I didn’t want to make this blog about the COVID-19 pandemic, but that’s what’s going on so naturally it’s been on my mind.
I’m very lucky in that I have a good job that I can do from home with minimal changes that is making a big difference during this time, I have enough money and access to food and supplies to make my stay at home comfortable, and I’m able-bodied and generally in good physical health. My mental health has understandably suffered a bit from not being able to see my friends – I’ve never wanted to hug my best friends as badly as I do now – and do my hobbies outside of my house, but I’m far from incapacitated.
Still, I have been in my house for almost two months now and I needed something comforting in the meantime. Though I’ve eventually broadened my focus, at first I found myself gravitating towards certain genres: I wanted to experience romantic stories and mystery stories. When everything outside seemed to move too fast and feel so uncertain, I wanted the stability of a solid romance plot or a whodunit where you know in the end that the couple will be happy and the murderer will be definitely identified. It’s not much, but it helps to know that some stories have definite resolution even if mine right now doesn’t.
Here are some things that have been helping me pass the time and keep my hopes up:
Old Favorites
Ouran High School Host Club – the best defense of trivial fun and letting yourself be happy (there will definitely be more content about this show on this blog in the future)
The World Is Still Beautiful – making the best of a difficult situation, and an unexpected romance
New Shows & Movies
Criterion Channel – I bought my husband a membership for his birthday this year and I’ve spent some time watching new movies with him, most notably:
All About Eve – the iconic Bette Davis performance about fame, success, and having it all
Diamantino (I only saw the opening scene but HOO BOY)
House – just learn to roll with the weirdness, sometimes it’s all you can do!
A Woman Is A Woman – quasi-musical (and I love musicals!) about growing up and deciding what you want out of life (and especially in a romantic partnership)
Murder on the Orient Express – there is nothing more satisfying than a great detective solving a perplexing mystery!
Amagi Brilliant Park – magical thinking is the key (this is also the first time I’ve laughed out loud at a show in a long time)
Beastars (I had to see what the hype was all about)
Books
Exhalation by Ted Chiang – I especially enjoyed the first story in this collection, “The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate”
Yona of the Dawn (manga) by Mizuho Kusanagi – making the best of one of the worst situations imaginable, and finding inner strength to become a hero
Other
Puzzles
Taking pictures of the blooming spring while out on walks in the neighborhood
What’s been getting you through this time?
Thoughts From Barbara Yaga 