Day 15: Sunday, March 29, 2020
My last day of staycation. I started re-watching “Insecure” from episode 1 last night and spent all day watching it in preparation for the upcoming season that starts in mid-April. I felt slightly bummed about work coming up the next day, but also thought it would make me feel better. Took a yoga class and did a sound bath while laying in my bed, which was pretty awesome. I also finished a page in my “Golden Girls” coloring book.
Day 16: Monday, March 30, 2020
Back to the grind. It felt good to be back in the swing of things, attending meetings, getting work done, cooking dinner and getting a yoga class in. More people actually kept their cameras on during yoga, which actually made it feel more like we were all together. I started a grocery list and went to the post office to pick-up packages that haven’t been delivered to my door. My car struggled to start and I’m hoping it’s because I haven’t been using it and not a bigger problem.
Day 17: Tuesday, March 31, 2020
I haven’t been to the grocery store in three weeks. I usually go at least once a week! The last time I went, I got extra food and have also been ordering Blue Apron or Green Chef (ingredient delivery) every week. I have been dreading going — I’m terrified of seeing empty store shelves and of getting sick — but I am starting to run out of things.
Went to the store at lunch and it wasn’t crowded, but the shelves were definitely more bare than when I previously went. There was no soda water, paper goods, or many frozen food options. But, I was able to get $160 of random stuff to make meals and snacks. The cashier said it was really busy over the weekend and that people were being really rude to the employees. I was really relieved that my car started with no problems and made a mental note to start it every few days from now on.
Day 18: Wednesday, April 1, 2020
April Fool’s Day… only no one is planning any jokes because this entire thing sucks. I got an email saying the Justin Bieber concert scheduled for late June was being postponed to an unknown date. All of the things I was looking forward to this year are starting to disappear.
It was really nice outside, so I put Blanche in the stroller and we walked around the neighborhood for 30 minutes! Lots of families were outside walking, but everyone was keeping their distance. When I got back, I started to feel weird about things with my main client. They hadn’t given me much work this week and I wondered if they were going to cut me. I made a makeshift margarita (random citrus + tequila + agave) and tried to stop thinking about it.
Day 19: Thursday, April 2, 2020
I had a meeting scheduled first thing in the morning and when I logged on, the HR rep was there, so I knew this was the end. Because of Coronavirus, the company had to make several cuts, including me. And just like that, I lost my main source of income. They were gracious enough to pay me for two weeks, but when I ended the call, I had no idea what to do with myself.
I spent the next few hours cleaning off the files on my computer and trying to make a game plan for myself, while also trying to NOT freak out. Once I got the computer organized, I got a text from a guy I dated a few years ago saying, “I know you probably still can’t stand me… sorry for being an asshole.” Ugh. Everyone is going insane and is now coming out of the woodwork.
Day 20, Friday, April 3, 2020
I had a few things on my to-do list, but ultimately was going to take it easy. This whole mess has been a mental struggle for me and I plan on taking today and the weekend to just rest and even sulk if I feel it necessary. I know that this is just something we all have to get through and we are all trying our best.
I scheduled a virtual happy hour with my best friend — not something we usually do, but it was nice to have something to look forward to. We played games and had drinks for almost 4 hours! Hopefully we’ll do it again soon.
Day 21: Saturday, April 4, 2020
Spent a majority of the day being lazy and playing games on my computer. I gave myself full permission to do nothing productive, because I figured, all productivity can come next week and I’ll have to sustain it for the weeks and months to come. No need to burn out now.
Day 22: Sunday, April 5, 2020
Today looked a lot like yesterday, but I made an effort to at least take out the trash and drive my car around the block. In that short drive, I start crying thinking about all of the people who’ve lost their jobs these last few weeks and about how so much has changed. I am trying not to think about how long this could go on and am determined to keep my spirits up this week. I cooked dinner, made myself a drink, and stayed up late talking to my mom on the phone.
More Quarantine Diaries to come soon. Please note that I am not a doctor, health expert, or experienced in quarantine or self-isolation in any way. I am only reporting my daily experience while living during a public health crisis.
The Bitter Lemon 