Everyone would likely agree that quarantining due to COVID-19 has been stressful and upsetting to our lives. However, there have been a few positives to come out of it that I hope will continue, even after social distancing becomes a distant thing of the past.

The Convenience of Curbside Pickup

Some businesses had already created curbside pickup allowing shoppers a convenient way to purchase from their stores. A few that I had tested and loved were H-E-B (a grocery store chain throughout Texas) and The Container Store.

With the closure of in-store shopping throughout the country in March, other businesses quickly rose to the challenge, adapting their business model to keep their businesses “open.” I have certainly taken advantage of a few during this time from Best Buy to Nordstrom to Total Wine & More and even a local Houston Heights tea shop (just seven minutes from Camden Heights), called Tea Sip. These retailers all provided:

• Quick order fulfillment after purchasing online

• Timely updates with easy to follow instructions

• Friendly service with a smile, or should I say smize since masks are being worn of course :)

“Seeing” Friends and Family

As we all adjusted to staying home and not interacting with others physically in the same space, we found ways to connect in more engaging ways virtually. Tools like FaceTime, Zoom, and WhatsApp all existed before, but I certainly wasn’t using them or at least not their video options.

Family Video Chat -  Photo courtesy of Kathy H.

But as the days and weeks went on, I found myself planning virtual happy hours and birthday celebrations that forced me to become more comfortable with these tools. And I LOVE them! Why just call someone when you can “see” them too – so much more of a connection and great memories created along the way!

Bringing the Caring back to Social Media

During this time, it seems that everyone is more engaged on social media, whether your platform of choice is Instagram, TikTok, or tried-and-true Facebook. And the trend I see on my feeds is certainly more positive and less divisive posts than before.

Celebrities are getting in the mix too. Whether it is John Krasinski launching Some Good News or Tom Hardy reading children’s stories on BBC’s children’s network, I certainly would like to see this positive and endearing trend continue!

Photo courtesy of Some Good News

Enjoying the Outdoors

With less change of scenery as we are staying home more, the outdoors has taken on a brand-new appeal. Whether it is going for a mid-day walk around the neighborhood or sipping coffee on the balcony of your Camden apartment home, let’s continue to venture outside. Read about more ways to do this on a recent Simply Camden blog.

Rediscovering your Creativity

With less hustle and bustle, time seemed to slow a bit. I, for one, have explored new hobbies and picked up old ones that I hadn’t been spending time on. After quickly finishing a crochet throw blanket during week 2 of social distancing, I had to find something new. So, I finally purchased a hand lettering course from an Instagram ad that I favorited months ago.

Smoothie bowl perfection - bowl and photoby Kathy H. 

Baking buns - photo and breadby Kathy H. 

I perfected my smoothie bowl and revisited the bucket list of baked goods I had always wanted to make from scratch - some with more success than others. What is on your bucket list that you could try this weekend?

So, while this time has been trying and unexpected, there are a few small, silver linings we can find to help brighten the dark days. I hope you have discovered new ways of connecting and spending your time that bring a sense of normalcy, calm, and enjoyment during social distancing.