Disclaimer: Long Post! I wanted all of this information in one place so that it’s easy to find.

Schools are closing. Parents and students are home from school and work. Churches are live streaming their services. Businesses and companies are moving to having individuals telework. COVID-19 is spreading and affecting the world. The entire world. If you are like some parents I have talked to, you are probably wondering, “WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO AT HOME WITH THESE KIDS FOR 2-3 WEEKS! THESE KIDS NEED TO GO TO SCHOOL!” School is great. For some kids it is there only place of stability and routine and for many it is where two meals and a snack comes from. This is a serious issue. If you can help anyone on your block or in your community please reach out.

First, if you’re at home and you’r not sure what to do I hope the information below is helpful. It can be tough being parent and teacher. Remember to be patient and calm. Don’t overwhelm yourself.

Below you will find a wealth of websites with tons of resources, games, videos, worksheets, stories, and activities for you to do with your child while at home. Of course you should always check the sites out first and have a plan for what you want your child to do and how long you want them in front of a screen, but these sites are great!

*Some of these sites do require payment. They are not all free*

HELPFUL WEBSITES

Next …. as we are encouraging good hygiene and healthy living here are two videos! One on hand washing and one on germs you can let your young learner watch.

Sid the Science Kid- Germs

Hand Washing Video 

Finally, here are some images with some “songs” you can use while working at home to help establish a routine. If this isn’t something you do with your child, no worries! It works well with younger children.

HAND WASHING SONG

HAND WASHING SONG #2

CLEAN UP SONG

THE LISTENING SONG

I absolutely love what I do! I hope that you find the information useful in this post.

#books #reading #readabook #educator #kindergartenteacher #blackeducator #songjiang #shanghaihdbilingualschool #KGLife #peopleunderfourfeet #joy #English #bilingualschool #blackexpat #shanghai #blackgirlmagic #karlagirljoy
#blackteacherabroad #blackteacherabroadandproud #unapologeticdopeness 

#Love#China #America #ImAMelanatedTeacherAbroad

I have been at home since February of this year. I am beyond ready for life to go back to normal – whatever that is right?! I know that back at home in USA and in other parts of the world things are quickly changing. Get what you need from the store and be prepared to be at home.

Someone asked me how I can be so positive during this time. My faith has kept me positive and calm. It has helped me to not live from a place of fear, but from a place of wisdom. I have taken all safety precautions that have been given to me. I wear masks when I have to go outside, I have gloves, I carry hand-sanitizer but it is not a replacement for soap and water, I avoid touching my face, I eat well, drink lots of water, and take my vitamins daily. It will be okay. As someone who is 6 weeks in to all of this I promise you it will be okay and this too shall pass!

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE

Ending this post with Pharrell Williams – Minions – and being happy! 

I wanted to share a few different links to different articles. It would have made my last post very long. I am just sharing the experiences of different people.

This epidemic is affecting individuals in very different ways. Again, I am so thankful to be healthy, safe, and doing well in Shanghai.

What to now expect when arriving at Shanghai’s airports: 

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/uo_DKSXn2oLts89k7nq9Vg

ESL teacher spends 40 days isolated amid coronavirus outbreak

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/mypHNaQiE3KOdX9XYpdn5g

STOP IT ALREADY!!! 

This was such a great and very REAL read. “I sound like an angry black person because I am. I have been experiencing racism at the hands of Chinese, and I had made peace with the fact that this is how China is.”

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/QsxT5MdueHMXvOTzovfY5g

Quarantined in Wuhan

This post was shared with myself and some others on WeChat … please subscribe and checkout London’s page and see her experience of being quarantined in Wuhan.

Hi all!

Wanna know what being quarantined in Wuhan is like? Subscribe to my channel (Everything London)for vlog updates, or follow my IG @ifoundme23 for more frequent personal updates, news, videos and more!

https://youtu.be/WBS8H9O1dBk

One basketball players experience, Tymell Murphy

http://panthernow.com/2020/03/01/how-coronavirus-has-affected-former-fiu-basketball-player-tymell-murphy/

Road Trippin’ Around China During a Coronavirus Outbreak

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/L8Vo26wage11za2lw9TgJg

How different countries are responding to the virus:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/how-different-countries-are-handling-coronavirus-181301007.html

American woman stuck in Chin: “I can come back home now” 

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/fnCjGtoQbtvcLzxD8AIn_Q

Website: https://www.worldmeters.info/coronavirus/

^this site has very accurate information and updates on all countries^

#coronavirus #virus #sickness #thevirusisntnewjustthistrain #besafe #wearamask #quarantined #eteaching #restrelaxreset #globalemergency #publichealthemergency

I promise I am being as safe as I possibly can. I am going outside and taking precautions when I am out. I am making the most of this unfortunate situation. I hope you are taking safety precautions yourself during this time!

I do hope the links above have worked. IF you need to take a break from social media/the news/the internet do that. Stay informed, but no need to overwhelm yourself at all. I know I’m not overwhelmed and I live in China.

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE

….sometimes you just need to laugh. There’s a lot happening right now …. this scene will forever be funny to me! Click and Enjoy.

China has taken extreme measures to get the coronavirus under control as it continues to spread around the world. And their measures are working, for China. The numbers here are slowly dropping. This virus is a pubic health epidemic and it must be taken seriously. Stricter restrictions have been placed on individuals returning to China from countries that are high risk places. Quarantine is stricter now, restaurants are taking your temperature before you enter, and you’re asked to show a health QR code that shows your healthy. Code colors are green, yellow, and red and you must have a green code to enter restaurants, malls, and businesses.

I am a person who does not live from a place of fear but does operate from a place of wisdom. I do not know if America will go on a two week quarantine like we did in China, but honestly I think its best. No one likes to be controlled or told what to do, but with all that is happening and how its spreading this is best right now (just my opinion of course). The world needs to stop traveling – I know – I know flights and hotels are super cheap right now and taking a trip sounds wonderful but….everyone needs to sit still while this gets contained.  If the world would stop moving things would calm down. The virus has already spread all over the world, but we don’t need numbers to continue to rise if they don’t have to.

Life is different for everyone in China depending on your province, city, district, your compound, and employer. Everyone is having such a different experience. I listen to people, write, talk, and share about how its been for them. For some people they have been fine and for others, its been an overwhelming exhausting experience. All I can say is do the best with what you are given.

Here are a few tips for you to prepare in case your city goes under a two week quarantine. My friend Jordania gave some tips and I added to them. Here Ya Go:

Focus on the essentials, wash your hands with warm soap and water (hope you’ve already been doing this), avoid large crowds of people when possible.

1. Stock up on pre-made dinners. Pop in the oven, heat, and eat. Or prepackaged meals. Fruits and veggies, yes. Frozen or dehydrated.
2. Board games, card games, video games, computer games- any games.
3. Streaming services (music and video). Download a few things and save them!
4. Parents subscribe to educational sites or buy some books. Do projects with your children.
5. Art craft supplies. Journals/Notebooks- writing supplies.
6. Don’t forget the pets. 🐱🐶
7. Workout videos or gear. Look up and research indoor workouts.
8. Water, water, water. The ones for the water coolers.
9. Toilet paper
10. Cleaning supplies and laundry detergent.
11. Vitamins/Medication/update your home-personal first aid kit
12. Batteries/Flashlight – solar powered ones too if you feel so inclined
13. 🍷!!! Wine – if that’s something you like

^I hope that this information is helpful. You can do as much of it, as little of it, or none of it as you like. Just sharing what I think will be beneficial if you experience two weeks at home. Two weeks not at work at home sounds great until you realize you’re unprepared, don’t have any food, and one book to read!^

Me: We are currently still e-teaching and we have no official date for when we will return back to school. I am safe, I have food, water, wifi and all the essentials. I am able to go out and do things. I am not totally bored, but definitely ready for life to go back to normal.

soooooooooooooo I am working and teaching at home. Watching all of the TV Shows that make me laugh and that I enjoy! I am reading lots of books and taking naps as my schedule allows in between my video lessons with my students… life is different right now, but I am safe and healthy and for that I am truly thankful!

#coronavirus #virus #sickness #thevirusisntnewjustthistrain #besafe #wearamask #quarantined #eteaching #restrelaxreset #globalemergency #publichealthemergency

I promise I am being as safe as I possibly can. I am going outside and taking precautions when I am out. I am making the most of this unfortunate situation.

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE

I play this to get hype though! Listen and Enjoy …. I smile every time I hear it. BIG Thanks to Althea for sharing it with me. 

Today Is:

WORLD BOOK DAY

2020 Theme: Share A Million Stories 

• Reading is a vital skill that you need for your life
• Being able to read allows you to do so many things
• Reading for enjoyment can be very helpful students-IT can help them to:                      1- Perform better on tests                                                                                                         2- Develop a larger vocabulary                                                                                                  3- Increase their knowledge on a variety of things                                                            4- Understand and learn about other cultures                                                                    5- Have an improved well being
• Reading should be a part of our daily lives
• Everybody should be reading

I absolutely love being an educator so I want to share monthly things that may be helpful in the classroom/with your student. If I am able to share more I definitely will. I will also share pictures, videos, and activities that I do in my classroom. Currently, my school is I e-teaching, but I will share things that I have done in the past and whats to come!

Happy Teaching! Happy Educating! Continue to change the world. 

Here are a few questions to ask your student instead of: “How was school?”

1:  Who did you play with today?

2: What was the hardest thing about class today?

3: If you could change anything about your school what would it be?

4: Did you do anything nice for anyone in your class today? Did anyone do something nice for you today?

5: What did you learn new today?

6: Does everyone in your class have someone to play with during free time?

7: What was the hardest rule to follow today?

8: What class rule would you add if you could any one rule?

9: Did anyone cry in your class today?

10: If you could switch places with your teacher tomorrow and teach the class what would you teach to the class? Why do you want to teach this thing?

I hope that these questions help you engage in conversation with your student/child. These should help them to think critically and help the conversation to move past “I had a good day” … We should push our students to want to chat with us about the good and bad of their day and other details that they may not think to share!

#educator #kindergartenteacher #blackeducator #songjiang #shanghaihdbilingualschool #KGLife #peopleunderfourfeet #joy #English #bilingualschool #blackexpat #shanghai #blackgirlmagic #karlagirljoy
#blackandabroad #blackandproud #unapologeticdopeness

#Love#China #America #ImAMelanatedTeacherAbroad

Being an educator is great! There is nothing like it. It’s not for everyone, that’s for sure. I once heard someone say “If a child cannot learn in the way we teach, we must teach in a way a child can learn.” This really shaped the way that I teach and control my classroom. I want every child who enters my classroom to learn and to enjoy learning! Here’s to all the great teachers who put their students first.

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE

Finally- this talk on how every kid needs a champion was encouraging, inspiring, and so helpful for me. May we all be champions for our kids!

It’s March which means I am one month in to this #CoronavirusShanghaiLife

…. and oh my gosh I’m soooooooo over it!!! 

Yes, I am being productive and making the most of this time, but …. sheeeeeeesh how long is this gonna be ????

WOW – four weeks yall – 4 weeks in. Because I am four weeks in I have completed my 14 day quarantine. I am still taking all precautions when I go out to do things. More stores, businesses, and restaurants are opening and the city-Shanghai- is sloooooooooooowly going back to normal. SLOWLY! I was able to get out this weekend with friends. You are required to wear a mask while out in public/in stores and you have your temperature taken before entering any place. Once inside a restaurant you’re safe to take off your mask and enjoy your meal/your time.

We are living in uncertain times. It is interesting to be here (in China) for sure, but, also its affecting countries all over the world. We just don’t know when decisions will be made regarding returning to school, quarantines ending, travel bans, our lives. I know that there are others who are more weeks in to this ‘at-home quarantine’ -#CoronavirusChinaLiving than I am and some that are less weeks in than I am. Either way … #Coronavirus is affecting the entire world. It has affected personal lives, professional lives, businesses, stocks, travel, so many different things.

I know that everyone is experiencing and responding to this in different ways and that everyone doesn’t have the ability to move as freely as I do in Shanghai. I’m thankful I can move about and do things daily. I am a generally positive person who sees life from a very “Pollyana” type of way. I am over it and I am ready for life to go back to normal, but I am not in control of it all. So me panicking or freaking out will not help anything at all. I am taking life one day at a time, which is really all we can ever do and not planning too far ahead into the future because things are always changing.

Currently my school, along with many others are still e-teaching.  That looks very different for different schools and different grade levels. My students are ready to go back to school and I know many of their parents are ready for them to return to school too! I miss being in the classroom for sure so life going back to normal is definitely welcomed. We (teachers -at my school) are making video calls to students/their families just to have some face to face time and to be able to talk to them. We just have conversation for a few minutes. One of my students said “I miss school lunch” and another said “You are my teacher my dad is not my teacher” and we all laughed uncontrollably on the video. The video calls are fun, they are voluntary, so students/parents are not required to do them, but they can do them if they want. We call each family that signs up once a week and we have had different students sign up each week!

I want to share a few different articles that I have read so you can see how others are responding to this virus and some helpful information.

This is an overwhelming experience for sure and I hope you are taking any and all necessary precautions where you are. As I read the news I see how the virus is making its way around the world! Be safe out there.

As coronavirus cases rise, ex-pats in China hunker down:

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-cases-rise-pats-china-hunker/story?id=69199847

Why Hand washing could really slow down an epidemic: 

#coronavirus #virus #sickness #thevirusisntnewjustthistrain #besafe #wearamask #quarantined #eteaching #restrelaxreset #globalemergency #publichealthemergency

I promise I am being as safe as I possibly can. I am going outside and taking precautions when I am out. I am making the most of this unfortunate situation.

As always, thanks for following the blog and my life abroad!

I hope that you are well. 

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE

HeyYallHey! There isn’t much more to say. It’s day 24 for me here in Shanghai and I have just entered week 4 of this corona virus living…. almost makes me want a corona but I don’t even like those! hahahhaha!!!! When things get tough I can always say I survived living in China during a global world health epidemic

Spent last week e-teaching! This has pushed me to learn more about technology and different apps so I am definitely learning more during this time which is great.

I have started two books so I am telling myself not to start anymore books until I finish the two that I have started.

More restaurants have opened and places around the city. You can go outside. Yes I go outside.  Interactions with people is needed. You need to wear your mask when you go outside, and your temperature is taken before going inside any restaurant, store, or shop. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so while I’m taking all precautions to be as healthy as possible I am getting outside as much as I can.

Last week I did a 21km bike ride with friends. That was nice- and exhausting!

I will be honest I am ready for life to go back to normal. I really am but teaching from home isn’t the worst thing in the world! ….okay time to take my EMERGEN-C and get to work … these video calls and online lessons are waiting for me!

#coronavirus #virus #sickness #thevirusisntnewjustthistrain #besafe #wearamask #quarantined #eteaching #restrelaxreset #globalemergency #publichealthemergency

I promise I am being as safe as I possibly can. I am going outside and taking precautions when I am out. I am making the most of this unfortunate situation.

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE

Happy Black History Month Yall!

STUMBLE: THE APP

I am so happy to share about the work that one of my really good friends, Deatra Branston is doing. Being on quarantine will be what you make of it. It can be awful, overwhelming, depressing, and the worst time ever or it can be relaxing, calming, rejuvenating, productive and a refreshing time.

Deatra has taken this time to make a name for herself and has done it in a great way! She created – CREATIVE START PRODUCTIONS to have a space for expression where it did not previously exist. Sometimes you realize you have all the tools to make the things happen that you desire and you go for it!

Please check out the link below and stay tuned for more to come from her. I expect and look forward to nothing but amazing-greatness from her! I know that a lot of blood, sweat, hard work, and tears went into the sketch that is below. I hope you all love it as much as I did. Watch & Enjoy!!!

#deatra #stumbletheapp #creativestartproductions #blackgirlmagic #createyourown #comedy #sketch #producer #writer #entertainer #thatgirldoesitall #shemadeherdreamhappen #thetimeisnow #dontwait #blackgirljoy #creative

Rainer Maria Rilke said, “And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that never were” – – kudos to Deatra for creating what never was and what now is.

I am loving all of the great things that my friends are doing with their time with this quarantine.

Here is to a great 2020!!!

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE

Yall! What a time to be alive, in Shanghai, and living in the midst of a global-world-health epidemic!!!

I started this day, Tuesday, February 18, 2020 with speaking to American Government students at Thomas Jefferson University (Monday evening for these students) about my experience of being in Shanghai while the Coronavirus is happening. That was great and I was glad to share my experience with them.  -Many Thanks to my friend Timothy Welbeck for the opportunity to speak to his students about my experience.

A little while later while preparing to make video calls to my students more than one friend posted a message in a few different WeChat groups about an article that I wrote that was published. A friend of mine told me “Don’t read the comments” – so you know what I did, right? I read the comments!  I had to read them y’all. I’m good though. Folks can write what they want to write and respond/comment how they want to. I am more than okay. Always interesting to see someone’s perspective.

Here is a link to the article. I hope you enjoy the read: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/tq27pWmYqgK5ghHiiTbxMQ

Thanks for telling me the link wasn’t working. I have tried the link on my end, and a few other individuals tried it. I hope its working now for you. 

Many thanks to Stuart and TEFL Lemon (www.tefllemon.com) for allowing me to share on their platform. TEFL Lemon is a teaching site with loads of information for ESL teaching. It gives you so much of what you search the web for in one space. You can find information on classroom activities, flashcards games, warmers for kids and adults, information on TEFL courses and much more. Check out the site if this is something of interest to you.

#TEFLLEMON #tefl #ESL #eslactivities #teachingenglishasaforeignlanguage #internationalteaching #keeptheclassroomfun 

I am on day 18 of this at home quarantine …. whew y’all … just …. Definitely ready for life to resume back to normal! Yes. 

#coronavirus #virus #sickness #thevirusisntnewjustthisstrain #besafe #wearamask #quarantined #eteaching #restrelaxreset #globalemergency #publichealthemergency

With all that being said, I am healthy, safe, and well. My days are spent inside my home unless I need to leave out to get groceries or any life necessities. I am able to leave my home and walk freely, but I choose to stay inside as much as possible.

I am doing my best to make the most of an unfortunate situation. Here’s to hoping life resumes back to normal soon!

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE

… and here we are rolling into week 3 of February and KMG closing out week 2 of at home quarantine.

14 days yall. I did it. And in my best Antwone Fischer voice-

“I’M STILL STANDING. IM STILL STRONG!” 

The Chinese government has advised that everyone respects and adheres to an at-home 14 day quarantine. I will say that every city, province, district, and even apartment complex have different/stricter rules than others. I am in Shanghai and the district that I live in hasn’t been so strict. I can leave my compound (apartment complex), go the supermarket, walk outside, do what I need to do and go home freely. Other districts and cities have stricter rules for coming and going. I still have no issue with food, water, wifi, or anything like that. This is not to say that some are not having these issues, I know that smaller cities are having a harder time with having access to the things that they need. I am thankful that where I am I have access to everything that I need.

I have been back for 14 days, I don’t feel sick, when I do have to leave my home I am fully covered, I have gloves and a mask on, and my own travel size disinfectant spray. I am taking all precautions that I know to take to stay safe and healthy. I spend most of my hours inside. I have been productive in my home keeping myself busy, but mostly keeping myself safe and healthy. Even though I feel healthy and well I will still be on at home quarantine spending as little time as possible outside until instructed to do otherwise.

I am positive, yes, but I am ready for life to go back to normal. Everything about what is happening right now just, well, SUCKS. There is probably a more eloquent way to describe it, but that’s all I got right now. It really does suck. I am not rushing anything, I want everything to be under control before resuming our daily and busy lives here in Shanghai, but being by yourself and isolated, when its not voluntary isn’t all that great – at least for me. Some folks are loving this, and some are hating it. I have friends who have taken extended holiday in nearby countries, which can be expensive and eventually your travel visa may expire depending on where you are, and some friends who went back to USA to wait this out. A lot of us are still here in Shanghai. Whatever your decision, everyone had to make the BEST decision for themselves. 

It has been awful all the lives that have been lost as a result of this virus. I really hope its all contained and handled very soon. Until then I am e-teaching my students and they say that they are enjoying the videos and lessons so far. I enjoy the classroom, so I miss it for sure, but I am taking life one day at a time as it comes.

#coronavirus #virus #sickness #thevirusisntnewjustthistrain #besafe #wearamask #quarantined #eteaching #restrelaxreset #globalemergency #publichealthemergency

I have been cooking, trying new recipes, reading, working out, and watching all the tv and movies! If you have any recommendations for recipes, books, TedTalks, TV Shows, at home workouts, and movies I should watch please reply and let me know! I’m game to try some new things out.

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE

and PJ Morton has a new album! The Piano Album … check it out when you get a chance!