How I Spent My Time During The Coronavirus So Far

Holy shit it's been an insane, lifechanging year, hasn't it? It may sound strange but I have mostly positive remarks for it. I made some wild decisions. After visiting the family in North Carolina for my super-extended spring break, I realized I needed some more family time. It's rough living on your own! I went back to Utah for a total of two weeks before I made my decision to move back with the family.

(A complete side note here, but let's roll with it) After my recent drive with my mom (more on that move later!) that we accomplished in good time, I realized how strong my will is. When I made the move back to North Carolina I did it in three days! I literally only stopped for Taco Bell, McDonalds Coffee, and gas. I have no idea how I drove 12 hour days.

Back to the main story! I was still facing a lot of inner demons, and feeling extremely lonely in Utah. The Coronavirus and all its uncertainly led me to quit my job that I loved. I was still one semester away from graduation. But I was able to take all online classes from the safety of home, across the country.

I learned so much about myself and my values. I did not have to work (other than some online classes) and could focus on my health and enjoy a year off from the struggles of life. For that time I am externally grateful. It makes me wonder why I moved out of the safety of home and move back to Utah. 

Anyway! Here are a few random photos with memories of my time out there. In hindsight I really, really wish I would have taken more pictures. It feels hard to tell my story without them. Now that have started this blog I realize why my mother takes so many!

We spent birthdays (hey, it's hard to find things to do during a pandemic) and random Sunday trips out shooting. At first Jonas was reluctant to try, but by the last time we all went together he was eagerly waiting for his turn! I certainly did not do very well, Damon was definitely the star. 

All the boys went camping a few times (Bea was at home alone tending to all the cats). I cannot say I have been camping, sleeping on the floor in a shitty sleeping bag before. I have to note that we eventually got blow up beds and the first time we went Jonas ended up with the the only good sleeping bag... I am still not sure how that happened. Delicious boy scout dinners, eating more junk food than I have in years, and DnD late into the night :)

Here is a special moment with Bea. I feel like we have always bonded over our love for tattoos. For starters, I think we both share the dream job of being a tattoo artist. I was lucky enough to be her escort to Raleigh where we met an artist Bea is with fascinated with. I cherish special moments likes these.

Here is a snap Bea sent me one day from one of our weekly DnD sessions. I particularly love this photo for some reason. I look forward to playing with these guys every week. I myself (and I'm sure the other DMs do) put in hours each week preparing for the next heroic adventure that we all share and thrive in. Even if I am a burnt bardalini ;)

I wish I had a picture of me and my brothers to share, but alas I don't take enough photos. Anyhow, I have a special place in my heart for all holidays and firmly believe they are a great way to mix up the everyday life. Christmas is something dear to my heart. It is special to me for a lot of reasons. Come on, what is better than Christmas morning gifts and warm feelings with the family?

This is a random time of one time I was playing games and suddenly these three were vibin in my room. I like this one because everyone looks so comfortable and happy. Over my time there, Damon was my only consistent visitor. Since I was an adult and used to having my own personal space/apartment, my room was my own little den. I am grateful Damon let me borrow it for a year :)

I am still not sure what I expected to happen. Obviously I had some thought that moving was a permanent decision. I uprooted my life, tossed everything I could fit in the back of Athena, (my Subaru) and moved. I spent a lot of savings and time. Even before this recent move looked at a few rentals in North Carolina. That tells me that at some point I thought I would be staying for a long time. I got a new drivers license, car and voter registration. Only to end up back here! 

Not a day goes by that I question my decision to move back to Utah. I left the one thing I love most in life, my family, to be alone again. Hopefully perusing something greater for my life like a career and discovering myself. I've only been back one month and it already feels like so long. Not to say I don't love living on my own! There are many perks to living on your own. It feels good to work and provide for yourself. But the nights are hard.

That's enough for now. Writing this post hit me with a lot of strong emotions. Some beautiful and warm, others of heartache.

Thanks for reading :)