Catching Up with Christie Munn

During this unprecedented time in history, we are all being forced to adapt and make changes that can be uncomfortable. While we wait to see when we return to the skies, we wanted to document what members of our community are doing during this time. This snapshot will serve as an interesting reminder of how we all coped when we look back and reflect on this time. Enjoy this snapshot of Christie Munn.

Name: Christie Munn

Role (if any) at Wisconsin Skydiving Center: Manifest, Coach, Videographer 

Where Do You Currently Live?: Madison, WI

What kind of work do you do? How has your job been affected in light of Covid-19?

I work in biotechnology specializing in iPSC derived cell types.  My job is considered essential so I have been going to work every day. The main effect I am seeing is fewer people in the lab, which honestly allows me to get more done throughout the day because I don’t have to wait for lab equipment.  Since the Safer at Home order has gone into effect, I have actually been working longer hours than I would normally.

What have you been doing to occupy your time during the quarantine?

Since I go into the lab every day and am staying longer, I don’t have much free time at the end of the day.  Now that the weather is getting warmer and have more daylight, I am trying to get outside more to walk around my neighborhood.  I have not taken up any new hobbies, but I am trying to find the time to finish things that I have already started.

There have been many negatives related to the coronavirus. What have been the silver linings?

The silver linings I have been seeing is how people are coming together to help each other. My apartment has started a group chat for the building and people are grocery shopping for each other and helping each other out in other small ways. There is a bin in the main entrance that people in the apartment are putting items for others in need. It has canned food, toilet paper, oil, and spices among other things.

Has the coronavirus revealed things you once took for granted that you now appreciate?

I have been fortunate throughout the pandemic that I have a job that is considered essential and I am able to continue working. To be honest not many things have changed in my day to day life. During this time, I am missing the normality of pre-pandemic. Meeting friends after work at a restaurant to catch up or seeing a new movie. Or something as simple as shaking someone’s hand and not having to be cognizant of keeping 6 feet between me and the next person. I recently met my Mom to drop off a few things for her and we didn’t hug when I left, that really brought home how much things have changed.

What are you most looking forward to doing (outside of skydiving of course) when you get on the other side of the quarantine? 

I would classify myself as having introvert tendencies, so staying home alone doesn’t bother me that much. I am missing the fact that I can’t go skydiving, but the thing I miss the most is seeing the people from skydiving. I have met people through skydiving that I would have never met otherwise and I am better for it.  When this is over, I am very much looking forward to seeing those from skydiving in person and giving each of them a hug.

What’s your secret superpower that few people know about?

I guess my superpower would be my ability to grow hair.  Up until high school, I kept my hair long.  Senior year was the first time I cut almost 20 inches off and I donated it to make wigs for those suffering from cancer. Since then I have been able to grow and donate 6 more times, giving at least 12 inches each time. I know it’s not a fancy superpower, but I hope that it has come in handy for helping others.

What are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?

When I was in school you could call me an overachiever. In seventh grade I read Jane Eyre, the hidden meanings and language used in the book was unlike anything I had read before.  hat gave me an appreciation to read classical literature without being intimidated. This led me to read Animal Farm and Frankenstein.  Animal Farm does a fantastic job of detailing how the fight against injustice and gaining of power can seduce you into becoming what you were ultimately fighting against. With Frankenstein what I liked most about reading the book was coming to realize how the character is portrayed in the movies doesn’t even come close to describing the real Frankenstein. It gave a new perspective and allowed me to see the side of the ‘beast’ and how he deals with the lot that has been given to him by his “Father”.  If you are looking for good reads, I highly suggest all three of them.

What is the most useful thing you own under $100?

Last year I wanted to start exercising more and wanted a way to track my progress. I have never been a fan of watches so I bought a pocket pedometer for $10.  I have used it every day since the day I bought it. 

What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?

One of my favorite meals is cooked peas and cottage cheese, I don’t remember how I came across this mix, but I have been eating it since I was little. At work, I always get comments when I am making my lunch, but those that have tried it say “it’s not too bad.”