Day 14 3/27/2020. Today is day 14 since things changed. Two weeks ago I went to bed as normal wondering what we were all going to do, I woke up with the answer.  We were to be closed till the 27th, and less than a week later that’s been pushed back until further notice. Sayings and words like; Flatten the Curve, Social Distancing, Unprecedented, and Public/Private partnerships will be with me forever. I wanted to capture a few shots, and share some words about my feeling during all of this. Well, this isn’t over yet… maybe when it’s all over I recap my thoughts. Stay safe everyone, please support local business when we get back up and running. Please let these good behaviors last after this, and make those personal, human interactions intentional when we can all get back to our normals.

Day 13 3/26/2020. Today was a long day. I woke up early and went to “work” with purpose. I was present and had some great calls. Took most of them walking around outside, it was an awesome sunny day. I walked by during lunch break and had to capture some real life that is still functioning. Seems that construction work is essential? I’m happy I grabbed them during lunch where the day paused for them. Even with the global situation going on it seems that their day is unfazed by it all. I’m very curious to see what changes after all of this for the good, maybe we’ll have dinner with each other and not include our phones?

Day 11, 12: 3/24/2020, 3/25/2020. These pictures were all taken yesterday, and two of them were edited today. Yesterday was a weird day. I feel that I didn’t sleep well. I woke up three different times, one with some crazy heartburn feelings. I was anxious and had some crazy bad dreams. I did wake up early, got laundry done, and was very productive. I even snuck out during sunrise and grabbed the Capitol with some amazing light. Later in the evening, after the gas smell was taken care of in our parking lot-see picture, I walked around the National Mall and grabbed some awesome pink gel flash shots of the cherry blossoms and the Washington Monument.
Since I felt yesterday was so productive I choose today to do nothing. I have practicing work-life balance and try taking days “off.” I was so proactive yesterday and had all my calls, today I did nothing. I walked, did a few work admin tasks, and watched a photo documentary on George Zimbel, 'Zimberlism' an awesome freelancer in NY in the 50s/60s. I needed a day off, and this was perfect.

Day 10, 3/23/2020. I woke up early to get started early, then sat around for an hour. I wanted to keep to my routine, but lost it today. I did go shopping, kept my distance and grabbed what they had in stock. I checked in with work and people are doing well, the rain helped keep us inside. I did set up a print download donation thing. The story is in my Instagram feed if you are interested. Tomorrow I’m planing on getting back to my routines. I need it.

Day 9, 3/22/2020. Kept it quiet today, and classy….? Did a ton of work from home, kept the TV off, and cooked a bit. On a walk I saw a few home made signs by the bus stop with cute messages to keep apart. Then I found a crack/meth pipe just chilling on the curb. Keeping it classy Rosslyn. I then decided to bake banana bread with buckwheat flour and a casserole dish. It came out well, just a bit dry. Happy day 9!

Day 8, 3/21/2020. It’s been a week since our world was adjusted. Last Saturday we prepped to shut down for a few weeks, now we’re playing it day by day. It felt good to do some work from home and check in on people. It’s awkward, but an adjustment and hopeful something that can transition back to the new normal when it’s all over. I wanted to complete a few open projects of mine, but seem to be starting new ones. These cherry blossoms with a pink gel made me so happy. I’m going to try for something this week after the crowds lessen at the tidal basin. I’m having a lot of fun. Keep checkin on in friends and family. Support local businesses, please!

Day 7, 3/20/2020. I went out and did what they told us not to, and it looks like a lot of others did too! It was Peak Bloom with the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin in DC. I didn’t get out of my car, but I did snap a few quick shots, then played with some flash work back at the apartment with the trees outside. I had fun before the sun ran away and the rain came out! It was nice to see the signs up telling people to separate 6 feet, and some of the streets were closed off, and the metro shut down two stops. This still didn’t stop the engagement photos, tourists, and some groupings. I’ll try for a day mid week when no one is around, or maybe a midnight trip to play with some flash work again.

Day 6, 3/19/2020. Today was very quiet. Did some work from home, took a few walks, took a few pictures. It helped I kept the news off for most of the day. I made a joke in my Instagram Story the other day about being an extrovert, and talking to a tree for 10 minutes. This is that tree, we took a selfie today with the Potomac River in the background. It was a nice moment! I need, and use humor to get thought tough moments. Thanks for checking in everyone!

Day 5, 3/18/2020. I went out for just a few moments to grab a few shots of a new drive up testing coronavirus center in Arlington, VA. If you have any question please visit: https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/virginia-hospital-center-partners-with-arlington-county-to-open-covid-19-sample-collection-site/
I wanted to snap a few shots for my personal documentation of an unprecedented historic event that I’m thankful to be able to capture. Please be safe everyone!

Day 4, 3/17/2020. I needed to get out of the house today. With all the news, and the great movies I decided to watch; Outbreak and Contagion, I needed to get fresh air and away from all of this. I checked in on some friends, and people from work today. We are all good. I’m keeping a track of all these new words, and Flatten The Curve, and Public and Private Partnerships are two of my new favorites. So tonight I’m going to watch the Dropkick Murphys Live stream, and have some Jameson, and share some photos from a walk I took tonight, Happy St Patrick’s day! Take care everyone!

Day 3, 3/16/2020. I’m trying to keep to my routine and schedule. I woke up needing to grab some groceries and make a quick trip for errands. I was up early after going to bed early, and was welcomed to the day with fire in the sky. Parking lots were empty, store shelves were still empty. I just needed eggs and thankfully Target had some. With news coming out hourly I tried to stay away but kept watching state releases about everything shutting down. My heart goes out to those who need others to make money. Stay home, but reach out. Order online. Buy gift cards. Try to keep moving forward. This was rush hour tonight. Low tolls and traffic. Just be safe and take it seriously.

Day 2, 3/15/2020. Today was my last day at work for the next 2 weeks, hopefully that’s it. I had to make a tough call and cancel part of my vacation in April. I was going to visit family on my way to CA to visit my wife. Seeing how real this is, and working with the general public, I have been very conscious of social distancing, and the very real need to wash your hands, and keep 3-6 feet away. I wont allow myself to be one to carry this to friends or family. I’m happy to work for a company that is putting people first, but I’m very aware of my other retail, and healthcare friends and family. If you can stay away, please do it. What’s next? I’m going to try to adventure, with caution, and document this journey. Take these photos as hope, the cherry blossom seen is in all stages of bud to full bloom in one shot.

Day 1, 3/14/2020. I'm going to start a journal and share pictures that I create during a work shutdown around Social Distance and COVID-19. I woke up with everything feeling surreal today. I'm sad that we have to go through with something like this, but I feel grateful to be healthy and able to document it. My wife is out of town for work, I'm planning on following the recommended Social Distance, but I will be taking photos, staying healthy, and sharing what I think and capture during this time. Follow along, share your thoughts if you'd like. Take care of yourself, reach out to neighbors and friends, and take care of your mental health!