By Sunny Brown
When I first heard that we were being asked to practice Social Distancing, by not gathering in large groups or going to parties, to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus, it had no effect on me whatsoever. I, being an introvert and mostly working from home anyway, have always practiced keeping my distance socially although I just thought of it as needing my own space. I absolutely avoid parties and people if at all possible. So it was all fine with me, no problem.
And, then when I heard that they were closing all the schools, it still didn’t bother me because my children are grown and on their own. And, when they started closing all of the businesses and asked people to work from home I didn’t think anything of it. Since I already did that it would not impact me. However, what I did not anticipate was that my husband would suddenly find himself at home, our home, the one we share, with me. What is an introvert supposed to do when everyone is staying at home with you?
Well, here are some of my journal entries for a little insight into into how I have been handling the days of captivity.
*Have realized that hubs is going to be spending a lot more time here with me. Have sent him out to buy milk and bread.
*Ordered Chinese food. It’s always enough for three meals.
*Cooked pizzas.
*Realize that I am already eating poorly so I go for a power walk. Everyone in my neighborhood is out walking, the sidewalks are shoulder-to-shoulder. Need more distance ~ thinking of going to the mall.
*I keep seeing my husband in the bathroom mirror. His new home routine is in conflict with my well established routine. Must set us a schedule.
*Husband’s music is beginning to invade my quiet space. I realize that I am grinding my teeth. Must start using my mouth guard during the day.
*Heard about a panic on toilet paper. Maybe I underestimated this virus. Send hubby out to scavenge for some. That should keep him out of the house for at least a few hours. #smartblonde
*Made a mistake and watched the news. Realize that I need a long term plan for being stuck at home together. #thinksunnythink
*Baked a pie. #sunnyssweettooth
*What’s for dinner?
*My Fitbit shows my activity level is down. Gym is closed. Parks and sidewalks are crowded. #sunnythesloth
*My phone shows that my screen time is way up. Am now addicted to social media @itsreallysunny
*Decide to eat healthy. Add lots of fruit, spinach and veggies to the grocery list. And, chocolate bars. And, T.P..
*Son shows up with friend. They have escaped New York. Realize we need more T.P. Send hubby to the store. #dontcomebackwithoutit
*Trying to write. Son’s music is too loud. Wishing for husband’s music again. #allmanbrotherswhereareyou
*Made a list of books to read, movies to watch and podcasts to listen to.
*Watched CNN, MSNBC, Bloomberg and FOX news. Feeling down. Have sworn off news.
*Spend the day taking pictures of my dog. #lovemelovemydog
*Decide to get productive. Make a list: Clean out closet, organize pantry, spring clean the patio.
*Daughter came by. Accidently gave her a hug and she freaked. #sunnyandsad
*What’s for lunch?
*What’s for dinner? #allithinkaboutisfood
*Ate all the chocolate bars. #mustgetmore
*Looking for toilet paper and Clorox wipes on the dark web. #willpaytopdollar
*Forget about T.P., I am out of lip balm! Must venture out alone. #priorities
*Hubby and I wave to each other across the room. Agree to kiss again on June 23rd.
*Wishing I smoked.
*What’s for dinner?
*Wondering why I couldn’t be quarantined with my hair colorist!?
*Need a drink. Send hubby to the liquor store. Wondering what is taking him so long. Wish he would hurry back, already!!
Day 2:
