My institution chose to have students on campus, so we are here, wearing masks and social distancing. I am teaching in a hybrid mode two days per week for each class and all on Zoom one day a week so we can see each other's faces and have a good all group discussion. However, because I am with students daily, I don't feel comfortable seeing my parents who are both 90 years old. I live in fear that one of them will pass away while we are apart - but the fear of bringing the virus into their home is even greater. This is my sadness.

As a virologist, I feel comfortable sifting through the information. I believe I am able to separate the important and the highly reliable information from the information that is less reliable. I am comfortable with the uncertainty as I understand the pace of discovery.

I am a person of faith and I have relied on a lifetime of the practice of prayer. I talk to my sister who is my best friend (and an MD with lots of knowledge) often. I go for a long walk every Sunday morning with a colleague. I exercise two times a week with a small group of friends (with masks and social distancing). I binge watched the #1 Ladies Detective Agency with Jill Scott and got lost in the sweet stories and the beautiful African landscapes. I try to

do one kind thing for someone else each day.

I am working longer days and there is more stress. I worry most about the students I teach - I don't want this to side track their opportunities.

I am back on campus from 8am - 5pm, but I do have a mini office at home as well. It has a comfy chair, a laptop, good lighting, a window, lots of books (my favorite things), a big mug of sharpened pencils, my favorite pen, and a spot for my coffee cup.

One course I set up as 20 independent studies as it was a course in our general education program that focuses on improving student writing. I work with each student two times each week (once in person if possible and once on Zoom) to give them feedback on the three writing projects they are completing this term.

I am experiencing Zoom fatigue. I do need a break from this mode of work and look forward to the holidays. I don't think it is better or worse - just a challenge for the introvert when 12-15 people are in the space - and my eyes to get tired if I have 4-6 hours of Zoom a day as I do sometimes.

I let them decide if they are coming to my office in person or on Zoom. If we are meeting - I spend at least five minutes with each of them just talking about life - how they are doing - checking in. I am taking late work (which I generally never do) because sometimes it is just necessary right now.

I expect a vaccine to normalize coronavirus in a similar way to the way the flu vaccine has helped us with this virus. I do not expect I will ever feel the same about shaking hands with people. I think my zone of comfort for being near people will be bigger - I will not want to be as close to people I don't know well. I may wear a mask when traveling forever - but I look forward to not having to wear one at work.

(About what is remembered from this time period:)  Missing my family.