*Bling bling* (the sound of the school loudspeaker comes on). "Boys and girls we will now be announcing that our school will be closing down for 2 weeks and you will continue your learning on your laptop at home due to the coronavirus." Part of me was scared of this virus, the other half was excited we had off!

I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do during this break. So, I sat down and thought of all the things I would do. I could reorganize my room, I could workout and get in good shape for soccer, I could cook and bake different things… there was so much. Maybe this break won’t be so bad after all.

So, I followed with my plan. I reorganized my room, I worked out and got in shape for soccer, I cooked and I baked. Not only did I do all of the above, but I also learned a few things I didn’t really think I would.

My life was overall pretty interesting being quarantined. Being alone and having all of that time for myself gave me self growth. However, after a few months of the same things over and over, I got a little sick of things repeating itself.

Everyday had seemed like it was the same. My life was getting so boring. The only people I could see were my parents, my sister and my dog. After a while, we all were getting very bored.

Everytime I would get frustrated about the situation, I would think about the families that had problems with the virus and would lose family members because of it. This would make me be appreciative for what I have and thankful for the health of myself and my loved ones.

One more month goes by and it feels like its been years. I have now been in quarantine for 3 months. My mom told me that covid is starting to get a little bit better and we might still be able to go on vacation this year! She tells me how things might start getting back to normal in July, and maybe I can see my friends then.

JULY

"I'm sorry honey."

Yet again, another month goes by and my mom starts to change her mind. “The covid numbers are rising again” she states. “I don’t know about July anymore Marissa.” This news makes me so upset. I sit in my room and reminisce the times I have spent with my friends and family without a deadly virus going around.

Just when I thought my life was changing for the better, it gets thrown back in my face and leaves me with nothing but loneliness. Although this was causing a major hardship in my life, I needed to look on the bright side.

July hits and I sit in my room like usual and look for hope that this virus will soon go away. Little did I know, I would be surprised that day with some very good news.

"We can go to Maryland still Marissa!" My mom cheers as she runs into my room. "We can still go to the beach and you can still have your vacation this summer!" I was so happy I didn't even realize that she had set rules for when we were there.

OMG!!!

RULES: 

1) Always wash your hands no matter what, any chance you can!

2) When around other people, make sure you wear your mask.

3) Social distance from others when masks are off

These rules weren't really the worst rules I have ever seen, but they definitely weren't too exciting. Another thing my parents had said was that we were not allowed to order out or go to dinner like normal. This was the worst one yet! Although this was bad, I was still super excited to be able to go on vacation.

Leading up to this day was the hardest though, I sat around and dreamt of the fun I will have when at the beach. Being able to sit in the ocean wet sand and hear the clear blue waves brush upon shore. I cannot wait any longer for this moment.

Two more days and we can go to paradise. This was the most excitement I have felt since last year! I sing my summer songs as I pack my bags for the big day.

It finally came to the day, we were going to Ocean City Maryland! We had finished packing and were ready to go!   It took us four very long hours to get there, but eventually we made it!

At last, I was at my happy place. As I lay down in the burning hot sand, I feel the rays of the beautiful sunshine lay across my body. The one place I was free and able to feel the same feelings I felt before the pandemic came into my life.

After spending the day in the sun, we decided to go shopping. Because of our rules, we had to take precautions and maintain our distance (6 feet apart).

Since we were not allowed to go out to eat at restaurants, we ordered out and would make sure to sanitize our hands before eating.