While the city is under shelter-in-place until the beginning of May, we know that many of you are attempting to create a new normal of working at home and maybe even homeschooling your children. Our hearts are with those who have even lost their jobs due to the circumstances. Everyone is coping in different ways and finding a way to adapt and adjust to our new world. This is a series where our fellow WACOAN contributors and staff share their personal stories and updates on how they’re adapting to these times.

Kevin Tankersley, Writer

1. How are you adapting at home? What are you doing to pass the time, how are you handling homeschool, work etc.?

It’s a new world, making the transition from face-to-face classes to online, so I’m keeping it as low-tech as possible (and a few of my students have said they appreciate that). So I’m passing the time by reading endless emails; giving assignments and grading assignments for my four classes; (with the #HotChef Abby Tankersley) making sure the kids are staying on track in their schoolwork; and trying to get out at least once a day for a walk or run, anything for some sunshine and fresh air.

2. What new game, movie or TV show have you played/watched that you might recommend to others?

A good dinner table conversation starter is Talking Sticks, which I believe we got from Michelle and Robert Johnson. It’s a tube, kind of like a paper towel roll, with sticks inside that have topics written on them to get the conversation going.

We’ve also played card games, but the cards we’re using are called Music Genius Playing Cards. Each card has a drawing of a musician on it, so it’s been fun to talk about all of the musicians and introduce our kids to some new artists.