Tuesday Tidbits: Quarantine Edition Part 2
It has been two months since the stay at home order and we're settling into a new normal. Masks and social distancing have become habit. Even Ady has adjusted to the reality that her teachers wear masks, the parks are closed, and "going out to eat" means takeout. It can feel surreal, depressing, and even heartbreaking that this is real life now, but I also feel moved by the adaptability of human nature and the creative ways we connect with others. I think it has become apparent that this is a marathon, not a sprint. The road ahead is long and we need to pace ourselves and establish some serenity and comfort. Here are a few tidbits about life lately:
1. Hiking: I went hiking on the Chamisa Trail over the weekend. It was so therapeutic to enjoy nature and the company of friends. One of the hardest parts about the stay at home order is that my entire existence has revolved around work or parenting, so getting up to the mountains offered a much-needed break and an opportunity to focus on myself, to be present. I'm so thankful to live in a place where we can experience the outdoors in a safe and socially distanced way.
2. Moths: Speaking of the outdoors, there is a serious moth infestation happening in Santa Fe right now. We're talking clusters of dozens or even hundreds of moths around the entrances to buildings, in the trees and bushes, and all over the inside of the hospital. Apparently this season has supplied the perfect climate and temperature conditions for a massive moth outbreak. They're harmless, but it's still pretty disturbing. I can't help but think of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds.
3. Baking: I haven't jumped aboard the sourdough starter train that many are riding during quarantine, but I did try a new recipe for saffron bread this past weekend! I'm not great at baking yeast breads, especially at high altitude, but this one turned out great. I love the yellow color with red streaks of saffron threads. Next time I want to try adding some raisins and more spices.
4. Reopening: This week marks the beginning of the first phase of New Mexico's reopening, including stores at decreased capacity. I'm most excited about the public libraries opening for curbside pickup starting tomorrow! I just hope that people can continue to stay safe and follow the rules. This entire experience forces us to put the benefit of the greater good ahead of our own needs, which is quite a mental shift for many Americans.
5. Zoom fun: I think one of the most common ways we are all connecting with others right now is through Zoom, and I love that it's being used for happy hours and social conversations in addition to work meetings. While conversations can be a bit awkward at times (the endless, "Oops, sorry, go ahead, no you go") and it can be challenging to stick to an agenda and keep the conversation on track, Zoom from home is also providing a different level of intimacy and connection. The highlight of my quarantine life has been connecting with family across the miles on Zoom happy hours, playing socially distanced trivia, and having virtual book club. I still miss the authenticity of in person-meetings, being in the same space, and sharing snacks and conversation, but on the plus side there's no need to call an Uber!
6. Big sister: Ady is 3 1/2 this month! I can tell a big difference in her maturity and communication in the past six months. "Barely 3" was ROUGH, probably the hardest phase of parenting so far, but 3 1/2 seems a little more manageable. Her favorite thing to do lately is ride her scooter, and her bravery and athleticism really show!
7. Little sister: Meredith is 4 months old! This is such a fun age for milestones and new discoveries. She's rolling, starting to push herself around on her forearms, and delighting in exploring her environment. She giggled for Ady and Dad this week, and finding her feet has been a proud accomplishment! She's a happy and adaptable baby so far and is adjusting to her first month of daycare.
8. A few of my favorite things on the internet this week: Daniel Radcliffe reading Harry Potter, Snoop Dogg listening to Let it Go in his car, and this Adele parody. We all need a little laughter today.
9. Reading list this month:
The Elephant Vanishes, by Haruki Murakami
The Plague of Doves, by Louise Erdrich
The Most Fun We've Ever Had, by Claire Lombardo
Uncommon Type, by Tom Hanks
Inland, by Tea Obreht
My Dark Vanessa, by Kate Elizabeth Russell
The Wives, by Tarryn Fisher
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, by Ocean Vuong
Ask Again, Yes, by Mary Beth Keane
Mrs. Everything, by Jennifer Weiner
The Splendid and the Vile, by Erik Larson
The Water Dancer, by Ta-Nahisi Coates
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows, by Balli Kaur Jaswal
American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins
10. And finally.... wear the damn mask!
1. Hiking: I went hiking on the Chamisa Trail over the weekend. It was so therapeutic to enjoy nature and the company of friends. One of the hardest parts about the stay at home order is that my entire existence has revolved around work or parenting, so getting up to the mountains offered a much-needed break and an opportunity to focus on myself, to be present. I'm so thankful to live in a place where we can experience the outdoors in a safe and socially distanced way.
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2. Moths: Speaking of the outdoors, there is a serious moth infestation happening in Santa Fe right now. We're talking clusters of dozens or even hundreds of moths around the entrances to buildings, in the trees and bushes, and all over the inside of the hospital. Apparently this season has supplied the perfect climate and temperature conditions for a massive moth outbreak. They're harmless, but it's still pretty disturbing. I can't help but think of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds.
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| These jerks are everywhere |
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| Another one bites the dust |
3. Baking: I haven't jumped aboard the sourdough starter train that many are riding during quarantine, but I did try a new recipe for saffron bread this past weekend! I'm not great at baking yeast breads, especially at high altitude, but this one turned out great. I love the yellow color with red streaks of saffron threads. Next time I want to try adding some raisins and more spices.
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4. Reopening: This week marks the beginning of the first phase of New Mexico's reopening, including stores at decreased capacity. I'm most excited about the public libraries opening for curbside pickup starting tomorrow! I just hope that people can continue to stay safe and follow the rules. This entire experience forces us to put the benefit of the greater good ahead of our own needs, which is quite a mental shift for many Americans.
5. Zoom fun: I think one of the most common ways we are all connecting with others right now is through Zoom, and I love that it's being used for happy hours and social conversations in addition to work meetings. While conversations can be a bit awkward at times (the endless, "Oops, sorry, go ahead, no you go") and it can be challenging to stick to an agenda and keep the conversation on track, Zoom from home is also providing a different level of intimacy and connection. The highlight of my quarantine life has been connecting with family across the miles on Zoom happy hours, playing socially distanced trivia, and having virtual book club. I still miss the authenticity of in person-meetings, being in the same space, and sharing snacks and conversation, but on the plus side there's no need to call an Uber!
6. Big sister: Ady is 3 1/2 this month! I can tell a big difference in her maturity and communication in the past six months. "Barely 3" was ROUGH, probably the hardest phase of parenting so far, but 3 1/2 seems a little more manageable. Her favorite thing to do lately is ride her scooter, and her bravery and athleticism really show!
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| Scootin' away |
7. Little sister: Meredith is 4 months old! This is such a fun age for milestones and new discoveries. She's rolling, starting to push herself around on her forearms, and delighting in exploring her environment. She giggled for Ady and Dad this week, and finding her feet has been a proud accomplishment! She's a happy and adaptable baby so far and is adjusting to her first month of daycare.
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| Curious kiddo! |
8. A few of my favorite things on the internet this week: Daniel Radcliffe reading Harry Potter, Snoop Dogg listening to Let it Go in his car, and this Adele parody. We all need a little laughter today.
9. Reading list this month:
The Elephant Vanishes, by Haruki Murakami
The Plague of Doves, by Louise Erdrich
The Most Fun We've Ever Had, by Claire Lombardo
Uncommon Type, by Tom Hanks
Inland, by Tea Obreht
My Dark Vanessa, by Kate Elizabeth Russell
The Wives, by Tarryn Fisher
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, by Ocean Vuong
Ask Again, Yes, by Mary Beth Keane
Mrs. Everything, by Jennifer Weiner
The Splendid and the Vile, by Erik Larson
The Water Dancer, by Ta-Nahisi Coates
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows, by Balli Kaur Jaswal
American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins
10. And finally.... wear the damn mask!
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