What I Meant Was

On March 2nd, I wrote about how my 50th year was beginning to fizzle. Things were just blah and nothing exciting was going on. When I said the calm before the party storm, I was thinking something WAY different than what happened after I wrote those words. My 50th year is off to a literally shaky start. Let's review some moments since my last blog entry, shall we? And if my words brought on the craziness, my bad.

The world has been shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today begins week two of working from home as we have been told to shelter in place and self quarantine, I was thinking how awesome it has been to spend more time with my girls. We're all stuck at home, working and getting back to schoolwork. When the weather is nice, we've been going out for lunch time walks with the doggos. We've been cooking dinner and don't have to worry about commuting. We worked out adding an extra routine thinking we're coming out of this with our bikini bods ready! Weeknights we eat dinner together then played boardgames. Some games I haven't played in years! It reminds me of growing up in Nu'uuli and on stormy days we would play board games or read. I feel as if the world is slowing us down. Making us see what we've been missing.

Then, that same world gave us a rude awakening last Tuesday morning in Utah with a 5.7 magnitude earthquake. It was truly a wake up call as we were all sleeping. For folks in California and other places in the world where earthquakes are common, you can laugh all you want. It really freaked us out. I haven't felt anything that strong for as long as I can remember. We've been experiencing after shocks every day, the heavier ones always seem to happen when I'm trying to take a nap. It's nerve wracking. All you can do is prepare and have a plan. And pray. Oh yes. That's what I've been doing all week. Cuz I'm scared. I have to stay strong for my girls, but I'm struggling with that. All I want to do is find a corner and cry.

This is definitely a 50th year to remember! I thought being quarantined at home, I could maybe get some writing done. Right now that's not happening. My brain is too rattled and sleep deprived to even think about anything else except taking a nap. Here's to everyone staying safe and healthy! Please don't hoard toilet paper, wash your hands, air and virtually hug your people. Those useless physical things you're worried about? Those are nothing compared to the safety and well-being of your family. Reset your priorities. What can be accomplished during this time of lock down? The plan is to organize our home, our thoughts, our mindset. When we come out of this craziness, we'll know what is important and what's not. Take this time to enjoy each other's company. Get to know your family and friends. As an introvert, I prefer contact like commenting on social media or messaging people or sending texts. I'm not much of a talker. Anyway you feel is comfortable for you to say hello and have contact, do it. Within the confines of social distancing, of course. Be safe, ya'll. Stay healthy. Be kind. It's not that difficult. And for goodness sake, stop hoarding, especially toilet paper. Cheers to almost 50 years! One and a half months and counting!

Painting using fancy watercolors. Time well spent.

Over 200 aftershocks since the 5.7 earthquake on March 17, 2020