The open concept design sure beats all the 1950s walls we used to have ... So, a few things have happened over the last several months, many of which we can look back on and think: "Well, that was good timing."
Having the house all nicely renovated (the last touches finally completed near the end of January when Mike resized the pantry so that it actually made sense to us) definitely fits in that category, as our space now has a wonderful open feel very much appreciated in the recent months where we don't get out much. It's nice to not have to navigate a maze to find somewhere with natural light, and having lots of space to spread out (and eat in) just adds to the happy.
Mike travelled to Ecuador for 10 days in the beginning of February with a friend he's known since kindergarten, and then he and I, along with another couple, took a trip to Costa Rica in mid-February for 15 days, returning home around the 26th. You know, when we could still travel without worries that the airports might shut down and strand us somewhere. Although, if you have to find yourself stranded somewhere, you could do worse than Costa Rica. So we definitely lucked out in our February travels, because anything later ... well, we'd have missed it.
Having the house all nicely renovated (the last touches finally completed near the end of January when Mike resized the pantry so that it actually made sense to us) definitely fits in that category, as our space now has a wonderful open feel very much appreciated in the recent months where we don't get out much. It's nice to not have to navigate a maze to find somewhere with natural light, and having lots of space to spread out (and eat in) just adds to the happy.
Mike travelled to Ecuador for 10 days in the beginning of February with a friend he's known since kindergarten, and then he and I, along with another couple, took a trip to Costa Rica in mid-February for 15 days, returning home around the 26th. You know, when we could still travel without worries that the airports might shut down and strand us somewhere. Although, if you have to find yourself stranded somewhere, you could do worse than Costa Rica. So we definitely lucked out in our February travels, because anything later ... well, we'd have missed it.
We spent a few days at Playa Grande beach, where temperatures soared while Ontario saw a bit of snow. Then we travelled inland to Monteverde for a few days where we had lots of wind and a fair amount of rain--Ontario saw some not too bad temps then, but still, winter in Ontario, so we got the better deal. We spent our last week in Nuevo Arenal, near both volcano and lake, and had the most fantastic scenery and weather. Right before flying home into a predicted blizzard. Luckily, we didn't have to drive ourselves home from the airport on the slick roads, as we'd already arranged for alternate transportation. At that point, the major question asked at the airport was: Have you visited China in the last 14 days. So, managed to dodge the bullet there.
Had two weeks of band rehearsals where we worked on Kiwanis Festival pieces as well as our upcoming summer repertoire. Our section leader had also just returned from a long vacation, and we were all revved up for putting on some wonderful performances in the spring/summer concert and festival season. Which then promptly fell apart as gatherings of multiple people restrictions went into place. So now we all just practice our music at home instead of together. (Wait, we don't? But of course we're all playing our faces off, right; what else do we have to do?)
Speaking of restrictions on large gatherings, the saddest one we've faced is the postponement of my cousin's wedding. Originally set for the beginning of April, she has had to reschedule until December. There's timing for you; so close and yet so far. But she and her fiancee remain chipper and well, and you can't ask for better than that. They're together and happy, and that's awesome. Here's hoping things have found their new normal by December!
Had two weeks of band rehearsals where we worked on Kiwanis Festival pieces as well as our upcoming summer repertoire. Our section leader had also just returned from a long vacation, and we were all revved up for putting on some wonderful performances in the spring/summer concert and festival season. Which then promptly fell apart as gatherings of multiple people restrictions went into place. So now we all just practice our music at home instead of together. (Wait, we don't? But of course we're all playing our faces off, right; what else do we have to do?)
Speaking of restrictions on large gatherings, the saddest one we've faced is the postponement of my cousin's wedding. Originally set for the beginning of April, she has had to reschedule until December. There's timing for you; so close and yet so far. But she and her fiancee remain chipper and well, and you can't ask for better than that. They're together and happy, and that's awesome. Here's hoping things have found their new normal by December!
Of course, the thing that has changed so much about how we go about life has a name: the virus COVID19, a global pandemic that has brought out an interesting dichotomy of people. We see folks taking social distancing and self-isolation seriously, doing their best to limit the spread and save lives (or at least hospital space); we see people calling it a hoax, insisting that precautions are overdone and preposterous, infringing on our rights. And we have everyone in between. We tend to fall into that first category. Sure, our chances of catching and/or spreading the virus are small given our limited interaction with others, but they're there. No way do we want to find ourselves responsible for bringing harm to others, or to ourselves.
This has brought about the biggest change in our day-to-day life; the methods of social distancing. Both naturally introverts, neither Mike nor I have found huge hardships in terms of staying away from others (video calls are awesome, and can bring together a bunch of people who might not otherwise get the opportunity to sit down and chat at the same time). We've gone to bi-weekly grocery shopping instead of once a week, done with face coverings and following the rules set out by the grocery store (like keeping our distance and following directional arrows on the floor--doesn't seem like a hard, or onerous, concept, yet I still see people going against the flow).
Any other shopping, should we require anything, we do online where we don't have to deal with people and we don't have to wait in lines. This, of course, is a first-world luxury, as a friend of ours living in Mexico where deliveries are less easily accomplished has demonstrated. (Makes me wonder why so many first-world countries keep seeing such a high proportion of new cases when a bit of patience and common sense could benefit our fellows, but let's not get into that controversial topic) We have such good fortune living where we do, and with our current circumstances (neither of us having work outside the house), and we find ourselves grateful every day. Especially knowing others do not share that same safety. If our keeping distant from anyone will ease another's risk of succumbing to this virus, we'll gladly keep doing so.
This has brought about the biggest change in our day-to-day life; the methods of social distancing. Both naturally introverts, neither Mike nor I have found huge hardships in terms of staying away from others (video calls are awesome, and can bring together a bunch of people who might not otherwise get the opportunity to sit down and chat at the same time). We've gone to bi-weekly grocery shopping instead of once a week, done with face coverings and following the rules set out by the grocery store (like keeping our distance and following directional arrows on the floor--doesn't seem like a hard, or onerous, concept, yet I still see people going against the flow).
Any other shopping, should we require anything, we do online where we don't have to deal with people and we don't have to wait in lines. This, of course, is a first-world luxury, as a friend of ours living in Mexico where deliveries are less easily accomplished has demonstrated. (Makes me wonder why so many first-world countries keep seeing such a high proportion of new cases when a bit of patience and common sense could benefit our fellows, but let's not get into that controversial topic) We have such good fortune living where we do, and with our current circumstances (neither of us having work outside the house), and we find ourselves grateful every day. Especially knowing others do not share that same safety. If our keeping distant from anyone will ease another's risk of succumbing to this virus, we'll gladly keep doing so.
So you'd think, having all this time and distance and isolation (though we get out for walks and runs and general fresh air pretty much daily), I'd have a lot of time for writing. I do, and yet, I haven't written much lately. Back in November I started a new story. Every November, many in the writing community participate in an endeavour called NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) where you attempt to write a 50 000 word (or longer) manuscript. You can participate in daily challenges, pep-talks, community support, etc. as you aim for a full story. I have never actually participated, but this last November, I did challenge myself to see how far I could get, with the intention of eventually having my next novel written ... whenever. So I sat down and got writing (a little late, as I didn't actually start until Nov. 4). My first month, I did manage 21 000+ words on a brand new tale. Still feel pretty good about this accomplishment. In the ensuing months (as I've kept track of my daily word count, just for fun), I've managed a total of about 57 000 words, so about half of my typical novel length, and I'm about half-way through the story. Of course, I didn't write much in February, spending most of that time on vacation. March saw a bit of a resurgence in the story, but April fell really short. Like less than 2000 words all month short. No particular reason. I certainly didn't have any social engagements getting in the way (every concert, gathering, or play we had planned to attend of course being cancelled by this time). I simply didn't get around to, or feel like, writing. So far in May, I've not done much better, but I have higher hopes for the days ahead. We'll see what the future holds. Hopefully something good. I certainly have enough time on my hands!
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