Day 59: Tuesday, May 12, 2020
I originally had a dentist appointment scheduled for today, but it was postponed for the second time. It’s no big deal, but it’s weird having some businesses starting to open, but still being under a shelter-in-place order. I am thankful to have a big project to work on this week as finding new clients continues to be a struggle.
Day 60: Wednesday, May 13, 2020
I made so much food over the weekend — quiche, salad, pancakes, biscuits, and a pitcher of tea and I’m enjoying all of the leftovers. I have also rediscovered my love for Hallmark channel movies… not that it ever really went away, but they are serving as a good escape right now.
Day 61: Thursday, May 14, 2020
I am trying to find things online that are actually enjoyable and possibly inspiring. I’m done with the TV shows and concerts out of people’s living rooms (#sorrynotsorry). I have been attending a weekly zoom with some authors and signed up for a zoom with the creators of the Female Founders Collective today.
Day 62: Friday, May 15, 2020
i have been making an effort to get work done Monday-Friday so I can actually use my weekends to relax and unplug. It sounds easy, but I am so unmotivated lately that all of it is a struggle.
Day 63: Saturday, May 16, 2020
I have been using the Libby app on my iPad to check out ebooks from the library, but you can only check them out for two weeks… so this weekend I am on a mission to read an entire book that’s due back. I have confidence I can do it!
Day 64: Sunday, May 17, 2020
Okay, so I actually finished reading two books this weekend and of course, I do not regret it. But, I also realized that if I let it, books can be a really good escape. I have loads of books in my apartment, plus an endless supply of ebooks, so I have no excuse but to read, read, read.
Day 65: Monday, May 18, 2020
I ventured out to Walgreen’s and the post office today. It was the first time I’ve left my apartment in three weeks. Both places required everyone wear masks to enter, so that was comforting — no one was fighting it. I mailed off two books for a book swap and stocked up on candy and sunless tanner at Walgreen’s 🙂
Day 66: Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Today Rascal Flatts announced they are cancelling their Farewell Tour. I had tickets to see them July 18 in Dallas and while I knew I wouldn’t be able to go to that show, I was hoping it would all be postponed and not cancelled. I’ve always wanted to see them live and now there’s no chance of that. I honestly cried and laid in my bed for hours over this. I know it is a small problem compared to so much other hardship happening right now, but I feel like this was the ONE thing I was really hoping for. It’s official, I have 0 plans until September 10.
Day 67: Wednesday, May 20, 2020
I let myself be sad about the concert last night and woke up feeling a little better. Now at least I know summer is pretty much cancelled and I can plan accordingly. There was a virtual literary lunch that I attended and bought four new books for — I am just going to read all summer — that cannot be cancelled!
Day 68: Thursday, May 21, 2020
We are approaching a holiday weekend and it’s so weird to think that I would originally be traveling to the Poconos tomorrow to meet 300 new friends. It has all been rescheduled to mid-September, so I am planning to spend the weekend relaxing, drinking rose and eating veggie burgers.
Day 69: Friday, May 22, 2020
I’ve had a few instances lately that have really highlighted my loneliness; my lack of friends and lack of support system. I don’t want to get into too many details here, but I feel like I really do try to support people I care about and I end up getting burned. It’s a big reminder of why I’ve secluded myself physically and emotionally, but it also makes me sad. I ended my day FINALLY getting takeout from the Vietnamese place near my apartment — I have been craving it since New Year’s, but can never catch them when they’re open. It was delish!
Day 70: Saturday, May 23, 2020
I spent the day reading an entire book, “American Dirt.” It was heavy, but suspenseful and I even jumped a few times while reading it! I cooked dinner and decided tomorrow I’ll look at my workload for the upcoming week to make sure I don’t need to be working during the weekend…
Day 71: Sunday, May 24, 2020
I woke up and got organized while watching “Sunday TODAY” — my favorite news show. I decided to do a few hours of work today and a few tomorrow just to lessen the burden over the course of the week. I also started reading a new book; a YA novel to makeup for the heavy load of “American Dirt” 🙂
Day 72: Monday, May 25, 2020
It’s a holiday, but of course not for some of my clients who have called, texted, emailed and Facebook messaged me.
Day 73: Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Feeling a bit overwhelmed (but very thankful) for the workload i have this week. I have a hair appointment (!) tomorrow and a drive-in movie Thursday, so I’m using these things as rewards to keep my head down, and working hard.
Day 74: Wednesday, May 27, 2020
In all honesty, this week has been a struggle. If not for the work I have due and things I’ve planned, I would not have gotten out of bed. I feel alone and unmotivated, but I keep telling myself this is temporary. It felt good to get my hair done and see people today. Everyone was required to wear a mask and there was so much sanitizing happening. I felt safe and happy to support a business.
I also got some book mail, some candles and some makeup — which is never bad. I am trying every day to focus on work and things that I enjoy doing, despite it being so tough. If you’re feeling this way, I know we are not truly alone.
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 