When An Extrovert Becomes A Homebody

Trust me, I have all the emotions about our current situation. I may write them out some day but I think if I do it now, I'll just send myself further down the mental spiral of doom and gloom. Ain't got time for that.

I just finished my first full week of mandatory working from home. Fortunately, my entire team is able to do so. We're super busy and we need all hands on deck. I recognize our good fortune.

But, what to do once the work day (or night) is over? I already watch too much TV. I read a lot of books. I cook and keep a fairly neat house without needing extra hours. What did I used to do (an ENTIRE week ago?) to fill in the rest of my time?

I was with my peeps!

Happy Hour, dining out for lunch and dinner and even the occasional breakfast, game lunches and game nights, watching live music, golfing, sporting events, book club and just hanging out. That's what I used to do.

I can't help but feel it will be longer than we expect before that all becomes normal again.

The first few days home were hectic as I had to get my equipment set up and everyone settled in. After that, I had to find something to occupy my mind and my time.

So, I did some actual exercise in the form of two Virtual 5K walks. They were both actually planned to be virtual but I was supposed to walk them with my friends.

Here's what I found interesting as I hit the pavement. There seemed to be a lot of people out and about. I then laughed at myself because, how would I know? I don't go past the mailbox without getting into a vehicle.

So, I asked two of my runner friends (one runs every single day - so annoying) if my observation was valid and they concurred. They've both seen a lot more people when they're out. Side effect of gyms shutting down or people going crazy like me and deciding to burn some calories - who knows?

Our next book club is scheduled for April 30 and I have a conflict so suggested postponing until we can all be safely together. One of our members who's moved to Oregon chimed in - let's do Zoom! She usually just sends us a written review of the book (the contents of which we all try to predict before the host reads it aloud) so she's excited to participate.

Though it was not my original idea, I drove it like I stole it. I set up two Zoom meetings with some friends. The first was with friends from out of state. The second was with friends from in town.

Totally worth doing! So much so that I have a second meeting for each group set up for later in the week. You can text or call as much as you want but there's just something about being able to see each others' faces.

I have made a rule, though. Shirts are mandatory.

Not at all representative of what we look like.

Oddly enough, I've found comfort in a solitary activity (get your mind out of the gutter) - with a game called, unsurprisingly, Solitaire. One of my friends posted on Facebook that she was playing and I thought it was genius. Not playing on the computer but actually breaking out the cards.

Success!

It's soothing and mind numbing and makes me feel like my Grandma who always played cards on the kitchen table. She was a rock star and any comparison to her is a compliment.

In addition to channeling my Grandma, I've turned into my Dad. My Dad channels Gladys Kravitz. (BTW, I'd forgotten two different actresses played that role.)

If you don't know who she is, I'm not sure we can be friends.
Please google her so we can be friends.

I have my front door open all day and I can't help but notice all the comings and goings. My neighbor across the street is always in motion and has lots of visitors. No, I don't believe he's a drug dealer. There are also many dog and wee children walkers who go by several times a day.

Whew - I almost delved into those feelings several times in this post but managed to stay stoic. As is my nature.

Stay tuned for further adventures from within mi casa and practice your social distancing!