I’m certainly not the first to say it…These days are just downright strange. Scary, strange and surreal all at once. We’ve officially been quarantined for a month from COVID-19. 4 whole weeks at home with our trips to the outside world limited to the grocery store, outdoorsy adventures (at a safe distance!), and well…that’s it. You too? Arkansas is one of the very few states that hasn’t completely shut down and while we do have 1,000+ cases of the virus, we’re seeing less than others. I live in the capital city and we have a curfew in place, but other than that it feels similar to everywhere else we’ve seen on the news. The city streets are pretty quiet for the most part and it’s strangely eerie as we go through the days. Anyone else lost on what day it actually is every morning when you wake up? Same. But, we’ve been doing what we can with what we can and it’s honestly been okay as a whole so far. I know we’re extremely lucky to be able to quarantine at home and not be on the front lines so we’re trying to do everything we can to do our part of staying home. I do hope you’re safe and well wherever you’re reading from and I hope we can all get back to normal really, really soon, (safely…that is).
I thought I’d come by to update you guys on life happenings as of late and also keep a good journal here on my blog so that when this time passes, (because it will) I can have things noted here of what life has been like lately. Grab a warm cup of tea and join me for some (but not all) life happenings lately in our world over the past few weeks.
Before we get into today’s post, I want to say Happy Easter!! I hope you’ve all spent the day doing things simply and with joy as we celebrate such a special day in such a unique way. I also want to say a huge THANK YOU to those who are taking care of the world right now on the front lines of this crisis. Thank you…doesn’t seem near enough, but I hope if you are one of those facing this crazy virus head on or know someone that is, that you’ll know you’re in my thoughts and prayers daily. We couldn’t do ANY of this without each and every one of you and I hope you can feel the love all the way from my home here in Little Rock, Arkansas! I would love for you to drop your Venmo (or a loved one on the front lines) in my comments section below so I can send you a little something to say Thank You, from me!
I’m actually writing today’s post to you from my new favorite spot at home. We finally put up our hammock on the back patio and on sunny days, I’ve been living in it. I’m not quite sure why we haven’t thought to do this before now, but ya know…now couldn’t be a better time! I work here, I read here and relax here too. It’s the best little addition to our home and it’s bringing me all kinds of joy. Honestly, I’m learning throughout this whole ordeal that it really is all about the little things and I’m soaking in each and every bit of them as the days go by here at home.
Hammock life sure is the best life. I have this one and absolutely LOVE it. 
It’s been a whole month since my last trip to our gym as its has been closed for weeks now. This was a glimpse of my last treadmill run there March 12th! I can’t believe it’s been so long! 
With the gym closed, I’ve officially been logging 100% outside miles and I have to admit I love it. It’s been amazingly nice here weather-wise, (minus the pollen…) and I’ve seen huge improvements with each and every workout. The biggest reason I’ve been seeing so much progress is because Nick has been joining me for some of my runs and he’s a super speedy runner. The frustrating part is that he normally NEVER runs really and he still runs faster than I do. (Ugh…guys, right?!) But, the non-frustrating part is that he’s bringing out 8:30 paces for me (still slow for him but faster for me!) and I’m loving every minute of it. I don’t know the last time I’ve held that type of pace for longer than quick intervals and you know what? I haven’t died once so far! HA! I’m normally more of a 9:30 pace type of girl so 8:30’s are refreshing and surprising all at the same time. 
We’ve been going down to the river to a flat trail and it’s been so nice getting fresh air and sweating out all of the stress lately.
I’ve also ventured out to some new trails in our neighborhood where Spring is really blooming. The greens and purples are the best and make hard workouts 10x better with such great views all around. Getting lost in the trees sure is good for the soul…especially these days. 
Seriously dreamy…
I downloaded the One Peloton app with their free 90 day trial for my indoor bike trainer. Obviously, it’s not the same as a regular spin bike but it does the trick and leaves me soooo exhausted after each workout. I’ve been mixing it in between my runs for cross-training so far every few days. So far it’s been really great! 
Other than workouts lately, you can find me here at my little office nook at home. It’s my favorite sunny spot to be in the mornings as I get to work during the week.
I’ve always been thankful for my work-from-home job but even more so now than ever before. 
When work isn’t happening or good sweat sessions, there’s nothing else to do other than eat, right? ha! Yogurt bowls have been my favorite sweet treat lately and here’s my little berry yogurt concoction. Siggi’s vanilla is my go-to and the perfect base of these bowls. 
It’s insanely delicious and really filling too for breakfast! I mix up the granola with another chocolate kind and it honestly tastes like a dessert. 
I’ve even started a new hobby with this quarantine, painting. I actually started because my cute niece brought her painting supplies over the last time she stayed the night and it was so much fun! I figured, why not start now with a little bit of extra time inside these days. It’s such a good way to unplug and really get creative. While I’m really not any sort of talented when it comes to painting, it’s still fun to do something so different and see what comes out of each canvas at the end. I’ll keep you posted with some finished products here soon! Who knows, maybe one will turn out halfway decent. 😉
Nothing fancy here, just basic watercolors and a canvas. This could even be a child’s set…not even really sure to be honest. But it does exactly what I need it to and has really been a fun outlet! 
Oh, and before I go, I wanted to share what’s around the corner for the next few weeks! I’m signing up for this Run Challenge and I’d love for you to join me! I know there are a ton of different challenges going around these days, so this is just another option in case you needed a little extra boost of motivation! You can find the details here! I hope to see you on the Strava app so we can log our miles together with a little friendly competition! 
I’m off to get ready for a new week ahead so I suppose it’s time to hop out of the hammock for the day. Laundry is calling my name along with my to-do list brain dump to get me ready to start fresh for the week. I hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday evening and are staying safe!! Stay home and let’s get through this together, one day at a time!
Questions for you:
How are YOU? Are you feeling okay through all of this? Or as best as you can? What’s new in your world lately?
Have you started any new hobbies with this quarantine?
Are you working from home?
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to for the week?
Chelsea … sounds like you are making the best of this all! I unfortunately feel like I have pulled the short straw with this one. I moved for a job opportunity last may and the job opportunity is pretty far from my family so when this all started I just assumed that this would be a few weeks of craziness but not at over a month in and seeing as I live alone I am starting to go a tad crazy! I finally had to reach out for some help and fortunately there are resources out there covered by insurance (without co-pays) due to the craziness of COVID. I am choosing to get out of my apartment EVERY day even if that means just running through the drive-thru for an iced coffee at the local Caribou because in these times in makes me feel a little more normal. Have you had any hard moments feeling like you’ve been unfairly isolated?? Have you guys started another flip yet? How has the housing market been impacted in Arkansas because of this all?? Stay strong and if you want someone to follow on peloton you can follow me … @lcleme2
Hi Lindsay!! I truly am so sorry you’ve been having a rough time. Know that you most certainly are NOT alone in this. I absolutely wish you ALL the best and hope that here soon life will return to normal for you in every possible way. I’m super thankful to hear you’ve been able to reach out and talk through everything as it’s definitely uncharted territory for everyone these days. If you ever need to talk, I’m more than happy to help in any way that I can. I do know this crazy virus is making its impact with ALL of us across the globe in one way or another and I’m just trying my best to look at the bright side, while I know there are so many out there who unfortunately aren’t seeing much light. But, if there’s anything I’ve learned in my 30 years of life so far it’s that all we can do is move forward with each passing day with gratitude for another day to wake up with air in our lungs and love around, even from strangers. What I tend to tell myself when times are tough is “do what you can with what you can” and that’s how I pick up the pieces when they all seem to be scrambled. So I know things may look dim right now, but this too will most definitely pass and before we know it we’ll be able to look back with our own perspectives of this pandemic. <3
As far as the house flipping goes, we're actually steering clear of houses for now here in Arkansas as the market hasn't shown its best self as everything is selling super high, but we're sure that won't be the case by the end of the year. So, for now we're just hanging in there and I'm working my online business as a Social Media Manager where I work from home.
Thank you SO much for checking in and I hope you stay well and enjoy ALL of those peloton rides as sweat sessions are such great outlets to work through any and all emotions! 🙂 I'll definitely follow you there!!!
Enjoy your day, Lindsay!!! Sending you all the love and light from Little Rock, Arkansas!!