One month to the day today when the health officers of 6 Bay Area counties declared the shelter-in-place order. Four weeks ago. Time flies even if we’re going nowhere.

Amazingly and thankfully, things are going well for us. We’re healthy and safe, which matters most these days. Believe it or not, I have not been out much except to drop something in the post office. Took only less than 5 minutes to do my transaction. Fortunately, no one was in line and I didn’t have to wait. The postal clerk was wearing mask and gloves, so that was reassuring. I still had to make sure I had my hand sanitizer though since I touched the payment keypad. I forgot to bring my gloves. This is why being in public these days stresses me out. Too many things to think about. Mask, gloves, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes for the car, wash your hands, don’t touch your face. I’d rather be home.

I have not been to any place which involves lining up. The last time I went grocery shopping was two weeks ago. Somehow I’m settling to the idea of being almost a hermit. We do short walks for exercise but oftentimes, I have conference calls towards the end of my day, which is when my colleagues in Asia are beginning theirs, so a walk outside is still a luxury.

I started a new routine now that the weather is beginning to warm up. I’ve been taking lunch breaks in our backyard. Just to have some sun and a respite from gazing at my computer and/or my mobile phone even for a few minutes. I love it! Since I’m going nowhere at least I’m able to enjoy our small garden! It’s been years since I’m able to do this. I travel a lot for work and have never had the chance to really appreciate what we have created in our small backyard. We actually have a very peaceful sanctuary. We often have hummingbirds floating about now that some of our cherry trees are in bloom. The wind chimes also make such lovely, meditative sounds. For this opportunity, I’m grateful. We tend to take things for granted. Now that I’ve slowed down quite a bit, I’m enjoying these simple moments.

Try to do the same. Find something that you’ve not had the chance to do or enjoy at home pre-CoVid19. Of course, if you have small kids and you’re homeschooling, that’s another story. But if you’re just a couple or you live alone, and have some spare time, maybe it’s time to learn some new skills, organize your home or do some Spring cleaning? Enjoy your garden. Take a walk and explore your neighborhood if you’re able to get out. Find some mini-projects and set some deadlines for yourself.

I’ve been sheltered-in-place for a month now but really because I’m still working full time, I try to keep a set schedule. If I’m able to find some opportunity to take a break, I take it. One of things I thought I’d be able to do more of is catch up on my reading. Alas, that’s elusive but then again, I still find a few moments before I go to bed to do so. My reasoning is that since I have’t spent the time commuting, I can allow myself that time for reading.

Overall, four weeks of going nowhere is not too bad. My body and mind are beginning to settle in. I don’t know how long this honeymoon will last. We’ll see.