One of the things Rich has repeated in his communications is that during our “safer at home” time, we should stay positive and find something that we enjoy in order keep our minds happy and healthy. So, I thought I would share some of the things I’ve been doing for the past “however many weeks it’s been”.

I’ve been enjoying walks after work with my husband. In June, we’ll have a puppy that will join us on these walks – we’ve talked about getting one for years and finally decided this is the year.

I’ve also been enjoying the artists/musicians that are sharing their talents FOR FREE! Some of my favorites are local piano player, Dan – you can find him on Facebook at “Play it Again, Dan” on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. He takes requests and just plays the songs off the top of his head. It’s quite amazing! Another favorite happens every Friday on the YouTube channel “The Shows Must Go On”. There Andrew Lloyd Webber releases one of his shows to watch for 48-hours. I’ve enjoyed Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, wasn’t too sure about Jesus Christ Superstar (I think it was a modernized version and couldn’t get into it), and most recently…THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA! This was the very first professional musical I had attended, and it holds a special place in my heart. On Easter, my favorite female pianist, Lorie Line, played about 40 minutes of her own arrangements of hymns and inspirational music. I was scheduled to see Rend Collective at the Weidner Center the Friday before we were to stay home, and it was cancelled (not to be rescheduled) and they have a weekly Socially Distant Worship Club. These are just a few of my favorite things to watch on the computer or Facebook. I’ve also been able to listen to our church online and even try other churches throughout Wisconsin.

I purchased a mini “disco ball” light and have had some great nights with loud music, a beverage and dancing in our living room.  I’m sure the people that drive by are wondering what the heck is going on… My husband and I have gifted seven “disco balls” to some friends and family to brighten their homes with laughter and fun.

I’ve also been trying to read more; cooking more during the week (my favorite way to decompress); and we order out on Friday nights and either Saturday or Sunday from our favorite restaurants that are still open.  Shout out to the Booyah Shed with their Gluten Free Fish Fry Fridays, among other delicious things. We are also a fan of Eat30 Café in De Pere, Narin’s Thai Kitchen in East Green Bay and pizza from Happy Joes and Ashwaubenon Lanes. I kid you not, they have some of the best pizza in Green Bay (with gluten free options too) – they are buy one get one ½ off on Sundays.

I’m learning to appreciate the little things too. I miss spending time with my parents, my family, my friends – but since we’re all going through that, it’s nothing to complain about. It will make reunions so much better.

It’s been fun to try to be creative to keep things interesting. I’ll be so excited when our “safer at home” is lifted and we are actually safer. I hope some things stay the same. That we never forget why we had to stay at home in the first place.

  • I hope people continue to wash their hands and cover their face when they cough and sneeze.
  • I hope we appreciate the hugs we get (eventually) and the time we spend with our families and friends.
  • I hope we appreciate and respect our healthcare workers, scientists, pastors, government leaders, teachers, emergency personnel, grocery store workers a little bit more. The decisions they have had to make cannot be easy ones.
  • I also hope that we remember that just because some people were deemed “non-essential” they are no less important than those that were able to work through this.

It’s not over, but we’re in this together…  Stay Positive. Wash Your Hands. Cover Your Cough. Wear a Mask. Be Kind.