Items

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  2022-04-10

  How the pandemic brought together friendships

  Pre-pandemic I had a strong, close-nit group of friends who we frequently made time to spend together whether it was a get together dinner, lunch or breakfast once a month, going to concerts, festivals, wine night or "just hanging out". Once the pandemic hit and we were on lock down we could no longer get together obviously. I was single at the time and has a very strong bond with all my girlfriends. Not being able to see them and interact mad me feel sad, sometimes lonely and some days depressed. When I reached out to my friends I discovered that they were having the same feelings. From that moment on we decided to have a virtual girls night/wine night once a week to stay connected. For many months once a week we video chatted while drinking our wine. Even though we could not physically be there with each other, it was the next best thing. For me, just being able to see their faces made so much of a difference. I felt very isolated during the pandemic and it definitely made me feel happier, less lonely and have something to look forward too especially because at the time I barely left my house. For some the pandemic caused people to lose relationships and become distant, but for me my bond with my girlfriends became stronger which I am thankful for.
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  2020-12-19

  Ain't No Party Like A Covid Party

  We host an annual holiday party that we call 'The Cookie Party' because we have a contest where we decorate cookies, judge them, and declare a winner. We also do paper puzzles, a live gameshow, and have lots of food. Because of the pandemic, we had to shift our plans for the 25th anniversary of the party. For food, we delivered goodie bags filled with treats and safety gear. On the day of the party, we all met up on Zoom - we judged cookies via pictures, we sent games over email and graded them live, and we did the gameshow using games that could be played over computer. It was a long three hours and we were tired, but everyone had a good time.
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  2020-08-11

  Video Chat Birthday Celebration

  The pandemic disrupted the frequent trips I take to visit my friend Chrissie in California. We planned on celebrating her birthday together in person, but since we both lived in hot spots we decided it was best to postpone our festivities. I used some of the money I would have spent on traveling to buy her some very personalized gifts. When she received her presents I asked her to meet me on the Houseparty app so that I could see her reactions. They were priceless. I commissioned an artist friend to draw her beloved cat Dulce which I then printed on a poster. To add a Texas touch, I also got her a James Avery charm bracelet with an inside joke engraved on it. Even though I would have much rather hung out with Chrissie in person, this celebration was still special. Being away from made me think about how much I love and appreciate her. Quarantine allowed me the time to reflect on what makes her unique and what gifts would put a smile on her face.
• 2020-05-19

  Untitled

  COVID19 was seen as a joke until people in the states started to get infected with the virus and soon enough a stay at home order was put in place. My school closed down, and classes continued online. I’ve been seeing people complaining about their zoom classes, and it makes me grateful that my school doesn’t make us sit through awkward video chats with our teachers. A normal seventeen year old would expect the same basic routine when it came time to their last year in highschool. Prom, grad night and of course that emotional ceremony where you would say your final goodbyes to the people you practically grew up with. I don’t think any senior this year was expecting, or prepared, for their last year of hell to be cut short, I mean I sure wasn’t. Most parents don't even remember what was detailed in their senior moments of high school, but this year, 2020, will definitely be hard to forget as the years go by. Sadly, my boss informed me that the store I was working at would also be closed down because of the virus. I thought that since I had more time on my hands I would be able to at least use it to work, and save money for my car, but I guess things change. I'm so grateful for the people who are risking their lives to help cure those who have been infected. In Riverside county there have been 5,952 cases, 3,833 recoveries, and 261 deaths. These doctors and nurses are sacrificing their own health and while all were asked to do is stay at home. The question that still remains is when will we be able to socialize with our friends again, and when will we be able to go about our days without having to wear masks and gloves?
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  2020-04-14

  Trouble with Video Classes

  The struggle of dealing with online classes.
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  2020-04-12

  Easter with Family Over Zoom

  Danielle Gonzalez's family celebrating Easter over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her family was unable to meet in person, so they decided to have a virtual Easter to see how everyone is doing during these trying times.