Out of quarantine like...

It has been a month since my last post and I am so appreciative of all of you who have reached out and asked when I will have a new blog up! Well, here it is!

I am coming out of quarantine like... wait, are we out of quarantine yet? Haha! I should say what I have learned during quarantine has been: a new sense of purpose, humbled and overjoyed that I have accepted a position that allows me to follow my philanthropic passion to give back to the community and in a very unique and special way. This non-profit organization is incredible in the work they are doing for our beaches community and I am so proud to join their team.

I am also coming out of this stronger and lighter! I took this as an opportunity to figure out my nutritional needs and a better workout regimen that will work for my schedule. Thanks to Arbonne (I was also promoted to District Manager during this quarantine), clean eating, Dance Trance and BeachBody's Morning Meltdown I am dropping weight, gaining muscle and overall just feel better, healthier, and stronger. Starting my morning with a workout has definitely given me some mental clarity and ending my day with Dance Trance has given me a great outlet to dance off some stress.

Gracie and I have also gone to the beach every day (unless it is raining) and walked 3-5 miles. She LOVES the ocean water and lately greeting other pups and kiddos by the water. We started daycare today with Birch Island! I think I am more nervous than she is, she was so excited when they came to get her from the car. As I handed her "lunchbox" to her daycare buddy she hopped up to give me a kiss before going in. I know she will make some great puppy friends there and this is a good decision for her socializing training too.

Through this entire quarantine, the biggest challenge has been the separation from friends and family. I am so happy we are slowly coming out of this and able to visit with those we love. Everyone has been incredibly creative with their time as well. From art classes, cookie classes, cooking classes, wine tasting classes, virtual happy hours, face time, google hangout, hangout, Zoom, Facebook rooms, TikTok (oh the tiktoks) we have all been able to continue to be connected.

Graduation for my nieces was also interesting this year. One from 8th grade and one from high school (another from high school coming soon)

. Parades, decorations, online graduations, zoom parties, cupcakes, ice cream, hand written notes, videos... all of it made this year so special for them.

I think the biggest thing I have learned during this time is to appreciate the life we have been given. Forgive people, don't hold onto anger or resentment, be kind, know that some people may be smiling to hide away the tears, make new connections and rekindle old connections, know that you are loved, know that you are accepted and remember to care for yourself. I have learned to appreciate those that you surround yourself with every day. Don't take anything for granted. Life is short and you never know what tomorrow will bring. Appreciate what you have now and tell those around you that you love them today. We will get through this pandemic: our world, our country, and our community are resilient and resourceful. We will learn from what has happened and be better in the future for it.