November 2020 – Lauren Turner Dunn

Happy November, did you think the pandemic would last this long?

What a rough year 2020 has been but these next two months are the perfect time to reflect and plan for 2021 no matter how long the pandemic persists.

How many more times are you going to drop your mask on the ground, dust it off and still put it on?

The upsides of the pandemic are that I’ve been learning how to cook, I fell in love with Grey’s Anatomy, and I’m enjoying DIY crafts and interior design.

Coming back home, I looked forward to spending time with family and friends, saving money and clearing out my childhood bedroom. There’s been a lot of pain and sadness since June 2nd, the death of George Floyd and the long list of those who went down fighting for justice or simply doing their mundane tasks. It’s heartbreaking seeing how divided our country is mentally and physically. We’re far away in the sense that we cannot see eye to eye on basic human rights and we’re six feet apart/ working from home because of the pandemic. I commend all the protestors who stood up for change rain or shine.

August marked my second anniversary at CBS. And the end of my Harlem apartment lease, I officially moved back home to California because of COVID-19. The office has been closed since March.

In the beginning, I thought we’d be gone for two weeks max but then I realized how I would be working from home with some people for the very first time and I had to put my best foot forward.

So here’s the latest on what I’ve been doing WFH, I got my second associate producer credit on a look into the investigation of Israel Keyes. I helped with two specials one looking at the injustice throughout the years in America, titled Justice for All and one saluting the late Congressman John Lewis that included appearances with Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Brad Pitt and more celebrities.

The Ambush of Kevin Harris also aired, the story was very special to me since it was based in LA and I got to come home to help out with the shoot and connect with new people. So proud we got it on air and I really hope the family gets justice, Kevin as so young and he was on his way to stardom, very heartbreaking case.

I’ve learned more now than ever before during this time. It’s been a lot of fun at home exploring new places in LA and I even took a trip to Oregon but it’s very bittersweet. I miss New York City. I miss going into the office and seeing all my colleagues, walking those busy streets and (sometimes, hate to admit it but) being on those crowded subways.

Shoutout to my sister, Vetta for flying during a pandemic to help me pack up and move back home while I worked 12 hour days. I’ll never forget the flight back home to California I’d never want to lug six suitcases around with anyone but my sister. I carried my beautiful bamboo plant in a trash bag to protect the roots inside of my purse.

It’s nice to be home but I miss New York at times. Thankful for all my friends and family seeing everyone and creating new memories takes the cake every time. I only took one COVID test and thankfully if was negative. Can’t wait to see how the next two months of 2020 go. Best wishes to all and here’s to making the most of what we have while we have it.

My first web gallery for 48 Hours

Instagram takeover

Second web gallery

Photos from the past few months, enjoy.