dual personalities

Late on Tuesday night, the university announced that all staff should telework until at least May 30, which had already been my plan. Wednesday was my first day doing so, and let me just say: teleworking is more fun when it’s a one-day reprieve during a normal workweek. When everyone is teleworking it’s sort of terrible, at least so far. Inefficient phone calls, a lot more emailing, technology issues… whew. It’s going to be a long few weeks (at least!). My lowest moment was when I realized my apartment neighbors are now my coworkers: it’s as if someone can smoke weed, play music, mow their lawns, etc. in the next office over.

But I will try to keep my chin up. Here are a few things I have accomplished at home these last few days:

Finishing two Longmire mysteries: Death Without Company and Kindness Goes Unpunished. I need more!

Taking walks outside at least every other day; observing what’s blooming. (Spring seems to be here to stay! Hopefully we can begin making real use of our balcony soon enough.)

Inventorying our pantry and making a 2-week meal plan and grocery list (super dorky, I know).

Perusing online sales: I recommend Nordstrom, Sephora (which is offering free 2-day shipping), and Aerie (40% off daytime loungewear) if you can handle the possible teen flashbacks. Chances are, your email inbox is full of many more — the coronavirus has brought about another Black Friday!

I haven’t yet gotten into an at-home workout routine, or figured out how to use rollers in my hair, or deep cleaned the bathroom… but all in good time! Let’s pace ourselves.

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day.

–Ralph Waldo Emerson