All these weeks later, the uncertainty still overwhelms me at times. My heart breaks for those lost to COVID-19, for their loved ones and my home state. While New York has only 6% of the U.S. population, it accounts for 27% of all domestic coronavirus cases \u2013 and more than any other state or country. Expanded testing suggests nearly 25% of New Yorkers have contracted COVID-19. Statistics, of course, only tell part of the story. The devastating scale of this pandemic hits home when death news becomes a daily thing on your Facebook feed. A friend\u2019s grandfather. A former colleague\u2019s dad. A friend\u2019s beloved co-worker<\/a>, just 29 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s sadly ironic. What coronavirus has stolen from its victims is also what it has given the rest of us more than we know what to do with \u2013 time. If there has ever been a moment in history to appreciate this precious commodity, it\u2019s now. I felt such appreciation on a deep, visceral level a few years ago, after coming out of my suicidal depression. And I vowed to never take for granted the incredible gift that, whatever storms life may bring, I\u2019m still here<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quarantine life is a roller coaster for sure. But even with the ups and down, or maybe because of them, it has also opened my eyes to being fully present in the moment and to what the pandemic cannot take away. The comfort and joy of being with my future husband and our beloved pup. The pleasures of comfort food (limited edition Tiramisu Oreos<\/a>, yes please!). The escapist fun of 80\u2019s movies that still make me smile (Breakin\u2019 2, Goonies and The Golden Child). The connectivity and conveniences of modern technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I often think about those who lived through the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. They had to face it without being able to text, email or video call loved ones or schedule virtual doctor visits. And without a slew of on-demand TV, movie and gaming options to entertain them at home. Steve and I have been binge watching Downton Abbey and Schitt\u2019s Creek. It\u2019s such a pleasure catching up with the Crawleys again and the Roses\u2019 escapades never fail to provide much-needed comic relief. If you\u2019re looking for additional recommendations and quarantine tips, check out The New York Times\u2019 At Home<\/a> and USA Today\u2019s Staying Apart, Together <\/a>e-newsletters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n USA Today also has a great roundup, 100 Things to Do Inside During A Pandemic<\/a>. I\u2019ve done #10 (face masks), #18 (match lids to Tupperware containers) and #33 (make a classic cocktail \u2013 hello again, French Martini). It\u2019s #48 \u2014 make a list of things for which you are grateful \u2013 that has been most soul soothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.newyorkcitygal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Not-cancelled.jpg?fit=640%2C650\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.newyorkcitygal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/20200507_175059.jpg?fit=640%2C853\")