From countless walks and time outside to art projects and homecooked meals, residents in the Jackson metro reflect on how their time was spent while social distancing. After eight weeks of social restrictions and closed businesses, residents also expressed opinions on things they will carry into the new “normal” post-coronavirus and things they are looking forward to returning to once it is safe to do so.
Jen Gray, Gluckstadt
How have you been spending your time while social distancing?
“I have two kids under four. My husband and I have been working full time at home. We work in rotations and spend time with kids while the other one takes a call or meeting. We still talk with neighbors and socialize from front yards, which has helped our afternoons so much with this nice weather. If we didn’t have that, I don’t know what we would do.”
What changes have you made in the past few weeks that you hope to maintain after things return to “normal?”
“I hope to continue to slow down and play with kids outdoors more and enjoying being outside more. Also, learning when to walk away from work.”
Once everything is reopened and returned to normal, what’s the first thing you want to do?
“Eat at a Mexican restaurant. I’m also missing group workouts. Mainly, I want to go to a restaurant.”
Patrice Guilfoyle, Gluckstadt
How have you been spending your time while social distancing?
“During the week, we kind of have a schedule...We do schoolwork. Then, after they do schoolwork, they have some time to themselves. As for activities, I’ve been walking a lot. I’ve been doing a lot of Zoom calls with friends and various church groups. Just trying to maintain some human connectivity during this time while we’re isolated.”
What changes have you made in the past few weeks that you hope to maintain after things return to “normal?”
“We, as a family, have a routine where on Friday nights we have had movies nights at home. We’ve tried to maintain that. I’ve even ordered popcorn from the Malco in Madison and picked that up, so we could do that at home, where we would normally go out to the movie theater. I think just spending more time as a family has been the greatest benefit from this. Just the opportunity to slow down has been the greatest benefit of this time. Not being so busy has been helpful to really focus on things that are the most important, like relationships with family and friends.”
Once everything is reopened and returned to normal, what’s the first thing you want to do?
“The first thing I want to do is be able to assemble at church, that will be awesome. Also, being able to eat a meal at a restaurant, because let me tell you, all this at-home cooking is keeping me busy.”
Suzanne Barnette, Gluckstadt
How have you been spending your time while social distancing?
“When we’re all three home, we’ve been busy. My front porch has not looked better. We’ve been cleaning out closets. We’ve also been really enjoying our family and our neighbors.”
What has been your biggest challenge?
“Honestly, I would say it is the unknown. Not knowing when you can do something. Not knowing if you need a mask to go into the store. Not being able to run home and see my parents. Now that we’ve been allowed out a little more, we run to the store. But, before, we would only go out maybe twice a week. I miss my friends, and I miss our school family and church family.”
What are some changes that you’ve made over the past few weeks that you hope to maintain after things return to “normal?”
“I hope we have a new normal in our routine. Going into summer, I hope that we’re home more after work and have a bit slower pace. I think God is allowing us to refocus on things that matter. My grandmother taught me to cross stitch when she was younger, and I have nearly finished two pieces. One says, ‘Doing my best.’ Isn’t that what we’re all doing right now? After this is over, I plan to have it framed and hang it somewhere to remind me.”
Once everything is reopened and returned to normal, what’s the first thing you want to do?
“We love to travel. So, as soon as it is safe to travel, I hope to get something on the books for this summer. I’m a hugger, so I hope to give some hugs to my family and close friends.”
Melissa Meachem, Jackson
How have you been spending your time while social distancing?
“We have played a lot of board games, like Sorry and Battle. We’ve been doing online school work. We’ve taken, as a family, lots of bike rides and walks through the neighborhood, which has been nice seeing everybody out. We’ve done lots of cooking. We’ve made brownies and banana nut bread and things like that.”
What has been your biggest challenge?
“The biggest challenge has been having three boys and missing out on all of their activities. We play a lot of travel baseball, and one plays in tennis tournaments every weekend. Also, them not being able to interact with their friends and seeing them on a normal basis has been tough. My husband and I have missed date nights.”
What changes you’ve made over the past few weeks that you hope to maintain after things return to “normal?”
“I think we’ve enjoyed just being together at suppertime. I think we’re going to make sure we have a lot more family meals together and that’s hard to do in the hustle and bustle. I think we’re going to make more time for that.”
Once everything is reopened and returned to normal, what’s the first thing you want to do?
“I’m ready to get my boys back out there and to see them do what they love. I’m ready for travel baseball and tennis tournaments. We’re looking forward to getting out of town and taking a nice vacation at the beach.”
Emily Rut, Madison
How have you been spending your time while social distancing?
“We have been going to our lot in Chestnut Hill and fishing almost every day.”
What has been your biggest challenge?
“The biggest challenge is the fact that I already worked from home, and now I am having to homeschool a second-grader and a fourth-grader while working.”
What changes have you made in the past few weeks that you hope to maintain after things return to “normal?”
“My daughter and I have been going running every day. My son, my daughter and I have been going bike riding. My daughter just learned to ride her bike without training wheels during this time. We’ve also been really enjoying family time together.”
Once everything is reopened and returned to normal, what’s the first thing you want to do?
“Eating at a Mexican restaurant. We’ve gotten take-out a few times, but it’s nice to get to go sit down at a restaurant and eat.”
