Strange Times Ahead
Hi, guys. I hope that you’re all reading this from the comfort and safety of your homes. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks here in the world. I live out in California and they announced a lockdown last night with all clubs, bars, and restaurant dine-in closing for the next couple of weeks at least. I am lucky enough to have a job where I am able to work from home and, starting today, most of my company is working remotely for the time being. These may seem like drastic measures but I think that doing these things now will really help with the spread of the virus. And hopefully those who can stay home will, making up for those who are unable to.
With all that is going on in the world, it’s easy to freak out and despair. While I generally like spending time alone, I know that I won’t do well being completely isolated from human interaction. I’ve made some contingency plans to hang out with people virtually and regularly check in with friends, family, and co-workers. I also have a few small one on one hang outs planned so I am not completely isolated. Instagram is also a great place (for me) to interact with the world. While it’s not the same as in person interaction, I think keeping in touch with people can do a lot for your mental health during this time. Thank god for the internet and things like FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype, and Slack.
A lot of local businesses are also being affected by what’s going on in the world. The LA Times Festival of Books was recently cancelled as were WonderCon and YallWest. While it’s disappointing from a consumer/attendee point of view, it’s even more devastating for the vendors, authors, and local businesses that depend on shows like this to get through the year. A lot of stores are also being forced to close during this time which is really going to hurt them. So what can we do to help? Here are a few ideas is you are willing and able (and I am by no means trying to say that anyone has to do anything, or feel bad if they can’t. These are just some ideas in case you feel like supporting local authors and bookstores and have the means to and want to.).
- Shop locally online – Lots of bookstores are closed to foot traffic but are still running their online stores. Locally I know that Mysterious Galaxy and Vroman’s are offering free shipping and curbside pickup options for patrons. The Ripped Bodice is also making fun care packages that you can send out, which sounds like a super fun idea.
- Buy a gift card now to use later – If there’s no book you want right now or the restaurant you love isn’t open for business, think about buying a gift card to use later. This way the retailer gets a boost and you can have something to look forward to later in the year.
- If you don’t have any money to spare (which I totally understand) support your favorite authors by writing a review for their books. Reviews are super helpful to authors and they cost you nothing but a little time.
If you guys have any other suggestions, let me know. These are uncharted waters for all of us. I just know that now, more than ever, we have to be kind to ourselves and to each other. Right now, reading is providing a much needed distraction for me during these stressful times. I hope that it’s a comfort to you as well. If you have any good books or movies/TV shows to recommend, please let me know. With all of this time inside, it looks like I’ll have more time to catch up on reading and watching in the next few weeks. Here are a few things that I recommend if you’re looking for something new to read or watch.
Reading
Well Met by Jen DeLuca
Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Watching
Cheer (Netflix)
Schitt’s Creek (Netflix)
Archer (HULU)
Tremors (Netflix) – Yes, the cheesy movie about underground worms!
Outbreak (Netflix) – Kinda close to home but still a very entertaining movie.
Psych (Amazon)
Let me know what you’re doing to stay occupied and engaged during this time. Stay safe and be kind! We will all get through this together.
*post image courtesy of Freeology
