Social distancing--My husband and I are pretty much keeping to ourselves at home. We are checking in with family and friends by phone, chatting with neighbors as we see each other collecting mail, and only shopping when we need something (though truth be told, I spent a little extra time, and a bit more extra money, at WalMart the other day, happy to be out and about!). Our college son has opted to stay in his apartment for the time being; campus cafeterias are still running, classes are going online, and he is filling in his free time playing "Animal Planet" with his sister and brother-in-law, who live in Japan.
Behavior/ mood--We're pretty realistic in our home, not prone to fear or panic unless the experts indicate otherwise. Since our family and friends are all healthy at the moment, we are only worried about them staying healthy--and they are all taking the appropriate measures to do so, which alleviates much of our worry. I was definitely more aware of my actions when I went to WalMart for the first time since this began. Do I dare sniffle? Is it safe to browse through clothes on hangers, touching each item to find the right size? Did I or didn't I just touch my face? I also took advantage of using the restroom there (a bit more toilet paper saved at home!) and yes, washed my hands thoroughly, used a paper towel to open the door.
I finally started listening to music again, reading books just for fun, planning creative activities, so my mood is lifting a bit. Not joyful, but I'm coming out of the fog/ funk I've been feeling this past week. Chatting with friends and family on the phone has helped!
Work--My husband is going to work each weekday in his machining shop, but the boss is making sure they are stocked with hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes. Our school district sent out plans to cover the next two weeks of furlough, and my principal is sending out campus-specific plans, so those bases are covered for now. I've got a list going of what I need to pick up this week from my library and what tasks I can do from home, passing along any information I'm given from library services to my teachers.
Retailers--I shop a bit (okay, too much) online, and my inbox is full of emails from retailers who are letting customers know how their businesses are being affected by COVID-19. Most are shuttering brick-and-mortar stores for the time being, assuring us that their employees are still getting paid. A few have even begun to shut down their online sales, to keep manufacturing employees safe. Most of these emails I've received are coming from clothing sites, and heaven knows I've got more than enough clothes for this and many more lifetimes to come. I'm taking this as a sign that my birthday month of spending needed to come to an end.
So there's our past week of weirdness. Thanks to Kevin Hodgson for the inspiration to document what our corner of the world is looking like these days.
Documenting our stories affords us the opportunity to trade stories and connect, Chris. I was just thinking about clothing today as I put on my comfy attire. While being a person who loves fashion trends and new season picks, I have to say I am gravitating to cozy clothes as my granddaughter says. I even am staying away from online clothes shopping. Life has shifted but we are getting along. Gratitude comes to mind as I read slices and feel that there are some people who are listening an responding to each other.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one missing a reason to "dress up" for work these days, even while I throw on the sweatpants and tees. Grateful for those who are still working to provide what we really need, grateful for this writing community!
DeleteLike you, I am feeling the need to keep track of what I am thinking and feeling and what is going on in the world each day. Kelly Gallagher is having his students keep pandemic notebooks, as their daily writing assignments (if it feels like too much, they can do something else). I think it will be an important time to remember.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right, Carol; we especially need to remember the acts of kindness, and what we truly valued during this time apart from one another. Perhaps those feelings will carry past the tapering down of this pandemic; we can only hope!
DeleteThis is a "novel" time, and documenting it is, and will be fascinating. I'm trying to get a new schedule in place so time have some structure. Just taking it day to day is my first step. Thanks for sharing your observations!
ReplyDeleteI so need more structure, Julieanne; I realized that I do not do well without a list to guide me, unless I'm at the beach...and unfortunately, I'm nowhere near the beach right now!
DeleteYou've captured so many ways that life has changed in this short time: "Did I or did I not just touch my face?" Even the tiniest of things require thought - and so different from the minutiae of our normal days.I am happy to hear that you're listening to music and coming out of the "fog/funk." Here's to that getting better each day. How I appreciate your honest reflections!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Fran! I eased back into music with some soft rock from the 70s; seemed to match my current mood, then segued to rock videos last night. I've got plans started for the week ahead, hoping the motivation will continue to build. Focusing on what self-care really means for me right now helps, too!
DeleteThis is quite an interesting time to be living in. I've been wondering here lately how this is going to affect us in the fall when we go back to work. Do we keep the same class or will they move them onto the next grade?
ReplyDeleteLike you I've had more time to read, listen to music, and even practice music. But truth be told I'm missing my routine and while my clothing is comfy I miss getting dressed up every morning and seeing my kids.
I so miss my routine, too, Miss B. Hoping we get into a rhythm soon, even if it's a new one.
DeleteI love how you're documenting the weirdness. We managed to walk seven of the past eight days. We've been blessed with gorgeous sunny days. But the rain and clouds are returning, and that presents its own challenges. I need to be happy with walking in the rain since I've loved the time outside this past week. I was lucky to participate in my first Zoom meeting on Friday when our book club met. Yesterday, a virtual WW meeting, and today a class from church for our ladies' group. Like you, I'm trying to call friends and family, and I do love hearing their voices. Stay safe and healthy.
ReplyDeleteActually that was a film club meeting, not book club. And we decided to meet again in two weeks since everyone has a bit more time in their lives for movies!
DeleteRamona, that certainly seems to be one silver lining in this mess!
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