How are you doing?

It’s been so long since I’ve been in this space they’ve changed the format, and I kind of hate change, so this valiant attempt at a return is a little fraught, but I shall forge on.

I am still doing … okay! We have permanently moved out of our apartment and to the suburbs. We thought we were about to buy our own house(!) … when it fell through. So I am technically homeless aka squatting with my in laws. We’re very lucky to have this option and it’s going great. I do miss having a home of my own (+ a normal world to enjoy it in) but all things in time.

We had a nice summer, venturing out for walks, to parks, and to the beach, spending outdoor, distanced time with friends. Early fall was a lot of the same (it’s been unseasonably warm) but now with cases spiking in NJ (and everywhere?) again, we’re limiting our playdates once more and only seeing members of our own household. I fear it’s going to be like this until our new administration (YAY BIDEN/HARRIS, THANK GOD) takes office. Which is 67 more days!

One thing that’s helped me out a lot during this time is making lists. What I hope to accomplish each day and each week. On that list I have writing, freelancing, taking vitamins, doing laundry, doing yoga, ordering more baby butt cream, etc. But I’ve done ONE extra thing that’s really helped each week, and that is …

… adding something completely frivolous and fun to my weekly to do list. Some examples:

• Jump in a pile of leaves
• Go on a picnic
• Read a book outside in the sunshine
• Dip my toes in the freezing cold ocean
• Have a zoom happy hour with my college roommates
• Take a bath
• Buy unnecessary fall-scented body scrub

… and so on and so forth.

And then I treat this thing with the sacredness of every other item on my list. It must get done and get checked off for my week to be complete.

I like this change to my to-do list. Because what’s more important than making sure that not only are you getting through your tasks, but that you’re enjoying your life?

How about you? How are you getting through quarantine during this second wave? I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe <3

Photo by Soroush Karimi on Unsplash