Halfway Through Isolation

It is Day 8 of isolated quarantine, and what a time it has been. Who knew that one could survive on your own?

My Thankfulness Wall

Speaking of which, I’m doing OK all things considered. I will say that I’ve had a few 6-feet-away conversations with friends around the apartment complex, but no physical contact. With the help of a lot of music and projects, I am still alive and not really stir crazy. I've had 35 video calls since last Saturday (and still counting).

I set up a standing desk for work, and being on a remote team helped with my transition to working from home. I'm used to the rhythm and etiquette of video calls, and I'm thankful that the entire world is now forced to learn the basics of technology. 

Makeshift Standup Desk

I’ve had so many discussions about COVID-19 and what society will look like in the future. Because I am not limited to talk to people in my immediate proximity, I have heard a plethora of thoughts and opinions. Some interesting questions to think about:

-       Are the lockdowns that the government instituting within the power/rights of state government?

-       What is the tradeoff between physical health, economic stability, and mental wellbeing?

-       What does this interruption reveal about our society’s goals and priorities? Our personal values?

-       How can we use technology to maintain meaningful, personal relationships?

-       Controversial: Did it ever cross your mind that those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 would not be alive if this happened 200 years ago?

I don’t have answers to any of these questions, but if you want to discuss them, I’m happy to jump on a video call in the near future!

I’ve been cooking a lot, and it’s nice to have the freedom to make food for lunch rather than pack a lunchbox. Here are some of the meals I’ve been enjoying this past week:

Yum

It was also interesting celebrating a birthday remotely. I had the privilege of making the cake of the night: Austin’s family is Pennsylvania Dutch and German, and she loves cheesecake, so I made her a German Cheesecake with lots of berries. I was really nervous about the cheesecake because it didn’t contain any cream cheese (only Greek yogurt and heavy cream), but they said it tasted good, so I’m glad. I’m pretty proud of my creation, if I’m allowed to say so myself:

German Cheesecake

Pinterest Inspired

And then I had the luxury to enjoy the remaining strawberries and blueberries. I don’t usually buy them for myself because they’re on the more expensive side, but I decided to treat myself over the weekend hehe.

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

Greek Yogurt Parfait

There’s more to say, but I will stop here for now. I just wanted to publish my baking pictures :P I’ll do a final quarantine reflection next weekend. Happy Sunday! Stay tuned for more Bahamas stories.