Friday Favorites – Quarantine
No, the quarantine is not my favorite thing but some of the things that have come from it are. Any of you feeling the same? The chance to slow down a little bit and enjoy some things we normally miss has been a nice break even if the circumstances are not ideal.
This guy is deemed “essential” by his company and still having to make the drive to Austin daily even though he then has to work remotely from his vehicle and not the office. What it does mean, however, is he’s getting home at 4:30-5 most days instead of 7 which has allowed for dinners eaten at a reasonable time and evening walks. It’s been really nice to have this time together!
And while the rest of us are wondering how long we can actually make it before we lose it over this qurantine, Dutch is living his very best life! He has had more exercise the last two weeks than he has the last 6 months I feel certain! Add in endless snuggles all day long and he definitely thinks he’s won the human lottery!
Having my kids wondering around my kitchen looking for food while I’m settling into work has definitely been a favorite. Even that big kid in the background who doesn’t actually live at my house anymore but still shows up for food! I don’t think I could do this work from home thing permanently but having those sweet moments to connect here and there throughout the day has been nice.
I love how so many people have come together to try and love on and support others. The number of spring brides who have had to put their weddings on hold or move forward with nuptials without their friends and family breaks my heart. One of the sweet florist in town did a flower sale for bushels of flowers to try and recoop some of a sweet brides money and these roses have brought me joy all week long.
I made my favorite lasanga for our dinner one night and decided to make two smaller pans to take to Keith’s mom and sister and his dad and stepmom. I’ve also been so impressed with our local restaurants who have kicked into gear and shifted from serving individual dinners in house to preparing family meals to go. I’ve even grabbed some family dinners that were freezer friendly!
If you are worried about grabbing takeout right now, try grabbing gift cards from some of your fave local restaurants so they can continue to operate and pay their staff. Grab gift cards for teacher gifts, healthcare workers, or grocery store staff to say thank you for their extra work!
We also made some cards to deliver to the skilled nursing facily where my Mamaw is currently residing. Not being able to have visitors has to be so hard for the residents especially those with dementia.
We also love supporting small businesses and grabbed a cookie decorating kit from one of the high school teachers who bakes on the side. It made for a fun activity!
Other things I”m thinking would be a great way to pass the time include writing notes and using snail mail to deliver some kind or encouraging words, game nights, donating to local foodbanks or support groups or organizing a virtual happy hour! Making sure we check in with our friends every day is so important especially for those who struggle with anxiety or depression under normal circumstances.
Finding some balance between getting my work accomplished and making sure the kids don’t just turn into couch potatoes has been a bit of a battle but I’m hoping we will find some rhythm if only in time to return to our “normal” life. In the mean time we will try to make the best of the opportunity to slow down together.
Here’s hoping you are safe and healthy and fully stocked with toilet paper!