The Quarantine Q&A
Let’s call this a little quarantine check-in. This week I’ve felt like I really hit the wall. At first, constantly being at home didn’t really feel all that different from my regular life. I accepted the no-gym and went back to taking long walks, flipped the script on my regular schedule a bit, and just tried to adjust as best as I can. But this week just hit a bit different. So given my lack of creativity and feeling like everything that comes out is not great at all, I’m doing a little check-in similar to the one that appears in the Monthly Edits.
What Are You Wearing?
For walking, I obviously wear my trusty gym clothes. When it comes to working from home I stick to what I usually do. I make it a point to get dressed as part of my schedule. Depending on the day I will choose something casual like a pair of sweatpants or leggings with a baggy sweater unless I have a Zoom meeting and I will choose something more dressed up. Right now my go-to is a pair of shorts, a blouse, and sometimes a jacket. I try to get dressed most days of the week so I don’t feel lazy and get things done.
What Are You Watching?
Well, obviously Tiger King. My friends and I have a weekly Google Hangout where we watch the 1995 Pride and Prejudice mini-series. I’ve also spent more time than I’d like to admit watching a local channel that shows really old game show re-runs. At this point, I’ve seen more episodes of Match Game, Sale of the Century, and Supermarket Sweep than most other things.
Mr. Darcy is always moody
What Are You Listening To?
I’ve been making fun playlists for my friends like this Upbeat Quarantunes one or the 90s/Early 2000’s Mega Mix. You can also hear my What I’m Listening To playlist here. I’ve taken a break from podcasts so I don’t have any good recommendations there.
What Are You Eating?
As you can imagine, quarantine isn’t the best friend of a healthy diet. My anxiety and discomfort had me turning to foods I wouldn’t normally eat that seemed comforting. Things like Oreos, Mac and Cheese, and chocolate. If I could snack on it…it went a million miles further than a real meal. I decided to make it essential to get more fresh produce, so my salads and fruit snacks are back in the rotation although you still might find me with the occasional Oreo. Sadly, I haven’t tried to cook any new recipes and I’m not one of the bread bakers. But there is still time. The Magnolia Table Volume 2 is out and well…I’ve got time!
Salad for Days: Baby spring greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, goat cheese crumbles, pepperoncinis, and diced chicken
What Are You Learning?
I’ve taken a bunch of online workshops and classes for work skills so everything from a social media refresher to branding and effective B2B communications. I’ve taken at least an hour a week to learn something that I find interesting and helpful. I know..nerd.
How Are You Staying Sane?
This one is a bit difficult to answer. First off, I find it incredibly helpful to stay on a schedule. I have shared how I stay productive before, but with this situation, it’s a bit more difficult. Sometimes I don’t begin working until later and once I get into the swing of things, I can’t turn off. A schedule really helps because I know what I need to be doing and when. Exercise really helps me get out the excess energy while I’ve been meditating daily using the Balance app to not only improve my practice but channel specific feelings I have.
A feel good moment: Sleepy Skippy Jr
What Are Your Favorite Quarantine Activities?
Taking a Walk - I have found this helps not only with exercise but clearing my head. It’s really a set amount of time where I’m not thinking about work or anything else.
Watching Old Game Shows - There is something fascinating about old game shows to me. They are pretty mindless and really easy to escape in. Plus, when they mention how much a prize costs or the total money a contestant has won, it’s usually pretty hilarious.
Animal Crossing - No. I don’t have the cool island one. Just the simple camp one on my phone but it gets me through.
Streaming Movies - The Criterion Channel has a list of Essential Art House films and I’ve been viewing them one at a time with the hopes of getting through the entire list..even if I’ve seen many of them before.
How Has This Experience Changed You?
This question came up on a recent Zoom conference call, and everyone kinda had the mentality about the situation. There is something for everyone to learn individually by this. That is not to diminish the seriousness of quarantine or the world right now, but everyone has learned something new about themselves or their lives. I personally have learned that I need to stop and slow down. I take too many things on at once for better or worse. I need to stop planning into the future so much and live more in the here and now even when it’s uncomfortable!