During this pandemic, I became extremely close with my family.
In March, I decided to move back home because of the pandemic, and it was the best decision. I spent five months living out of two suitcases and two backpacks in my mom’s office in Napa, California. In July, I made it official and moved all of my belongings back to the Bay Area.
My whole family was supportive and helped me move my belongings into my family’s apartment in San Francisco. We normally rent out the apartment, but at the time, the apartment was unrented. It’s a two apartment house in San Francisco, and my grandpa lives in the bottom flat. I moved into the top flat with my faithful companion Nina, my thirteen-year-old Yorkie mix.
I have been living in San Francisco since then. I help take care of my grandpa, and I visit my parents and younger brother in Napa.
I thought this would only be temporary, but here I am almost a year later of living in the Bay Area. I’m grateful that I’m able to live in San Francisco, help my family and spend time with them.
In all honesty, I have never been happier. I found lots of new hobbies, such as creating digital illustrations on Procreate using my iPad. I’m still learning how to do things on Procreate, but I’m excited to learn more. I have been reading a ton, and I even started a virtual book club. I’ve been practicing my Spanish with my grandpa, who is from El Salvador. I love going on walks with my dog and listening to podcasts. I also started my side hustle by helping small businesses with their social media. I also started to refocus my attention on interviewing people that inspire me for my blog.
Recently, my favorite artists have been Taylor Swift, Jaden Smith, and Olivia Rodrigo. I was never a Taylor Swift fan until Folklore came out. I have been obsessed with Jaden Smith since I was 13, and I have seen Jaden in concert twice. Olivia Rodrigo recently released “Driver’s License,” and that song is my new obsession. These artists' music has helped me remain sane during this chaotic time.
Overall, I know the pandemic has allowed me to learn more about myself than I ever thought possible. Who knew moving back home, dying my hair black, listening to Taylor Swift and starting my own business would change my life so drastically.
