Ah, yes. Just finished week 3 of Corona-induced isolation. I’ve been sharing what I’ve been doing every week, from trying yoga to a bit of ballet. I’ve manged to stay busy, due in part to a mini-goal for the week: have fun while reducing funds. What have you been up to?
This week, I gave myself the goal to only spend when necessary.
Here are the results of intentional fun and funding.
I was more intentional on what I consumed.
I am lucky to have a job and more dependent on the Internet than ever before. Therefore, I am spending more time staring a screen. Instead of consuming more screen-time, I read two books this week. Seemingly very different, one by famous political comedian and another by an old friend, both Born a Crime and All that Is Hidden explore what it’s like to come of age in settings radically different than my midwestern home. Vignettes weave present reflections with past ventures, and both use sassy independent individuals to carry each plot and narration.
I know it’s easy to Netflix after a long day, but I recommend reads like these because the first person POV carries you outside our worldwide situation. Streaming services capitalize on Corona. Authors, by comparison, have taken their time to craft their stories, regardless of present circumstance.
But I did use the screen to motivate workouts. Pop Sugar has some excellent 30-minute workouts, ranging from kickboxing to HIIT. My local gym and go-to rock-climbing gym have started video workouts, too. I’m happy I continued setting apart at least 30 minutes/day for exercising. I use commemorative bricks for weights and a plastic mat. No other equipment needed.
I used products I had on-hand to cook and create.
This week, instead of getting food delivered, I used my slow cooker and waffle iron! There’s something so satisfying about ingredients coming together and experimenting. A batch of cookies were waffled. I stacked enchiladas in the slow cooker and finished them in the oven. Normally, I’d be too scared to leave something sitting in a device, taking up energy, for 8 hours. But by being home, I could check it and have dinner at a decent time.
I also crafted some collages, using maps, stickers, and paint. I painted on stickers to a wood board, and after peeling the stickers off, added them to a map. This will be a part of my ever-growing gallery wall, a representation of my love for the city. Whether it’s beer signs from my favorite bar or collages I’ve made, the wall continues to grow, and I’m so glad I gave myself time, without spending a cent, on making more.
This week, I want to continue cooking and creating, perhaps using my magazines to add collages to other parts of my place. I like assigning different passions and collections to different areas of my home, like little sanctuaries for each passion or love. This simultaneously uses resources I have, the magazines, while also decluttering or turning the ‘mags into something new. If you have any ideas, shoot them my way!
I only spent money on coffee, bulk food, and bills this week.
Bills are never going away. I still have my student loans. Soon, I’ll see how high my energy bill will be, thanks to working from home. But working from home plus reducing spending has shown me how dependent I am on services. I’d love to get a haircut, fix my purse’s zipper. Maybe these are things I can learn myself. I know I will respect the folks who know how to do these things even more, once Corona is done.
I did buy bulk food, from two local restaurants. Yesterday’s tacos became breakfast today. Pro tip: ask your fave place if they can make entrees family-style or give you big side orders. They’ll be happy for the business, and you’ll get more food! In the same way, if you can buy, support small and please follow the rules. Yes, that means less workers in the location and probably a longer wait. But I’m glad so many of my favorite places are staying open.
Ultimately, we’re all in this together. I’m still offering free editing of papers and resumes (just comment to get in touch – it’s been fun to help!) and I know a lot of people are itching for activities. I’ll keep posting every week during this time. Hopefully you’re inspired to do something different this week. How else can I help you? How are you creating fun? Share with a comment!