Nearly the end of April and California is nowhere close to being done with SIP. The testing capability just isn’t there, and although the state is further along the curve than others, we’re probably not close to re-opening, according to the data we’ve collected and the criteria created.

Maintaining a routine definitely helps. It’s been hard for me to get up early when I don’t really have to, but I’ve noticed that often you’re tired whether you get up early or go back to sleep and sleep in for another hour. Might as well get up early and see what you can get done. Regularity keeps you going.

Staying in touch makes it easier as well. I’m so happy I’ve kept in contact with old friends I reconnected with along the road while traveling. When you hear about how the situation is unfolding in other places in the world, it pushes you towards a larger perspective.

And finally, contemplating a new normal fuels hope. Things might be bad right now, but the situation has also (hopefully) made clear that our previous ’normal’ was deeply flawed. Now that we’re all having a shared experience, and mostly having the same conversation, perhaps we can drive towards a better future for all.