Top 10 For Quarantine

Last week I racked my brain for days trying to figure out what to write for a blog post. I started a million different concepts and all of them ended flat and uninspired so ultimately I decided not to post anything. To be perfectly honest, in the past I would have taken this as a sign that I should stop. Like stop this blog completely. All of the posts that I've shared so far have been written in one sitting. These were feeling or thoughts that very quickly flowed from my fingers, so much so that nothing could distract me. Not my cat trying to get my attention for a pet, not my phone ringing, not even my boyfriend telling me dinner was ready (I'm a big foodie so that usually stops whatever activity I am doing). In my opinion, my very best writing is done when I am so inspired I can't not write. So when I have a deadline and I can't churn anything out, my easily bruised ego takes that as a sign that it's not meant to be. I asked too much of myself starting a new creative project and anyway there are other people who are MUCH more talented than me and have SO much more to say than I do.

But that's not fair. Not to myself and not to the people who maybe, actually (dare I say) enjoy reading the weird things I put out into the universe. The big lesson I am trying to learn right now is that I'm not always going to be inspired, and if any of the incredible writing books I've read have taught me anything it's that you HAVE to write everyday. Even when you really don't want to, even when you think you have absolutely nothing useful to say. 

So today, as I sat down to write, I decided I wanted to keep things very simple. I am a Youtube fanatic, and one of my favorite types of videos to digest are monthly favorites. When a Youtuber pulls together a collection of books, tv shows, clothing, makeup, etc. that they have been absolutely loving for the past few weeks, lets just say I eat that shit up like candy. I decided this week, instead of pressuring myself to write something deep, I would do something similar to the content I already love. I call the below list my current "Top 10 For Quarantine". These are just a small collection of things I have been enjoying while self isolating in no particular order. Hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

Top 10 For Quarantine

1. Reading

Okay, admittedly I could be doing a lot more reading than I currently am. I flip between consuming a book in one sitting and then not reading for a week. But the act alone of sitting down with a good book has been very therapeutic for me. Above I've listed the books I've read so far and if you want to keep up with what I'm reading or see my favorites or just let me stalk your personal book choices you can add me on Good Reads!

2. "Fake Doctors, Real Friends: with Zach + Daniel"

I do not often speak loudly for my love of the classic comedic master piece that is Scrubs but I am going to announce it now so it is widely known: I FUCKING LOVE SCRUBS. Recently the two actors who portrayed JD and Turk started a podcast where they go through episode by episode and talk about the shenanigans behind the scenes as well as all the work that went into creating the show. They feature actors and other members of the Scrubs team in episodes and spill SO much tea (all of it good intentioned). I literally signed up for Hulu just so I could watch the series again along with the podcast episodes. So if you are looking for something that will give you a big ol laugh and have you marveling at the talent of comedic actors for an hour or so I highly recommend it.

3. Youtube

From Left: Tiffanyferg, Noel Miller, bestdressed, Lucy Moon

As I mentioned before, I love me some good Youtube. My personal flavor is generally chatty British or Irish ladies who feel like your best friends. I also love aesthetic vids, some video game content, comedy, and even though I don't play Animal Crossing I've been watching a surprising amount of videos on it. If you love aesthetic and feeling like your watching your best friend tell you a story, I highly recommend Hazel Hayes, bestdressed, Lucy Moon, doddleoddle (also her vlog channel, doddlevloggle), and Arden Rose. For brief hops into the news that are easy to digest (and with a bit of comedic relief) Phillip Defranco might be your jam. For my gaming fix I love a good Polygon video and when I really need to laugh I'll tune into Gus Johnson, Cody Ko, or Noel Miller. Special shout out to Tiffanyferg who does an amazing internet analysis series that I could literally watch all day.

4. Baths

Yes, this is a whole point dedicated to baths. Have you taken one lately? I'm telling you, they are fucking great. Get a little epsom salt, maybe some bubble bath, put on a face mask, pour yourself a good drink, and throw on some music that makes your heart happy. After 30 minutes you will feel like an entirely new person. Do it. For the love of god just go take a bath you fool.

5. Moving My Body

I am....perpetually lazy. Working out and I have always had an on and off again relationship and consistency is not my best friend. When I worked in Boston, I had to move at least 5 days week to commute to and from work and work often involved a lot of running around the office. Since self isolating my joints, back, and neck have become incredibly stiff. To the point that I've been getting migraines from back spasms. So I've started flowing back into a daily work out routine that includes a Yoga With Adrienne video paired with a walk or run. Even if my total workout is 30 minutes, I find it has really been helping with my general body pain and it feels good to know I am doing something purely to make myself feel better.

6. Disney Channel Original Movies

Ian and I grew up in very different households. While the Friday night premiere of a new Disney Channel Original Movie was a staple for my brother and I, Ian was more of a Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon kid. Since my parents have Disney+ and I am a grade A moocher, I have had the distinct pleasure of introducing him to some of my all time favorites. Recently we have watched all 3 Zenon movies (the first one is the only good one though), Smart House, Don't Look Under The Bed (god that movie is fucked up), Get a Clue, and Phantom at The Megaplex. It has been so much fun to introduce him to some of my childhood staples and laugh at how ridiculous they are.

7. Crafting

Right now, Ian and I are kind of in a limbo phase. We moved out of our apartment in Boston 3 weeks ago and are currently just waiting to hear our new apartment, which is going under many renovations, is ready. In the mean time we are staying with my lovely parents and slowly spiraling into a feeling that we will never be in our own place again. We are aware this is not true and one of my ways of reminding myself of this is by focusing on prepping for the new space. One facet of my planning includes designing and building furniture. The first project I tackled was a jewelry rack for my bedroom (pictured above). While it was simple and easy, finishing it was incredibly satisfying and made me extra excited to hang it in my new home. 

8. Designing My Space

A few bits I recently picked up for the apartment

As mentioned before, Ian and I are currently waiting for our apartment which means I am doing A LOT of planning for the new space. This includes buying furniture, picking out paint, looking at rugs, planning layout, and investing in more plants than Ian ever wanted me to. After living in a studio for two years the prospect of playing with a space and making it our own is thrilling to both of us. If your space is feeling stale and you think you can soup it up with a new coat of paint or maybe by simply rearranging your furniture I highly encourage you to do so. It will make your surroundings feel new and your imagination run a little more wild.

9. The Isolation Journals

Along with writing posts for my blog, I have been greatly enjoying writing prompts from The Isolation Journals. The Isolation Journals were started by Sulieka Jaouad and is a free program. When you sign up, you will begin receiving an email every day with a writing prompt from a different artist. These prompts are entirely selfish, meant to allow you some time to be introspective and embrace the possibility of writing for no one other than yourself. 

10. Marco Polo

Lil screen grab of what the app looks like

Marco Polo is an app I have been using for the past few years to stay in touch with two of my best friends from college. In the app, you can send videos to people individually or create a group chat. The videos can be any length and it is essentially like texting but you get to see your beautiful friend or family members face while they ramble to you. Since self isolation began, I have found myself using the app so much more than I used to and even starting new chats with friends whom I didn't get to say goodbye to in Boston. It is a very simple way to remind your friends and family that you are there, you love them, and you are thinking about them everyday.