staying home

Home for the holidays, but it feels different

You're probably tired of hearing people say it: The holidays will look different this year. They won't just "look" different, they will feel different. (It's felt different this entire month!) I'm home in Seattle for the holidays. Many people around the world cannot go home for the holidays. Better worded: They are making the smart… Continue reading Home for the holidays, but it feels different

seattle, staying home

A quarantine on top of quarantine

The West Coast is on fire. It's been more than a week of very smokey air in Seattle from all the wildfires. We're "lucky" since it's even worse in Oregon and California. I can't even begin to imagine what it would feel like to have to leave your house because you were in danger from… Continue reading A quarantine on top of quarantine

staying home

Not the summer we planned for

As my friend and I chatted, we kept referencing how this wasn't the summer anyone had planned for. She had planned to spend the entire month of August back here in Seattle. (She currently lives in Spain). Now she doesn't even know when her next trip back to visit her parents and friends will be.… Continue reading Not the summer we planned for

staying home

An office stuck in time

I had to go into the office to pick up my work badge the other day. It was my first time back in four months. It was weird because as much as I enjoy working from home (no commute, not having to wear real pants ...) I had a tinge of sadness as I walked… Continue reading An office stuck in time

staying home, United States

It felt different this year

"Happy Fourth!" she cheerfully exclaimed as she and her partner descended down the mountain. I think I mumbled a quick "Same to you," but I honestly can't remember, nor did I mean it if I did. I was just being polite. It was July Fourth but I didn't think there was anything to celebrate about.… Continue reading It felt different this year

Hummingbird
seattle, staying home

Did you notice this pre-COVID?

I have seen about five or so hummingbirds siting perched on telephone lines during my time in quarantine. The first time it was while I was getting ready in the morning before going to work (at my dining room table). I was looking out the window and noticed a tiny bird perched on the line… Continue reading Did you notice this pre-COVID?

flowers
staying home

How are you?

It seems like a simple, straight-forward question: How are you? But, is it? I'll run into a neighbor while on a walk and we'll exchange "Hello's" and "How are you's?" We smile and reply with some form of, "Oh, hanging in there" or, "Oh, you know, fine." When I'm on a phone meeting with a… Continue reading How are you?

staying home

Judging everyone, and being judged — while social distancing

... and we were social distancing! You know what I'm talking about. You're having a conversation with your best friend and you talk about how you visited your parents and you add, "We chatted through the window!" It's not that you doubt that your friend would actually think you had set foot in your parents'… Continue reading Judging everyone, and being judged — while social distancing

staying home

A quarantined mother’s day

A week ago, my mom texted my brother and I and told us not to get her any gifts for Mother's Day. "We need to save, and not be spending money!" she ended the text messaged with. My brother replied: We already got you a gift. Selfless, and often times stubborn — that's my mom.… Continue reading A quarantined mother’s day