Woohoo, we’re getting back to work! Well, some of us are. Some of us are still at home trying to figure out the next move or how to run a business with all of the new regulations.

It’s crazy to think that I haven’t written one of these articles since April. You could say 2020 has been off to an ummm…… rough start at minimum.

I never thought there would be a period in my lifetime where businesses and schools are closed and leaving your house for non-necessities is forbidden. Maybe it’s the introvert in me but I kind of loved working from home and having more free time than I ever thought possible.

I think I watched every single show on Netflix, painted accent walls in every room in my house, redecorated my bedroom completely, organized everything in my life and still was bored during the stay-at-home order.

I never thought I would be so excited to get back to work and have a structured schedule again. I won’t lie, I do miss spending every single day with my dog though!

I’m an avid local business supporter, and by that, I mean I like to go out to eat a lot. As restrictions lifted and more businesses opened, I made sure to carry a mask with me at all times (you guys have a car mask, work mask, home mask, etc, too right?) and follow all of the rules. I also made sure to tip the staff extra knowing how much it means during these times. Kindness goes a long way… especially in the Upper Peninsula!

With all of these new restrictions, anxiety is at an all-time high for some of us. Three things I like to do during our new normal is:

≤ Check the internet or call the business ahead of time to see if they require reservations, masks, if there’s a limited menu, etc. Gathering all information before going will minimize stress.

≤ Keep a mask in your car. There’s nothing worse than being that one person without a mask or stressing out about not being able to run into the grocery store on your way home from work.

≤ Immerse yourself in nature. Try new trails you’ve never been to. Plan a waterfall trip. Explore Marquette County and the West End. Do it all.

Remember, we’re all in this together!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/GINCC) or Instagram (@discoverthewestend) to stay up-to-date with the GINCC, and check out our Takeout List including all restaurants open in Ishpeming and Negaunee!

Editor’s note: Corinna Peterson is the communications and marketing assistant at the GINCC. She currently resides in Marquette with her mini Australian shepherd, Lola. She enjoys reading, hiking, snowboarding, working out, and trying out new vegetarian restaurants and recipes for her blog.