It is spring. I had plans for spring. I don’t have the same plans anymore. I’m now trying to just keep things together enough to be able to stay in the Maritimes. If things don’t work out, I’m on a plane to British Columbia, and I don’t know when I’d be able to get back.
It is humbling to be able to watch everything go down right now. I’m in a privileged position. I don’t have a compromised immune system. I don’t live with anyone who does. I have a job that permits me to work from home. I’m financially stable enough that I can afford this crisis.
I’ve got SkipTheDishes, Netflix, Crave, school, and work to keep me occupied. Sure, I’m worried. I’m inconvenienced. I’m upset, I’m pissed off, I’m trapped. But I’m learning.
I’m learning how to be there for the people I care about without being there to hold them. I’m learning about my relationships, and about who my friends really are. I’ve had so many friends reach out, asking if I need help. And luckily, the only help I need right now is a message reminding me that I am not the only human being left alive. I’m writing this to remind you that you are not alone.
My section of The Bruns is going to run pretty thin for the next little while. Usually, Arts and Lifestyle covers events in the community. We review plays and films, interview performers, and tell you about what’s going on in Fredericton. As of now, there’s nothing going on. But we won’t stop writing.
We’re coming out with articles about what to do to keep yourself from going stir crazy. We’re going to write about what to watch while you Netflix and chill. And by god we’ve got a hilarious online April Fool’s edition of the magazine coming out. If it doesn’t make you laugh I don’t know what will.
In my time as Arts Editor, I’ve tried to make sure that there’s always something to laugh about. Whether that’s my “Dear Sharkie” segments, or my opinion pieces on meal hall. In times like these, I want you to know I’m still working to make you laugh, and so is everyone who works in the Arts section. I wanted you, the Bruns’ community of readers, to know- you’re not alone. As the wiseman, Troy Bolton once said- “We’re all in this together.”
Check in on the people you care about.
Leave toilet paper alone.
Keep laughing.
Marlowe K. Evans