theinbetweenismine

just a girl living the expat life

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Archives for 2020

Six months of working from home

September 17, 2020 filed under: Corona Life, daily life

It’s been six months to the day since we were told to go into full-time telework status. We were given two days to figure out the logistics, grab all our necessary stuff from the office, and make sure that we had a functioning workspace set up at home. Not a small feat for everybody, as I for one didn’t have a spare bedroom to convert into an office.

I was still excited about it. I always liked the idea of working from home, but only had a handful of opportunities to do so, e.g. when we had a short stint of mandatory telework two years ago when the wildfires in California were out of control and the air quality was so bad that we were asked to not leave the house for a week (sounds like it would have been a repeat this year if we hadn’t been already teleworking).

While my employer has a very generous flexible work policy (you might know that I’ve been working a 4-10 work schedule for most of my career) and I knew that teleworking was generally an option for every employee, I never felt like the option was available to me. Asking to work from home felt like asking for something that I wasn’t entitled to, for whatever stupid reason. 

Well, the stupid reason being that I was a contractor for 9 years and was repeatedly told that certain things just didn’t apply to me. Feeling like a second class employee is something I struggled with for a long time in my career (and sometimes still struggle with); even after 14 years working at the same office, I sometimes still don’t feel equal with my co-workers. But that’s a story for another time.

So, here we were in March, all of a sudden being forced to work from home while all other aspects of our normal lives mostly came to a screeching halt simultaneously. 

I was relieved and excited at the same time. Relieved because I felt that our management took the Covid-19 situation seriously and took proper precautions, and excited because part of me was looking forward to working from home. I realize that we were also exceptionally fortunate to be able to move into telework status almost seamlessly. Of course, there were some issues that needed to be worked out, as not all of our work can be easily done remotely (think: field/lab work) but overall, it was a fairly smooth transition.

I was able to take home two (big) monitors and a docking station from my office to create a semi-permanent, efficient workspace in the corner of our living room, and after riding it out on a rigid kitchen chair for a few weeks, I invested into an actual office chair, which has made all the difference. Granted, my space feels a little cramped, but at least I have a dedicated workspace and don’t work from my kitchen table. So there’s that.

Separating work from home life hasn’t really been a problem. I am not allowed to work overtime without supervisor approval and while I am dedicated to my work, there’s no benefit for me in working more hours than approved. I thrive on routine, so I mostly stick to my pre-pandemic work schedule, but I also enjoy having the flexibility to work late if I need to meet a deadline or to attend a meeting on my day off if need be, and shift my work hours around accordingly. 

We had just recently switched to a new mail and online meeting platform (Microsoft Teams) and transitioning to virtual meetings was easy-peasy (for the most part). Group calls, screen sharing, and shared file servers all made it possible. Could you imagine if the pandemic happened 10 or 15 years ago?

I must say though, I’ve never had so many (virtual) meetings and teleconferences IN MY LIFE (like, way more than in-person meetings at the office), or maybe it just feels so intense, because everything is virtual these days.

Still, I’m very grateful for the ability to work remotely (although I wish the circumstances weren’t because of a global pandemic) and for the opportunity to figure out if that is something I’d like to continue once this mandatory order is lifted. I know other people have already inquired about increased telework flexibility in the future.

So, to cut a long story short, I am loving the work from home life (minus all the surrounding circumstances). It has slowed down my days, it has allowed for a no-rush morning routine (including daily exercise!) and it has added extra flexibility into my life.
I feel this is probably also a good time to acknowledge that I am not only aware but lucky that I don’t have the added responsibility of dealing with homeschooling and childcare during these trying times. I don’t envy working parents one bit right now (kudos to all of you who have been on double-duty for months now. It can’t be easy!).

Being able to work from home makes me feel safer during the pandemic, and I very much appreciate that I am not forced to go to the office to mingle with other people unnecessarily. 

While I do miss interacting with my co-workers in person, I think I would be perfectly happy with a part time-telework schedule when things go back to normal (and hopefully would have enough ground to stand on to advocate for it). 

If you’re (still) working work from home, how do you feel about it?
Oh, and show me your workspace!

15

September Link List

September 16, 2020 filed under: link love, lists!

linklist

I could just browse the Internet for hours on end, so many good things to read. Don’t you agree? Here are this month’s pickings.

Around the Interwebs

Climate change will force a new American migration, and we will see it in our life time. Scary.

Campsites around SF. Maybe we’ll go, sometime, when it’s safe again.

What coffee-brewing method  makes the best-tasting cup? (I knew the pour-over was up there!)

Can’t put your finger on how you feel? Maybe The Feelings Wheel can help.

“How do you adjust to an ever-changing situation where the “new normal” is indefinite uncertainty?” Your ‘Surge Capacity’ Is Depleted — It’s Why You Feel Awful

This is why I really don’t want to get this: What young, healthy people have to fear from Covid-19.

For the love of mail.

Why some Americans refuse to social distance and wear masks. “The resistance to wearing a mask is not about public health; it’s about politics. […] The pandemic arrived at just the wrong moment — amid toxic politics, incompetent leadership, and fraying social bonds.” The saddest statement there is.

Famous sayings that don’t mean what you think they mean.

The movements that betray who you are. This was super-interesting. 

Around the blogosphere

How to vote this fall. All you need to know to cast your ballot in (or before!) November.

Another dull quarantine weekend at home, Target, Chipotle, Home Depot, and our niece’s graduation party. Beware: satire, maybe. Chuckle and then cry, is what I did.

Gabrielle always tells it like it is. The consequences of your actions. 

Trader Joe’s Fall Foods. Are you excited to try all the new seasonal items? I am not into everything pumpkin, but the rustic apple tarte and pumpkin spice granola bark look good!

Craftiness/DIY

Papercut Halloween House Lanterns. Is it too early to start preparing for Halloween? Well, bookmark these for later.

Ombre Paper Mobile (so pretty!).

These are so cute: Macrame Jar Hangers.

For my runner friends

How easy should your easy runs be?, that is the question.

How to treat and prevent foot blisters. 

A timely read. Running in bad air quality and smoke. (I am opting for the spin bike right now.)

Deliciousness

Mushroom & Spinach Breakfast Skillet. All the things I love.

We made egg noodles with an adapted version of this Mushroom & Lentil Ragù and I recommend it.

Creamy tomato & pepper pasta. Mmh, that looks delicious!

Share a good link with me in the comments!

7

Quarantine baking

September 14, 2020 filed under: baking, Corona Life, food

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I’ve become a quarantine cliché when I started baking bread with sourdough starter back in April. I’ve kept a weekly baking schedule since then, which is my longest bread baking streak yet, and I am not planning to stop anytime soon.

But, not surprisingly, quarantine has led to a lot of other baking shenanigans as well. I baked a couple of favorites but also tried a few new recipes. In case you need some inspiration, read on, I am sharing a few, but not all of my recently baked goodies!

Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

I used this recipe and ditched the vanilla extract and substituted with 2-3 tbsps of lemon extract (lemon juice is not lemony enough. Go ahead and stick your finger in the batter to try!). I also did not soak the poppyseeds (never have, but wonder how much of a difference it would make. Anyone?).

Lemon poppyseed muffins are my favorite and these were delicious. You also might be interested to know that they freeze very well (however, freeze them without the lemon glaze that I put on some of them!). I wrapped them individually in aluminum foil and then I’d just take one out in the morning and it would be ready to eat in about 1 hour. 

Lemon Yogurt Zucchini Bread

I don’t know about you, but I feel like you can never go wrong with zucchini bread. Regular zucchini bread is delicious as is, but have you tried adding yogurt and lemon for a twist? It makes it fresh and light, and it just tastes really good.

This recipe has made it into my recipe binder, which means it’s been tried and tested, and it has been repeatedly baked at our house.

Sweet Yeast Bread

Sweet yeast bread is something I grew up with. It’s traditionally baked for Easter and New Year’s where I am from in Germany, but it was also regularly served at my parents’ house for Sunday breakfasts (with a soft-boiled egg) when I grew up.

This is my mom’s recipe and it will always remind me of home. The bread is soft and only slightly sweet and so good that you’ll only want a bit of butter with it, if anything.

Sourdough Yogurt Blueberry Crumble Cake

I am a big fan of crumble cake (with any kind of fruit! I actually baked a version with rhubarb, too!), but this recipe (which I adapted from a recipe I found online) calls for sourdough discard (of which I had plenty sitting in the fridge).

You might also have noticed that I am a fan of putting yogurt into baked goods and it hasn’t failed me yet. This turned out so yummy. The crumb was spongy, soft, and really moist and the crumbles on top are always a nice addition. 

Almond Butter Cookies

I don’t have a recipe for these to link up, but these cookies were just made from four ingredients and I’ll share the recipe soon if you’re interested.

They were just the right amount of crunchy and are so quick to make. I whipped them up in just 15 minutes. They were the perfect little treat with my mid-morning second cup of coffee.

Raisin-Walnut-Honey-Sourdough Loaf

I was looking for ways to use up some of my sourdough discard and came across this recipe. It actually uses active sourdough starter, not discard, but it looked so damn good, that I still had to try it. It’s like a variation of the sweet yeast bread without the yeast.

I tweaked the original recipe a little bit because it used pecans and I usually don’t have pecans at home, but walnuts work just as well. It was absolutely delicious. I’ll definitely bake this bread again, and you should, too.

German Plum Cake

My Mom told me that she made German plum cake recently, which of course, triggered a huge craving, so I set out on a hunt for ‘baking plums’ because you need a certain type of plum for German plum cake. After some research, I had found out that the plums I was looking for are called Empress (or Italian) plums and they’re usually only available for a few weeks every season. They’re a European kind and they’re usually turned into prunes. 

Finding the right fresh plums here wasn’t easy but I got lucky at our local Farmer’s Market. I made an adapted version of this recipe and, obviously, had to make some homemade whipped cream to go with it. (Now my freezer is full of a couple of more squares for later.)

– – –

As you can tell, I am a tweaker. I hardly ever stick to a recipe but often try to make it my own. 

What have you been baking? Any recipes you’d like to share?

10

Tuesday Topics | How do you stay motivated to run?

September 8, 2020 filed under: fitness, linkup, running, Tuesday Topics

This week, I am linking up with  Kookyrunner and Zenaida  for Tuesday Topics and we’re talking about how we stay motivated to run?

I am usually a pretty motivated person in general, so finding motivation to do things (be it exercise or other hobbies) often comes pretty natural to me. However, like anybody else, I have days where motivation is harder to come by. Here are a few things that I try to remember when motivation is low:

The feeling after each run

I try to keep at the forefront of my mind, how I feel after each run and the truth is: I usually feel really good. Getting out and breathing some fresh air always has a calming effect and often “resets” our bodies and brains. If I am grumpy or stressed, I know that going for a run can fix it (if not the problem itself, then at least the anxiety and negative feelings around whatever is currently going on).  

I don’t have to run, I get to run

I have friends with chronic illnesses and pain that prevents them from engaging in regular exercise routines.  I try to remind myself every day that if I wake up feeling good and without pain, it is a gift that I get to go out for a run.

Setting goals and/or signing up for race and challenges

Duh, I am sure that is on every runner’s list, because we all have a bit of a competitive streak, I am sure, and  having a goal/race to look forward to and work towards just helps to keep the motivation up. Proving to ourselves that we can accomplish something usually is a pretty good reward for keeping up a regular exercise habit.

The online running community

This is no joke and can’t be underestimated. Connecting with other like-minded people through blogs and Instagram and seeing them stick to their workout routines and crushing their goals is an immense source of motivation for me.  

I like rewards

Come on, don’t tell me that you haven’t employed that strategy yourself. A pretty good motivator for me to workout is a reward afterwards (we’re all pretty simple creatures when it comes down to it). For example, I immensely enjoy my first cup of coffee in the morning, so that is usually my reward. I tell myself that I can’t have my coffee before I worked out. What’s yours?

What keeps you motivated to run/exercise?

8

Five Things Friday Vol. 13

September 4, 2020 filed under: Friday Five

Five Things Friday: just five things I’m thinking about or things that made my week, or things that I otherwise feel like sharing.

five things

Let me lead with the highlight of my week: the spin bike that I ordered a couple of weeks ago arrived today – hooray! Yes, you guessed it, I also jumped on the bandwagon and bought a spin bike during the pandemic. No, unfortunately, it’s not a Peloton, but I think I’ll be very happy with the one I ordered nonetheless.

If you recall, I had started regular spin classes at my gym in the spring of 2019 and really, really loved it. When the pandemic hit in March and the gyms were closed down, access to that class disappeared. I got through the summer by running outdoors and doing home workouts, but now that we’re moving into fall and winter and the days are getting longer, a spin bike for home use seemed like the perfect solution for my early morning workouts. And the best part: Jon is excited to use it, too! 

*  *  *

I’m happy to report that the air quality here in the Central Valley has significantly improved over the last few days. The fires are still burning, but the biggest fire close to us, the LNU Lightning Complex is 87% contained at this point. Yesterday morning was the first day since the fires started that we had a good air quality index reading. It’s been a relief!

*  *  *

I am currently reading Mary Trump’s book. I am not sure if it’s a waste of my precious time or a must-read (I guess, I’ll determine it after I finish), but I definitely was intrigued to hear her perspective on her uncle. Have you read or are you planning to read the book?

*  *  *

Speaking of Trump, have you heard of the ‘deferred payroll tax‘ nonsense?  He signed an executive order in August that allows employers to delay the collection of the 6.2% Social Security tax from employees who earn less than $104k annually. Isn’t that the perfect executive order by a president shortly before the election to “boost” his standings with unsuspecting supporters? Some extra money in your pocket sounds great, right? 

Well no, not if it means that your employer will start withholding the deferred amount from your paycheck again early next year. It means you’ll get a slight pay bump in pay this fall, but a significant decrease in pay for the first few months of 2021, because you still owe this money on tax day. So, this whole thing MAKES NO SENSE. People who still have a job don’t need this money right now, I’d argue, and if they do, they’ll for sure not be able to repay it in a few short months. What are we supposed to do? Hold the money in a savings account (that doesn’t even pay interest, ha!) until it’s being recollected again? Not to mention the bureaucratic lift for payroll offices to implement this temporary change in withholdings! 

*  *  *

I’ve been tending to my garden for the last few weeks/months, but nothing is growing. I am not sure why. I think I did see some bees around, but I am not sure if the plants just weren’t pollinated sufficiently? The cucumber plant has a ton of blossoms, but many have shriveled up without producing fruit. The zucchini plants have blossomed, but I also don’t see any beginnings of a zucchini fruit yet. My tomato plant might have given up altogether. It’s a bit of a mystery. Any gardeners with advice? 

TGIF, friends! Enjoy the long weekend!

8

What I read in August

September 2, 2020 filed under: books

I read some really good books last month, thought-provoking, emotionally hard, but really important books.

A long way home by Saroo Brierley (★★★★★)

Better known as a backstory for the movie, Lion, in this autobiography, Brierley tells his life story, describing his ordeals and adventures as a lost five-year-old in rural India, his adoption by an Australian family, and his search for his Indian native family as an adult.

It reads like fiction and it’s hard to comprehend what Brierley has been through. Just imagine getting lost when you were five and not being able to find your way back to your family. It sounds unimaginable and almost too good to be true that he was able to track down his roots years later.

Read his story, I promise it won’t disappoint!

Strangely, this book made me think of all the kids that came here as refugees and were separated from their parents by ICE, and some of whom will probably never be reunited. What an unthinkable tragedy!

Just Mercy: A story of justice and redemption by Bryan Stevenson (★★★★★)

This book had been on my to-read list for a while and it finally became available. A lot in this book sounded familiar, and I remembered that I had read “The sun does shine” by Anthony Ray Hinton who was also freed by Bryan Stevenson, but this book talks about Bryan Stevenson’s own story of becoming a civil right’s attorney in Alabama and founding the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a nonprofit law office, dedicated to defending the poor, the incarcerated, and the wrongly condemned.

This book tells the story of EJI’s first client, Walter McMillian, who was put on death row for a murder he didn’t commit and eventually freed by Stevenson and his team.

So you want to talk about race by Ijeoma Oluo (★★★★★)

This book was really good. I’ve read a few anti-racists books recently, but this one was by far the easiest to digest. I mean, not “easy” in the way that it’s a “fun” book, racism is a heavy topic, but I felt that Oluo made this topic really accessible. There was a lot I just “nodded” along because on a theoretical level, I “knew all this” already, but there were also some things I really hadn’t considered (because, well, the situation hadn’t presented itself to me and this is not an excuse, but having been raised in Europe, I think my upbringing and socialization was a little different from being brought up in the United States. There definitely is racism in Europe, and everywhere else  in the world, I’d argue, but I think it’s different from the structural racism in the United States that originated from chattel slavery.) Oluo did give some good examples on how to change behaviors because I will admit that I often agree with a lot of what is said about structural racism, but feel helpless in how I personally can make a difference.

We have to get comfortable with the word “racist” (as someone who not necessarily feels, but shows – maybe unknowingly or even unintentionally – discrimination or prejudice against POCs) and just challenge our learned behaviors and thinking patterns.

I think one of the most important arguments I have found in all the books about anti-racism that I’ve read so far is that we have to acknowledge what Oluo put this way: “there is no way you can inherit white privilege from birth, learn racist white supremacy history in schools, consume racist and white supremacist movies and films, work in a racist and white supremacist workforce, and vote for racist and white supremacist governments and not be racist. This does not mean that you have hate in your heart.” (p. 218)

What did you read in August? Anything you’d like to recommend? Leave a comment, and then add me on Goodreads to keep in touch.

5

Tuesday Topics | The best fitness advice I’ve received

September 1, 2020 filed under: fitness, Tuesday Topics

This week, I am linking up with  Kookyrunner and Zenaida  for Tuesday Topics and we’re talking about the best fitness advice we’ve ever received.

I’ve gotten some good advice over the years, and I’ve written about a few good pieces of advice before, but here are three things I really try to take to heart:

Find a sport that you love.

No really. If you seriously want to get into a healthy fitness routine, you need to find something that truly lifts your spirit. Don’t pick something, because your best friend does it (although working out together can be a huge motivational booster!), but that you actually hate doing. If working out is one more chore on your list, I will predict that you’re not going to stick with it for the long run (no pun intended). The great news is: there are a ton of different workouts/exercises to choose from, PLUS you can always switch it up to keep things interesting. It’s not like you have to pick and then be stuck with that one sport forever.

Listen to your body.

I strongly believe that I have run 5+ years injury-free because I have listened to my body, took breaks when I needed them and made cross-training and rest days a priority! I am not competing in the Olympics and don’t have to beat up my body to win a gold medal. I am just trying to keep a sustainable fitness routine that keeps me fit and healthy well into the future with an occasional race thrown in where I can test my limits. 

Be consistent.

That’s it. Just show up. It doesn’t matter if you do 10 minutes of yoga in the morning or show up for a (half) marathon on race day. Being consistent in your efforts and dedication to keep your body moving and healthy is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. 

Start small, add 15 minutes of moving into your day and then build from there. You’ll be surprised how fast your body will ‘crave’ the movement and routine! 

– – –

There you have it. Three very simple, but very effective pieces of advice, IMHO.

What’s the best fitness advice that you have received?

14

Currently | August

August 24, 2020 filed under: currently

STICKING TO | my bi-weekly grocery run schedule, but damn do I wish I could go wander the aisles of Home Goods or Michaels again. Target is my only exception (as I go there for grocery and household items) and it’s as close as I get to just “window shop” the aisles at a store right now.

EATING | peaches. I always forget how good they are when they’re in season. 

DRINKING | smoothies. (Or should these count as “eating “?)

WATCHING | the Democratic National Convention and really liked some of the speeches. I know, Biden/Harris might not be your first pick (or even your second), but we need to elect them. Period. (And yes, I’ll also check out the Republican National Convention this week, but just to see what’s going on. I am not sure how long I’ll be able to stomach it. Did you read that a “half Of RNC’s Planned ‘Key Speakers’ Are Trumps“?)

WONDERING | how people have time to keep up with IG posts, stories, AND now reels. Please tell me your secrets. I feel like I am always ‘behind’ (please don’t put any important information in your stories, because I am afraid I’ll miss it. Haha.)

BUYING | another 25 lbs bag of rye flour because the baking shenanigans are continuing. 

WORRYING | about the fires in California. I don’t know if you can see it on our backyard table in this first picture, but it was ‘raining’ ash in many parts of (Northern) California last week and the air quality from all the different fires that broke out after all the lightning showers was awful. It seems to get worse every year.

TRYING TO | exercise outside when I can. It’s been a little tough lately and being chained to the house by bad air quality on top of the Corona quarantine feels like a double-whammy.

HOPING | that I can take my bike for another bike ride very soon. I got my tires filled up a couple of weeks ago, but the hot temperatures and recent smoke from the fires have prevented me to take it on a ride again. 

ADORING | the beautiful butterflies (and occasional hummingbirds) that I’ve seen around our bougainvillea in the last few weeks. 

WEARING | shorts, tank tops, and Birkenstocks – all day, most days. What’s your quarantine uniform?

READING | A long way home by Saroo Brierley. 

SENDING | snail mail. I’ve had some odd experiences with the Postal Service again recently, but with everything going around USPS politically, I am still trying to support the Postal Service.  Also, real letters and cards > bills and advertisements.

What’s going on with you currently?

12

August Link List

August 21, 2020 filed under: link love, lists!

linklist

Yes, I’ve been coming across a ton of interesting reads again in the last month. Hope you enjoy!

Around the Interwebs

Remember how I said yesterday that people get “lulled” into a sense of security  and then allow themselves to let their guard down? Here’s why I am still so cautious:  I had COVID-19, and these are the things nobody tells you. 

“In my social circles, I was considered among the least likely person to contract the disease because, basically, I abandoned the circles. I wore a mask everywhere. I followed all the rules, but a couple of weeks ago I didn’t follow my instincts. I briefly let my guard down. The coronavirus came out swinging.

The weekend before my symptoms appeared, for the first time in four months, I met friends for two dinners at two socially distanced patio tables. Nobody is required to wear masks at the tables, so I removed my mask when I sat, as did my dining partners, and we left them off during the entire time we were at the table.

I didn’t do anything that was prohibited, right? I was just following the rules, right? My guess is that I caught it there.”

Aren’t we all Michelle right now?

You can’t really argue  with this anymore. How the pandemic defeated America.

How to actually change someone’s mind.

Aging is optional.

Pending Postal Master Changes could delay mail and deliveries. I’ve already noticed a slow down in deliveries, have you?

Get your flu vaccine!

This is an interesting article about mask wearing and social change.

This is tough for so, so many: The coronavirus shutdown through the eyes of the recently unemployed. 

“Focus on outcomes rather than time spent in the office”. A Company’s New 2-Sentence Remote Work Policy.

What self-care means right now, according to experts.

An interesting perspective: One Legacy of the Pandemic May Be Less Judgment of the Child-Free.

Around the blogosphere

Cozy work from home spaces. (Show me yours?)

Under current circumstances, this is great advice: The #1 Way to Multiply Your Impact on the 2020 US Election.

How I slow down days.

I don’t care if Joe Biden was your first pick or your last, we need to elect him. 10 ways to get to work electing Joe & Kamala (hat tip @ Kate). 

Craftiness/DIY

DIY Textbook and Notebook covers. I used to do that all the time back in school and college.

Plush Toy DIY

Creative quarantine crafts.

Paper quilling art. Remember doing this at school when you were bored? 

For my runner friends

For the people in the back, repeat after me Laura: faster workouts are not better workouts. 

How to stay safe when running.

The 8 post-run mistake you should stop making. Are you guilty of any of them? I’ve done a couple of those, not regularly, but sometimes. Here’s what to do instead.

Deborah shares her tips on How To Clean Your Running Watch. Have you cleaned yours?

How to recover after a long run.

Deliciousness

Arnold Palmer Popsicles? Count me in!

We’ve been staying away from Asian take-out recently, but I think I’ll try this when the next craving for Asian food hits: Thai Basil Sesame Cashew Chicken.

I see some Bacon, Cheddar, + Veggie ‘Sunrise’ Scones in my future.

A recipe for a lighter, fresher Lemon Tiramisu. Sounds perfect for summer!

Share a good link with me in the comments!

3

Blogging through the COVID-19 crisis: Update 6

August 20, 2020 filed under: Corona Life, real life

My last check-in was almost 6 weeks ago. I tell you, I don’t know where the time goes. This is nuts, but this week I’ve officially been working from home for 5 whole months.

I have to admit: I like the ‘working from home’- part. I like the slowed-down pace of my day. I don’t have ‘cabin fever’. I like being at home, I like our backyard and neighborhood, I like our routine. I am not saying that I want to go on like this forever (surely not!), but I am still not at a point where I am willing to take unnecessary risks. We are still staying at home, mostly, and don’t leave the house for anything other than grocery shopping every two weeks, walking/running, and doctor’s appointments.

I posted about my grocery shopping routine on Instagram last week and someone commented that they couldn’t imagine just going to the store once a week, let alone every other week.
Granted, the comment was from someone who lives in Germany, and while they are still required to still wear masks at the store, restrictions have been lifted there quite a bit and people don’t feel uncomfortable going shopping more often.

As for me, I am still not willing to spend time around other people any more than absolutely necessary. Until California (and the US) get their case numbers under control, I am staying in lockdown mode.

Maybe you think this is unnecessary, but you know what I find unnecessary? Selfishness. Putting myself and others in danger for some slight convenience or a moment of “normalcy”. Nothing is normal, and not thinking about the common good in this situation feels selfish.

I see people go on vacation and weekend trips (and believe me, I get it, some people need to get out and I am not judging them), but you have to acknowledge that this happens on the back of those people who voluntarily decide to stay home or, sadly, can’t afford to go anywhere because they are out of jobs and struggling to pay their rent. 

People argue that restaurants and hotels and tourist destinations have to survive, too. Yeah, I get that, but it just feels like we’re dragging this out unnecessarily. If we could have just all sat tight for a little while to stop this virus in its tracks, I am convinced we would have been much farther along at this point.

Maybe I am just jealous because I was someone who had to cancel their summer trip with their whole family because of COVID-19. That’s possible, too. I am afraid that, as people venture out more and more, they get lulled into a sense of security, because things seem okay and nobody has gotten sick (yet). But every time you venture out, you’re putting yourself (and others) at risk. And I still keep thinking that if we all just pulled together and collectively acted reasonably for a little while, we’d get through all this faster. 

Do you think I am overly cautious? Maybe I am, but I don’t have much trust right now that things are really looking up yet. Of course, some national leadership wouldn’t hurt. It boggles my mind that Trump still downplays this pandemic and hardly mentions all the people that have already lost (and will lose) their lives to this virus. It’s like, he doesn’t even care. I guess he’s too busy trying to figure out what else he can tear apart in this country (e.g. the Postal Service). But  I digress.

Things are okay, friends. I am always happy when I can report that there is not much new around here, because right now, no news is good news.

How are things in your corner of the world? Have you gone on trips? To restaurants? 

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Hi, I am San – German native, dual-citizen living in beautiful Northern California. Runner. Knitter. Crafter. Reader. Writer. Proud aunt, sister, and friend.

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