I rarely write workout reports or life updates. Now that the world has changed, though, I feel like writing about sheltering in place, something that most of us are going through right now. I’m not trying to offer any advice (other than wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and keep your social distance), just chat a little about life as it stands right now. More of a stream of consciousness actually.
Sheltering in Place
I realize how lucky I am. I’m here, in my own home, with my husband and my pets. While I have lost my job, it is a temporary thing, even if I’m not sure exactly what temporary means just now. After all, my business basically shuts down every year when it gets too hot in the desert and the Snowbirds flee. It just happened a little earlier than usual this year.
I also have access to miles and miles of trails and open roads with very few people around. It’s very easy to keep my distance (though I occasionally have to remind people to stay back). I run, Alan rides, and with the exception of doing my strength workouts at home, it’s almost life as usual.
Except
Except the streets are empty. When I see someone I know I must greet them from six feet away. When we do go out, Alan wears a mask and we wipe everything down as we go through the store (the only place we actually go out to). The aisles where the paper products live are still empty, leaving me to wonder why at this point people are still hoarding toilet paper. It’s one of those funny/not funny things.
Speaking of funny, Facebook has been on fire over the last two weeks with memes and jokes about the pandemic. While Pandemic Joke sounds like an oxymoron, I am grateful for the laughs that they bring. Otherwise, the only thing left might be to cry about what’s going to happen next.
Except millions of people are now unemployed, especially restaurant workers whose businesses have been closed. So many people live close to the edge that even missing one paycheck can cause them enormous stress and fear.
Except there are still some people who just don’t get it. We’ve all seen reports of people going to the beach, to parties, to church (the ones that stubbornly remain open). They think that they are bulletproof, or that because they are young and healthy they don’t have anything to worry about. Or there are still many people who still think it’s all been blown out of proportion. Seriously. Have they looked at Italy lately? Or New York?
Except all the schools are closed, leaving parents to both work from home, look after their kids, and in many cases, tend to their schooling too. And these kids, who are normal kids who want to play with their friends, are forced to stay at home too. Another reason nerves are frayed.
Except Alan is in a high-risk group. At 71, he also has asthma, and we know from experience that even a little cold frequently settles in his lungs.
They keep calling us our new normal and I guess it is, at least for the time being. But, being a glass-half-full type, I remain hopeful.
Hopeful
I’m hopeful that this is not our new normal, just a temporary detour that will eventually get us to the other side. That is, of course, if we do what we need to do. Stay at home, basically.
I’m hopeful that the joke phrase, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help you,” will, for once, be just a joke. As of this writing, our representatives are scrambling to put some bills in place that will help.
I’m hopeful that we can flatten the curve, get medical supplies to those who need them, and finally get testing available for anyone who wants or needs it.
I’m hopeful that the people who can will continue to help out. Crises tend to bring out both the best and the worst in people. We’ve seen the worst, hoarding, price gouging, and an increase in crime. We’ve also seen the best. Neighbors helping neighbors. Going shopping for someone who is too high risk to venture out. Checking on the elderly to make sure they’re hanging in there. Companies that drop their own business to instead make ventilators, masks or hand sanitizer. I’m hopeful the best will outweigh the worst. And I’m grateful.
Grateful
I’m grateful that I have a safe home, plenty of food, my family around me, and, believe it or not, toilet paper.
I’m grateful for social media, which helps us all stay connected during this tough time. Whether it’s to get information, share resources, reach out for help, or just share fears, hopes, or just daily stresses, Facebook, in particular, has been especially helpful. Here’s my stress post from last week:
I’m grateful for the many people in my profession who are putting out great online fitness classes, most of them free. I am proud to personally know many of them. Great job Fitness Professionals!
Most of all I am grateful for the nurses and doctors, the first responders, even the grocery store workers, who are putting their lives at risk to help us get through this pandemic. Honest to God, they are so brave that it leaves me in awe, especially the medical workers who are on the front lines, without enough equipment to do their jobs safely.
And I’m grateful for this video, which celebrates the first responders and makes me cry, laugh, then cry all over again.
Donate
I hope that those of you who feel as lucky as I do will take the time to donate to the cause. Donate your time, volunteer to make masks or other supplies, most of all, if you can, donate money. The Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund has raised over $95 million in two weeks to help the World Health Organization fight this pandemic. Let’s all fight the good fight.
This Week’s Workouts
Well, it seems a little, um, unimportant to talk about my workouts. Let’s just say I ran some miles, did some strength work, and made sure to get in some Self-Care. Follow me on Instagram to get the full scoop.
What are your thoughts? Fears? Are you sheltering in place? Do you have kids at home? Working from home? Alone at home? Let’s talk!
For more information about Covid-19 including symptoms, prevention, testing and other resources, check the Center for Disease Control.
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Inspire Me Monday with Janet
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Rachel , Deborah, Lisa, Smitha, Jenn, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Thanks for the video! It made me cry… so many heroes out there!
I am hopeful and grateful, too.
I’m sure Alan will get through this safely, as you’re both very careful.
I cry every time I watch that video! And I’ve watched it a lot!
I am one who has not felt ‘stuck at home’, although my 3 kids do. I feel like the world has slowed down, my stress levels are down because I have time to “take the time” to do things, my family is bonding, we are having more homemade meals than ever and I can finally get to all the things on my list of to do’s at home. I hope people can see the positive of this precious time together with their families and cherish it. This crisis will pass and if everyone plays their parts, it can be over quicker.
I’m happy that you’re doing well. I’ve got a lot of things done too and I’m doing a lot of cooking! It’s a little sad for me that I can’t see my grandkids, though. We facetime a lot though.
Hi Inspire Me Monday neighbor! I absolutely love your post. I want to share all the memes and the video. They made me laugh, cry, and feel hopeful. Our farm is as socially distant as you can get. Other than doing contactless grocery pickup instead of wandering in the store, life hasn’t changed much for us. I am thankful for our many blessings. I am also in a very high risk category, so it’s nice to wander outside enjoying the Spring without worry . Thank you for sharing this lovely post!
Thank you for your kind words. I’m happy you’re able to stay safe but still enjoy the outdoors during this time. It’s so helpful! Feel free to copy any of the memes here. They are all over the internet lately and they do help by making us laugh.
I’ve enjoyed all the funny memes you’ve been posting on FB. Like you, I see this as a funny/not funny thing, but I need the funny. Otherwise, I’d just cry. I know we’re so lucky to be at home with an abundance of food and comfort. It’s the unknown that scares me.
And why can’t I find any tofu anywhere?
The tofu supply is weird. Some days I find plenty, others not at all. I was able to find a four pack at Costco, so that will last me a few days. Stay safe, I’m with you on the laugh or I’ll cry thing.
That “stuck at home” sign mirrors my thoughts exactly. I’m not stuck anywhere. I’m choosing to remain safe at home and do my part to flatten the curve. What a crazy time we find ourselves in. What can we learn from this? And you’re right: Times like these bring out the best and worst in people.
I have days of absolute panic and worry for my kids and their future. It’s hard to protect them from an unseen risk. I have other days where I feel stronger mentally. I am trying to organize a bunch of virtual events for my group and my blogger friends. Connecting w friends and family helps. I also like the memes they make me laugh and we all need to still do that