Life Update: Quarantine Things
“Nobody is bored when he is trying to make something that is beautiful or to discover something that is true.”
Hello readers! Thank you for your understanding during my hiatus over the past couple of months. There have been a number of changes in my life that I’ve wanted to share with you, but didn’t want it to conflict with the worldwide experiences of the Coronavirus pandemic and all other associated events. As we are now crossing into the summer months, I thought it might me time to get back in touch with my readers and use my blog to provide a place of comfort for those who’ve needed some normalcy. So, in case you were waiting for an update from me, here’s everything I’ve been doing since beginning my quarantine in March. Before I dive into anything, I want to recognize and thank all the essential workers that are dedicating their lives to protecting and supporting the lives of others. Their efforts truly mean the world. If you are reading this, and are an essential worker, know that I will forever be grateful for what you’ve done during this challenging time. And if you’re not, be sure to acknowledge thank them for their efforts!
I’m a Seattleite Again.
After nearly three and a half years of going to school in Los Angeles and 9 months of living in my apartment, I’ve moved my sweet kitty (James Dean) and I back to Seattle to wait out the virus and finish my spring semester. Come July, I’m planning on returning to Los Angeles to check on my apartment and prepare it to go through the next couple of months without me. Moving back in with my parents has brought with it its fair share of challenges, surprises, and lessons. Some days, I feel as if 16 again: longing for the promise of independence that comes with adulthood and planning for an unknown future. Other days leave me feeling homesick for the home, friends, and lifestyle I built for myself over the past few years in Los Angeles. My first two weeks here were spent struggling to adjust to being back where I started and another two weeks passed before I realized just how dramatically my life had changed since the beginning of the year (and how much more could happen before the end of it).
Me Time.
I’ve been doing my absolute best to stay productive and dedicate time to my self-improvement. In addition to deciding to dedicate more time to the development of this blog, I’ve rekindled my love for the arts. My earlier years spent training to be a classical ballet dancer. Although I stopped when I was 13, my love for dance has only grown. At the beginning of May, I began to take virtual ballet classes through Instagram with Isabella Boylston (a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre). I have also been spending a lot more time curled up in bed with the books I’ve put off reading during the school and the old-Hollywood era movies I swore I would watch at some point. I remember praying for days like these as recently as March, hoping I could catch a bit of a break so I could crack open a book that was unrelated to school. Although I don’t miss having to drag myself out of bed to run to class or errands, I miss the little moments: picking up flowers at the market, munching on Spam musubi on my way home from the bus stop, and petting every dog I come across. I’m missing my fun-filled days spent at Disneyland with close friends. If I end up miss anything about quarantine in the future (near or far) I’ll miss having a lazy day whenever I feel like it. Expect a few blog posts on all the amazing books and movies I’ve discovered since quarantine began!
Finding Some Positivity.
I’ve spent time mourning the life I had before the pandmeic, I’ve also spent some much needed time with my parents. I feel extremely blessed to be in their company again and love waking up every day to their positive energy and encouragement. We’ve had some amazing movie marathons (i.e. Marvel and The Fast and Furious) and bonded over a number of puzzles and games. Staying in contact with my friends have also provided me with a connect to my life in Los Angeles. By using Zoom, Facetime, and Netflix Party, my friends and I have taken every opportunity to keep up with each other and make sense of current events. As an only child, it’s been really helpful for me to talk to someone my own age about everything I’ve experienced since the beginning of quarantine and to hear theirs. It’s made feel a little less alone in my feelings.
Reader, I hope this little life update has given you a look into someone else’s life during quarantine. It’s so easy to feel alone in your experiences. I hope that this post helped you feel a little better. Know that this is one moment in history and that someday, things are sure to get better for you. Just like anyone, I have my good and bad days (and all the days in between). I’m really looking forward to channelling more energy into this blog and getting to know my readers better. I truly missed finding new and interesting ways to interact with you! My past few posts have been concerned with pop culture and advice, but beginning this summer, I hope to write a little more about me. I can’t wake to make more amazing memories with you all. Again, thank you so much for all your unwavering love and support. Here’s to new beginnings for Itsmayalala!
Stay healthy, safe, and positive :)
Xx, Maya