So, how are you doing? What’s your normal now?
It really hasn’t been that long since I was last here, but it’s a whole new world. And not the kind Aladdin and Jasmine sang about. More like the “turned upside down” one referenced in Hamilton.
Are you sticking close to home…and do you really have much choice in the matter?
(And has your favorite store run out of toilet paper?)
The entire state of California is under a “Stay at Home” order, with additional restrictions in metro areas like Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s OK to go outdoors as long as we’re not in groups—social distancing of 6 feet to be maintained at all times!–and we’re tending to “essential” needs and activities (like walking the dog). We can’t eat in restaurants, but we can order delivery or takeout. or eat in our cars at the drive-thru. We can go out grocery shopping, but we’ll find some shelves are stripped clean and certain items are limited (so they won’t be stripped too).
Are you working from home? Are you working at all? And either way, how are you making it work?
Both my husband and I work in healthcare-adjacent industries—social services for me, insurance for him—so our jobs are ongoing, but we’re sharing office space in our house now. He’s on full work-from-home status right now, and I’m going into the office one day a week. (This could all change any day, of course.). I will have my first Skype and Zoom meetings this week. I set up a group text for my team. I’ve realized that I really don’t like audio conference calls (which now happen daily).
I have been reading a lot of news and information—maybe more than I should be?—but am not making a lot of headway with books. Since the entire region is under “work remotely if you can” rules, the commute when I do have to go into the office is…well, almost pleasant. But since it’s faster and less frequent, it’s cut my audiobook time down.
How are you spending your days in this weird new world?
I really do want to know what your “normal” looks and feels like right now. I’ll be asking that question on social media too, so if you don’t answer it here I hope we’ll talk somewhere else! In the meantime, here are a few thoughts for the new normal:
8 Ways to Stay Calm and Sane While You Hunker Down at Home
4 Ways to Help Prevent Loneliness While You’re Social Distancing
Ways You Can Help During the Coronavirus Crisis
Going to The Calm Place…
…where you’re not stockpiling books (WHAT???)
