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  2020-02-18

  Green Mill Once Again, in Winter

  An image of this bar front was shared on this archive almost a year ago, on March 31, 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic: https://covid-19archive.org/s/archive/item/11917. On February 10, 2021, I passed by this bar on my way home from an errand and remembered it being shared on this archive. It looks different now, so I wanted to document it. Aside from the weather depicting a more solemn image, the next noticeable difference is in the fact that in this posting, the bar's front window is boarded up, with a most likely spray-painted tag in green ink. The boarding up is most likely a remnant from 2020's late spring/early summer protests that took place around the country in response to racial violence, which was kickstarted by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN. In addition, Green Mill also has posted a flyer in the circular window of their front door. In March 2020, the pandemic was still so new that many didn't know what to do besides close their doors for the time being. Now, in 2021, with more understanding of COVID-19's severity, many businesses have some sort of signage indicating that they are closed and encouraging readers to follow the social distancing guidelines set forth by local, state, and/or federal governments. This is most likely the sign posted in window. Hopefully, in another year's time, we'll get to see Green Mill open and lively with the sounds of jazz music, the coronavirus pandemic only a memory of the recent past.
• 2021-02-18

  My Keys to a Year in Isolation

  Starting on March 9, one university email followed another; the rapidly spreading pandemic meant that campus residents like me had to immediately find new housing. Unhappy and depressed with my dorm, I was actually glad at this chance to move. As soon as March 11th, I was already searching for a new place to live. Though I was relieved, I basically had to abandon my end-of-term schoolwork to secure an apartment. This came with consequences and I ended up taking three incomplete grades. I signed a lease on March 21, 2020. A year later, COVID-19 continued to spread and I recently renewed my lease. From top, these are my mailbox, unit, and building keys to my ~220 sq. ft. Chicago studio.