Day 51: Monday, May 4, 2020
Even though I’ve gotten back into the groove of working whenever I want (for the most part), Mondays remain to be difficult. Even in quarantine, the vibe is just different than it is on the weekends. I have been using a small chunk of each Monday morning to put things on my weekly calendar so I can pace my week and not have everything due on Friday — I try to keep the end of the week lite in case things pop-up… or in case I am just totally over it.
Day 52: Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Happy Cinco de Mayo! I was really tempted to order margaritas and/or Mexican food for delivery, but I am trying to stick to my budget. So, I made a margarita and there was actually an Amy’s frozen enchilada meal in my freezer! I know this probably sounds pathetic, but it made my night. I also attended an online book tour event, where the author talked about her new book and anyone could ask questions through the chat feature. It was really neat! I had never heard of the author prior to the event, but I bought her book from the store that was sponsoring the event (a local bookstore in La Jolla).
Day 53: Wednesday, May 6, 2020
I find it very difficult to have two successful or productive days in a row while in the Q, so I’m just trying to do the MOST when I’m feeling productive and let it go when I’m not. I had a call with a previous blogging student today who is working on her blog now. I am always amazed and so happy when I hear people are using this time for creative efforts. As much as I try, I am just finding it very difficult right now.
Day 54: Thursday, May 7, 2020
I got a new project for work that takes up a good chunk of time and I’m thankful for it. It’s from an existing client, which makes it even better. Admittedly, working for new clients — or finding work with new clients — is so difficult. Of course, I’m taking what I can get, but that doesn’t make it easy.
Day 55: Friday, May 8, 2020
I ordered my second wine delivery from a subscription service. It’s fun to try new wines, and I’m accepting the fact that I’m likely not going to be leaving the apartment any time soon. Around 8pm, I saw on the news that Travis County (where I live) had extended its shelter-in-place order until June 15. I felt more disappointed than I expected to. Although I am not feeling ready to venture out, June 15 feels so far away and makes me feel like we really aren’t going to get a summer at all. I then placed an order for a case of spiked lemonade.
Day 56: Saturday, May 9, 2020
I put my name on the waitlist for an inflatable baby pool (but for adults) to shove on my patio. I am certain it’s not allowed, but I am also certain the apartment pool won’t be open anytime soon. I did a little bit of work, cleaned up the apartment a bit and read some. I also gave myself a much-needed mani/pedi. The first bud on the patio bloomed — there’s many more that are so close to opening!
Day 57: Sunday, May 10, 2020
Happy Mother’s Day! I talked to my mom on the phone and she opened her gift: a new book and a spring candle. We took a virtual yoga class together and then I cooked a bunch of food. — pancakes, quiche, biscuits and salad. Yum! I also laid in my bed with Blanche and watched two Hallmark movies. A good day.
Day 58: Monday, May 11, 2020
I got two new clients over the weekend: CELEBRATE! They are small gigs, but I’ll take them. I found it really tough to focus on work today, so I kept giving myself “rewards” when I reached a certain point. Lunchtime is always a rest time for me, but I gave myself another break a few hours later to bake cookie-brownies. I worked past my usual 5:30 stopping point, but did some laundry later and took a long soak in the tub while listening to some podcasts 🙂
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 