Dear Diary,

Am currently contemplating doing laundry but facing Serious Obstacles. For example, I have to walk upstairs. And, also, I Don’t Want To. NOTE: See how much COVID-19 and Self-Isolation is changing my life, Diary? Before this I NEVER contemplated doing laundry; I just forgot about it and forgot and forgot until one night at 11pm I’d remember I had no clean clothes for the next day at which point it because a Choose Your Own Adventure — Do you stumble upstairs and throw in a panicked load you’ll forget to dry? If yes, turn to page 20. Or do you decide it really is OK to wear the same jeans you’ve worn the last 10 days juuuust one more time? If yes, turn to page 82.

Quick note in case you can’t stand the suspense, Diary: it was always page 82. Always.

But now here I am, on a Sunday afternoon, remembering there’s laundry and that it’s not going to wash itself.

That right there’s PROGRESS. 

Disappointing that’s how I’m using the extra brain space. But still progress.

I went for my daily walk this morning, Diary. 

It’s presumably our last sunny day here in the western wilds of Oregon with 10+ rainy days in the forecast. 

I didn’t used to walk every day. I mean, between my room and the refrigerator, yes, with detours as needed to the pantry and the coffee pot. But not on the path behind my house, even though it’s lovely and available. 

Now that I’m trying to proactively stay sane in a time that’s not, though — and now that it’s suddenly a privilege to go ANYWHERE rather than an obligation — I’m eager to get out. (When this whole crisis is over, maybe someone can convince me the gym is a privilege. <<<That’s extreme optimism right there, Diary, in case you didn’t catch it.)

And you know what? It really IS helpful. I’m more at ease and zen on the path than I am most other times of the day. I like it SO much, in fact, that I think someone, somewhere should do a scientific study on the benefits of exercise on mental health. 🙄 (I KID. I hear it’s been done and the results are rather conclusive. 😑)

In conclusion, Diary, I may be slow to catch on, but I DO catch on eventually… if I’m motivated by a once-in-a-century global pandemic.

Bless my heart. 

With love,

 

 

 

P.S. DO NOT WORRY TOO MUCH about my new exercise regimen. Last night, I made cookie dough for dinner. I meant to make cookies for dessert and something nutritious and healthful for dinner, but I must be used to this new laissez-faire schedule already because the evening snuck up on me. Before I knew it, I had only 45 minutes before I had to head out to the Massive Neighborhood Party. 

A strict, 6-foot socially distanced party.

One of the neighbors brought a pitchfork in case anyone tried to get too close.

THAT right there is social distancing dedication.

“Get too close to me AND I WILL STAB YOU.” 

In other words, we partied like it’s 2020.

Highly recommend. 

P.P.S. Remember yesterday when we talked about finding magic in the little things? Well, THERE ARE MAGICAL FAIRIES AMONG US SPREADING IT AROUND. 

Along my walk today, I found small painted rocks an enchanted creature left WITH MESSAGES FOR ALL OF US. 

I left them behind so they could spread their magic to others.

But I made sure to take pics.

So we can remember…

…we are in this together.

Amen.

P.P.P.S. As SOON as I said amen, my children began a knock down, drag out verbal fight over who’s a bigger dick. OH MY GOD, IT’S BOTH OF YOU! IT IS A FREAKING TIE. <<< Where is my trophy for not saying that out loud??

In conclusion (again), PEACE BE WITH YOU, friends. We are in this together.