So…what is the Monday Poll?
Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start. ?
Welcome to the Quarantine Edition of the Monday Poll!
1. Are you an essential worker?
In the larger scheme of the pandemic, no. But here at home I’m essential, since someone needs to remember to feed all the coworkers! I’m also the main person preventing the youngest human child from going totally and completely feral.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
I’ve had a couple of hard apple ciders with dinner, but I may or may not be *this close* to day-drinking on the daily now.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
Not quite yet (but close!). Rosie has taken to shredding the painted kitchen doorjamb with her claws, but that’s about it. Connor has been pretty easygoing as long as we stick to our daily schedule. If we deviate from it, though, all bets are off!
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
Does trying to contact a real live human being at the unemployment office count?
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
A couple trips and events have been postponed. My dad also turned 70 this past weekend, so we packed up the 4Runner with our camping chairs, camp table, snacks and drinks, and a portable 5-gallon toilet bucket, and celebrated by driving out to their house in the East Bay for a social distancing backyard birthday party. There were no hugs exchanged, unfortunately, but we got to chat, sing Happy Birthday, and explore their beautiful backyard (they have so many fruit trees!).
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
All the baked things… It’s funny, I bake more now than I did when I was working at the bakery.
Sunday funday
We’ve been going a little stir crazy lately, so we took to the great outdoors yesterday to get some of our wiggles out at one of our favorite hiking spots in Novato, Mt. Burdell. It borders miles and miles of open space, and it’s pretty remote as far as local hiking goes.
We came across a handful of other people, and when we did, everyone was good about staying at least six feet apart, unlike at Target the other day, which was basically a sh*t-show. When I left the store, I was shaking from the stress and shock at the rudeness I saw in the store. Another pandemic adventure in the books!
Needless to say, I really needed to clear my head and get out of the house for a while, so we hiked, sat in some trees and watched some local wildlife, which included watching a group of cows shading themselves near a creek, passing a couple of horses on the trail, watching a jackrabbit dashing down the hillside and a pair of deer bounding across a field of tall grass. Also a turkey vulture took flight almost directly over our heads, and IT WAS HUGE.
And the colors! The wildflowers are blooming right now, and the grass is still green from the winter and spring rains, so the hills are dotted with bright orange, yellow and purple. It looks like a scene from the opening credits of The Sound of Music.
If it weren’t for my allergies (achoo!) and ticks and snakes, I’d spin around the hillside every morning.
Have a nice Monday, friend. I hope something good happens to you soon.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.
1. Are you an essential worker?
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
1. Are you an essential worker?
Nope, but I serve as a tutor for my sister, so at least we can say I’m doing something useful while unemployed.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
I think that only 2 beers and half a bottle of wine, but it’s more because I don’t want to mess up with my allergy medication (and even then I could drink at lunch with no problem).
Let’s just say I’m not ready to be tipsy all day.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
Zeus is going through a crazy phase and we don’t know if it’s his age (1 year) or he’s only an aggressive @sshole when he wants.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
Is not getting crazy one? I want to try sewing after watching “Making the cut” on Amazon.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
Friends’ birthdays that would have ended up in dancing in a club.
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
I eat almost the same way but this moment is all about the snacks.
Your weekend was really cool, we were at home all day, I only went to Walmart which helps with my mental health.
1. Are you an essential worker? – No. I work for patent, trademark and copyright attorneys and am lucky that we’re able to work from home during this. My husband and both of my sons are essential workers though and I worry about them.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started? – Ummm…way too many! Usually have a beer or two in the evenings after dinner.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers? – Ehhh, not yet but I can see it happening soon.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies? – We moved during all of this so my new hobby is now shopping for the new place on line. My husband tells me that I am Amazon’s best customer during all of this.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine? – I miss the monthly get together with my mom, we have tickets to see Poison/Motley Crue/Def Leppard/Joan Jett in July. It hasn’t been canceled yet but I have a feeling it will be. I do miss watching baseball and going to some games.
6. What’s your quarantine meal? – Nothing really has changed except now we’re eating at home more now.
Stay safe everyone!
1. Are you an essential worker?
Yes, at least that’s what they tell me!
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
Quite a few…not to sound like a lush but I love my wine and have at least 1 glass almost every night!
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
Yes. Being at home all weekend with my 2 cats gets to be a little much. One of them is allowed supervised visits outside so he is constantly begging at the door, and the other one tries to trip you when he wants food, which is always.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
Not really. I got into keeping houseplants a when I bought my house, so I’ve been tending to them more and repotting the ones that need bigger pots. I plant a few vegetables outside so maybe I’ll do that this weekend.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
On Easter we usually have a small get together so I missed that. My dad’s birthday is next month so I don’t think we we will be doing much of anything for that either.
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
I made an awesome brown rice bowl with salmon and veggies last Monday. It was kind of complicated and I don’t think I would’ve attempted it if I hadn’t been bored!
I made some gluten free monster cookies yesterday. You should try them sometime, Karen!
That outdoor hike looks amazing but check for ticks! I know you do!
1. Are you an essential worker? Yes. Officially and unofficially !!
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started? Well I drink every day. You would be dead without drinking. What’s the quarantine got to do with it. Oh, you mean those kind of “drinks”. Zero. I don’t really consume “those kind of drinks”!!
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers? Nope but I only have a 17 year old. She keeps me sane!
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies? Not any new hobbies. I’ve been able to read and knit more so than before!
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine? Easter mostly. But my daughter is missing out on prom, her birthday and graduation!
6. What’s your quarantine meal
I cook like normal. Nothing special bc of this quarantine!
1. Are you an essential worker?
No. I’m lucky to be able to work from home. Huge thanks to all the essential workers out there!!
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
None up until last week. My neighbor surprised me with a bottle of red wine at my door so I have had 4-5 glasses since then (but small ones or I get a headache).
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
No dependents for me! Which has some positives and some negatives I suppose. Keeping in touch with close friends and family helps a lot!
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
Not especially. Although I do have a set of water color pencils that I’ve sketched with a few times in recent weeks. It’s quite relaxing.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
My dad surprised my mom for Xmas with tix to the Final Four here in Atlanta. He wrapped up a basketball with the seat numbers since he didn’t have physical tickets. It was so sweet! My brother was supposed to fly in from Dallas to go as well. We’re big college basketball fans and this was the sporting event my mom most wanted to experience. It’s a small thing in the grand scheme but sooo disappointing!
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
One meal I’ve had a few times is black beans and rice (cooked with veggie stock to add some flavor) with sautéed spinach and roasted sweet potatoes. I top it with fresh salsa and mashed avocado (if I have them).
So glad you got to see your dad for his 70th! We’re all learning new ways to be together which is encouraging to me.
1. Are you an essential worker?
I am an essential worker just to my family. Designated grocery shopper, dog walker and all.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
Copious amounts of water and coffee. The hubs said ingesting alcohol will not be good for our resistance during this pandemic. Hehehe we are that scared to get sick.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
I have one 23 month old human and one four year old fur babies. So far they are alright. The human one is more high maintenance but I always use Cesar Milan’s motto on both of them. “A tired dog/toddler is a happy dog/toddler.” So lots of physical and mental exercises/play, sunshine, that they can take. The hubs also gets his workout time so everyone is able to have their endorphins flowing.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
I got to practice on sewing again. So far this quarantine period I have made eight dresses/skirts, one cafe curtain, two dozen reusable panty liners, masks for personal use and donation, and a lifetime supply of hair bows. Still trying to learn to sew a few more but I ran out of fabric. Im not trying to learn how to make a quilt from the toddler’s baby clothes…
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
My birthday on March 27… we were supposed to go to Disneyland. ?
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
Same as always. But now that its warmed up, I have fired the grill for some barbecue, chicken inasal, burgers, even hotdogs. ☺️
Hi, Karen, family and friends!
May you have a wonderful week whatever you do and wherever you are. Blessings and cheers. ❤️
1. No, but thank you to anyone who is and who’s reading this. People are nuts out there atm so thank you for putting up with us.
2. I don’t drink but if I melt ice cream and drink that, does that count?
3. Week 7 has started here in Vancouver so check in with me at the end of the week.
4. Thinking of trying line drawing.
5. Mother’s Day, my birthday, Ramadan iftars with friends and maybe Eid? ?
6. I make these salmon balls with sushi rice and cooked salmon and seaweed and sesame seeds. Like onigiri but in a ball shape.
Haha Syah, no. 2 is totally me!!! So with you on that one. 😉
1. Are you an essential worker? Yes, I am the intake secretary for legal aid, so they say we are essential, but all of us are working from our homes.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started? none
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers? We are weaning one of our two cats off of dry food (to stop him throwing up), and he is driving my husband and I nuts with begging for food 24/7.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies? If constantly feeding the cat wet food all day long is a hobby, then yes.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine? so far, no.
6. What’s your quarantine meal? I always cooked, so not much has changed. We do order pizza once in a while.
1. Are you an essential worker? No, but to echo Syahidah “Thank You to those who are!” Im lucky enough to be at the office every day though.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started? None, which is good because I’m an alcoholic, been to rehab and everything, so keeping clean has been important for me. I’m only about a year sober.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers? Cats! And no, they can’t annoy me because they are amazing cats! Right?? Hmmmmm, well…
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies? Baking more, pinning jewelry making stuff and painting my nails all the time.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine? Nope
6. What’s your quarantine meal? Pizza! Tho that could be my answer to a host of questions..
Just what I needed for a little Monday cheer! Hope you and the family are doing well! 🙂
1. Are you an essential worker? No, but my company let go everyone except myself and 1 other so the work load has been massive lately 🙁
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started? Quote a few… see above! Haha JK probably have 2 glasses every few nights, so not a ton but more than I was having before this lockdown.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers? A tiny bit but honestly I love seeing my two cute cats and my husband all day every day.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies? Not new hobbies but expanding on the ones I have – baking, nail art, embroidery & cross stitch.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine? Quite a lot of birthdays including my hubby’s, a few friends had babies and a few more are postponing weddings. And it looks like my 1 year weeding anniversary will still be in lockdown.
6. What’s your quarantine meal? Snacks on snacks on snacks!
Happy Monday!
1. Are you an essential worker?
Apparently. I have very little/to no exposure to the public, but still see my same ten colleagues daily. I can’t work from home because I need access to our basement library.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
Not as much as I anticipated. Probably just 3 or so bottles of wine altogether, with dinner.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
Oh no. I love my dogs (kids) and my family. I’d actually love to be stuck at home with my fiancé. I could read all the books that are currently neglected on my book shelves, he could teach me Russian, I could organize and deep clean everything. I say this not necessarily from a place of envy of those unemployed but more from a “burnt out” work wise place.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
No time. Still working full time.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
My birthday, fiancé’s birthday, future sister in law’s birthday, and we had hoped to plan an engagement party around May, but that’s out of the question now.
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
As in go-to? We often fry onions and peppers, whatever meat we’re eating, cook pasta, add a bit of milk/cream, shredded Asiago cheese, garlic and whatever’s around veggie/herb/spinach wise and that’s how we do pasta. We’ve got it down to perfection. It’s also probably why I can barely fit into my jeans anymore.
1. Are you an essential worker?
Although I work for a hospital, I’m not an essential worker. I’m part of the administrative staff (accountant) and I’m a full time teleworker so even without the SIP, I’d still be home. At the home office/house…I’m most definitely an essential worker. These kids would have started summer vacay in March if not for a slightly strict structure here.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
I lost count after the first two weeks. I’m not on any level a heavy drinker, but found that day drinking helped with my anxiety, which I never had until this pandemic. After the entire house has finally adjusted, I’m down to 2-3 drinks a week. I find I only reach for a drink before noon if it’s hot out and I’m not too busy (work wise) and I can enjoy it alone in the backyard.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
I have all of the above and my furbaby is the only one who I consider to be the BEST co-worker. She listens when I call her and I’m greeted with doggy kisses…no scowls or whining from her. The kids have adjusted and like all of us have good days and bad. Lately, we’ve had a nice string of good days.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
I have baked and sewed so much more now than in the past. All of my kids have taken an interest in baking with me so it’s been fun making good things to eat! They can now officially operate my sewing machine (we’ve been making masks for our family and friends who work in the hospitals) so they’ll never ask me to hem anything again (ha! I still think they’ll ask but can’t say they don’t know how to do it).
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
My middle son’s 5th grade promotion won’t be happening in person but the school district is looking into a virtual option. My niece’s 1st bday was also done via zoom and was initially planned to be a big outdoor celebration in socal. Lots of family and friends are reaching milestone birthdays and we’ve adjusted by either having them virtually or socially distant (we’ve already done 2 birthday parades-so fun).
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
Hubby has been loving this time to create wonderful dishes so I can’t even say our meals have gone downhill during quarantine as they’ve actually gotten better! lol! I think it’s the lack of our ability to go to our fave Japanese restaurant or Thai that has hubby creating those meals at home. And with no sports practice to rush off to, we have the time to create things. There are still days where we’ll throw a couple of frozen pizzas in the oven and call it a day, but lately they’ve been asking for Japanese soufflé pancakes with fresh berries for breakfast and dinner so that’s been what we’ve eaten for 3 days now.
1. Are you an essential worker? Yes, actually, I’m a news reporter for a regional paper and we are considered essential. However, I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to work from my house most of the time during the ‘tine. I have an official paper that deems me as such in case I get stopped by the real essential workers (the p.d.) while I’m out.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started? Only one lemon drop martini and that was because I was doing a zoom happy hour with a friend and I didn’t want her to drink alone! I have this thing where if I’m going through an extraordinarily stressful time, I don’t drink. I think I need to feel all the feelings and not anesthetize myself. The first time I tried not stress drinking was through an absolutely terrifying month after I found out I had a cancerous tumor on my scalp that needed to be removed in an operating room and then waiting to find out if the cancer had spread into my body. If I can do that martini-free, I can do anything.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers? Yes. Absofreakinglutely.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies? not per se
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine? I’m thinking seeing my mom for mother’s day won’t be happening. She’s 70. I guess I could go stand in their driveway and shout at them. That might actually be happening I guess.
6. What’s your quarantine meal? Haha, what isn’t my quarantine meal would be the faster question. I’m eating all the foods. I’m buying all the foods. In all seriousness, we’re eating a lot of fish tacos and shrimp quesadillas because they’re so easy and quick and everyone loves them.
1. Are you an essential worker?
No.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
None.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
Every living thing in my house is getting on my absolute last nerve and I think it’s intentional.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
No, but I’ve been pursuing old hobbies with renewed interest. I especially have a whole new appreciation for coloring. Oh, hey, I take that back; we’ve started putting together puzzles. I didn’t know how fun that could be.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
Thing 1 would’ve been going to prom in a couple of weeks and Thing 2 would’ve had middle school graduation in about a month.
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
Whatever I throw together/order for takeout at the last minute. I used to be so good about meal planning, but I’m struck by meal ennui right now.
1. Are you an essential worker? Nope. Unless waiting on Dear Husband hand and foot is essential. (He seems to think it is)
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started? Uh, I was supposed to be counting? We’ve opened several bottles of wine. Less than a dozen but more than 4. Some beers. And I’ve been making cocktails once a week. So yeah, the five pounds I’ve gained since this started has pretty much come from alcohol and baked goods.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers? YES!!! Sorry for screaming, but Dear Hubs is starting to wear on me. I used to complain he traveled so much for work or was out at this dinner meeting or that meet-up. But now I realize all that time alone kept me sane. Now it’s cooking and cleaning up three meals a day. Plus he still can’t seem to understand the new front loader washer needs way less soap than the old top load machine. (Which I really miss because it cleaned better and didn’t pill my clothes like the new washer.)
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies? I’m trying to grow a vegetable garden, but it’s not turning out as well as I had hoped.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine? Not yet, but Dear Husband’s birthday is in June and Dear Daughter’s at the beginning of July. It would be nice to be able to go out to dinner with them again. But I’m not counting on it.
6. What’s your quarantine meal? Mapo tofu. I make the standard super spicy, mouth numbing version for Dear Husband. Recipe from the blog “The Woks of Life” And because my acid reflux can’t handle all that spice I make a Japanese version with mushrooms (which Dear Husband won’t touch) for myself.
Hope you have a good week this week. I realized my trainer is the one person keeping me sane through this thing. Since I’m older she always offers to pick stuff up for me when she goes shopping. If we spot the ever elusive TP or paper towel we pick up some extra and share with each other. We did a social distance body weight workout in the park this morning. And we laughed like crazy at the guy who would pitch a baseball, then run up to where it landed and do a cartwheel, pick it up, jog to the other end of the field, do jumping jacks and repeat. But it was the cartwheels done by a pot bellied middle aged man that really cracked us up for some reason. Whooo-boy! We need to get out more.
Watching “Crash Landing onto You” on Netflix with Dear Husband. Liking it more than I thought I would.
1. Are you an essential worker?
Yes, I’ve been working since the quarantine started. It’s such a mixed bag. I’m terrified of such close contact with the public, many of whom are minimally mindful of the well being of others. I’m incredibly grateful to still have an income, but I am worried about the long term effects of possible exposure to COVID19 and the overall mental health toll of it.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
I have at least a glass of wine almost daily. I know it’s not the best coping mechanism, but for now it’ll have to do.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
Just pets, they’re very sweet and a total comfort.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
No, but I’ve been reading a ton on my days off, more so than usual. Lots of poetry lately.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
I had a road trip to LA planned.
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
Breakfast tacos.
1. Are you an essential worker? yes i am , but not in healthcare
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started? well before my antibiotic like maybe 2 a day, hard apple cider is my favorite. i have been sampling brands . i cant wait to be able go try new brands and flavors
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers? my cat, but its because we moved not because of the quarantine
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies? drinking, no just kidding.is buying from amazon a hobby
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine? my mom’s birthday, cant go out and orientation
6. What’s your quarantine meal? spaghetti carbonara . shrimp or lamb soulvaki
1. Are you an essential worker?
No, but the court system is considered an essential service provider so I work from home to help carry out that service.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
We don’t drink alcohol. I don’t like the taste, it’s too expensive, and hubby has genetic predisposition to alcoholism so we don’t take the risk.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
I am not a card-carrying antinatalist but I do prefer dogs over people. Having neither, no one is driving me bonkers, grateful to report.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
No; still stuck to my usual routine of yoga. I am sad that I did not check out more library books. I’m not a device reader and much prefer reading off paper. 🙁 “Tales from the Loop is keeping me entertained though. Have you started it? What do you think? I love its pacing, melancholy tone, and philosophical musings.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
8th wedding anniversary/hubby’s birthday (same day). We usually hit a locatarian restaurant for local ribeye. A friend did get us a Bitesquad gift certificate, though, which was really sweet!
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
Meat, eggs, frozen berries. Occasional popcorn.
That is some gorgeous, open space! Glad you got to experience it with the family. I guess you enjoy Hawaii’s no-tick, no-snake environs when you visit! 🙂
What a gorgeous area to hike! I’m glad you were able to do so. I did the family supply run on Saturday and NEVER AGAIN. It was also a shitshow here in Tennessee!
1. No. I’m a Mama/homeschool teacher.
2. Um…a lot. In fact, this week I’m going dry. Expect for today. Today is my birthday. ?
3. So far so good. My boys are 7 and 5 and I’m really super proud of how they’re handling this. They pick on each other and fight more than I’d like, but I understand it’s hard being trapped with your brother and no one else to play with so we’re all trying to give each other grace.
4. Yes! MOMA is offering a few free online courses and I’m taking the one about Abstract Expressionism. Think Rothko, Pollock, etc. I LOVE IT. It’s so nice to have something that’s just for me, just because.
5. We postponed a trip to Texas to visit Grandparents. My son’s soccer season was postponed. We’re going to miss my youngest son’s Pre-K graduation. My kids know the first thing we’re going to do when this is all over is rebook our flight to Texas!
6. We’ve had rice and beans a couple of times. And a lot of pasta. I’m kind of in a cooking rut right now!
I am a retired nurse put on a disability.
No drinks just water and ice tea .
No more pets . We had to put my Georgie down ,
I draw a lot . Love to sketch portraits.
My niece had a drive by birthday for her 7 year old . My husband’s is tomorrow but I’m surprising him .
Enjoy your week !
1. Are you an essential worker? No – my company is closed down. I manage the logistics department for a small retail clothing chain – 10 stores. I was on vacation the week before everything closed so I haven’t worked for 7 weeks. Luckily PA unemployment was easy to get set up
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started? Too many to count ?. Like I said, I was on vacation before quarantine started…
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers? My cats (5) seem to not be fazed by me being home but sometimes I catch them looking at me and I swear they are like “lady, when are you going back to work, you are cramping our style”. One of them has a great resting bitch face ?
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies? I am cleaning more than ever before does that count? ?. I need to be active so I walk or run everyday even if it rains.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine? Not really but my niece is a senior in high school so that is affected. Easter we usually visit my in laws and didn’t this year
6. What’s your quarantine meal? Nothing particular but we have tried to order take out once a week to support our favorite local places.
1. Are you an essential worker? Yes, I’m an Animal Control Officer for a police department. It’s been business as usual with wildlife calls, cruelty cases, dog bites etc. Grateful I’m still employed as many aren’t!
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started? None bc booze is a big no-no for me.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers? Yes, Willy my almost 14 year old cat has been Mr Swatticus. Swats me non-stop, lol.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies? No but I’ve been cherishing our hikes even more. Grateful I’m still healthy enough to do them, KNOCK ON WOOD!!!
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine? My brother’s annual kick off to summer party and probably our summer vacation.
6. What’s your quarantine meal? A salad with arugula, mozzarella, edamame, radishes, tomatoes, and carrots, a little balsamic and olive oil. Perfection!!
1. Are you an essential worker? No, but thank you to those who are.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started? Zero, but I picked up some Whiteclaw over the weekend. (Didn’t drink it yet.)
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers? Zero pets/kids here.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies? Watching way too much YouTube and TikTok…. I should be learning another language or doing something more productive!
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine? Just in general, I miss my nephews. I saw them today, but we were at a distance. (I just want to hug them, but that has to wait.) I miss going to restaurants with my Mom. I worry about her and her health during this time. (I help her out, but she goes to the store a lot!)
6. What’s your quarantine meal? I’ve been cooking more. It changes. One week I was really into bacon. Now I’m on a pizza kick. Next week, who knows?
Stay safe out there!
1. Are you an essential worker? No, I’m retired.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started? Zero. I enjoy a glass of fine wine, but only when I can share it with good friends and family. Since my husband and I are homebodies for then foreseeable future, I haven’t opened a bottle in a couple of months.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers? No, not at all. We have a husky and enjoy her tremendously.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies? No, but I have more time for the ones I already have.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine? Yes, four birthdays and an anniversary but we all have each other and are in good health so celebrations can come later. My heart really goes out to all the kids who are missing birthdays, proms, and graduations. I used to organize the graduation ceremony at a high school so I know what an important milestone it is for so many families.
6. What’s your quarantine meal? Nothing has changed except now I’m also fixing lunch every day for my husband. Before stay-at-home, he’d be out and about until mid-afternoon so he would eat lunch out.
1. Are you an essential worker?
Nope, except at home where I am Bree Concierge & Services.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
None. The one hard thing about having meds that interact with alcohol is that you CANNOT have alcohol when you would love to have a glass.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
Bree has driven me crazy a few times.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
New hobbies? New hobbies? – looks back at the blinged out unicorn and Halloween pumpkins – Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha…
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
Just some birthdays.
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
Mac & cheese.
1. Are you an essential worker?
In Australia, you are classified as an essential worker if you are still employed. Fortunately for me, I still have work.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
A glass or two of wine a night after I log off work was my norm the first few weeks of lock down here but this last week, I’ve decided to reduce my alcohol intake. It’s been a week now & I’m doing fine without a drink however I also think it’s because hubby has been too sick for a drink & hence there is no temptation.
3. If you have pets/children/other dependents, are they driving you bonkers?
Just my hubby and I are home, and yes absolutely. I actually work in the office two days a week just to escape.
4. Have you picked up any new hobbies?
Nope. Lockdown has given people time and motivation to learn new things but not me. Unless you count Netflix as a hobby. I’ve been watching a show regularly (3-4 times a week) whereas before lockdown the tv wasn’t even on.
5. Any special occasions you’ve missed (or will miss) during the quarantine?
A funeral of a close cousin, two weddings. 🙁
Hoping lockdown ends soon for us here because my niece is due in 6 weeks & I’d like to see meet her in person! Also my MIL is in complete lockdown in the nursing home so we haven’t seen her in months!
6. What’s your quarantine meal?
Pasta although I’m trying to switch it to salad! Would still like to fit into my clothes post lockdown!