Well.
Here we are.
Most of the people I know are trying to do the right thing and stay home. It is truly the only way we can flatten that curve. If you know ding dongs who don't get it (or are just simply selfish) please keep shouting from the rooftops how important that it is that we all do our part.
In the meantime, I thought I would share a few ways that I am keeping busy. I try my best to remain occupied and productive, lest my brain starts wandering and worrying and spinning out of control. I had a jump start on this whole isolation kick; I spend The Doc's work weeks isolated. A big chunk of my time was spent planning our adventures around the world. Now that travel is off the table, I am able to bring some old goals to the forefront.
News flash: Give yourself one hundred breaks. This is the first time any of us are going through this. You will not be the perfect parent, home school teacher, online educator, first time author, or Zoom aficionado. I remember when I first retired from teaching, I spent about 6 weeks just kicking around our apartment complex in Brookhaven and watching the entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer series. It is hard to fight that feeling of being suddenly untethered. Add in massive amounts of worry...and it can be quite overwhelming.
Take a deep breath, choose a goal, and let's come out of this thing together, perhaps with a new skill or two.
Tickling (Abusing) the Ivories
If you know my sweet husband, you know that he is a gifted piano player. For two solid weeks every month, our beautiful grand piano sits idle. I am utilizing this instrument and my free time to learn exactly one song. It should be duly noted that as a student, I am impatient and a bit demanding.
Am I terrible and slow? Absolutely.
Did I feel like a musical savant when I practiced and pushed through the first four bars for the first time? Undoubtedly so.
My song choice? Truth Hurts by Lizzo.
Je ne parle pas français
As does pretty much everyone, I fell in love with Paris. I learned some key phrases before traveling abroad, and it truly enhanced our experience. An app called Babbel and French on The Great Courses are my current go-to study aids. We are also dabbling in Italian, because some day that dream will hopefully come to fruition.
That's not sweat, I am leaking awesome sauce
I have worked hard and lost 20 pounds in the last year. I am super strict with my diet during Spencer's work weeks, and I have been hitting up Orange Theory. I am trying to get creative at home, because I am the Queen of stress eating. I have a rebounder and a treadmill. There are also so many good, straightforward workouts on YouTube. I have always dreamed of being a fantastic dancer. While that may never happen, I am learning a choreographed hip hop dance. Because...why not? The point here: exercise. It is stress relief, and I think we all need that right now. I was so worried about Spencer one day that I started crying. (Not shocking, I know.) I made myself get up and start practicing the stupid dance. I am sure I was quite a sight; crying whilst hip hopping (poorly). Five minutes in, tear streaked face, I was done crying and focusing on the moves.
"We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” – Ronald Reagan
Everyone can do something. My heart has been warmed by so many wonderful folks out there just trying to help. Neighbors getting groceries for an elderly person, people making PPE at home (ridiculous and sweet), strangers offering to babysit your kids for a few minutes by reading to them via webcam, and so many others. Spend your time figuring out how you can help at least one body. I promise, it will make you feel good. At least for a few minutes.
How are you surviving? I would love to hear how you are staying sane.
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