I’ll say what we’re all thinking right now: Life sucks. 

I went through the five stages of grief about school events getting cancelled and not having school for two weeks. It’s frustrating hearing about how everything is closing down, but I’ve finally started to just move towards accepting it and making the best out of a bad situation. I’m not totally there but I’m trying. 

Here’s my advice on the corona virus and then I’ll shut up about it. Don’t give into the hysteria on the news. Yes, this is a serious situation. No, it’s not the end of the world. We’re not all going to die tomorrow. Stop panicking, buying a year’s worth of toilet paper, and getting pulled in by the flashy “breaking news” headlines that are everywhere. Take a deep breath. Stop checking the news every two minutes, and accept that while it’s not the best circumstances everything is going to be okay in the end. It’s mostly just preventative measures, trying to stay ahead and flatten the curve as much as possible.  

We should only focus on what we can control: which is our attitude and how we’re choosing to spend our time. 

But enough about the corona virus. Honestly, I’m sick and tired of talking about it and beyond done hearing about it. Instead, I’m going to focus on what I’m going to do with the new amount of time on my hands. Here’s  a list of plans I have to do with all the free time that I will probably never get again 🙂 

#1 Learning how to cook  

Before going off to college, I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook a few basic meals, so that when I’m sick of cafeteria food and I’m craving a homemade meal, I can make one for myself. I’ve gotta do something to combat the inevitable freshman fifteen, so this way I can say that I tried. 

#2 Deep Cleaning my Room 

Not going to lie, I normally hate cleaning. But every once in a while, I get in the mood to deep clean and reorganize everything. I know over the next few weeks I’ll be so bored that this will happen, so I’m going to take advantage of it by clearing off my desk and getting rid of the clutter. (Definitely going to make my mom happy with this one) 

#3 Redecorating My Bedroom Walls 

A few months ago, all of my decorations in my room had been the same since I was in literally in 1st grade. But, I decided to take down all the childish decorations. Unfortunately, I lost my energy when it came to redecorating, so my walls are pretty much just bare now (sad story of my life). I’ve been looking on pinterest and I want to work on adding a photo wall next to my bed!! This is a project I’m very excited about. 

#4 Self care…to another level 

As you may remember from my other blogs, I absolutely love self care. And with this free time, I’m taking it to another level.  Yesterday, I gave myself a pedicure: Soaking my feet in water with bath salts, shaping my nails, removing the dead skin.. we’re talking the whole nine yards here. I’m trying to do something everyday to treat myself, that I wouldn’t normally do. 

#5 Spending quality time with my dog 

I’m going to miss my dog the most when I go to college. Cody is my best friend and when I have time we do everything together. I have been trying to stay active by walking him 3 or 4 miles every day or so, this way I’m moving around and we get to spend quality time together. 

#6 Netflix binging 

Relax, relax, and more relaxing. As many of you know, I’m a huge tv watcher and these next few weeks will be no exception. I’ve been rewatching old shows, movies, and watching criminal minds with my mom. There’s nothing better than escaping reality for a while, and simply letting you, and your brain, relax. 

#7 Board games 

My family LOVES board games and card games. We have been spending a lot of quality time together playing these games because they’re fun, strategic, and a great way to spend an afternoon. There’s no better feeling than destroying your family in UNO.

#8 Making a photobook on Shutterfly 

I decided I’m going to make a digital photobook of my service trip to Guatemala. I know in the future it will mean a lot to me to have all these pictures in one place, and to be able to have all my thoughts written down with it. They also take a CRAP TON of time if you want them to look pretty, so it’s now or never baby. 

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I hope this blog brings you comfort in knowing that you’re not alone in how you’re feeling. Look for the positives in life. Everything happens for a reason, and it’s all going to be okay.  

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you’re doing with your free time! I wouldn’t mind adding a few more things to my list 🙂