We busted out of quarantine a day early yesterday when the CDC announced that they were changing the number of days to 10 instead of 14. I could have kissed them all on the faces. I am not a good stay-at-home person in that if I don’t have a predictable structure to my day, my Enneagram 3 slowly loses the will to live and I come out HARD to my 9. I was beginning to feel like I felt in March: absolutely insane and unable to function. I wanted to share my Quarantine Hacks, for I believe, should you find yourself in my position, they could be helpful to you:
Bread up. In the course of 13 days, we went through the equivalent of seven loaves of bread. We just killed some bread. Sandwiches, paninis, dressing, toast: all ails could be cured with breads. Baguettes, plain old white bread, croissants, rolls. Equal opportunity for all breads and all uses. So much bread gave its life for our mental and emotional well-being during this time, and we honor their sacrifice.
Lower your expectations. It was all I could do to move over some laundry or load the dishwasher. I kept thinking about all the work I would be able to get done, but lo, did I accomplish anything except for the must-do tasks? No. I did not. Did my children advance to levels of Roblox heretofore unknown by humankind? They did. Are we gonna worry about it? No. Why would we do that? It’s a season, it’s over, we’re moving on and crossing our fingers one day the children will win a Roblox tournament and I can retire young.
The Daily Chore + The Daily Treat. I told you it was all I could do to manage one thing, so that’s what I did: one thing. If I got the Daily Chore done, I could trade in my Feel Goods for a Daily Treat. It’s this simple rewards program that kept me moving when all I wanted to do was hang out in the giant wearable blanket Jamie gifted me for Christmas and play Blockudoku. Load the dishwasher = a bowl of ice cream. Fold the laundry = take a drive in the car. Was I going to have these Daily Treats anyway? Yes. But attaching them to a Daily Chore meant I FELT BETTER about it, which is not a mindset I would recommend for consistent living, but it worked within the confines of this particular scenario.
Stupid Walks™️. We got hit with an insane cold front (I know it’s probably not insane for many of you, but we are closer to the Equator so for us, it was very cold) which made Stupid Walks™️ harder. But as always, we lament the fact that a brownie or cookie will not make us feel as good as a walk, and if we need to, we bring a brownie or a cookie on our walk, because that is a beautiful marriage of joy and practicality.
I know it’s weird and some of you have been in our exposure version of quarantine since only the Lord knoweth when. I have a lot of solidarity with you and I’m so sorry. If you’re a quarantine expert, throw your favorite tip in with your treasures this week so everyone can benefit from the collective expertise.
And now! On to treasures for the week!
🍳 If you’re looking for a phenomenal Christmas present for a newly-launched-into-the-world adult, I really don’t think you can go wrong with Bri McKoy’s cooking masterclass. It’s a five-week online class that begins January, 11, 2021, and you’ll be taught by one of the best teachers: Bri herself. Bri is so confident and joyful in the kitchen: I would love some of her ebullient smarts to rub off on me. By the end of this course you will become a more confident home cook which will result in more joy, creativity, and satisfaction in the kitchen, which sounds like an excellent plan to me.
😭 This video about keeping a job and staying alive will make you laugh and cry simultaneously.
💗 Our beloved Pauline is back and she and Geoffrey are getting DOWN in this video! Watch for some warm fuzzies.
🇺🇸 I really loved this interview with Stephen Colbert, who several of you have mentioned seems like an excellent torch-bearer for Mister Rogers’ legacy, and I must say I agree with this. I’m also very here for all his Annie Leibovitz photos!
👸🏻 For any of you who have been following the Princess Switch/Vanessa Hudgens Christmas movie journey, please watch this Hudgensi masterpiece.
😬 How’s everyone feeling about the monoliths?
🎅 I’m working on the final Faith Adjacent episode of the year and this month is all about how Santa is faith adjacent. I would love your Santa questions (or kid questions!) and you can call (205) 920-1983 to leave a voicemail.
🎧 Have you listened to this week’s Bible Binge episode? We talk a lot about the temple vessels and it’s very fun.
Twitter Hall of Fame for this week:
It’s always really hard for me to decide which Dana Schwartz tweet I should include:
Alright pals. We did it. We made it to another week. I am looking forward to your treasures and I can’t wait to see what you’re loving right now!
Hey Erin - I am here to ask: Could Guy Fieri be the topic of a Faith Adjacent episode? Asking for myself. Thx.
Gahhhhh I’m SO friggin late on chiming in, I had a sore throat Friday and figured I must have covid so I did what any sane person would do— call my RN sister crying and she talked me off the ledge 🙄 I had no other symptoms and felt fine, I just wake up everyday thinking I probably have it. It’s not even having it that I’m scared of, it’s the quarantining by myself and missing work (I contract to a state program doing developmental therapy with babies and toddlers and no therapy visits = zero income). I’m single and an Enneagram 7 and not being with my people gives me Big Feelings. But I definitely put my “you are a grown a#$ woman so GET UP” pants on and got on with life on Saturday.
I don’t technically have any turds to share, life is actually going well with the little things I’ve been working on! I started with a chiropractor last week and I feel like my back and sciatica are definitely healing— but speaking of turds, anyone have flu-like symptoms after starting chiro care? I love the appointments but afterwards I tend to be achy/have chills/stomach issues (I feel fine but it’s what my sister and I call “instarrhea” and it comes out of nowhere. Terrifying). My friend who’s had lots of chiropractic care says some people experience like a toxic release when they start but it’s a sign that your body is just adjusting to being manipulated that way. I have basically been Jabba the Hut-ing it in my house for the last 8 months (covid+ two surgeries) so I’m thinking my body is maybe just freaking out on me. I’ll take any info on chiropractic care that you have, this is my first real go round.
The one treasure I want to share is the song that my friend sent me, which I have been playing multiple times a day and it lifts my weary spirit up every. Single. Time. God bless you, Francesca Battistelli. 🏆 https://youtu.be/ulGqyckf-oI