We are into week 4 of our stay home orders. The toilet paper situation seems to be easing up at the stores, which means I can actually buy some if I need it! I consider that a win. I’ve turned off the news, I figure if something earth shattering happens, I’ll hear about it. The weather has allowed for extended cool temperatures which in Texas is cause for celebration. Texas has two seasons, winter which is mild, then it rolls over to hot as HELL for the remainder of the year. I’m grateful for the cool breeze on my face and the opportunity to wear a long sleeve shirt. I’m still able to walk my dog 3 times a day and I don’t think it’s enough since I’m wandering over to the fridge every chance I get. I open it expecting some delicious treat only to find that same block of cheese and a bin full of vegetables I don’t recognize. I’ve been buying these boxes of farm fresh vegetables from local restaurants. I guess it’s the new thing to drum up business, so I wanted to support them. The problem is I don’t know my kale from my chard or the difference between beets and some other round root vegetable thrown in there. Where do I begin? It seems anything seasoned with olive oil and coarse salt and pepper tastes pretty good!
I somehow convinced myself that vegan ice cream is healthy so I’m eating the chocolate flavor like there’s no tomorrow. I’ve noticed my stretchy yoga pants can’t stretch anymore and there’s a small muffin top forming that I’m choosing to ignore by pulling my t-shirt down. Make good choices I tell my audience and myself, then reach for another small decadent container of that farm to spoon ice cream! If you check out my youtube channel you may notice my face getting a little rounder.
I’ve been spending more time with my family. My younger son broke his wrist so he had surgery recently and can’t do anything except move his fingers on his dominant hand. Besides not being able to work for at least 3 months, he’s happy his fingers work on his gaming controller. Gaming is life at this point and his only source of entertainment besides Hulu and Netflix. He comes over for a change of scenery or I go over there to deliver food. I’ve taken him to the cemetery, my new favorite place! It’s beautiful and filled with gorgeous trees and fountains and manicured lawns. I know it sounds weird, but I find it incredibly peaceful there and the best part, everyone is 6 feet under so no live people or germs! It’s a cemetery for the rich from the 1800’s so the statues and fountains and brick work is incredible. I usually have the place to myself when I go walking there. My younger son’s enthusiasm level for the cemetery visits aren’t quite the same as mine, but at least it gets us out of the house. My husband is working from home too, and I’m grateful we have an office space for him. I don’t have to tiptoe around when he’s on a zoom call. He’s helping me with the dishes and laundry which is a win!
As the weeks roll into months, I’m finding myself less motivated. There seems to be more daydreaming and thoughts about taking a nap. I haven’t caved to those thoughts, and the damn leaf blowers going on day after day put a damper on my acting on it, but I may give in soon. Somehow, I’m getting my interviews recorded and something inspiring posted to Facebook now and then. I wonder how FB handles the volume. I’m inspired by the hilarious memes and song remakes using corona virus lyrics. I wonder how this will change our lifestyle and work habits. I hope it shifts the way our government operates and I’m hoping my favorite local businesses don’t fold. I was suspect when two weeks in it seemed like businesses collectively decided to lay off their work force. Were their margins that thin or were they just looking for an excuse to trim the fat? It doesn’t matter anyway since no one can get through to the unemployment line. Trust me my son has been calling all day and is convinced they literally cut the lines and told everyone to work from “home”. The Unemployment office is buckling under the pressure. Perhaps he’ll get through when his wrist heals and he’s back to work and can get a back dated check. Have any of you gotten through? Do you have a hook up? I’ll pay you!
My attitude is great so far. I’m staying positive and looking for the silver linings. I have a great place to stay home. We have food. I can shop online if I get desperate, but even that has been met with apathy. I put stuff in my cart and then think why bother. I have sent some gifts to friends because who wouldn’t love a surprise in the mail right now? I Facetime my parents every day just because. I sent them a food basket to mix it up. They live in a retirement community and the doorbell rang while I was talking to them. A 1 lb. box of chocolate was delivered by management. Seriously? I might consider moving in when I’m old enough. They get treats delivered every day! I barely drove before but now I think my full tank of gas is going last me like 2 months. When I go to pick up take out there’s no one in line, I get front row parking and the people are so damn friendly. I had a cup of tea while I waited for my order and listened to some awesome music. I almost felt like I had a restaurant experience. I was joyful! I’ve found in the silence I’ve become more present and grateful for everything. I wonder if you are becoming more grateful as well. We all have a choice as to how we’re going to respond to our circumstances. Choose kindness, choose love, be present for your family. Let’s make the most of our time. We may never get permission to do this again so look for the silver linings. I think I’m going to go take a nap now because the leaf blowers finally stopped. Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing I hope you can find joy in the ordinary moments. They are the ones that count the most.
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