Hey everyone, can you believe it. It’s August. At this point, we’ve spent more time in our homes than ever before. And, it doesn’t look like we’ll be leaving any time soon. The COVID-19 pandemic pretty much has the US in its very, very tight grip and isn’t letting go any time soon. Oh well, it is what it is and we’ve just got to leave with it until things change. For now, I will stay inside and do what I do.

So, what have I been doing? Yes, I’m still consuming a lot of TV. I’ve slowed it down a bit and added some online learnings-ish and am reading a book. Back in July, I sold my car to a friend who would get more use of out of than me. But, like every other month, I’ve been making my monthly pilgrimmage up to MN to hang out with my mom and brother.

This time, the trip was by myself, but filled with spending time with the people I love and care about…family. I meant up with some cousins (on my dad’s side) that I don’t see nearly enough even though they live in the same state (as I used to). It was good to see and spend time with them. I even spent a night going out taking photos with one and chasing down the NEOWISE comet.

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I’ve also embarked on a few outdoor dining adventures at social distance complying restaurants. Wakame. Portillo’s. Table, Donkey & Stick. The Chocolate Shoppe. Boondox. Lucy’s. Bellecour. 90 Miles Cuban.

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I spent more 1:1 time with friends. I miss my friends. I miss hugs. So, one of my friends was getting an ice cream log (yes, it’s a real thing) for her boyfriend for his birthday. So we made a “day” of it. Really, we just got ice cream together (worth it!). There was a slight mishap and I nearly dropped it. Actually, I really dropped it and caught it against myself in my hand – ice cream save. I, on the otherhand, looked a mess, but it was still delicious.

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We also celebrated a family birthday with a very small group at my uncle’s house. More delicoius food…and so much drink. Happy Birthday Kaylin!

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We also did a bout of mini-golf that took us “around the world”.

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Media Consumption (video form):

1. The Legend of Korra (English, CBS) – had to follow up after finishing Avatar: The Last Airbender
2. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (Korean, Netflix) – still loving this show so much
3. The Big Bang Theory (English, HBO Max) – enjoying reprieve from everything else
4. Prophecy of Love (Thai, YouTube) – loved it
5. Rak Laek Pop (Thai, YouTube) – it was good
6. The Crown Princess (Thai, YouTube) – came out better than I expected
7. Was It Love? (Korean, Netflix) – it’s becoming more intriguing
8. Close Enough (English, HBO Max) – it’s funny
9. I May Destroy You (English, HBO Max) – it’s interesting
10. Lucifer (English, Netflix) – Season 4 – forgot that I had already seen it
11. Down to Earth with Zac Efron (English, Netflix) – educational, but also Zac Efron
12. DungJaiAkkanee (Thai, YouTube) – so cheesey, but now I’m invested so, quick binge
13. The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise – social bubble pick
14. X-Men franchise – social bubble pick

Other Consumption:

1. Book: The Death Class: A True Story About Life – Erika Hayasaki
2. Udemy class: Social Media Management

In case you were wondering how I fill my days, other activities:

1. Working out with my friend Johny
2. Yelp Virtual Events
3. Picking up the guitar, but then forgetting about it
4. Writing more blog posts
5. Managing my social because what else
6. Sell things on FB Marketplace
7. Staying hydrated
8. Trying SOOOOO hard not to buy things online
9. Expanded my social bubble, but just a little
10. Applying for jobs
11. Mini Golf

What have you been doing to keep busy or to fill your time during this whole thing? Have things changed since the start of the pandemic? This whole thing has felt a bit like a rollercoaster ride…sometimes it seems like there’s light at the end of the tunnel and sometimes it is looking bleak and never ending. However, don’t give up hope…it can’t last forever, right?

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