The last two months vs. the last two weeks
Me leaning against a statue at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, NM in late February.
Last night, while enjoying a relaxing bath (but not nearly as relaxing as the one I took last week with a CBD infused bath bomb…), I was thinking about the sharp contrast between the last two months of my life and the last two weeks.
For the last two weeks my adult life has never been smaller. I am either at our temporary Atlanta home, at my brother-in-law’s house, in the car driving the 3.5 miles to get there, or outside in one of our neighborhoods. I haven’t stepped foot in a place of business since March 16. The only additional interaction Gavin has had with the outside world is going to the local Publix to pick up our groceries curb side via Instacart.
The extent of my social interaction has been the time with our small family of 6, video chats and phone calls, or saying hello to neighbors in passing, at a safe distance. Most days I’m on the computer either doing work or writing this blog, playing with Jack and Fiona, watching television, reading the news or out getting exercise.
Prior to these last two weeks I was busy doing allllll. of. the. things. From January 29th to March 9th I visited 16 states including Massachusetts, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.
I drove over 4,000 miles, visited dozens of public restrooms, and ate dozens upon dozens of meals prepared by other people.
I flew to Florida and back, unconcerned about anything outside the norm, with the exception of packing a few face masks for the plane, as initial cases of the virus were making news. I didn’t wear them.
I attended Super Bowl events, including the Kansas City Chiefs private after party where I mingled with members of the team and celebrated along with a live performance from Flo Rida.
I spent days frolicking on the beach, collecting coconuts, riding bikes down the boardwalk, stopping to join large crowds gathered to hear live musicians play.
I enjoyed time with my parents, my grandmother, niece, nephew, cousins, aunts, uncles, most of my closest friends from childhood, college, adult life and beyond.
I visited five National Parks, most of which I only learned about within the last two months. I nonchalantly entered visitor centers (ungloved), stamped my National Parks passport and purchased souvenir magnets, handing over cash like it was no big deal. I stood on a frozen Great Lake, walked up the tallest sand dunes in North America and hiked down into underground caverns over 1000 feet below the surface.
I explored some of the most interesting and iconic cities in the country including Chicago, Denver, Vail, Santa Fe, Taos, and Austin.
I attended multiple concerts and danced should to shoulder with strangers. I attended sporting events and cheered along with the crowds.
I immersed myself in other cultures, visited world class museums, and photographed myself in front of countless landmarks, many of which I touched (again, ungloved).
Most of our road trip already seems so surreal, so far away. For the six weeks leading up to the virus’ hold, my days were action packed, filled with adventure, travel, and a steady stream of face-to-face interactions. Those days, not so long ago, already feel so so long ago.
I’ve seen more in the last two months than some people get to experience in their entire lifetimes. If it actually is the end of the world as we know it, I’m grateful I got to do so much cool stuff before it fell to shit. Assuming I get the chance to live again (and I damn well expect to), I’ll do even more.
Today’s Headlines: Governor Baker extends stay-at-home for Mass. through May 4 (and counting…), A petition is calling for closing the bridges to Cape Cod, America is urged to brace for a couple tough weeks that could lead to at least 100,000 deaths
What made me sad today: The news of grocery store employees on the front line of this fight that are not getting fairly compensated. Come on.
What made me happy today: An unexpected call from Annabelle. It’s so nice to actually talk to people on the phone again, and to have the time to do it!
What made me angry today: Listening to the president, as always. I was reminded of his tweets earlier this week where he praised his high televisions ratings and compared his viewership to the season finale of The Bachelor. As if people weren’t tuning in because they’re scared for their lives. How is this real life?!
Best thing I saw today: Some gorgeous murals in East Atlanta Village that reminded me of our collective talents and creativity.
What we’re watching: Starting Self Made and catching up on Superstore. We also had Party Down on in the background for most of our day.
*Party Down is a must for anyone that’s worked in the service industry.