Family. I have my husband and my two year old. My family is all on the West Coast. Being able to Facetime and check in on everybody and still trying to laugh through everything has really been important. My family’s a bunch of clowns, so we try to keep each other laughing at all times. My two year old is a great tension breaker; he does and says the funniest things. Laughter’s been important.
What was most important to you before you had to social distance?
Family was still very important before, but I think the biggest change is talking to them more. None of us are as busy, so we’re wanting to have a sense of normalcy. I didn’t realize how much I would miss taking my son to the park, going out to do things as a family. It’s been a weird shift. I feel awful that [my son] can’t go places. We don’t have a lot of space, so we’re trying to find ways to entertain him.
What’s the first thing you’ll do when this is over?
I’m going to take my son to the park. I’m going to take him to the barber too. I think barbershops and hairdressers are going to be swamped. We’re just going to play all day, and then I’ll take him for ice cream or something.
What are you doing to pass the time?
I’m going into work [at Target]. My hours have been cut drastically, so I’m going to have more time at home. I’ve been doing projects–I refinished my nightstands and painted them. I also have been on TikTok. I’m on there and I’ve gained a little bit of a following. I post a lot of body positive content. I have more time to do stuff like that now. Obviously taking care of a two year old is a full time job.
What makes you happy right now?
Anything that brings a sense of normalcy. I’ve been cooking a lot more and having my son help me in the kitchen.
What would you tell yourself two months ago with the knowledge you have today?
At first when I heard this was going on, I didn’t take it very seriously. I survived through SARS, Swine Flu, Bird Flu…I’ve lived through that and it never really came this close. I thought “okay, it’s another scare.” I would tell myself to take it more seriously. I think I would have tried to prepare a bit better. For a while there, it was hard to find meat.
I take outdoor activities for granted for sure. I didn’t take my son to the park enough. I live in an area with gorgeous beaches that I never go to. I would kill to go to the beach and see nature for a few hours.
