Julia Friedman

Current city, state, country: NY, NY, USA

My social media: @jflooooooo

My profession: Clinical Social Worker/Senior Director at a nonprofit

Describe your daily routine before the pandemic and during: Before: Woke up, got ready, ate the eggs my fiance prepared for me, took the subway from the east village to east Harlem with lunch and workout clothes in my purse, worked from 9am to 5pm at my standing desk, met up with friends/worked out/played with niece and nephew after work.

Now: Wake up later, making a smoothie, log on, eventually make eggs for me and my fiance, go back and forth between the dining room and bedroom depending on which one of us is on a confidential call, prepare lunch, work (with less joy) seated, conclude the day and contemplate a walk (walks are stressful because of people dodging), then figure out how to make the evenings feel special by cooking dinner or doing a baking project.

This pandemic makes me feel like: Perspective is everything! Everyone is cautious to a different degree. Everyone is vulnerable to a different degree. All feelings are OK. I miss baseball! Anxiety is normal and connecting with friends casually is enjoyable. Planned Zooms aren't that fun.

This pandemic makes me think: The world is increasingly vulnerable and unprepared for its vulnerability.

This pandemic makes me hope/pray for: That Trump will be defeated in November.

If I had Three Wishes: People will survive, this will subside, life will resume with more gratitude

What I think of the government’s response: Truly devastating that this wasn't anticipated.

Before this pandemic, my plans for the next 6 months were: Going to close friends weddings in California, planning our wedding, spending time outside.

Recommendations for TV shows, movies, books or podcasts? High Maintenance, Unbelievable, Little Fires Everywhere

Predictions for when this will get better/end: I hate when people ask this because how the f### will anyone know?

What I have in my fridge/freezer and pantry: MEAT!

Ways I’m coping: Perspective, laughing, taking things day by day.

Creative things to do with kids: Make hopscotch with tape on the floor.

General advice/thoughts/anxieties to share with others: Take it one moment at a time, one day at a time. Many of us have resources (food, shelter), it’s OK to stay indoors. It’s OK to feel how you feel. Lots of therapists are doing video sessions -- take advantage of those here to support you.