Inspired by (somewhat) true events, my quarantine diary tells all.

By Melissa Farthing, Copy Editor

Well, I really hate to admit this, but I consider myself a humble person: I ran out of time to think of an article idea. 

Yes, go ahead and shame me, but before you do, realize that many of us are in the same boat. With this pandemic occurring on top of school and other added stressors, us college students have a five-course meal on our plates. Which is why it totally slipped my mind that I needed a captivating third article for this edition of the newspaper, and the submission deadline is looming as I write this very paragraph. 

Never fear, fellow Huntingtonian readers, for I have struck inspiration gold. Luckily, I have been keeping a journal during my time in quarantine. As I skimmed through some of my past entries, I realized what genius material it contained that would make for a great article. What better way to capture the current times by outlining the adventures of a simple girl roughing it through quarantine in her fully stocked, air-conditioned house?
Here it is, my raw, unfiltered experience through quarantine. I don’t have much time to edit this, so I’ve just copied and pasted my journal below. Hopefully, there’s not anything too embarrassing in here, but I highly doubt it.

March 20, 2020

Dear Diary,

Today is day five of the quarantine. So far, it’s been going pretty well. My dog seems to be happy that I’m home more, but my cat…not so much. For the past three hours, she’s been sitting on the kitchen counter, glaring at me. I’ll have to keep an eye on her.

March 22, 2020

Dear Diary,

I had my groceries delivered today. It was neat! I didn’t even have to set foot in the garage. I made sure to wipe down everything so that it was sanitary. I bought lots of food to make yummy meals. But one thing that I wasn’t able to get: toilet paper. I hope I don’t run out soon.

March 23, 2020

Dear Diary

I took a walk with my dog today. Everyone in the neighborhood was social distancing, which was good to see. My cat still gives me dirty looks. When we returned from our walk, she was sitting by the window, watching, waiting…

March 25, 2020

Dear Diary, 

I was so bored today that I completed five puzzles. Yes, five! All were 300 piece puzzles. My favorite puzzle had a winter scene with a log cabin. I love winter, but I’m so glad it’s over!

March 26, 2020

Dear Diary,

Nevermind what I said in the last entry. We got eight inches of snow last night.

March 28, 2020

Dear Diary,

I have unfortunately run out of toilet paper, so I am substituting with paper towels. I don’t recommend it.

April 1, 2020

Dear Diary, 

I think my cat is plotting to get rid of me. This morning, she snuck away to the front porch and congregated with the other neighborhood cats. I see this as the beginning of an uprising. Stay tuned…

April 5, 2020

Dear Diary,

I made my first mask today! Now, if I ever have to go out for something essential, I will be protecting myself and others. The hardest part was picking the fabric: rubber ducks or hot dogs? Augh! The decision was so tough, but I couldn’t resist the look on the ducks’ faces.

April 8, 2020

Dear Diary, 

I have now run out of paper towels as well, so I am using old Food Network magazines instead. I really don’t recommend it. 

April 13, 2020

Dear Diary,

I’ve been feeling lazy, so I tried an in-home yoga workout this morning. The first ten minutes went smoothly, but I couldn’t quite nail the handstand. Thankfully, my yoga mat cushioned the fall. Maybe next time, I should avoid workouts labeled “advanced.”

April 16, 2020

Dear Diary,

Being at home a lot has gotten me kind of down, so I did a gratitude practice today. I’m grateful that I live in a nice home in a safe neighborhood. I’m grateful for the food and water I have. I’m grateful for my comfy couch, where I can watch Netflix. And Hulu. And Disney+. And all four seasons of Hannah Montana.

April 22, 2020

Dear Diary, 

It is currently 10:34 p.m. I am sitting in the dark as I type this, and I can see the strangest thing: glowing green eyes out my window. There is also a pair right inside my door frame. I think it’s the cats. They’ve finally come to get me. I am now frantically searching petsmart.com to see if they have any cat treats for sale so that I may appease the colony. They do, but the website says that they won’t arrive until May. So I don’t know what I am going to do until then. For now, I stay awake and keep my guard up. I cannot fall asleep, for sleeping shows weakness. I’ve been trained to pull all-nighters, so I can’t imagine that this will be diffi…

April 23, 2020

Dear Diary,

I betrayed myself by succumbing to slumber. Sadly, the cats were able to make it inside through the doggy door. Luckily, they didn’t place a paw on me, but they stole all my food, even the chocolate, to which they are allergic. Guess it’s time to order online groceries again.