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Many of us have experienced restrictions on movement and social contact during the pandemic. Talk about any restrictions that have especially affected you.
In March, over the course of a few days, all my activities were cancelled. Hospice work with my dog, ESL tutoring, mah jongg with girlfriends, and more. ... And now Dad -- 97 years old and living with us instead of at the farm (which was sold) or at the senior living facility he expected to move to. I've never been so domestic. I'm trying to learn to love it. I should be so grateful that he is here -- and I am in a lot of ways -- but I feel sorry for myself more than I should. No help from sisters. Brother done with caring for him. None of them ask how we are doing with it. We're expected to carry on, carry on. And I can. But it's hard. And with all the chaos in the world -- climate change-related storms and fires, racial injustice -- sometimes I just want to curl up under the covers. This has been the hardest year for me EVER. We always said we lived a charmed life, and in many ways we still do. So I should just buck up and deal with it. But I want to cry a lot of times.
September 25, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
Seeing this created a rare release of tension for me. I don't know these neighbors but they have kept their pink flamingos busy during the pandemic -- they built a garden; went camping; got on a school bus; and now they are at the 'fly-in' watching a movie. This makes me laugh, and Dad too. I wish I could laugh more but I always feel a sense of tension deep in my bones this year.
September 25, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
During the pandemic, one thing that has dramatically changed is my ability to touch the same objects as others with out worry of spreading disease. This shift has led to a large remodeling in how I interact with the outside world in a few senses. First and foremost it has changed the way I connect with my friends and loved ones; as some one who is very into cooking, Covid completely derailed my ability to show love through making my friends meals and baked goods. Over the course of these last few months I have had to look into different ways of spreading love that wasn't in the form of giving physical objects, which honestly has been an interesting but helpful process for me. Secondly, it redefined just what a quick trip to a store or shop entailed. Going into these establishments, browsing suddenly became a foreign concept- now when I go, I picked up only the items I need and strayed from touching anything I was not 100% going to buy. Even after that, the items bought have to be quickly sanitized and washed upon their return from the store, making any small purchase into a much larger process. Finally, not being able to touch objects without stress has changed the way I interact with strangers. No longer feeling able to throw a kids frisbee back when it lands near me with out feeling like I could have oversteps some ones comfort zone, or pick up something some one dropped has truly shifted the way interact with the outside world.
September 27, 2020
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Has anything changed dramatically in your life since the pandemic began? If so, talk about it.
I think, for us, it’s important to note that our space has changed dramatically. Luckily, our finances have not (except for now with my LOA). We have built and finished the barn, we are moving forward with the pool and ... recently bought a boat. I recognize our wealth, our privilege and our situation as being very fortunate. One thing I do think is important and curious to note is that all of these improvements, purchases and changes all are centered on our family and spending more time together as a family!
September 27, 2020
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Have people in your community supported one another during the pandemic? Talk about why or why not, and maybe give some examples.
I found this spider living in a water tub quite happy by itself and I think there’s a number of people that would be more than happy with that existence. The preppers are certainly calling for it - prepare for the inevitable collapse, and hunker down. Close your curtains and go to your safe room. Certain talk shows are fomenting it and gleefully stirring the pot. So that thread Is a constant under current running through a part of our community. It’s available on the social media platform of your choice 24/7. So I avoid the TV news and try to avoid the panic as well, but is that being foolish? A brief glance at the local paper touts CT doing well, and Phase 3 openings coming. Are things opening because we know more and things are under control or because we have Covid fatigue and are willing to risk more? I ventured out shopping for supplies today. First stop was paint store for stain for deck maintenance. That makes it feel like we plan to still be around next year. The staff was helpful wore their masks and task completed. I did notice that as soon as I left the store masks came off when it was just the staff together ... i guess that’s a pod? Then l noticed 5 people in line at an Urgent Care center offering Covid tests. I know some have to go every 10 days for testing so it’s helpful to have convenient places to go and people were distancing but there was a hint of anxiety in the air there, a bit like a lottery line when the jack pot gets big. Then to the grocery store which was packed... more people than I’ve seen in months. People were milling about and I saw conversations in aisles as people passed - Not out of fear or how dare you invade my space, but with determination and purpose, a nod , a quick pass, not In panic and it almost felt like the good old days only people were wearing masks. But then an invite from a friend for a visit and my husband very concerned with where have they been, will they mask, how do we social distance, and we usually have a meal when we get together so how do we accommodate that?. Do we continue to just say no, continuing to prioritize physical over emotional and social needs... Not easy trying to find the balance these days... it was almost easier earlier when there were no decisions to be made... lock down eliminated options.
September 27, 2020
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¿Está haciendo algo artístico o creativo en estos días, que usted no hacía antes? Si es así, cuéntenos acerca de eso.
... Con respecto a si he realizado algo de arte ... sí. He retomado el puntillismo en mandalas, de hecho llevo dos semanas pintando atrapasueños como el de la foto. Para conseguir esta madera en corte láser debo ir al centro de la ciudad y comprarla. Hacía meses que no conseguía dónde comprarlas pues cerraron los negocios. Y antes sólo pintaba troncos de madera, ahora es que pinto cortes. Esta es una de las tantas mandalas que he vuelto a pintar, me tranquiliza hacerlas y varias personas las han pedido. Funcionó experimentar con ellas, es algo bello que me gusta hacer en el tiempo libre. Espero poder llevarlas pronto. ...
September 27, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
This last week I got to spend some time with my sisters ... at the lake. [One] has been in isolation for 7 months in Florida. This trip north was very much a shock to her system where she enjoyed eating in restaurants and being with family. I think she feared exposure while in Florida knowing she was by herself and no one to help take care of her should she be ill. I am so thankful to having my family around me and so thankful that I have not isolated myself during COVID. We have lives our lives and remained healthy following guidelines. This picture is a picture from the lake. It is my happy spot and I really enjoyed my two days with my sisters
September 28, 2020
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Does this time of the year feel different than it normally does, or different than it should? If so, give some examples of what feels different.
This time of year feels completely different from years past. We are celebrating the Jewish New Year without friends and family. These are contemplative holidays for individuals, which are habitually celebrated together, in a room with more than 300 others. So while we reflect on our lives and how we can make the world a better place, we are used to being with at least some of the rest of the world. This year, as we start the fast for Yom Kippur, the day of both atone-ment and at-ONE-meant, we are not with others. We will have a simple meal at home, and then turn on a computer for Zoom. It won’t be the same. In years past, it has been a balancing act of serving enough food before the 25 hour fast, followed by a frantic drive to services. Yom Kippur is the most popular service of the year. Parking was always complicated! We would rush into the building to get good seats, hugging friends along the way. This year, there will be no driving. No rush hour traffic, and sadly, no hugs. It feels stingy to shop for such a small amount of food for such important holidays. Setting the table for only two seems too little. Cooking for two feels selfish. I’m used to preparing holiday meals for everyone. On top of the alone-ness of this usually social moment, this is the first year that we do not have my dad, who died just 6 weeks ago, with us. In fact, this the first year in our 47 years together that we do not have any parents. This photo shows two place settings, for just us, in our kitchen. Four memorial candles for remembering two mothers and two fathers whose earthly time has passed. at the ready. Apple and honey dish. A round, freshly baked, high-holiday challah rests under the blue and yellow cover. I remember the family rule of no TV for high holidays. Now zoom-on-TV will be the essential ingredient for connecting to the world. Is this year different? Entirely different. May it be a meaningful day of contemplation for those who wish to celebrate. May we have communal services, in person, with hugs—lots of hugs—in the near future.
September 28, 2020
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Think about the people closest to you. Tell us about how the coronavirus has affected them, and their life.
We have a sibling in a nursing home in another state. Managing his care from afar is nerve wracking. The inability to travel to see him, and even when there being disallowed from entering the facility is difficult. We have waited for months for a family to be reunited from Europe, which finally happened.
September 28, 2020
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Many of us have experienced restrictions on movement and social contact during the pandemic. Talk about any restrictions that have especially affected you.
By "restrictions," I refer to the necessary precautions we must take to ensure that the virus does not spread to us or through us. My husband has Stage 4 prostate cancer. My cousin is in hospice with cancer. Our two families are the best of friends and the two of them (my cousin and my husband) used to have gigs playing guitar together a few times a year. We used to go to listen to live music, in town and out of town, and they hosted house concerts as well. None of this is safe during the pandemic, regardless of outdoor venues and social distancing guidelines. The photo is of a country road in Southwest Illinois, taken yesterday evening on a drive. On a normal Saturday evening, we would have been accompanied by my cousin and his wife, and our destination would have been somewhere to listen to music. While we are fortunate to have classic VWs to take out for a ride, and being able to afford the gasoline, it is still a lonely road. The sun is setting on their lives, and we can't spend these last days together doing what we all love.
September 28, 2020
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Does this time of the year feel different than it normally does, or different than it should? If so, give some examples of what feels different.
Yes I feel as if the year is very different than it normally does because, For example the Pandemic has caused families to be in mourning because of the reality of the virus. Also A vast number of people have died due to Gun Violence and Police Brutality which is often committed by White Police Officers
September 28, 2020
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¿De que manera el coronavirus le está afectando su vida en este momento? Cuéntenos sus experiencias, sensaciones/emociones, y pensamientos.
Estoy otra vez en cuarentena, esta vez las cosas se pusieron serias, mi papá esta contagiado. Han sido días muy duros, de verlo retorcerse en una cama, ardido en fiebre, quejándose de dolor en el cuerpo, sin recibir casi alimentos. Soy quien lo está cuidando. Ayer jueves 24 vinieron a hacerle la prueba de covid, ese exámen se ve terrible. La próxima semana me lo harán a mi porque soy quien lo cuida y por solicitud de mi rector, debo descartar el contagio. Hay que estar como relojito con la medicina y el fisioterapeuta que lo atiende me dijo que es probable que esté asintomática pero contagiada por lo cercano con papá. Cada 4 horas llaman para preguntar su temperatura y la saturación del oxígeno. Si respira bien, si no esta alcanzado. Lo más duro es en la noche, llevo días sin dormir y el trabajo mas el estudio, no me rinden. Sólo espero que en mi próximo diario les cuente que se mejoró y que yo también. Espero poder subir fotos también que acompañen estos textos. Han sido días muy difíciles para mi familia. Los vecinos nos miran como bichos raros, tuvimos que llevarnos el niño a casa de sus tíos para que no se contagie. Fue todo de repente.
September 28, 2020
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¿La pandemia ha trastocado sus proyectos para el futuro de modo importante? Si es así, háblenos de la(s) perturbación(es) más significativa(s).
La pandemia vino a darle incertidumbre a mi futuro. Sí, soy de la generación a la que la pandemia le arruinó su graduación. Terminé la universidad en junio pasado, y, si normalmente se siente incierto el futuro luego de graduarte, con toda la situación actual siento como si caminara con los ojos vendados, sin saber a dónde me dirijo. No hay vacantes en ningún lado, por el contrario, están recortando empleos. No puedo ir a presentar examen de admisión para un posgrado gracias a la cuarentena. Quiero tomar un curso, aprender algo, y no hay forma porque la economía no me lo permite. Es horrible sentir esta incertidumbre, me desespera y me frustra hasta las lágrimas.
September 28, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
This past week was my mom's birthday. I considered driving home from college to visit her but instead stayed on campus because I knew I couldn't really spend time with her. My mom is immunocompromised and has been in 100% isolation since the beginning of this pandemic in March. Mid-March I got a sinus infection. Because the symptoms were similar to covid and we couldn't be to safe, so I moved out of my home to live with my cousins from March until moving into school Aughust. The picture above is from one of my daily visits with my mom. We would sit on opposite sides of the two-car garage with masks and hang out. As I was leaving every day she would close the garage door and we would tough our hands to the glass window of the garage because this is the closest we could be while remaining safe. It's scary not knowing when all of this will be over or when she can resume her normal life without the fear of catching the virus, which would be fatal. Which I guess is why we just have to take things day by day doing the best we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. Happy Birthday, Mom :)
September 29, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
I will say that I haven’t written in the past few weeks. The death of RBG, no justice for Breanna Taylor and the realization that my rights and my daughter’s rights as women are potentially 🤬🤬🤬 took over. I cried uncontrollably everyday last week and went from rage to listless depression throughout each day. Somehow we finally made it to the weekend where we had plans to travel to visit friends. I saw two other families that are extremely dear to my heart. We all had separate cabins and stayed at a lovely place that allowed us to hike and roast lots of marshmallows. The kids who have been friends since birth practically rejoiced in seeing each other, ran in the woods and created their own outdoor play. It felt like a private magical world that I never wanted to leave. Of course I was afraid we were all killing each other with potential COVID but we stayed apart the best we could. Not enough but all outside. My hope is to jump from magical place to magical place to survive. We are going away in 2 weeks again with other friends and are now isolating as we are staying inside with friends. We plan to pod with my parents at Christmas and I can hug my mom for the first time since March.
September 30, 2020
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Talk about how the pandemic has affected your closest relationships.
The pandemic has made my closest relationships show that no amount of distance can change how we feel about each other. My friendships were always established on a basis of caring and trust, but we never had any real distance to test if some length would put it to the test. Now, with the virus causing us all to remain distant, it is very reassuring to feel that my relationships with my friends have not changed. I wish there was more to say on this matter; all I can really say is that I'm blessed to have such great friends, with or without the virus.
September 30, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
I’m a nervous wreck. A second lockdown (in Israel) is so much worst than the first. And no one even believes it will help. We don’t see a way out of this. Now they say: maybe December. December??? And how are we going to go through tomorrow? I am exhausted. I am on partial umemployment. I also barely work on the small job I have left. I can’t really do anything when my daughters are at home. I wasn’t alone for months. Yet I feel so lonely. The only people I see are the parents in the playground. And the conversations are always the same. It’s hard for everyone, I know. But I feel it’s especially hard for me. A few days ago, my daughters didn’t want to leave the playground. It was already late, and I was already too tired so I leaned back on my bench, and that’s when I saw the moon.
September 30, 2020
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¿De que manera el coronavirus le está afectando su vida en este momento? Cuéntenos sus experiencias, sensaciones/emociones, y pensamientos.
Esta semana que pasó nació mi sobrina. Por ser tiempos de pandemia, yo estaba bastante nerviosa por su nacimiento. Sin embargo, todo salió muy bien. El parto fue normal, su madre está recuperándose como se esperaba y la nena está sana, ya en su hogar. Cuando veo lo que está pasando en el mundo: esta pandemia y el cambio climático pienso que las personas deben tener mucho optimismo y fe en la humanidad para traer más seres humanos a este planeta. Las cosas nunca han sido fáciles, pero nuestro acelerado camino hacia la extinción está en marcha y pocas empresas y gobiernos están interesados en desacelerar, como si pudiéramos ser eternos. El legado natural que estamos dejando es penoso para estas generaciones jóvenes y esta misma pandemia es una señal de alerta sobre nuestras actuaciones en relación con la vida en la Tierra. Aún así, mi sobrina está aquí, rodeada de mucho cariño, buenos deseos y una familia estable. Celebramos su vida y veremos con ojos asombrados (como si fuera la primera vez) todos aquellos avances que marcaran su crecimiento, pidiendo en nuestro corazón que las vicisitudes de la vida no la golpeen ni tan pronto, ni tan fuerte. La vida siempre se abre camino, a pesar de todo.
September 30, 2020
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Talk about some of the things that have changed most about the world since the pandemic began.
I feel like two things have not changed: people are stupid and fascists (Trump and his admin) are alive and well.
September 30, 2020
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Has the pandemic disrupted your plans for the future in any major way? If so, talk about the most significant disruption(s).
Not really because my plans were so curtailed already by my disability. But I miss my community so much.
September 30, 2020