What’s most important to you right now? 

I would say safety for myself and for my boyfriend and family members. Which is weird because it doesn’t feel like I’m unsafe in a way–nothing is physically threatening me. Safety and mental health. 

Kristin L-New Jersey

What was most important to you before you had to social distance/quarantine? 

I think I was most focused on my career since it’s such a big time for auditions and things right now. Everything was slowly starting to pick up like, “Okay, things are happening, I’m gonna make strides in my passion and my career” and now it’s come to a halt like everything else. I think when you know you’re safe in other ways you can focus on other things.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when this is over? 

Ha! Probably go to work or just go hang out with friends. If I didn’t have to go to work, go see as many people as possible all at one time! Like do a party, go meet at a restaurant we love and just get together and celebrate each other in person. We’re trying to do that as remotely as possible but nothing’s the same as sitting around in the same room with other people. My friends and I are having a Zoom meeting tomorrow just to see each other all at once, but it’s not the same. 

What are you doing to pass the time? 

The first day I did some organization that I’ve been putting off. Once that kind of wore off–I’m kind of in this limbo land where I want to do something creative. What can I do? So I started with chores and now I’m bored of chores so I need to do something else. I’m trying to do something with photography–I think all photographers are trying to think of something! 

What makes you happy right now?

Spending time 24/7 with my boyfriend has actually been good. I knew it would be fine. We’ve been having lunch together which we rarely get to do–well we have every meal together. My cat’s really excited for us to be home and I’ve been trying to FaceTime or Skype with someone every day even if it’s 5 minutes. I need to have contact with other people. Not texting and not on Facebook, face-to-face FaceTiming with someone else. 

What would you tell yourself a month ago with the knowledge you have now?

Ironically, I was sick a month ago and I feel like I’d want to tell myself to stay home and rest instead of still going to work. As freelance artists we are constantly looking for that next gig or to pick up an extra shift just to get by because who know when the next paycheck will come. I need to learn how to take care of myself more. I feel like this is the universe forcing me too. And while I’m still worried about paying bills and wanting to make myself useful, I know in my gut that staying home right now is the right choice.

DAY 3