Last Wednesday was the start of my social isolation and working from home. It’s been a full week of living by myself with just my dog, and I’ve survived! Yay! Honestly, though, it’s not much of a change from the norm. I work in an office by myself and come home to just my dog. It doesn’t bother me. We’ll see how I feel in a few weeks, but thus far, it’s been pretty good.

I’m much more productive with my day job at home, so no complaints there that I have to work from home. We’ve had a few nice days, so I’ve been able to take the Writing Companion on a few short walks up and down the street. We haven’t really seen anyone, but when we do, we give them space, as they do for us. We’re trying to do our part in stopping spreading this virus.

This is a hard time for so many, and my thoughts and prayers are with all those suffering. Even for me it’s been stressful. While I don’t mind being alone, I miss going to my sister’s house and hugging my nieces and nephew. And my sister. She’s dropped some supplies from a mutual source at my place, but we stayed apart just in case.

So, we all need stress relief right now. I suggest taking the time to do the things you’ve always wanted to do or things you haven’t done in forever. My mom and two of my sisters have started to just play the piano again for fun. Me and another sister have been baking far more. It’s nice to get up a little early before work and start making muffins. They’re delicious and a fun way to start the day. One of my muffins didn’t quite turn out, but they still taste amazing! The pumpkin chocolate chip muffins were perfect! (Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe) I’ve also made some no bake cookies and plan to make more kinds as the working from home/social isolation continues. A few of my FB friends have taken to gardening, some to sorting their homes (I’ve started this too), and others to drawing/painting.

Feel free to leave a comment about what you’re doing to relieve the stress of these times! I hope that once we’re allowed back to normal life (whatever that normal will look like) that we don’t forget to keep doing those things that bring us happiness.

Stay home. Stay safe. Stay healthy.