Well, things can certainly change quickly in a month’s time can’t they? This time last month I was exploring Gulf Shores, Alabama with my friend Tamara of We3Travel and travel advisories regarding coronavirus were just starting to be discussed. Now? Life has changed for everyone around the world. Business has been grounded, the virus has spread exponentially and medical systems everywhere are being stretched thin. Here in Virginia we’ve just been issued an official stay at home mandate until June 10 and everyone is adjusting to our new reality of social distancing and life at home.
This post contains affiliate links. The Casual Travelist receives a small commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you
I’ve been fortunate to continue to work and my heart goes out to anyone who has been laid off or who has had their income impacted. As a physical therapist I’m not on the front line like our nurses and doctors who are working at max capacity (not to mention the measures they are taking to reduce the risk of potentially spreading the virus to their families) though I have had the opportunity to help out at our drive through testing sites. I’ve encountered a lot of people who are rightly concerned or scared, as well as a lot of misinformation.
The message to stay home and practice social distancing is pretty unanimous but I’m shocked at the blatant disregard some people are showing with how serious COVID 19 is. While numbers of people infected or hospitalized are sky rocketing while others are partying it up like its 1999. Pictures of people flocking to beaches for spring break lit up the web. On a smaller but no less important note those who are going out to grocery shop are not maintaining proper distancing in the store (I’m looking at you Whole Foods). I’m very impressed by my local Trader Joe’s who has limited the number of people in their store, has a properly spaced line outside (at least 6 ft apart) and a staff member making sure carts were wiped down and hands were sanitized.
Like most people I’ve been binge watching Netflix (Tiger King and Outlander at the moment) and getting a few small tasks done around the house. I’ve also been cooking. A LOT. From handmade pasta with bolognese from Mark Vetri’s Mastering Pasta to this amazing chicken and rice soup with garlic chile oil to a German apple puff pancake and meringue cookies(almond, chocolate and matcha) I’m taking this time to flex my culinary muscles.
Speaking of muscles I’ve also taken this time to flex my actual muscles (I am a physical therapist after all and if I make people exercise for a living I’d better do it myself). I’m normally one of those people who’s at the gym at 5 am (I’m definitely not going after working a 10 hour day) but the past few weeks I’ve gotten back into running (again, social distancing) as well as HIIT from Fitness Blender. I’m also doing quite a bit of yoga from Do Yoga With Me because these days it’s more important than ever to remain flexible.
Be well and stay healthy guys.
Leave a Comment