COVID-19
Before March 2019, if I had heard the word COVID I would have assumed it was some sort of video sharing app being discussed – kind of like YouTube but not as well-known. Now everyone in the world knows what it really is – an incurable (so far) disease with no one spared. All genders, all nationalities, all religious beliefs, all abilities affected.
We have taken our saliva tests and are awaiting the results. This morning we went to a local diner for breakfast (we were discussing the smell of sizzling bacon in order to generate enough spit for the specimen cup) and overheard one of the staff talking to the soda pop vendor. She said, “No. We’re all closing at 5 p.m. today.” The vendor said, “Where? Glenwood?” to which she replied, “Garfield County” which raised an alarm.
My husband and I both whipped out our phones and began searching for verification. It turns out we’ve had our COVID dial raised from orange to red – countywide. All restaurants will be moving to take-out and delivery only with the odd one or two giving the option of outdoor dining but winter is on its way. I’m thinking that won’t be an option for us. Back to the initial restrictions – gyms, churches, salons, etc. with reduced capacities – leaving the social butterflies to flutter around helplessly again. Oh dear.
Are You Taking Sides?
Various Facebook chats and comments on news forums bring dissension and confusion. COVID (or Coronavirus) has become an almost political platform with “maskers” vs. “anti-maskers” and heated arguments on both sides. My view is that this is something that has happened to all humans and needs to be dealt with on a global yet individual basis.
We’ve been taught a new way to look and act. Masks are extremely fashionable and weirdly okay. Zoom and other video chat platforms are the norm. In some areas of the world there are nationwide curfews. Each country is trying to assimilate the many changes being made in the best way they can. Remote work is booming. All generations are learning to embrace technology which helps all of us gain a better understanding of what’s needed going forward.
So What’s Next?
It’s time to make a plan. Continue to get enough sleep. Continue to eat foods you like. Continue to talk to each other. Make to do lists if that’s what drives you. Be kind to one another. Mental health issues are elevated and overwhelming. Take a walk in someone else’s shoes before speaking. This stuff is hard but it doesn’t have to be. Make phone calls. Write letters (the old-fashioned way, if that’s your thing) and/or emails.
Tell me what you’re doing now. I’m interested in how you’re coping with this pandemic.
Peace out my fellow humans.
Well, number one, you KNOW I’m going to comment! Not that I actually have much to say to YOUR situation, as it is VASTLY different from mine. My 2020 has been full of online education, some activism (squarely in the “maskers” camp), and (as you know) recording audiobooks. If it weren’t for COVID, I wouldn’t have accomplished NEARLY as much this year! Sure, I’d have made my insurance, and have a real income (other than UI), and be squarely in the “attend movie screenings” realm. Also, though, I’d have farted around A LOT and wasted a shit-tonne of time, and possibly also money. I’m somehow grateful for this forced isolation. But 2020’s almost done, and I’m ready for it to be “hindsight” (i.e. fading from my rear-view mirror)!
Book #5 is available (still waiting for books 2-4)… you’ll get your code tomorrow. Remind me. I can’t do it tonight. Time to veg in front of the boob tube, and away from the other screen.
I appreciate the insight. This is why I’m asking for comments. I have been isolated from worldview (self-isolated) and not really understanding what’s going on in the world, despite the pandemic shutting down the valves from outside. As this post really had nothing to do with “hippie” stuff I just wanted to get it off my chest. I hear from my daughter on a regular enough basis to actually feel what she’s going through in the ER nursing world (being transformed to a COVID care unit on a regular basis. I often felt frightened for her yet I don’t have the same experiences as either you or her. I have many friends who are resisting the masking and I can see where THEY are coming from although I firmly support masking since our elderly father refuses to feel anything but vulnerable. He thinks he’s invincible and stronger than any virus. I think he’s wrong but I love him anyway. I just want all of us to be safe enough to get through another Christmas. And then another New Year. Another birthday.