May, you are sweet to be concerned for me. I am 100% healthy again though the sickness did take quite a while to clear up. It was rough. Now I'm back into a rhythm of life with my remote work (which I am beyond grateful for), my online class (which is my distraction in all of this), and a new exercise and walking routine. Overall, I am doing quite well.

I live in an area that is taking the virus seriously, and we have all modified our behaviors in a way that makes me proud of my community for acting in this collective way. I am currently employed at least through the end of June, and after that we will need to see if any changes are made. Higher Ed is going to be hit hard - it already has - and I just have no way of predicting if my department will be reduced or continue in a modified way. All I can do is keep doing my best and keep saving to the best of my ability for the event of layoffs or job loss. I am cautiously optimistic though that we may be able to ride this out. I am coming up with a couple of "Plan B" options just in case so that I know my next steps in the event of a change.

This class (PHP) really is a doozy. It takes a lot of time, I'm not doing great, but I'll pass. I am starting to pull together some concepts and get a better grasp though, so it has been incredibly valuable. Just a lot of work. If I am not on my computer for work meetings or projects I am on my computer for PHP. If I am not on my computer for one of those I'm on my computer for e-drinking or other social events where I can see colleagues and friends.

I am on a new walking routine which I love where I get at least 3 miles a day, or more depending on weather and my mood. I keep switching-up my route to see new spaces, keep it fresh. Thank goodness for spring.

I sometimes think about dating. On one hand I am LOVING being single. I love living by myself. I love my freedom, the fact that my rhythm is mine alone and that I take better care of myself this way. I'm in a creative phase where I see potential in everything and I'm pushing myself to not say "no" to anything. This week on a whim I bought a violin, and that will be my new creative outlet. I feel optimistic and strong every day. I believe long term I'll want a partner again, but even that I'm starting to question if that's true. It depends on the day. I feel it has been enough time that I could approach dating in a healthy way. But also - I kind of just don't want to. I want to keep thriving solo. So our new normal has been the perfect excuse for me to not even need to think about it. Dating isn't an option right now, so I can not worry.

That being said, I am on a lez dating app and occasionally chat with some women just to kind of practice what the thought of dating might be like. So many people are bored right now and just want to chat. I never dated - all of my exes we just sort of met and clicked and then dated, so I've never had the experience of meeting a stranger and seeing if there is a good vibe. It's an....interesting app.

And my next adventure - and I truly cannot wait, I'm on the edge of my seat - is I hope to start my master's degree on May 11th. Once this PHP class wraps up I'll have finished my Web Programming certificate, and can officially start my MBA. This is of course dependent on my job, as I can't afford to pay for it, only take it as a benefit. But I can get started and I honestly want it so much!

I have procrastinated enough today, and must return to my project. Thanks again for checking-in May, I hope you are well. You sounded it in your recent update, I think you're doing a great job of trying to just "be" with your H.

This week: Ragu Bolognese, homemade pasta, polenta, blackbean & avocado tacos, stirfry. Or something along those lines. We will see!