What's your quarantine story?

Lucky enough to...? What’s your quarantine story?

During these past few weeks, I find I'm both busier than ever at work trying to help Party City adapt to these changing times and to meet the new needs of our customers. While Party City might not seem, on its face, to be an essential business, I would offer a contrary opinion. I think today, more than ever, we need to be reminded that we are in this together and to remember that every day that we are alive, healthy and, yes, LUCKY enough to be home with our loved ones, is a day to celebrate and be joyful. There are so many that are sick, confined by themselves, or are sacrificing time with their own families to be on the front lines of this pandemic, helping others.

So, we now have started to offer curbside delivery in markets where shelter in place is not in effect, as well as delivery from those stores. We are working to partner with platforms to help support virtual parties. And I for one, have both participated in and witnessed some of the most clever ways of sharing and being together. The Drive-By Birthday (see the link below) is now a norm and I just joined in one myself - who knew they could be so much fun! And how about meme sharing...have you seen the one with the woman on a TV doing jumping jacks and the rabbit-ear wine opener jumping in unison?

The most difficult part for me has not been the virtual meeting but the virtual workouts. I really miss my fitness club people. But, we zoom classes together now and the best part is the beginning and end when everyone says "hi" and the video screen bounces around from one person to another as they speak. I also love the "Brady Bunch" screen of the participants. You know, the one where everyone is in a grid format?

Then, my favorite is the virtual happy hour. I have texted, spoken to and FaceTimed friends that I haven't spoken to in years, kind of sad that it took a pandemic to make that happen. But that is part of the insight and positivity I will take away from this experience. Life is busy and we often forget what is important, the people that have shaped our lives and given it meaning.

What have you done or learned in your quarantine?