I spent $27 on gas in March. That’s an interesting and unprecedented accomplishment. It proves that we’re taking the stay-home order seriously. And so does the additional hundreds of dollars spent on food and booze, I guess? My grocery bill has never been higher, but our dining-out expenditures have never been lower. I did order takeout once, but for me it wasn’t worth the money or the stress about who had touched the packaging.
Since my last post, the Maryland governor has issued the closure of all non-essential businesses and, as of March 30, a stay-at-home order. (There was a semi-comical debate on NextDoor about why liquor stores are considered an essential business.) In a way, this didn’t change much for us, since we were already pretty much staying at home. But the FEELING of being at home changed once it was made mandatory.
I could observe this playing out online, as neighbors debated technicalities on NextDoor. People got into (more) heated debates about whether biking was still OK or if we shouldn’t even step outside our doors. The governor’s office clarified these questions, stating that solo exercise outside was fine as long as you maintained social distance, but this didn’t stop people from fighting about it online.
Over and over again I’ve seen reassurances that people will feel all different ways right now, and that’s OK. We’re certainly seeing that play out. Some people are bored and frustrated. Some are anxious and depressed. Some are making endless “social distancing” jokes and circulating quarantine memes nonstop.(Uhh, guilty.)
Some people are giddy with the novelty of having free time, possibly for the first time in their adult lives. Some people are going into uber-productive mode, cleaning out closets and making elaborate recipes. Some are channeling all their energy into being helpful, organizing food drives and sewing face masks.
My feelings change by the hour, but overall I mostly feel a sense of calm and safety. (Except for sometimes at 3a.m.) In a way, it’s like I’ve been training for this for years. All my meditation and yoga and breathing exercises and self-help books and podcasts are serving me well.
I am bingeing* on online yoga classes, walks outside, Instagram Live, and Hulu. “Little Fires Everywhere” and “High Fidelity” are really good. And I am amazed at how many people are creating (free!) content right now, like Brene Brown’s new podcast, “Unlocking Us,” Oprah’s new Apple TV+ show where she talks to people about COVID-19, which I watch on the app on my phone, and “Shine On at Home” with @ReeseWitherspoon on IGTV.
(*A friend once remarked, “Your binges are so much healthier than mine. I’m inhaling Oreos and wine on the couch.” I’ve been known to do that from time to time, too.)
Another thing that is serving me well (for the time being) is resisting a strict schedule for my kids. I feel like the odd mom out here, but I’m OK with that. I think there is no one right way to parent during a pandemic. I think it depends on so many factors, including how many parents you have in your home, the ages of your kids, and all of your emotional states.
Some people thrive with routines. Other people, like me and my kids, are driven more by their moods and energy levels on any given day. We are prioritizing sleep and healthy family dinners. I do force them to get exercise, preferably outside. Other than that, the schoolwork will get done when it gets done.
Our county is just starting “official” online learning tomorrow, so we’ll see how that goes. I’ve heard some schools have had to specify that students must get out of bed before joining Zoom calls. Always the pot-stirrer, my 13yo said, “How would they even enforce that?”
Stay safe and sane, everybody.
LINK O’ THE DAY: If you are not following Upworthy on Instagram, go do so immediately.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
literally laughing out loud! this one is the best . Thank u so much for sharing this