Half a Month Later

Here we are at the end of week two of self-isolation and it's already been more dramatic than I originally expected. So much has changed, and yet everything is the same.

One thing that has been helping my partner and I get through these two weeks is Ben Gibbard's Live From Home, a virtual concert series in which Ben Gibbard (lead member of Death Cab for Cutie) performs songs and answers fan questions online every single night. He even debuted a new and incredibly appropriate song called "Life in Quarantine" during one of these shows. It's kind of surprising just how comforting it is.

Similarly, yesterday I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my favorite band, Nine Inch Nails, recorded and released for free two long-overdue sequel albums to their 2008 instrumental album Ghosts I-IV, titled "Ghosts V: Together" and "Ghosts VI: Locusts," to help fans get through these unique times.

While the only thing that we've done to really "adapt" so far is to place an order for grocery delivery rather than going to the store ourselves, it's been really interesting to learn about how other people are adapting to the new lifestyle. Netflix Party lets you watch movies and shows in sync with friends and family without being in the same place, DJs are hosting digital dance parties, and people are socializing over drinks with virtual happy hours just to name a few.

Working while parenting is interesting. My partner only works in the mornings and has to get as much done in that time as she can, while I'm full-time but my workload and employer is pretty flexible. The plan is for me to keep an eye on our toddler while trying to get work done whenever I can in the mornings until my partner is done with work, then she takes over and I return to my office to have a more productive afternoon.

Yesterday's attempt was stressful but overall alright. Today has been a bit easier since I had a better idea of what to expect out of my morning. In any case, it's nice to be able to look at this face during a workday:

We're looking forward to the much-needed weekend. The weather isn't looking too great so we'll probably be stuck indoors again, but I know we'll make the best of it. Plus my friends organized a time to play Team Fortress 2 online together on Saturday night, so I'm looking forward to the bit of social interaction and escapism that will provide.

Stay healthy and sane.
-Ryan

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Ryan's COVID-19 Chronicles

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