How my routine has changed since COVID-19

1. I work from home. Since I have no commute and no lunch to pack, I start work earlier than I do when in the office. Coworkers (see photos) may vary day to day, but they are welcome. As our work-from-home routine gets longer, I realize that I LIKE going into to the office. I miss those little conversations, or walking down the hall to ask someone a quick question. Sure, I can still send an email but it's not quite the same as a face-to-face conversation.

The morning routine now includes a dose of Lucy.

During a recent Microsoft Teams phone chat, Ringo was quite interested in our website work discussion.

2. HOBBIES have become more important. I've started new projects, like a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. I bought a bonsai tree in February and tried my hand at wiring the branches. It will take months before I know how that worked. I wonder during these times how people without hobbies deal with staying at home?

Puzzle, anyone? This 1,000 piece puzzle features vintage cereal boxes. I bought it during a trip to Meijer.

There's time to catch up on Kalmbach titles I haven't read yet.

3. Catch up on reading material. This includes Kalmbach titles. I get caught up in the day-to-day workflow and usually don't take the time to read the titles once they're published. I've always enjoyed books, but my husband recently dug out his pile of Arthur Hailey novels. I read Hotel, and then we watched the 1969 movie version. Next up is Wheels.

Part of my stack of reading material. Hotel was a great read. Wheels is up next.

4. Getting outside is important. I can't visit the gym, so I'm started daily walks (or a bike ride if it's warm enough). I take a different route every time, and enjoy looking at the different houses as I walk by.

5. Reach out to friends and family. I've been calling my parents far more than I usually do, and texting/emailing other friends. I do papercrafting and mail out a few cards each week to those people I care about. 

6. BREATHE. It's a challenge at times to stay positive. The news about the virus is relentless, much is uncertain or unknown, and it's hard to take in at times. 

7. Support local businesses. My husband and I choose local restaurants when we get take out/curbside pick up meals. Call your local hobby shop, bookstore, or other favorite business, or place an online order. It means a lot to them.