Currently July 2020 with A Big Announcement

So, the last time I updated here with a “Currently” post was back in January at the beginning of this year. Honestly, that seems like another lifetime ago. When I read back to my intro from that post, clearly I was a different person.

Let’s face it COVID-19 hit in March. So, how could I not have changed from this most surreal ordeal? Thankfully no one in my home has gotten sick from it so far. But still, every day we remain healthy and untouched by the virus, it is a blessing. Still, the virus is in the back of my mind constantly.

If the virus didn’t change me personally over the last few months, then getting a new job right before it definitely did.

See, earlier this year before the virus took front and center stage, I was contemplating a change. My kids are getting older. I blogged full-time for years. But I wanted a career again. I still wanted to work remotely mostly if possible.

So, I was in discussions to try my hand at Disney travel as an agent. Something stopped me from taking that final step. I still am not sure why that was. This small voice in my head couldn’t take that leap. I didn’t mind the travel aspect when necessary. I love Disney World. But I also knew I wasn’t a salesperson deep down. Even though I knew Disney in Florida like the back of my hand after all our visits the last few years, the thought of selling it to others, who may have different needs then my family and I, was overwhelming to me.

Fate Intervened – A Big Announcement

How?? Well, my domain names were up for renewal. But my hosting had switched to a new company. I spoke briefly with the owner. Then, the domain names transferred to him, where he realized that I didn’t just own this blog. But I also owned the J9 Designs site. See with J9 Designs, I have website design and tech experience. One thing led to another after his discovery of my J9 Designs experience. Since that time, I was offered the full-time position of Project Manager. Honestly, I love the job and the people I work with.

The job still allows me the ability to work remotely from home. During the height of COVID-19, I was also able to work from home while my kids also learned remotely and my husband worked from home, as well. I also get to work with clients all over the globe utilizing my web design, graphic, and tech skills on a daily basis now.

So, you may have noticed I was less vocal here at times and that is because of all the changes I explained above. That said, my blog is still a passion of mine. Maybe a bit more of a hobby at this point. But still, have no fear I don’t plan on giving up my blog anytime soon. However, sometimes I may not be as accessible here, because of this working endeavor I took on in the last few months.

That said though, I am still happy to give the above update. But now, I would like to give a bit more of an update on the other personal aspects of my life, too. So, scroll to read now.

Watching

Since there aren’t any real network TV Shows that are first run during the summer, I am streaming in my free time. Right now, I am in the middle of streaming one show in particular. What show?

Jane The Virgin

So, I kept hearing about the Netflix show, Jane the Virgin. I finally caved and began watching it. I am only in the last season right now. But adore Jane and all her adventures so far (Sad to see it end!). I think my favorite character is Jane’s grandmother. Her love for her granddaughter, Jane, and daughter, Xiomara is heartwarming. But her sense of humor cracks me up. We get to read what she is saying as she speaks Spanish. But even with the closed caption translation, I can’t help but smile as she just is a breath of fresh air. The second runner up is Jane’s father – Rogelio. I mean his bromance with first Michael and then second Rafael is nothing short of hilarious. I keep going back and forth though as to who I want Jane to end up with.

Listening

So, the other new thing in my life this past spring was that I traded in my 2008 Navy Jeep Liberty. You read that right, my car was 12 years old! So, I was due for an upgrade. I ended up getting a 2020 Jeep White Grand Cherokee. I had Sirius XM in my old Jeep as I paid the extra money owning the car outright. But with the new car, I have a free preview of Sirius XM. With the subscription, I can stream all the channels even on my computer. I stream on my computer while I work daily now. My favorite channels are Lithium and the new U2 Channel. Lithium reminds me of my high school and college years in the 1990s with grunge music. Plus, the U2 channel is the most. I mean who doesn’t like U2! Plus, add the Beastie Boys channel and I am in heaven right now.

Reading

I recently updated my recent reads here. So, you can check up now. But after that post, I placed my order for the July 2020 BOTM. My selection, Mexican Gothic, by Silvia Morena-Garcia, arrived right the last few days and just started to read it. So stay tuned for my thoughts soon for that one.

Eating

Since the pandemic hit, I have been cooking and baking much more at home, as well. While I do order in sometimes, making my own meals has become even more of a thing more now has ever before. What are my favorites? Mainly I am a fan of sweets and desserts. And my favorites in the last few weeks are as follows:

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Inspired Macarons

Cotton Candy Ice Cream

Wearing

Since most stores other than grocery stores were closed here for months on end, I ordered so much more online overall. This online spending included clothes. While I didn’t need clothes to wear to entertain by any means, I wanted more comfy clothes to wear while I worked and hung close to home. Want to see my favorites? Check out my recent Trendsend video below to find out.

Daily Living Now

Well, since most of my plans have been put on hold with the pandemic. For instance, before this virus hit, I had a Disney summer vacation planned. Last week, I would have been down at Disney celebrating my oldest 11th birthday.

But alas, we celebrated at home. Probably not as exciting as Disney. But at least we are all safe, sound, and healthy (fingers crossed it stays that way).

The same kid also should have graduated back in June from elementary school. But with the pandemic that got put on hold. But she finally had her graduation ceremony with the new social distance norms being upheld this past week. Masks were worn. Kids were six feet apart and only one class at a time graduated per session. Plus, we are in the middle of a heatwave. So, the ceremony was at 9 am outdoors and it was already 90+ degrees!

Honestly, I couldn’t be more proud of my girl. Through it all, she has taken each step in stride. Never complaining about all the canceled or changed plans. I am not sure at her age I would have been as mature or accepting of all the uncertainty. Hell, at this point in my life, I know I am not as forgiving for all that has been lost this year so far. Don’t get me wrong, thankful we are all safe and healthy so far. But still simply ticked off for all that this pandemic has taken from all of us this year.

So as far as plans go; All plans have been uprooted and reimagined because of this virus.

Well, now that a wrap for Currently July 2020.

Fee free to share with me what you are Currently doing this July 2020 now.