Are You Ready to Go Back Outside?

To say the least, COVID-19 has definitely re-defined a generation and we've all had to learn to adapt in some way, shape, or form. There probably isn't a single person on the planet that has not been affected by this pandemic in some way to say the least.

Many of us have been issued "stay at home" orders from our various forms of local and state government, and we've had to adjust. For some, that has meant learning how to cook for the first time, learning how to maintain our own hair, or learning how to deal with family when we're with them 24:7 (no more break from the kids by going to work, huh?). We hold Skype and Zoom calls to stay in touch, use apps LIke House Party to hang out "socially," and we're all waiting for the next Versus series from our favorite music artists. The Innanet (aka Internet ) is literally in FULL swing right now! 

Of course, there's also the other side of the pandemic, the side none of us want to deal with, but many of us have had too- the loss of life. There's no easy way to say it, but we've lost a lot of people, old, young, and in between. People have had to die alone due to loved ones being quarantined and funeral services are held "online" to ensure social distancing practices. It's a sad reality for all of us as we look to the future and wonder what it holds for us and our "new normal."

Though we're not through it, many of our local and state governments are preparing to lift "stay at home orders" for many non-essential businesses, such as barbershops, beauty salons, nail shops, and some restaurants for dine-in service. Here in Virginia (VA), businesses are set to open this week on May 8th and full restrictions are being lifted on June 10th per the Governor. 

The prospect of going out again is a Godsend for many businesses, and I will be happy to see them be able to return to work; but personally, I am not looking forward to returning, and not because I dislike my job. Aside from the stress of worrying about a-symptomatic coworkers and wearing a mask at my desk (I hate wearing a mask, no matter how cute it is), COVID-19 has fully awakened my introverted tendencies and I've become a complete home-body. Yeah I know I'm an ENTP, but being away from civilization has been...kinda great, honestly.

COVID-19 has fully awakened my introverted tendencies and I've become a complete home-body!

Okay, let me give a little backstory. I once enjoyed going out to the local restaurants for dinner or a quick happy hour drink. I also liked going to the movies, going to comedy shows, hanging out with friends - you know, "normal" things. But now that

1. My freezer is packed with Hot Pockets,
2. I have gummy bears,
3. I have a mini ABC (VA liquor store) store in the house, and
4. I have Hulu, Netflix, Starz, and HBO 

I don't need to go back out, EVER again! Like who would want to leave all of this?! Did you see I have Hot Pockets and gummy bears, Haribo to be more specific...

I don't need to go back out, EVER again!

Like who would want to leave all of this?!

So back to the work thing...working from home has given me a freedom that I do NOT want to give up! I can wake up later in the morning, don't have to deal with a commute (which means I'm saving gas money), I'm dressed comfortably, I have more time with my furbabies, AND I'm even more productive! It's literally a win-win for everyone involved!

It's literally a win-win for everyone involved!

I feel I have more of my day to myself and I can get work and personal things accomplished so much more easily. I will definitely be the LAST person that goes into the office, for sure, I may even need to be dragged into the building whilst kicking and screaming!

Then when you add in the Hot Pockets, gummy bears, Hulu, Netflix, and HBO - I mean, why would I want to leave, right?!

If not - if you're excited to get back to the world, what is the FIRST thing you're going to do once you're free to go out? Where is the first place you're going to go? And this does not include your job!

Is there anything that you're just really missing and cannot wait to resume once restrictions are limited? Let me know in the comments!

Remember to always leave a little sparkle wherever you go!