Hello, friends.
This year gets wilder every day, and June was no exception. With Black Lives Matter protests sweeping the nation and the horrifying coronavirus resurgence, there’s been a lot happening. And to top it all off, it was Pride Month, but a very different kind of Pride: one that goes back to the roots of the movement, one fueled by rage and determination. This was not a month for celebration, but one for solidarity in the fight for justice.
First, I want to say, unequivocally, that Black lives matter. I wish that weren’t a controversial statement. Part of this month for me has included educating myself on my internal biases and learning how to be anti-racist, as well as sharing resources with others and having some hard conversations. Not everyone will listen to you, and that’s their loss for refusing to learn and grow. Sometimes the most you can do is educate yourself, listen to and amplify Black voices, and try to start those challenging dialogues.
Second, I want to remind everyone that we are still in a pandemic, it did not go away, and it is getting worse. While other countries are recovering, the US is only worsening. It’s disheartening to see that our administration cares more about the economy than its people. Florida has been especially bad. I’ve been getting more and more nervous about how we are going to move past this when cases are rising and more places are opening up. And, contrary to the president’s belief, not all of us can “live with it.” Some of us–like my asthmatic, pneumonia-prone self–will likely die if we come in contact with the virus. So please, for people like me or your elderly grandparents or the kids that can’t afford healthcare, stay home as often as you can, wear a mask when you go out, and continue to socially distance. This doesn’t end until we all care.
All that being said, I want to share the happier parts of my month.
to create
After taking almost a month-long break due to moving, I finally got back into rereading the first draft of my novel, Entrenched. No major benchmarks to report yet, but progress is happening, and I’m having a great time doing the reread.
Two blog posts from last-month, including the ever-anticipated quarantine stories. Maybe I was the only one anticipating it, but it’s got 3 months-worth of content.
I also finally posted a video! After doing so well with my posting schedule at the beginning of the year, I really fell out of the habit when quarantine hit. It’s only one video instead of two, but it’s a start.
to work
In addition to doing freelance work for Flagler, I decided to shake things up by driving for Uber Eats. My partner Ray and I actually do it together so we have an opportunity to (safely) get out of the house and earn some money. She drives, I pick up and deliver. It’s a great system and surprisingly lucrative. If you’re looking for some extra income or are in-between jobs, it’s a solid option.
to live
June 3 & 8: Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure
At the beginning of June, Universal Studios reopened. As passholders, Ray and I went to the passholder preview day to investigate, fully prepared to turn around and leave as soon as we walked in if it was unsafe. But I honestly felt safer being in the parks than at the grocery store. The parks require masks at all times, unless you’re sitting down eating, and a temperature check just to get in. The amount of people admitted is extremely limited so there aren’t major crowds and everyone can keep a safe distance from each other. Most of the time you’re outside anyway, where potential spread is extremely minimal, but even when indoors, the lines are all marked to space out guests so you’re never within 6 feet of anyone else. Plus, all the rides leave space between parties and are sanitized between each use.
It’s obviously a very different experience than the parks normally are, and it isn’t perfect (I have some bones to pick with the virtual line system), but it was nice to go back in a safe manner. We went back one more time after the park was reopened to the public because we heard it was even less busy, but now that Florida is seeing a massive resurgence in cases, we will not be back for a while.
June 5 & 9: Disney Springs
In addition to Universal, Ray and I wanted to check out Disney Springs. It was less regulated than Universal, in that the mandatory mask rule was a bit more lax. But overall, it was a very similar experience, with fewer people, traffic control, and safety precautions. Again, it was nice to be back and enjoy the ambiance, but we won’t be back for a while.
June 17: Rainbow Walkway
To celebrate Pride this month, Ray and I took our dog Pi to the rainbow walkway at the Townhouse Restaurant in Oviedo. It’s literally just a little painted walkway that makes for cute pictures. We didn’t get a chance to try the food at the restaurant since we had Pi, but the menu looks delicious, and we will definitely be back to try it.
June 25-29: greyhound sitting
Ray and I had the absolute honor of hosting Evers the Greyhound for a weekend while his owner (Ray’s mom’s boyfriend) was out of town. We absolutely revere greyhounds, and Evers was precious the whole time. The most low-maintenance dog ever. We’re already hoping to have him back sometime soon.
June 27: My first horse show
While Ray grew up in the equestrian world, I had never been to a horse show. We were invited to watch one of her former students show at Horse Shows in the Park. Even though it was very hot out, it was a super fun (and safe) introduction to the horse showing world. I’m already excited for our next one.
June was an unprecedented month that’s part of an unprecedented time. I encourage you to educate yourself and do your civic duty by voting for change. Ask yourself what side of history you want to be on.
Learn about who’s on your ballot and what their platform is.
Register to vote, check your status, update your address, and more.
Consider voting by mail or early voting to stay socially distant and avoid any last minute hiccups on Election Day.
Please do your part to bring change.
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading.
Jayda Louise 
Pingback: The Only Ten I See: July 2020 Reflection – Jayda Louise