Social Distancing: 40 Words Per Thought

For me, today marks day 29 of social distancing. As an introvert, I never thought staying home would be this difficult.

As a means of processing and sharing my thoughts (and to entertain myself) I’ve decided to try something I have seen on social media a lot lately. People are increasingly participating in trends with a “Quarantine Question of The Day” or a “Share 10 Things About Yourself” - I decided to try one of my own.

The word "quarantine" is from the 14th century, and it refers to a 40-day period of isolation that people would practice after their ship arrived at a coastal European city, in order to prevent the spread of disease. Thus, I decided to use the number 40 as my word-count, so my response for each topic has to explain my experience in 40 words exactly. Feel free to share this and try it on social media (and if you do, tag me!).

Events Canceled So Far

My Sigma Tau Delta trip to Vegas was canceled. I already bought my dress for Owl Ball - canceled. I look forward to end of the year events, like Spring Gathering (last year we had fun, see?) - it's not the same.

Moving Out of My Apartment

I miss my apartment and my roommates. Just when I settled in after a rough fall semester, it was ripped away. I feel sad for my roommates and friends who will not return next year - I will miss them.

Classes Online

I cannot keep track of anything, nor can I stay motivated to complete assignments. I am lucky all of my professors are understanding. I did not sign up for class online. I will never take in-person classes for granted again.

Zoom University

I love it and hate it. My wifi cannot support it, so I don’t like to talk in class anymore. For the classes I have on Zoom, I love to see my classmates and professors each week. I miss them.

Working Remotely

So far, I have only had one writing session, but it went well. I miss a steady paycheck, but I am grateful to have my on-campus job still. I don’t mind online sessions much, but I miss my regular clients.

Living At Home

Home Meag is different than College Meag. I miss College Meag, but she doesn’t fit in at home. It definitely makes class difficult. College Meag is more motivated and pushes boundaries. On the plus side, I have home-cooked meals, though.

My Childhood Bedroom

I don’t like the blue walls and ceiling anymore. I’m clashing with my high school self who lived here. I want to paint my room pink next week, but I am tired, and I’ll have to paint my ceiling white.

Being Around Family 24/7

I love my family, really. However, I argue with my sisters the way I did when I was eight, and everything gets on my nerves at times. It is merely a side effect of all of us being home now.

Staying Indoors

I am very much an indoor girl, always have been. I hate bugs and wind and birds, but I miss the sunshine and crave being outside. I cannot wait for summer, so I can lay in the sun all day.

Plans Not Yet Canceled

How am I supposed to see Harry Styles if we are still social distancing in July? It’s a silly question when people are dying, but I will honestly be heartbroken. It is supposed to be the highlight of my summer.

How It Will Impact My Summer Job

I haven’t coped with the idea that it could be canceled. I love concert season. I love my work family. Working summers is the only way I can afford things for myself at school. I know I’ll cry. A lot.

What I Am Grateful For

I am alive, and I am healthy. My relatives are healthy. I have a place to live and food to eat every day. I will see most of my friends again in the fall. I still have my senior year.