4-H Happenings; an article by UTK-TSU Extension Agent Michelle Matthews

We are certainly living out history with the COVID-19 pandemic.  Schools have closed.  Students have moved to online learning.  (I tend to call it home schooling.)  Many adults are now telecommuting.  Businesses have either closed or have drastically changed the way they are doing business.  Stores are selling out of necessities.  People are encouraged to stay home as much as possible.  Many church doors are closed and services are streaming online.  I didn’t see this coming. 

                I would like to share how this has impacted me.  I have three children (teenagers) that I am now guiding through their schooling.  In addition, I am assisting my little sister, age 9.  You see, last week my mother passed away.  She and my dad adopted a little girl when she was a very small baby.  My dad is what you would say is technologically challenged.  I’m pitching in and helping in any way I can.  If that means teaching my little sister, I’m all in.  We’re family.  That’s what we do for each other.

                I am one of the many adults that is telecommuting.  I’m working from home.  My husband is too.  We have converted our office into official work spaces for us.  Our dining room and living room is now a classroom with four separate work stations for our four kids that are online learning.  The first few days have been stressful to say the least.  But, what I’ve decided needs to happen is structure and routine.  And, find what works for you!  For example, it’s 6:00 am.  I’m up writing this news article.  I am hoping to get a few hours of work in before my kids wake up and they start their schooling. 

                Another piece of advice I have is take time to incorporate exercise into your day.  Again, find what works for you.  We have a couple of pieces of exercise equipment in our garage.  We are taking breaks and taking turns on the equipment.  We’ve also been doing more bike riding and taking family walks in our neighborhood.

                Use this time to prepare more home meals.  Yesterday I prepared a healthy meal of pulled barbeque pork, dinner rolls and fried potatoes.  Not only was this healthier than take-out, but it was cheaper too!  I calculated that I fed my family of five for under $7.00 total! That is cheaper than one take out meal alone! 

                Remember to count your blessings.  Take time to reflect on the positive.  Laugh a little and smile a lot.  It’s all too easy to get down on yourself when things don’t go as planned, but remember to look on the bright side.  Times may be tough now, but I fully believe down the road I will reflect on these days and perhaps even be thankful for the opportunity to actually slow life down and grow closer to family.  I hope you will be able to do that too. 

                Yes, I realize this was supposed to be a 4-H related article.  Although my focus wasn’t on 4-H, I wrote what was on my heart.  But, in regards to 4-H, we have had to make some temporary changes.  Our office is closed, but we are in business.  We have had to cancel all 4-H events and activities but expect to resume on May 1.  We will keep the public aware if this becomes extended.  You can always stay connected through our Facebook page and website.  You can call our office at 723-5141.  You can also email me directly at jmatthe1@utk.edu.  Our hope is to still provide exciting educational opportunities for youth.  We just have to get more creative than ever before.