In April, I thought things would be back on track in August. But, alas. We’re plugging along, we’re finding our way, we’re doing our best. It’s all we can expect at a time like this.
Work for me has been (thankfully) fairly busy. I have finished up a couple of exciting new brands, several clients are planning (virtual) events, and communication as a whole should never totally go away. But what about those other hours, where I’d normally be meeting with clients, attending networking events or even a dinner out with friends? All of a sudden, we were presented with all of those “extra hours” in the day we longed for.
I sat down and made a list of the (hear me out) good things I’ve experienced since Covid came to town. Crazy, right? But to be honest, I’ve got a good list going. I wanted to share my top five faves, in reverse order:
5. Running. I assure you, that never in my life would I imagine myself claiming this. I have run fairly regularly for the last 8 years, but not happily nor easily. I do it because nothing feels as good as finishing a run does. But the last several months I have had a huge mindshift towards running, thanks in fairly large part to The Modern Savvy and Alyson’s #modernsavvymoves monthly challenges. I’m running a little longer, and a little better, but more importantly, I’m enjoying the runs and no longer label myself “a terrible runner.”
4. Facetime with Daughters. I’ve always had a close relationship with my two 20-something daughters, who both live in other states, but they are very busy and not easy to chat with during the day. During Covid? We Facetime several times a day, usually to talk about nothing except what we ate for our last meal and what we’re making for our next. Working and schooling from home means I have greater access at all times of the day. Win!!
3. Cooking. It’s always been a love of mine, with the ritual of preparing dinner a wind-down to my day. But twice during the last two months, I’ve made tomato sauce from scratch. Not with canned tomatoes, but FRESH TOMATOES BLANCHED AND SKINNED REMOVED. Who does that? Apparently, me, twice. I’ll be honest. It doesn’t really taste much better than canned tomatoes, but I had a ginormous amount of them and didn’t want them to go to waste. I do love knowing that this is not a big deal for me, and I may have also made homemade pickles.
2. Arts + Crafts. I know you think I am naturally crafty, being a graphic designer and all, but I’m honestly not. Projects always look like a good idea, but don’t usually get off the ground. Starting months ago, I’m finding joy in doing more with my hands. There have been homemade cards with cut paper, I have sets of colored markers and pencils in more than one room, and I just took an online watercolor class that I loved and will be investing in some real paintbrushes.
1. Schitt’s Creek. Not much explanation needed here. You either get it or you don’t. But I long for the days of early quarantine when I could retreat to the world of David, Alexis, Moira and Johnny for an escape. Pure perfection.
Do you have any new hobbies? Any unexpected surprises for you during Covid? Share with me your personal or professional wins and insights at cheryl@sweetboodesign. I’d love to hear from you.
Stay creative, stay positive, stay healthy.