It is Day 500 of staying at home…
I’ve got jokes obviously, but many days I wake up and wonder what day it is since they all seem to blend together..
March 7th was the last time I actually went “out to dinner” at a restaurant. *Edit: Florida restaurants are now “open” at 25% capacity in some areas, but I have yet to actually dine in…thinking I will be waiting on that.*
March 14th was the last time I had a get together with family and friends.
March 18th was the last time I was in the office, and really was the last day I went anywhere significant…
After that, things became kind of a blur. Enter the term, “Coronavirus” or “COVID-19”. I’m definitely not here to go into detail about where it came from or why- I think we all have enough of that information. Regardless, it’s here and it’s affected the world for the last 7 weeks or more and pretty much made our daily lives come to a halt. We are told staying at home is critical to help “flatten the curve”. It seems so easy right? Staying home and out of the public for an undetermined amount of time. Luckily, I am blessed to be able to work remotely. That unfortunately, is not the case for everyone and the unemployment rate is heartbreaking right now…
Going to the Grocery store used to be a simple activity. Now, it’s like preparing to go to battle with the outside world. Mask on, wipes ready, and sanitizer on tap. Everyone is walking around with masks on and it feels EXTRA eerie. I just keep thinking to myself…is this our new normal? To be honest, I don’t mind strangers continuing to stay 6 feet away from me even after this is over…#germaphobe.
It is officially Week 7 of all of this, and I have to say, overall I’m feeling good(besides the fact I need a good mani/pedi because I’m not a great DIYer when it comes to that)! It’s been a typical up and down rollercoaster for sure. Some days I am on top of the world, and other days I’m upset that things aren’t “normal”. I think we can all relate…
With all that being said and with so much uncertainty, it is important to remember what you CAN control. As long as I keep reminding myself of those things, the way I looked at the #quarantinelife became much more positive. I have tried to make the best of this situation, and I honestly have enjoyed the momentary life “pause”. It was really something I think many of us never knew we needed.
So, as the country starts easing back into opening, I want to reflect on the last 7 weeks and how I truly made the best of the time at home. I may not be in the same situation you are in (BIG DISCLAIMER: I have no kids…;)), and honestly if you got by many days just “surviving’, you should be proud of that. There are so many of my coworkers who were acting as teachers, workers, moms, and more. It was a challenge no one could have expected, but we are all coming out on top!
Here are some ideas that I incorporated into my life in the last 7 weeks that I hope to continue even after this is over.
1. Stayed on my fitness game..mostly.
The #Quarantine15 is definitely a thing, but are you going to lose it or gain it? 😉
I started the first week upset about this entire situation and just kept snacking all day. The 2nd week, I got myself into gear and have been walking and strength training at home every day. It is my goal to move EVERY day. Getting outside for walks is something I never did as much as I am now, and I’m starting to really enjoy it. I miss the gym for sure, but working out at home has inspired me to get creative!
I’ve also been cooking a bit more…whaaaat? It still needs some work, but I’m getting there. Two of my friends and I also started a Weight Watchers challenge together-it’s been super fun sharing recipes and best tips through all this craziness!
My health is always my priority, but now more than ever, it is so important to keep it moving(and I know you’ve seen AT LEAST one of your friends doing a Facebook live workout by now, right?;))
2. Launched this Blog(finally)
Starting a blog has been my goal for a lonnnggg time. It was one of those things “I never had time for…”. I love writing, I always have. I am finally putting energy toward it and I am super excited. I shared my first post a few weeks ago, and it has inspired me to keep writing. I have so many ideas in play and I am hoping to really make this something special. <3
3. Designed an Epic Home Office Space.
Working from Home as forced me to upgrade my desk area with a second monitor and some other accessories. It has truly helped me “Get in the zone” during the week. This is definitely an upgrade from working at a kitchen table:).
4. Spent Quality time with the Hubz
Will stayed home with me for 2 weeks in the beginning of the stay-at home orders while I worked. He’s also really been the only human being I’ve been interacting with over the past 7 weeks. 🙂 2020 has definitely been a trying year for us, so I felt like this quarantine gave us time together to reflect and just be ourselves.
Our 2 year anniversary was in quarantine, but we made the best of it with our “Cotton themed” photo shoot & our “Level 2 Complete” matching shirts.
5. Created a Dance video
So, I think most of the #over30 club is part of TikTok now and the teenagers are basically like #thanksbutnothanks. It is very similar to how my generation was when everyone joined Facebook, so I definitely feel their pain.
HOWEVER… Tik Tok is a super fun and creative way to make videos and particularly DANCE challenges. I’ve had some fun with it, but it gave me an even better idea. Will and I made our own dance compilation. See below for the fun…I hear there may even be a part 2…
This moment in time is definitely rare. No one asked for it, but we are living it. Do I miss my “old life”? OF COURSE. Nothing is normal about what is happening and it is okay to feel anxiety, panic, anger, or frustration. However, we have a choice every single day to wake up and say we are going to make the most of it, and that’s what I try to do.
This pandemic may create a new normal, but, maybe that’s not such a bad thing….
Technology has proven to be life changing, but now more than ever, it has made so many things possible. People are able to work remotely, stay entertained, start new hobbies, hold virtual happy hours, show virtual workouts…I could keep going! Technology is no longer just an added benefit, it’s part of who we are.
Time spent with friends and family just feels like it will be more precious.
That first office happy hour or coffee date with my favorite coworkers, it will make me even more thankful for being in a job I enjoy…
Celebrations, Birthdays, Anniversaries…especially for us that had to celebrate one of those during the Quarantine (ahem…:))…the ‘redos’ will be EPIC.
Travel. Oh Travel. I’ve always loved it, but now, being in a new area and experiencing all it has to offer will be a beautiful experience.
This is a moment in History. Be happy about the stories you tell people. Embrace the unknown & Just Be grateful.
See you later friends…6 feet apart, for now.
XO.
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