Last year flew by because I traveled so much. I probably don’t have to tell you how long the last three months of quarantine have felt. New York City has just entered Phase One of reopening so I hope this means we are close to getting back to a more normal feeling life again. I don’t see my daily life changing significantly until we begin Phase Two but the city already seems busier as stores reopen for order pick ups and non-essential construction resumes.

There was looting of some businesses in the city but the majority of it was confined to Soho and Midtown. Most high end retail brands had already emptied their stores of merchandise but there were still a lot stores that were damaged. Other stores were boarded up in case the looting continued which is why it might look like more stores were looted but it ended after two nights. I don’t condone the actions but I do understand the frustration that was felt by people who were out of work and home for months on end while receiving little, if any, financial assistance. The murder of George Floyd was the last straw for many. The Black Lives Matter protest marchers were generally very peaceful which is why the aggression by the police was so shocking especially when everyone can record them on their cellphones and share their behavior. Luckily, that seems to have ended now.

As someone who has worked from home for 10 years, I really thought I would be able to accomplish so much during quarantine. But then again, I don’t normally work at home all day every day for months on end. It’s usually broken up with travel, lunches, dinners, events, meeting, museums, art fairs, and more. I really wasn’t prepared for the exhaustion that was caused by the monotony and stress. It’s hard to be inspired when the only thing you can do for a change of scenery is take a walk. Those of you who follow me on Instagram probably saw the photos and videos of my walks set to music in my Stories. They definitely helped get me through but it was still tough.

Speaking of a change of scenery, I was supposed to travel to Sag Harbor today for my annual vacation but I decided to postpone it for a few weeks. Long Island is about to enter Phase Two of reopening on Wednesday but I’d like to go out when the stores are open during Phase Three. I’m also considering taking the quick hour flight to Nantucket at some point too. All I know is that I need to get out of this place soon.

I saw a terrible video today from some guy from out of town driving around the city declaring that New York is over. It takes a lot to keep tough New Yorkers down. We’ve been through everything in this city and we always come out better than before. I have no doubt that will be the case again.

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic