Quarantine Silver Linings
“What have you done for me lately… oooooh, yeah” – Janet Jackson
In the midst of our quarantine and the appreciated but overload on the topic of the Corona Virus, we would like to reflect on the positive’s that this virus has brought. I cannot help but have the Janet Jackson song running through my head as I write this….in speaking to the CV, what have you done for me lately?
In the spirit of staying positive in all this, here’s what I have come up with:
- It’s given me time to do the proverbial Spring Cleaning without rushing.
- Washing Windows, Pressure Washing
- Cleaning out the planned-on annual event of reorganizing the junk drawer (or Drawers)
- Cleaning out, dusting and reorganizing my closet o Going Marie Kondo on my closet and office space working my way to the kitchen and rest the house
- Although I talk the talk on the “Less is More” when staging a home, it also applies to design as well. I’m not talking about sparse living, but really, how many water bottles, lunch bags and miscellaneous throws do we really need? All those vases for flowers that were sent for various occasions that you will reuse? Or the cake decorating kit that you were going to use for each child’s unique style cake?
- Reading books. It’s a luxury of mine that I cherish. I love reading and sometimes don’t have the time. It’s given me quiet time (which is few and far between on the daily), so I am catching up with the stack I have on my nightstand table.
- Cooking at home more! Although I always felt like a short-order cook with 4 kids (30 minutes or less recipes) I have enjoyed cooking at home and making healthy meals, and clean eating as much as possible! It’s given me time to research more and try new recipes that might take a bit longer than 30 minutes
- Walking, walking, walking. Since the gyms are closed (OTF Fan) and no Peloton to be delivered, we are going waaay back to old school. Dusting off the yoga mat, creating a new routine and staying self-motivated. That whole moving for 30 minutes a day? I’m up to two-a-days, (morning and afternoon) one hour each. It’s amazing to fit that in your schedule and hopefully will stay there. Doing a 30-day AB challenge my son sent (on day 10 at the moment) and all of the virtual classes being offered, makes it convenient to fit into your schedule. So, why was this so hard before?
- I am past the children at home stage, although I do remember being at home with them whether it was snow days, no electricity, or someone had the chicken pox. Not quite the same as you knew an ending date, but I do appreciate seeing on Social Media all the parents doing their best keeping the kids occupied (along with school), finding the “new routine” in bringing back some “Old School” activities and getting them to do more in addition to tablet time and TV time. Now more time to read those stories, not feel rushed to head to the next activity slowing down with meals, actually probably building some more great memories of tents in the living room, creating sleepovers and indoor campgrounds, working on puzzles together, cooking together and just plain ol’ conversation, unplugged.
- Yard work, spring cleaning of course. But what about that garden you have always wanted to try, whether it be container or otherwise?
I’m a hugger, and when this is over, I will definitely appreciate more the hugs, handshakes, pats on the back and overall interaction with people in person. Not forgetting all the things I learned while quarantined and continuing to take the time to stop, watch that sunset, listen to the quiet.
