at daycare, so during the day it’s me, my son and our dog,” Lundgren says. “My son spends most of his day playing [the online game] Roblox with his friends, but that will change in July when camps start up. Thankfully!”
Everyone in the Lundgren house is doing his and her share to keep things running smoothly.
“I work best when the house is organized and clean, so that’s been my contribution” she says. “My son has weekly chores and my husband does most of the cooking. We both love to work outside in the yard, so we are doing that together when we have a chance.”
"The work day doesn’t have a starting and stopping place like it used to."
Even while sheltering in place, home has looked very similar for her family, except the dining room became her office.
“My actual office at home has poor Wi-Fi, so I’ve spent most days in the dining room. That worked well when I was simultaneously home schooling my 4th grade son.”
While Lundgren and her family have managed to blend work and home, it can be challenging.
“The work day doesn’t have a starting and stopping place like it used to,” she says.
Still, the family is finding a way to take breaks and find joy.
“We get to the lake every once in a while, and have the opportunity to spend some time in nature,” Lundgren says. “I love hearing my daughter say, ‘This is the best day of my life!’ I’m reminded that you don’t need exciting vacations to make your kids happy.”
What are you reading?
I wish I were reading more than just emails! I try to practice Spanish on the Duolingo app every day, so that – and emails - are the bulk of my current reading. I just ordered Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, and I’m looking forward to reading that.
What are you watching?
What are you eating?
The only consistent food in my diet is a daily iced coffee with cream and sugar!