Hello, friends!

As I am sure is the case for most of you, I stayed in the entire month of April. Other than a few grocery store and takeout runs, I pretty much stayed inside all month. Here’s what’s been happening.

to create

As I mentioned in my last post, I have begun working on the second draft of my WWI novel, Entrenched. But this month got away from me. I signed up for Camp NaNoWriMo on April 1, then suddenly it was April 15, and I hadn’t even reread my first draft, let alone written anything new. I decided to ditch NaNo (as usual) and dove into the reoutline and reread process, which I will vlog more about later. Currently, I’m still working my way through Act 1.

Again, no videos this month. Like I said, the month got away from me. I have a writing update planned though, so stay tuned for that.

Only one blog post this month, and it’s the March reflection. I didn’t even make my usual Stories Of post. I think I’ll have to combine March and April into a mega post of quarantine entertainment.

to work

Part of the reason April went by so fast was because I had tons of work to do. I had a couple major projects for Flagler College, including the pages for a virtual Honors Day. I basically had to build out all the web pages for the event and organize the materials provided to me. Feel free to check it out here.

I’m really grateful to have so much work right now. It’s putting much of my financial anxiety to rest. I have more projects coming this summer, too, so I should be okay for the duration of the pandemic.

to live

Here is where I would normally put all the exciting events of the month to take you on a little journey of my personal life. However, due to quarantine, I have nothing to report. A concert I was supposed to attend on April 4 was cancelled. I saw my therapist twice this month instead of once just for something to do (just kidding, it’s because of the mental deterioration).

Some highlights include: taking more walks and more pictures of my dog. My roommate Madison made Pi a blanket. I’ve also revamped his Tik Tok, so go follow him. We also had a socially distant birthday party for my partner Ray’s grandpa, where everyone stood 6 feet apart outside his window and sang.

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In more exciting news, I am moving to Orlando, Florida! Ray got a job working for City Year Orlando for the upcoming school year, which means we are relocating. I’m excited to return to Orlando (I was actually born there), and I hope to have lots of fun once we’re allowed to go outside. Plus, my cousin is also moving to Orlando for nursing school, so we will have friends!

The last week of April, we stayed with Ray’s mom in Sanford (everyone has been practicing self-isolation the past several weeks so we are all healthy and safe to interact) and checked out a few housing options. Keep your fingers crossed for a positive housing update next month!

Trying to find a place to move has been incredibly hard. Most places have income requirements, which is hard for me to meet because my income is inconsistent as a freelancer. I’ve tried to find a more stable job in the area, but hiring freezes as a result of the literal pandemic are making it incredibly challenging. Plus, competition for work is extremely high because of all the job losses. I’m still applying diligently, but it has been really stressful and really taxing.

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A bit of a short post this month, but there’s really not been a lot to share. Most of the reflection I’m doing has been internal.

I know a lot of states are reopening, but I implore you to proceed with caution. Just because things haven’t been as bad as they could’ve been doesn’t mean this is over; it actually means our safety measures are working, and if we forsake them too soon, we could easily see a resurgence. Which will mean more losses and more quarantine.

So stay distant, stay clean, stay safe.

That’s all for now. Thanks for reading!