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EVERYBODY HURTS..... SOMETIMES

4/7/2020

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It’s been a week since I posted any new links and articles. There were plenty. But I hit the wall. Figuratively speaking.

At first, I was dealing with covid by using my time at home to develop new skills, cooking and building a blog for example. At the time that felt like the best use of my time. I was inspired by all the promising positivism happening despite this hard time… and I wanted to document and share some of these amazing efforts by individuals and companies alike, inspire others to feel hopeful.

But I realized that a lot of people didn’t react to the coronavirus pandemic, working and educating their kids from home, the social distancing and the social isolation that comes with it in the same way. I felt it this past week. All the bad news that seem to be getting worse got the best of me. Just getting through the day in sweatpants, and no plan or responsibility was what I had to challenge myself to accomplish this past weekend. Not having a total breakdown was the biggest accomplishment possible. And that’s OK I realize. I am forgiving myself for barely functioning. It’s OK not to be OK.
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I am starting to get back up, slowly. Art has been a calming force and an escape from reality since I can remember. When I didn’t speak any English 25 years ago, I relied on visual ques to navigate my new surroundings, both physical and emotional. Just like then I find solace in anything beautiful now. The virtual “micro escape” to Frida Kahlo Museum offered just that. Music helped too. 
 
Check out new posts in Audio/ Media for virtual tours to museums and other cultural treasures and try to stay well
Best
A

 
When your day is long
And the night, the night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough
Of this life, well hang on
Don't let yourself go
'Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts sometimes
Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it's time to sing along
PS for some of the younger folks, the title and these lyrics are by REM, one of the best band in my humble opinion
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WE ARE ALL WE HAVE

4/1/2020

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Hello beautiful humans! Hope all of you are as well as can be. I wish I could tell you a funny April fools' day, but no such luck. I'm out of jokes.

What I do want to share with you and hope you can do something about it is a call to help those in dire need. Our most vulnerable, the homeless community. 

Here is an email from angels who run the Simpson Homeless Shelter. Besides update on their current state of the state, there is a list of items needed the most which you can buy at Target or on Amazon and have it shipped directly to shelter. If you can help even a little please do. If you need help please feel free to reach out and I'll make sure to connect you with someone who can help. 


Greetings Shelter Support Volunteers,
 
We have completed two weeks of operating the shelter for 24 hours and we miss you! I spoke with Robert and Marian and they wanted you all to know that things are going well at the shelter. They were concerned that guests would get antsy, but thankfully folks are remaining calm.
 
The team is working to establish a routine (I’m sure many of you can relate!) and report that they rent a Redbox movie each day and have purchased some items from a dollar store to keep folks entertained. If you would like to help with entertainment, please see the special needs list below.
 
Robert and Marian were also glad to report that Simpson Housing and other housing providers are finding creative ways to move folks into housing while maintaining as much social distancing as possible.
 
Hennepin County Resources
To date, 17 guests who are age 60 and older have moved into individual hotel rooms to allow for social distancing. Hennepin County staff are on site at the hotels to provide support and resources. Hennepin County Healthcare for the Homeless also opened up a triage phone line yesterday to assist shelter providers that encounter folks with symptoms of COVID-19. We haven’t had to access this service so far.
 
Social Media
An easy way to stay up to date on our programming is to follow us on Social Media. We’ll have a special post about the shelter later this week.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
 
Supply Needs
  • Disposable shaving razors
  • Deodorant
  • Personal tissue packets
  • Personal hand sanitizer
  • All sizes of boxers
  • All sizes of white t-shirts
  • Women’s underwear 5-7
  • Ground coffee
  • Tea
  • Gently used or new bath towels
  • Travel size body wash, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion
 
Extra Special Entertainment Requests
  • BINGO prizes – headphones, chargers, speakers, hair products and/or accessories, snacks, good chocolate/candy, makeup, slippers, flip flop sandals, robes, etc.
  • New puzzles
  • Playing cards
  • Magazines
  • Books
  • Games
  • Art/craft supplies
  • Coloring books
  • Word Search books
  • Markers/crayons/colored pencils
  • Redbox gift cards
 
Gifts for Staff
I asked staff if there was anything we could do to help lift their spirits and they asked for BINGO supplies for our guests. 🙂 I pressed a little more and learned that they enjoy candy, Cliff bars, individually packaged snacks, and “good” coffee for the new coffee maker they put in their office. If you would like to give an item for staff, they would welcome the positive connection. 
 
How To Donate
We have a few ways to donate during this time:
  1. Items may be shipped to my attention at our office – please include a note so I know it’s from you! Simpson Housing Services | Attn: Christina Giese | 2100 Pillsbury Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404. I pop into the office regularly to go through packages and bring things to and from the shelter.
  2. You can use Amazon, Target, or another online retailer to deliver to us.
  3. I can meet you at our office for a touch-less drop off – I will pick up from your trunk and you can complete our online donation form instead of using paper.
  4. Financial gifts are always helpful.
 
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. Thank you all for being a critical part of the Simpson community,
 
Christina Giese
Director of Volunteer Engagement
           
612.455.0859
cgiese@simpsonhousing.org
                       
Simpson Housing Services
Bell House Office
2100 Pillsbury Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
www.simpsonhousing.org

 
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NEW UPDATES IN ALL TABS

3/31/2020

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So my kids had red velvet cupcakes and Nutella for breakfast! I think I win MOM OF THE YEAR award! No I am actually panicked... but where I am doing a semi decent job as a parent is providing my kids with resources for learning.

Just found this site that blows mine out of water!All grades PK-12 covered for free from tons of educational corporations, curated  by common sense media.  

WIDE OPEN SCHOOL

And if you haven't checked out different tabs on this site in a while, check them out. Each was updated with a few links worth visiting.

Otherwise, stay safe and well!
​A
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Free Food/ Time Sensitive

3/30/2020

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Free Food Tuesday 3/31,  Noon to Dark in Crystal MN

Hello friends

I will use this blog post to inform you of any upcoming food drives for our community. There is one tomorrow Tuesday 3/31 starting at noon. Here is all the info, please share or consider making a run for your family or someone else because you can pick up for multiple families (or donate to a shelter)! They also have free delivery - see below for contact!

4100 Douglas Dr N. Crystal MN
Food Distribution Site: Serenity Village Community Church
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Fresh Vegetables, fresh fruit, bread, dairy and more. This is for everyone who wants it, there is plenty and we will not run out! The fresh food needs to be eaten soon, please help us so it does not have to be thrown away in the garbage.

Food comes from various places including school districts, restaurants, and food distributors, closed community food shelves. Over 5000 car loads went out at Serenity Village Community Church.  Restocking is complete.

This is a drive through event, they will load it into your trunk or car. You can pick up for multiple families.

If you are not able to pick up yourself email Mr. Kiley Benson at kiley.benson@bekind2people.org for delivery.

If you are interested in volunteering contact Kiley at  kiley.benson@serenityvillagecc.org. 

Please follow my Facebook page for future updates “Jim Adams Crystal Mayor”.
 
Por favor, pasa este mensaje:
Serenity Village Church-4100 Douglas Drive Crystal- es un buen sitio de distribución.
 
En los últimos días, que han recibido 2 semis de alimentos de USFoods y a partir del mediodía martes se puede pasar a recoger comestibles. GRATIS. Ayúdenos a distribuir esta comida a cualquiera. Acérquese en su auto y nosotros pondremos la comida en su cajuela.
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WHILE AT HOME WITH KIDS EDITION: WEEK 3

3/30/2020

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How to keep things light and maybe even fun

This weekend was the first time my family and I took a mental break from Covid 19, and what that meant for us was doing absolutely nothing but sleeping, being lazy, eating sweets, watching movies and laughing together. For the time being it was easy to forget isolation and reality outside of our walls. But it was also a good reminder that no matter how hard this is there are always reasons to be happy.

How are you all doing? Are you finding new ways to connect or develop new traditions that you may continue once this is all done? 

Since I didn't get a chance to post anything here this weekend I need to play catch up as the list of great resources is piling up.  
A friend sent me this link for another great information hub. Check it out, lots of links so I won't post them all individually (maybe the top unique ones). Besides academics the links include well being (mental and physical) and technology resources and tips and many others. The site is worth checking out! 

WHILEATHOME.ORG
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EDUTOPIA

As school buildings close and students take learning virtually, this creates a unique challenge for students with special needs. Here are some apps educators share recommendations for apps to support learning at home.
LINK

ONE TREE PLANTED

One Tree Planted is a non-profit organization based in Vermont and focused on global reforestation. They have some fun activities you can do at home with kids! 7 activities are included in this document:
How to make a reusable bag?! A Rainforest Terrarium? How about a paint brush? Or a seed ball?

Check it out here

and when you have time visit their website there are other resources for teachers and students. This is a great organization worth supporting!

ONE TREE PLANTED 

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HELP FOR KIDS WHO STRUGGLE WITH LEARNING

3/27/2020

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Code Read’s collection of links to keep kids entertained and educated during isolation periods

My older daughter has learning disabilities. School is a struggle on daily basis let along now. Today I received a notification that her IEP (individualized educational plan) will have to be amended to accommodate distance (online) learning. I don't have special education degree.

But thankfully there are many parents like myself who have fought a long and hard battle for their kiddos. One of my go to places for tools is this Australian group called Code Read Dyslexia Network, and several others. While this site is for dyslexic families the tools really apply to anyone. Kids who don't like or have a hard time in school or parents who are trying to be teachers and anxiety specialists at home.

There is a great article with links for many good resources raining from how to handle school contingency plans, digital learning management systems, mobile reading apps, phonics tools and many many other tools. Check it out! You may find something helpful for your family.
Article with all the links
Code Read Network website

Some of the links we really liked exploring are:
Brave Writer – free webinars (US based recorded webinars)
Khan Academy – free – many resources across various topics
National Geographics Kids
The San Diego Zoo has a live webcam for animals
Explore the surface of Mars on the Curiosity Rover
Geography with National Geographic
National Gallery of Victoria Virtual Tour

These links will also be added to either the E LEARNING or AUDIO/ MEDIA sections for easy access.

Stay sane! This too shall pass. With no end in sight, just remember that with each passing day we are closer to the finish line! 
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Best
A
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NEW WORKOUT RESOURCES!

3/26/2020

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CHRIS HEMSWORTH IS OFFERING FREE VIRTUAL WORKOUTS FOR THE NEXT SIX WEEKS

You don't want to miss this one! Even just watching those videos is super inspiring in itself!  That's what I'll be doing anyway!  Click and enjoy!  Chris Ham.
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CORE POWER YOGA ON DEMAND

If CP is more your jam, you can access a library of videos on demand for free here. Many thanks to Justine K. for sharing! (this resource is also cataloged under self care tab)

‘Nation’s P.E. Teacher’ Offering Free Daily Kids’ Workouts On YouTube

Joe Wicks, U.K. professional trainer is helping kids stuck at home stay fit and energized though live 30-minute workouts just for students!
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The Body Coach TV - YouTube
The Body Coach Website
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RSS FEED SIGN UP - OUTLOOK HOW TO

3/26/2020

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Thank you for those of you who are visiting the site and letting me know that RSS feed button is not working. RSS allows you to sign up for updates/ new posts.

So I dug into it. If you are signing up with your work email (probably best) you need to do it manually in outlook. The RSS feed folder is separate from you inbox so you won't be bombarded with new post notifications and can check them out when you feel like it. 

Step 1:
Under Outlook's side bar you should have a folder called RSS Subscriptions (image on the left)

Step 2:
Right click on it and add this address http://www.obpdmfamily.com/2/feed and Add

The The RSS Feed folder will then have the OBPDM Family folder, which will hold any new post notification 1 day.  
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IT'S A MARATHON NOT A SPRINT.....

3/26/2020

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Phew.... 
Yesterday was a horrible day in my house. Screaming, yelling, arguing, my kids were uncontrollable as my husband took their electronic devices away (didn't go well on day 3 of week 2). I also had a migraine.  I kept telling myself it’s a marathon not a sprint…

But I only have a surface level understanding of sprint vs. marathon as two distances which vary in length.
However the more I think about it I think it means a lot more than just the amount of time it takes to run each. I attempted running.... once… a mile… long story short, it wasn’t for me.
 
What I learned about running though was very important. I realized that instant gratification wasn’t an option. There was this plan I was supposed to have and follow (walk then run in increments, 3-5 times a week). It required training, both physical and mental. Downhill running was easy, but uphill was a battle. Roadblocks were inevitable! My legs stopped working and I needed time to recover.
 
I felt so many highs and lows about something so seemingly easy yet so freaking hard to accomplish.
But again, 
nothing is easy, especially now.
 
What I do know, the process of reflection, having patience and a will to train new muscles will help us push through dark times and make us resilient in areas of life we didn’t expect. Right?
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DETERMINATION WILL OVERCOME ANY OBSTACLE

3/25/2020

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WOW! What a community!

Excited to see many of you respond positively to this site and share tons of personal experiences and diverse ideas to navigate the new normal!

Can't wait to post and catalog all of them. In the mean time here are a few live links you can explore on your own:

Quick shutout to Harmony for sending these our way!  
Happiness class: Yale's most popular class is available online for free! Elemental's best rated At-Home Workout Apps

Thank you Kim Bogeman for sending these:
The Smithsonian Learning Lab
NY Times: BIG list of Podcasts for LITTLE Kids 2-6
All Brit + Co Online Classes FREE until 3/31

FREE 4wk homeschool curriculum from Bravery Mag.

​Positive News (we all need more of those):
The Happy Broadcast
Good News Network
Free Coloring Pages:​
Clover Scout
Crayola
Prints & Plants
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and lastly this link
google drive 

BTW! What are you having for lunch today? How do you manage to nourish yourself, your kids or others on daily bases? Do you want to share some of your proven go to solutions? I miss Simpls! They are still selling gift cads and catering for delivery.

As I think of lunch ideas, I also think of those who don't have any options and rely on food banks now more than ever. If you find it in your heart and wallet to help others click on PRISM wish list. Even $10-15 may help buy a snack or a meal for someone, delivered straight to PRISM's door all you need to do is click+add+check out. 

Best
A
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