**Me and the kitties, Loki (white one) and Odin (black one): Whitewater, WI, March 2020**

Q: How are you handling the #Saferathome order?
A: I’m taking one day at a time. At first, I was crushed that life halted so quickly and I definitely spent a lot of time reading articles and feeling intense grief around, not only my losses, but the world’s. Once I adjusted to the idea of a new normal, I started to explore other creative sides of myself. My husband and I are definitely your typical strict people during this. We don’t go anywhere unless we have to or we know we won’t have to interact with people, at least for long.

Q: If you have kids, how are they doing?
A: I don’t have kids, but I do have cats and they seem to have gotten nuttier. Lol! Honestly, they get the zoomies much more frequently than before my husband and I were at home all the time. I wonder if they’re thinking were crampin’ their style. Lol!

Q: What have you found yourself doing the most? the least?
A: I’ll start with the least…I’ve definitely been working the least. In-person photography sessions are no bueno right now and that also means in-person interviews for Whitewater Tourism aren’t happening either. I’ve figured out small ways to continue providing content for both places of work, but my workload has decreased drastically. As for what I’m doing the most…journaling, playing video games (totally in love with Ark and Borderlands right now) and indulging in Gilmore Girls for the first time in my life. Lol! Knew so many people were obsessed with it, so thought I’d give it a run through. I also walk as frequently as I can and continue my volunteer work for the Whitewater Grocery Co. in as many ways as possible virtually.

**Me in my natural habit-on my deck-wearing sunglasses over my glasses, headphones blastin’, and sun hat to keep from burning my face off: Whitewater, WI, April 2020**

Q: What have you found yourself thinking about the most?
A: Woof. That’s a mixed/loaded question. I think all the time, especially because I journal. I think about how we are currently handling this as a society. I think about what our future looks like. I think about all the people getting sick and dying. I think about the loss that families are experiencing. But I also think about how much I love having my husband home so much and how much so many people needed a freaking break from the grind. I think about how in love I am with where I live—my home, the environment around me, as well as my community in Whitewater. I think about the resiliency of people and am in constant awe of those who persevere through some of the shittiest shit to survive as well as help others survive.

Q: Have you tried/done anything you always wanted to do but never had time for before all this?
A: YES! I started creating digital art! It was something I always wanted to try and I totally started. :) I’ve made 5 or 6 pieces so far. It makes me happy and is something that allows me to play.

Q: In moments of overwhelm, what brings you back to yourself, to the present? (Share any resources--books, music, food, etc. that may help others if you so desire). Recent discovery, closing my eyes. Weirdest thing. No matter what I’m doing or where I am, I stop and close my eyes. I think it’s helped me close out external crap so I can come back inward. Another trick, putting my forehead against my husband’s with our eyes closed and taking a couple of deep breaths. Lastly, music. Music, music, music. Always yum. Recent obsession, my Summer Feels playlist I created last year and have returned to.

Q: What’s one positive thing you keep saying to yourself throughout this?
A: This is only temporary and we’re going to figure out how to move forward because we always do. By “we”, I do mean my husband and I, but I also mean all the good humans out there doing what they can.

**The hubby, Dale, and me on a hike: Whitewater, WI, March 2020**

Life During Pandemic: The Wimers