This all started in late 2019 in Wuhan, China. It was declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. I flew home that day to go to VA for what I thought was going to be a week full of going to Richmond for a delegation meeting, worshipping at Haymarket Church, visiting with friends, and going out in Northern VA. That weekend everything started closing down and the term "social distancing" got introduced widely. Kimmy & Amy both canceled plans with me because they were worried about me spreading the virus to them. The delegation meeting got canceled and all worship services got moved online. It was a weird, weird time and things changed so much every day.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and avoiding close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell.
-World Health Organization International
Day 1: Tuesday, March 17
Work from home day 1 ft. delicious stir-fry; first week of virtual GROW:group because we couldn’t go to Neighbors :(
Day 2: Wednesday, March 18
Cooked enchilada casserole & touched my eye with my jalapeño hands - enjoying cooking for Nikhil & I during COVID-pocalypse. Kathryn walked by and called me to say hey from 6 ft away - new reality of social distancing really setting in.
Went on a walk and found these awesome flowers. Grateful that nature & newness aren’t excluded from our social distancing; watched edges worship on the livestream because Nikhil needed to work late and not stay over. Ended up crying in the middle and realized I’ve been holding so much - grief of finding out General Conference was postponed, unknowns of COVID-19, insecurity about being in a relationship again. I was grateful for this time of familiarity and also reflecting on how glad I am I moved to ATL.
Day 3: Thursday, March 19
Work from home - eNews most of the day; Scattergories & Fish Bowl with Nikhil + friends in the evening
Day 4: Friday, March 20
Sabbath day - Little Fires Everywhere, Becoming; realizing I need to prioritize rest in this time, even in the middle of a new normal
Day 5: Saturday, March 21
Cleaned out Nikhil’s room and then spent the afternoon in Piedmont Park :) Enjoying outside time before anticipating a long, rainy week inside!
Day 6: Sunday, March 22
Love feast with Neighborhood online worship & first virtual game night in the evening. Played Jackbox games (Rachel & Kathryn hosted) and it was a lot of fun!
Day 7: Monday, March 23
Rainy days are the hardest - worked all day, got super anxious after staff meeting, ate leftovers & watched two movies; extending grace to myself and also reminding myself that rest is good and okay in this season - and maybe all seasons.
Day 8: Tuesday, March 24
Stayed at Nikhil's again - we went on a walk in the morning just so we could say we had been outside; then I went on an hour long walk & talked to mom/walked all over the city. Realized how much I need to prioritize movement in these days for my anxiety and general well-being. Complained all day about GROW:group and then it ended up being the highlight of my day - we talked about what generosity and gentleness look like in these days. I'm grateful to be grounded by a church community in this time.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ordered a stay-at-home order finally today for City of Atlanta, although Kemp has only ordered those who are “medically fragile” to stay in.
Day 9: Wednesday, March 25
Took the day to be at my own apartment; switched my wardrobe from winter to summer, baked banana bread & made some beans/veggies for the week, had another 6 ft chat with Kathryn when she was on her walk - I'm adjusting just fine to this life of social distancing and a slower pace, but I'm mindful of those who aren't. Watched edges mid-week sabbath and then drove to drop off a buy-nothing gift for someone and got gas. Gas was $1.64 (with my Kroger $0.10 rewards) - the economy is very scary right now.
Day 10: Thursday, March 26
Woke up and went on a run. Realizing there is so much beauty in connection with other people that we take for granted. Said hi or good morning to everyone I passed and they said hi back. I'm seeing beauty in the flowers blooming, the stillness that is everywhere - it's like everyone has had to pause and I'm hoping other people are seeing the sacredness of this moment in history.
Day 11: Friday, March 27
Today I took a real sabbath day. I woke up and wrote cards, went on an hour long walk/jog, got lunch with Nikhil, took a nap, finished my cards, went to the Post Office. On my walk back, I met a guy named Richard - he approached me and said, "Ma'am - I don't need money, I just need food." So I begrudgingly said, ok - there's a restaurant right here if that's okay. I think they're doing takeout. We're supposed to be social distancing, not walking down the street talking and ordering food. But, this guy was a real person who I could show compassion to and share in a moment of recognizing the Divine in each person. So we got him some wings and as we stood outside and talked, he told me that he was in prison for 20 years for selling drugs to an undercover cop. He's been in Atlanta for 27 years and spent 20 of them in prison... for selling drugs... because he's black. My heart broke for our system and the ways we constantly fail people. He offered his whole story: he got out of prison on December 8 - he was raised in a good family but when his mom died of cancer he fell out of the loop and got into drugs; he didn't sell them to many folks, it was the other guys he knew that did, but he didn't tattle on them; so he got the prison time. He's a chef, and a good one at that, so he cooked while he was doing time. He ended up getting promoted to the staff-only chef - he made buds with one of the wardens and followed him when he would get transferred so he could keep cooking for him. He got out in December and started interviewing at Hard Rock in downtown - he got called back for a second interview & then coronavirus hit and they froze hiring. So many real people are being affected by this and I feel both so grateful for what I have and so sad for the inequality in our system and our country - and the ways I play into that daily. Richard said he'll be seeing me again. He said, "Michelle, I'll be seeing you again - once I get that job at Hard Rock, you better come see me. And you better bet that meal will be on the house."
I pray for Richard. And for all folks affected by coronavirus. And all people who live on the streets and in prison because we can't understand that money & power aren't more important than peoples' livelihood and well-being. I really hope I will be seeing Richard again. Until then...
Day 12: Saturday, March 28
Our Saturday was full of cooking (like 7 hours fo cooking) and then enjoying our feast. We had a Zoom happy hour with seminary pals and Nikhil was so sweet to join in the fun!
Day 13: Sunday, March 29
Worship continues to be creative and folks are tuning in like usual. We had Brad over for some socially distanced beers this afternoon. It was nice to get to chat with someone outside of our normal crew for a bit!
Day 14: Monday, March 30
Nikhil and I continue to work mostly from his apartment during the week and be at my apartment on the weekends. Working from home is okay - but it can get old and there are times when it's easy to feel restless. Tonight we treated ourselves to pizza from Atwood's and it was a great move. We're making the most of this time and are trying to support local where and when we can!
Day 15: Tuesday, March 31
We had our last virtual GROW:group tonight. We ended with a virtual love feast and it was a really lovely time. I'm grateful for this group and the time we had together, even though I really miss trivia and nachos at Neighbor's!
Day 16: Wednesday, April 1
We've been piecing together a lot of leftovers for meals (leftover tacos are our new favorite meal). The interns led their first Wind Down Wednesday which was a fun time.
Day 17: Thursday, April 2
It's been chilly in Atlanta this week (see Nikhil's outfit). Suzi and I walked to get us all coffee at Dancing Goats this morning - it was so weird to have to go in one at a time to order and then they bring your coffee out and set it on a table for you to grab.
Day 18: Friday, April 3
More walking today; made a Neighborhood Church BINGO card, FaceTimed with Hannah, and ate some of our delicious orange ginger zucchini noodle recipe we made - it has been so nice eating in so much during this time!
Day 19: Saturday, April 4
Today we played cards for hours (we started with War and then played Egyptian Rat Screw) and then we played Scattergories over Zoom with friends - it’s been so fun for Nikhil to meet my friends (and for me to meet his) over video calls, which probably wouldn’t have happened in the same way if not for the Pandemic.
Day 20: Sunday, April 5
We got up early to grocery shop so we could cook before/during worship. It’s so weird to have to stay 6 ft apart from people in the grocery store and that there are lots of limits on how many of things you can buy (toilet paper, meat, paper products, canned goods, etc.). We have also been Lysoling the boxes when we get home and washing our veggies extra well - we’ve mostly been eating food that has been cooked rather than salads because they said there’s a better chance of killing the virus that way if it did happen to be on your food that you bought. It has been weird to start Holy Week online, but also so special to have the whole family (Mom, Dad, Kate, Dan, Grandma, Uncle Joe) worshipping together online.
Day 21: Monday, April 6
Today was a pretty normal work day. We continue to have staff meetings online on Monday mornings and are mostly working on gearing up towards Easter worship. It’s super weird that it will be online, but everyone is handling it well! We put out a great Holy Week guide this year and are staying on top of social media. I learned how to use Adobe Pro Premiere so put those new skills into play to make a video today. Primaries have been moved back (although Bernie dropped out so now Biden is a shoe-in) and they are encouraging all of us to vote absentee here in Fulton County so we don’t have to be in person for any primary. When elections get moved, you know this is serious!
Day 22: Tuesday, April 7
Today I took a long morning walk around the Neighborhood and then I FaceTimed Sarah. It has been hard to fill the days when work is slower and we can’t go anywhere. We’re definitely starting to have to get creative with activities now that we’re in the third week of staying at home.
Day 24: Wednesday, April 8
Today we had our first video call with our “Neighborhood Circle” and then at night we drank seltzer and played Pandemic! John and Suzi are great board game buddies.
Day 25: Thursday, April 9
Today I stayed home and sewed masks most of the day - the CDC has now recommended that everyone wear masks when we are in public places (grocery stores, pharmacy, etc.) so Nikhil and I decided we should probably wear them since I’m able to sew them. I also went and bought a “grab bag” at Neighbors and met the owner who is amazing. Her name is Jessica and she owns both Neighbors and Dark Horse - we chatted for a while when I was there to pick up our booze. It was so nice to chat with someone new and network in the neighborhood. I definitely miss spending time talking to random humans at bars and will be excited to get to do that again once this is all over. Ended the night by FaceTiming with Jess which was so nice and good to catch up!
Day 26: Friday, April 10
Today I mostly did Good Friday reflection type activities and then I went back to Nikhil’s to do a game night with some of Brad’s friends for his birthday. Life feels pretty normal a lot of the time but then I walk through Midtown and see 6 ft lines marking the line at the grocery store and I’m reminded that this is indeed not normal - it won’t be normal for a while and even our new “normal” won’t be the same. Without a vaccine, it’ll be a while until we can have large gatherings and feel safe being close together with people in public without masks again.
Day 27: Saturday, April 11
Today was a good, good Holy Saturday. Nikhil and I went grocery shopping and cooked food for the week. We treated ourselves to nachos for lunch, pizza for dinner, and plantains for dessert. We took a long walk around the neighborhood and ended up at Emory’s Briarcliff Campus so decided to stop because we have been bingeing Stranger Things and that is “Hawkins National Laboratory.” I am so grateful for these Saturdays with Nikhil before he leaves. We’ve been able to get such quality time together and our relationship is so great because of it.
Day 27: Sunday, April 12
Christ is risen! Online Easter was a fun and holy time. Nikhil watched with me and I’m so grateful for that. I woke up early and baked banana muffins, we made mimosas, and then we got takeout brunch afterwards. It was so simple and while I was sad to not see people, it felt okay.
Day 28: Monday, April 13
Today I got up and ran in the morning because Nikhil and I both decided we wanted to run/exercise more. I worked from home/waited at my apartment tracking UPS who was supposed to deliver my iPad. They finally came at 8 pm and I am so excited to have a new toy to play with!
Day 29: Tuesday, April 14
Another run this morning and then just worked for the rest of the day. I FaceTimed Amy tonight while Nikhil was playing poker - I’m loving quiet nights and getting to enjoy Midtown while Nikhil is still here.
Day 30: Wednesday, April 15
Played around with my iPad all day, ran again, and then went on a few walks with Nikhil. Walks and just being outside have been our saving grace during this time, especially because we can’t be in the park anymore. Matt broke up with Hannah so I spent a lot of time on the phone with her tonight.
Day 31: Thursday, April 16
Today was the 13th anniversary of the Virginia Tech shooting. I got up and ran the virtual 3.2 remembrance run in Piedmont Park which was good for my soul. It is weird to honor such a tragedy in the middle of a pandemic - and that the grief that is carried from tragedies like shootings is localized but the grief that will be carried from this COVID-19 pandemic will be global and is still so unknown. We got Neighbors grab bags again and Jessica let me choose the alcohol which was so nice of her! We played Settlers of Catan online with Isaac, Becca, and Brandon which was a lot of fun - I’m glad there are lots of online options to connect with folks in this time.
Day 32: Friday, April 17
Sabbath days are both great and it can be hard to fill the time. I sat outside for a while which was so nice and then I FaceTimed Hannah & Haley. Nikhil and John went and played poker tonight so Suzi and I watched Cheaper by the Dozen and Cheetah Girls which was a great, relaxing thing.
Day 33: Saturday, April 18
We were planning on cooking all day but Michelle and Jeremiah asked if they could have the apartment to film all day so we just went grocery shopping and dropped the groceries off - Dekalb Farmers Market had a line out the door so we went to Kroger instead. Grocery shopping continues to be stressful and anxiety-provoking because its so hard to stay 6 ft and so many people are touching the same things. We chilled out and drank Jack Fire & Coke Zero and played more Pandemic and then ordered Papi’s and walked to pickup the food - we got beers at Bon Ton for the walk home. I’m thankful for Saturdays that are chill & not full of work and events.
Day 34: Sunday, April 19
We got up early and cooked at my place this morning and then came back to Nikhil’s so he could work. He’s been working on the Payroll Protection Plan loans (small business loans so companies can get a grant for 2.5x their monthly payroll if they can prove they didn’t fire anyone) so has been working long hours. We played Jackbox games tonight with Candler pals which was a good idea - Hannah has needed to stay busy since the breakup and we all realized it’s great to have each other during this season.
Day 35: Monday, April 20
We had staff meeting this morning and I was just so not feeling it. I’ve been feeling very anxious and antsy - I just really want to travel and be doing different things. Anjie checked in with me and told me I shouldn’t be working 40 hours a week and should try to use those extra hours to rest and do things that are good for my soul. I went on a long walk and called mom and decided that I’m going to go home late in June after Nikhil moves which feels good. I also went to Whole Foods and bought snacks for the week. Then I went and sat outside to read a book and figured I would just stay out there for therapy but I got told to leave by a security/police person from the Fed. That made me so upset - so I came back and did therapy on the balcony which was helpful to recenter and calm down some. There have been protests around the country to reopen (sparked by Trump’s tweets) which is just ridiculous. Things continue to fluctuate and be so uncertain.
Day 36: Tuesday, April 21
I was feeling so lazy today but decided to go on a run anyway. I mailed masks to Natalie and then went and ran/walked a few miles while Nikhil was in the office. I’m feeling a lot calmer and more centered today and am grateful for that.
Day 37: Wednesday, April 22
Earth Day, Wind Down Wednesday, carb-filled dinner at home, and FaceTime with sisters (& Coop)
Day 38: Thursday, April 23
Connectional Table meeting (got voted onto Executive Committee), made video for new social media campaign, video chatted with Woodworth kids on Messenger kids - Nikhil and I decided to order in so we could bring the food we already have cooked to the lake and he sent the Door Dash to my apartment instead of his which was just so funny. We watched Onward on Disney+
Day 39: Friday, April 24
We went to Phil’s family’s lake house this weekend in TN and it was so wonderful. Such a good getaway! Nikhil and I drove up today together and we all just hung out, ate dinner, and hung by the dock.
Day 40: Saturday, April 25
Another day at the lake - took the boat out and jumped off a cliff with Phil, John, and Griffin in freezing cold water. Went out later in the day and went tubing, too! Such a great day on the lake.
Day 41: Sunday, April 26
Another week of online worship and a chill afternoon - lots of days look the same in quarantine; cooked food for the week and baked cookies for dinner.
Day 42: Monday, April 27
Got a lot of stuff crossed off my list today - staff meeting, scanned Ethiopia journal, finished Bold Type, baked banana muffins; continuing to struggle to find enough things to fill the time during the day. Watched Lion King with Nikhil tonight.
Day 43: Tuesday, April 28
Today Nikhil and I went on a long walk (about 4 miles) around the park. We decided we need to stay active and just feel so much better when we are. I finished my Intro to Marketing class through Coursera. We went through some more of Nikhil’s donations as we’re trying to get him ready to move out - he’s still not sure if he’s leaving when his lease is up May 21 or later in June. We decided to play Phase Ten instead of watching a movie tonight which was a great decision - trying to limit screen time as much as we can so our brains don’t turn to complete mush.
Day 44: Wednesday, April 29
Today was a productive day. I finished edits on my Emerging article, watched the COB livestream (GC has been postponed until Sept 2021), and got the eNews together. We’ve been playing Phase 10 during the day which has been a fun change from watching TV shows/movies. I FaceTimed with the family to sing Happy Birthday to Dad - I’m so glad mom & dad are embracing video chatting during this time.
Day 45: Thursday, April 30
Nikhil found out that he’ll be able to take over Matty B’s lease so he’ll stay at least through mid-June which is awesome! We’ve been packing stuff up for him and going through more donations and trying to sell stuff on Facebook marketplace. I went to DeKalb Farmers Market this afternoon and it was the least crowded grocery shopping experience I’ve had yet. Shopping with masks/social distancing is still weird, but it feels more normal and has gotten easier over time. We’re still wearing masks when we go shopping which makes it feel safer/better. We played Jackbox games tonight for Dad’s birthday!
Day 46: Friday, May 1
Hung out during the day - started selling a few things on Facebook Marketplace. Will showed up in Atlanta tonight so we hung out and drank with the boys for a while tonight.
Day 47: Saturday, May 2
Day 48: Sunday, May 3
Day 49: Monday, May 4
On Monday we got back to work - I had staff meeting, worked on getting my “We Heart All Y’all” campaign together, and then had therapy. I would have been flying to Minneapolis today for General Conference if COVID-19 hadn’t happened. I’m so happy I’m here in Atlanta and getting the extra time with Nikhil - at the same time, I’m sad for everyone who was hoping for change in May and has already waited so long for the denomination to make these changes. The fight continues….
Day 50: Tuesday, May 5
Today is day 50 of being socially distancing and staying at home. I went on a long walk in the morning and then launched my We Heart All Y’all campaign. It has reached 6,306 and got 210 likes and 50 shares. I’m really happy with how my social media is going during this time of everyone being online. Nikhil and I celebrated day 50 by ordering Indian food in and watching HIMYM.
Day 51: Wednesday, May 6
Nikhil and I decided we wanted to start playing games more instead of just watching TV. I taught him how to play Peanuts and that was a lot of fun. We’ve also been playing a lot of Phase Ten. The days are long right now, but I’ve been really productive with work and other projects which feels good. We have been staying in still because it still feels not great to be going to restaurants - we’ve also agreed that it’s been so nice to save money and that we really don’t need to go out as much as we thought we did.
Day 52: Thursday, May 7
I worked a full day today and then we played some cards before Nikhil went to play poker. I stayed in and finished a book (Evicted) and then got halfway through another one (Becoming). I want to keep using this time to catch up on some reading and blogging.
Day 53: Friday, May 8
Today was a good day. We had frozen pizza for lunch and coconut cream pie from DeKalb Farmer’s Market for dessert for dinner. We’re getting tired of wearing our masks out but know it’s necessary. We have a good routine down - Nikhil takes the list on the phone and the cart & I touch the produce. Then he goes and washes hands at the end and we both hand sanitize about five times in between. It always feels good to get home and be able to finally wash our hands for a good minute or so.
Day 54: Saturday, May 9
Today we cooked all day and made a few new recipes (stirfry and Gusto bowls). We read and drank wine slushies and then Brad and Olivia came over to hang out for a few hours. They brought gin fizz drinks which were delicious. We’re loving our routine of working hard during the week and then a good mix of being productive/resting on the weekends. I’ll definitely miss this once Nikhil leaves.
Day 55: Sunday, May 10
Church continues to be okay - I enjoy waking up and not having to do the big production of Sunday morning. I am missing people though. N and I have been playing a lot of card games and he taught me chess too. Life is slow these days and that feels okay.
Day 56: Monday, May 11
Staff meeting was really good today. We talked about what we would tell our post-quarantine selves. Then I posted on social media about it and got some more responses too. These are some of the things people said:
✔️ Remember to step outside because you never know when you’re not going to be able to - being outside is so good for your soul, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
✔️ Make sure to read, because you love to read!
✔️ Your pace doesn’t have to be frantic to be productive - it’s okay to slow down. (This was mine)
✔️ Self-discipline is a real thing and you 👏 can 👏 do 👏 it!
✔️ Your family really matters - and your presence and focus and awareness within your family unit matters.
✔️ We can control our pace more than we thought we could.
✔️Be kind to yourself. No one expects what you expect of yourself. Go outside and sit in a hammock when you feel like it, you may see bunnies and baby birds. Fresh air is really good for you!
✔️In the spring, things grow fast. Don’t let a week go buy without looking closely at what is growing, or you’ll miss it. Also, turns out people don’t really care about how much your roots (hair) are showing.
✔️Do something you enjoy today. Be grateful for today. You can enjoy something today without prioritizing the future.
✔️Don't put off having people over. No one cares if your house is perfect.
I’m loving learning and reflecting these days.
Tonight we got Gu’s as part of Atlanta Food Bingo on Instagram. Nikhil played D&D and I read. Nights are a lot quieter right now and that’s been so nice. He moves out of this apartment in about a week and goes to Griffin’s for a bit. Then mid-June they’re off to NY! We’re still figuring out plans but are hoping to stop at the lake and then drive up together.
Day 57: Tuesday, May 12
Today was a normal work day - things have been pretty slow so I’ve been reading a lot. I accepted a job as a part-time communications contract position with Sandy Springs UMC for the summer so that will start June 1. I’m excited for the extra money and experience and to work with Kate & Candace. We had our last Pandemic board game night tonight with John and Suzi. They move out on Saturday. It’s been so nice to have them as part of our quaranteam.
Day 58: Wednesday, May 13
I walked to Target today because it’s only about a mile from N’s apartment. It was weird to be in a store like that and definitely wasn’t as therapeutic as it usually is. I got some necessities I’ve been needing and also a cute new pair of shorts. Nikhil played poker tonight so I hopped on Wind Down Wednesday. We played JackBox games which was so much fun. I don’t love the “sit and chat for an hour” on video chats but I do love playing games and getting to engage with people in that way.
Day 59: Thursday, May 14
Anne and I were texting last week and set up a time for a phone call but decided to switch it to a socially distant outside chat instead. It was sooo good to see her in real life. She got the job in Raleigh (!) so is moving June 29. I’ll be sad to see her go but know this will be a good move for her and Aaron. Hannah is actively job searching so we’ve been working on finding jobs for her and I’ve connected her with a few non-profit people here in Atlanta. I would be so happy if she moves back! I had a networking call this morning with someone Maria connected me with which went well. I’m working on my LinkedIn, just so it’s together if I ever do need it. Productivity comes in spurts these days but I really have gotten a lot done. We sold one of Nikhil’s last big things today which is great!
Day 60: Friday, May 15
Today we found out Phil has COVID-19. The guys played poker this week and Phil wasn’t there but Griffin saw him Monday morning so we have to wait for the tests to come back to see who has it. Nikhil’s move-out plans might have to be adjusted accordingly. It’s the last Friday before John & Suzi move out so we ordered pizza, got a beer growler, and played Pandemic one last time! I’ve been trying to continue showing up for people by sending cards for birthdays, graduations, etc.
Day 61: Saturday, May 16
We started regrowing plants this week and the green onions have been surprisingly quick growers! Our routine doesn’t vary much these day. I went home so Nikhil could have some alone time and I could do church from home Sunday. Life feels very normal but also still very weird and not normal.
Day 62: Sunday, May 17
I read outside for a while today and then went back to Nikhil’s. He had the apartment set up with a cute little TV watching spot and also went and got us nice wine and stuff for ice cream sundaes. It’s getting a lot more real that he’s actually leaving in a month. We’re excited to have chill time to enjoy the apartment this week before making the move downstairs Wednesday.
Day 63: Monday, May 18
Today I got up and did a workout video and then we went through our food and used up some of the stuff that was left in the fridge. We made a delicious stir fry - N played D&D and I watched Netflix. We’re both very relaxed and still enjoying and grateful for work from home.
Day 64: Tuesday, May 19
Today was our last day in 2401 so we made brunch and dinner. It’s been fun to be able to cook in the apartment and have a bit of fun with meals this week. And of course, there have been many episode of HIMYM watched!
Day 65: Wednesday, May 20
Move day! We’ve been playing a lot of cards to pass the time - Peanuts, Phase Ten, Five Crowns, and Spit have been the favorite games of choice. Even though restaurants are open, we’re still staying away and only doing takeout.
