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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
We decided to have a friend come north to stay with us for a few days, for solstice and his birthday. He recently tested negative and is careful, but not really quarantining. This raised the whole eternal question--who is "safe," and who is "safe enough?" This is the underlying issue of all social interactions--are you on the same page as someone else about staying safe, what is that page, and is that safe enough for (what kind of) interaction? We wonder how long it will take for our reaction to other people to shift from "oh, no, another person--duck, run for cover, leave, avoid them" back to "Hi, other person, how's it going?" How long until the panicky feeling you get when you have to wait in line at the pharmacy--"C'mon, I gotta get out of here, it's an enclosed space, hurry up!" goes back to "I'll just look at the headlines on the paper while I'm waiting." And the impatience/rage with government! From those who aren't doing enough to liit spread (almost everyone--hello, Governor Baker? If I come from New Hampshire, I have to quarantine for 14 days, but everyone else can go to a restaurant with five other people of various households and dine for 90 minutes? Because it's only infectious at minute 91??) to those (often the same) who aren't doing enough to help those who are laid off, evicted, hungry, in jail... And what should I, retired MD/Psychiatrist, age 71, be doing to help? Contributing to food banks, check. Lobbying for more relief, check. Volunteering to help at a hospital? (No relevant skills 40 years after medical internship, but I could learn to be a unit clerk pretty quickly.) And the people demonstrating about not wanting to wear masks--give me a break. THey seem to be OK with having to wear pants. What's the difference?
December 23, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
Hanukka at my 5 year old’s playschool class: same image, different degrees of abstraction
December 23, 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.
Cada 7 de diciembre, en mi país, quemamos al diablo. Es una costumbre que viene de los tiempos coloniales y es previa a la celebración de la Virgen de Concepción que es el 8 de diciembre. En la foto pueden observar una piñata que lo representa y que fue quemada en una hoguera que encendimos en la calle. Este año, a pesar de la pandemia, lo hicimos con mi familia. Fue una quema muy breve, no como otros años, cuando sacamos mucho papel para realizar una fogata que dura bastante tiempo. Todos sentimos que ese ritual abre el tiempo navideño. A pesar de ello, muchas otras costumbres ligadas a la religión católica se han suspendido. Lo que no ha desaparecido es el impulso de la población por comprar productos. Los mercados están abarrotados, los centros comerciales también y no digamos las calles de la ciudad con un gran número de vehículos circulando. Pareciera que no existe en COVID-19. Las personas que circulan con suerte usan mascarilla, pero la distancia social se les ha olvidado. El gobierno no interviene porque es necesario que la "economía" se reponga y se fortalezca. Los intensivos de los hospitales ya están saturados. Lo que vendrá dentro de quince días será tremendo. A menos que lo oculten y digan que aquí, como siempre, señoras y señores, no ha pasado nada.
December 23, 2020
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During the pandemic, has anything changed in how you get food, prepare it, or eat it?
Yes, definitely! I feel like we're constantly cooking something! We've largely been ordering our groceries online and picking them up curbside. For a little while, when the numbers were down we went into the grocery store (with masks, and during slower times), but we're back to doing online orders now that the numbers are up again. We avoid going into any places, especially now with the numbers so high. Also, when we order our groceries, we order them for about two weeks at a time. We wipe everything down before putting them away. For our food preparation, if we plan to share/give anything to anyone then we will wear masks while preparing the food and dishing it up. We will only eat outside with friends and family outside of our "bubble" and take all precautions to have each family "bubble" dish up from their own separate dishes and using separate utensils, while wearing masks. When we eat, we eat outside with 6 feet between family "bubbles." Right now, it's winter and it's way too cold outside, so we're not doing any dinners, etc. together with anyone. We just don't want to risk it. We want to be able to have many more dinners and celebrations with our family and friends - not one last one. So, we'll continue to be careful. Even if that means not doing any of that for just a little while longer.
December 24, 2020
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Talk about how the pandemic has affected your closest relationships.
Yesterday I emailed my ex husband of 40 years (divorced for 40 years) that meeting him was a lucky day for me and thanking him for being my friend for all the ups and downs (feuds and fusses) of these years (He will think I have been diagnosed with a terminal illness :) ) I have made sure lately to tell my closest friends and also the people who I have known throughout my life how glad I am to know them, how they have enriched my life. I have come to see (and I may not have done this without the enforced solitude and contemplation of COVID) how our lives are shaped by what might be considered the minor characters, that we are enriched, and protected by all the various people (not necessarily children, parents, lovers) that we meet, travel with throughout time.
December 24, 2020
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If you spend time around children, how are they thinking and talking about the coronavirus pandemic? Can you give some examples of things they’ve said and done?
As an elementary teacher, I work with kids who have already adapted to Covid-19 times by talking about the pros and cons of virtual learning. The sad part is when they say "teacher, when will I get to see you in person? I miss playing outside, seeing my friends, can I give you a hug?" The hardest part is not being able to be by their side to help them more. I can see some students who struggle with school, struggle with interaction and learning online. Many of them during our digital recess will play videogames or with their toys but I can tell it's not the same as being able to play around with one another.
December 25, 2020
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Think about something really important that happened to you this week, and tell us about it.
I got my annual evaluation at work. I haven’t changed my work ethic or morals or values yet this year I got a stellar evaluation instead of a mediocre one from my boss. The pandemic has allowed me to work from home. I was one of the people who adapted well and once I found my feet, dove right in. I formed new work relationships, joined committees I never had time for before, and I actively participated, brainstormed and sought solutions in these unusual times. I became visible on a lot more radars and other managers seemed to appreciate my contributions. I am a 20 hour a week librarian, who has not been able to do real librarian work for a long time, not until COVID hit.
December 25, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
Really just not at all? So I started a new job November 16th, and I have to be there in person just about every day. I am swamped with learning this new job and working hard on it. The snow we got in the our area did more to interrupt my work and social life than the pandemic. I take every precaution while out to protect myself and others, but I had been looking for a job for over a year. I was not going to pass this opportunity up.
December 25, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
It snowed and snowed. Baby blizzard was born. Lady Snowflake his Mom. . King Snowman his Dad. A crown for the king Aunt Liza’s bonnet on Mom Big blue decorative ribbon. Baby blizzard wears blue. . .Now in pandemic journal Baby blizzard photo op Vaccines are on the road In twenty1nine days change! It’s all over now 🎶🎶🎶 Baby Blue 🎶🎶🎶Blizzard !!!
December 25, 2020
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Gaudi inspired socks found in Barcelona. Peruvian handmade slippers from Cusco. Comforting apparel On a couch In a pandemic.
December 25, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
You know, some weeks Donald Trump’s behavior causes more stress than COVID-19. I know how to protect myself and keep myself safe from COVID, but I have no control over the idiot running our government! The new highly infectious strain of COVID is also causing worries. Europe banned Americans from traveling there when we had higher rates of COVID, we should ban them now too. But business will never allow that and average Americans will suffer. The vaccine is good but but as slow as molasses in it’s distribution.
December 25, 2020
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During the pandemic, has anything changed in how you get food, prepare it, or eat it?
The pandemic has changed the way we buy food, but not drastically. The main differences are that we wear masks to shop, stand 6 feet away from others, wait in lines to get into some grocery stores, and wait in long lines to check out. Also, since my husband is over 60, he is eligible to shop during Senior Citizen hours and I tag along. This helps us to avoid the long lines I encounter during regular hours. However, we are able to buy the food we want and need. I realize that this is not the case for many people, and the fact that both my husband and I are able to continue working is a huge factor in this. I hate that the pandemic has created and intensified food insecurity in our country. The pandemic has changed the way we cook food, in an unexpected way. My father died 3 months ago. Although his death is not counted in the death toll from the pandemic, I believe that Coronavirus contributed to his death. After he had Coronavirus in the spring, he went rapidly down hill and many of his organs were greatly weakened, leading to his eventual death in September. For most of my adult life, he would cook extra food and send some home with me when I visited my parents. After my mother died, he stepped this up and contributed many meals - at least 1-2/week. Since he got ill and then died, I have been cooking more than I used to. Many nights, all I had to do was heat up something he made and make vegetables to go with it. I really miss his cooking. I miss the food he used to make, much of it Italian. I also really miss how much it helped us out with planning and making weeknight meals. It wasn't until I started thinking about this prompt that I realized what a difference the loss of my my father has made in this aspect of my life.
December 25, 2020
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Describe an experience this week that made you happy.
This week, a former co-worker underwent endovascular coiling to treat a brain aneurysm. At age 76, she was terrified of dying on the operating table. The day before surgery, she called and summoned me to her house. There on the front porch sat a freshly-baked pecan pie that was encased in a pastry caddy. I was quite overwhelmed that she would think of ME when she should have been concentrating on herself. That's the definition of a true friend. I am ever so thankful to report that she survived the surgery and is now safe at home. The power of prayer cannot be denied.
December 25, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
Tier 4 I feel really bad for all the people who last minute had their Christmas plans cancelled. All the people who needed to scramble to get food and decorations. All the people who will not see their loved ones. All the people that this date was a glimmer of hope, and now taken away. It is also scary. I want to yell at the government. Why have they not taken things more seriously earlier?! How did we get to such a place?! When will you learn from the past few months? This is no longer March or April when we didn't know what stops things, what needs to happen. It is all your fault that we are in this state. It is your fault that so many people are angry. It is your fault that so many people are confused. It is your fault that so many people are dying. Also all the people living in the country - WTF - wear a mask; stay home; wash your hands. I don't understand why there are still people (or how there are still people) who don't see this as serious; who don't see this as part of their responsibility. I broke down this week unsure again if and when I will see my family. Yes vaccines are slowly getting given, but when will everyone get one. When can I travel. When will I get one. When will my family get one. So just feel sad and missing them deeply.
December 25, 2020
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Think about something really important that happened to you this week, and tell us about it.
The most important thing that happened was the death of a significant member of the extended family and the realization of how spread apart we all are in this most stressful of times. For the first time I find myself questioning whether I've made the right choice to emigrate away from my own immigrant parents, wondering how I will manage to take care of them and be there for them. And now my own daughter is moving on with her life by moving to yet another part of the world to be with her partner--so here we are now, spread out on four continents. I wish I could just gather everyone tight so we could all be together.
December 25, 2020
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Has the pandemic affected your ability to accomplish your life goals or plans in any way? If so, share some examples.
Just went to see this house in Coventry decorated for Christmas. The gentleman who owns the place lets people walk up his driveway to see the incredible display he sets up every year. People come from miles around, notified about it mostly via Facebook word of mouth. Its a crazy busy light display with different colored lights blinking and twinkling and circling everywhere you look. But it was joyous and it really lifted my spirits for awhile. This has been a hard holiday season. I see in the paper how businesses and families are struggling, and we can't get together like we normally would to celebrate the end of this awful year. I can't wait to get that vaccine so I can see my mother and father again in person.
December 25, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
My family and I are currently celebrating Christmas together pandemic style. Whereas we would normally celebrate in person in a church, we are now watching services via YouTube and our television. While the motions are all too familiar, the lack of people we are able to see in person is all too bizarre.
December 25, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
Merry Christmas! First time in my life spending the day without my biological family. R and I are having a good day making food and learning lessons about preparing for a big meal. Much appreciation for the women in our lives who have cooked and prepped all these years. This is such a huge job! Our upstairs neighbour keeps us up at night. We are sooo sleep deprived because of it. I went up at 1 am the other night and let her know please be quiet! She has family visiting the building which is such a frustration. They are from out of town. We are all sacrificing and yet some people think they are the exception to the rule. Yikes. About to have some amazing roast lamb and watching christmas favourites. I miss joy and celebration - but I will say it was nice to sleep in our own bed and not wear a bra all day lol. I love my partner so much he is a sweetie it's been fun today but tiring. Boxing day we look forward to a snoozy day!!!
December 26, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
This week was Christmas and it was very difficult. I kept saying how it didn’t feel like Christmas. Luckily we were both able to see our parents due to carefully scheduled quarantines. But not being able to see people is really starting to weigh on both of us.
December 27, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
Feeling melancholy as i make cookies from my mom's recipe card; seeing her handwriting makes me miss her (she died of pancreatic cancer in 2002) and i have found christmas a mix of sad and happy ever since. This year especially; my son J. has covid and is in WY, my daughter k. will come home for xmas and my other son d. will come for part of xmas eve and the day. We are planning to surprise my dad and his wife by xmas caroling on their lawn, despite a wet and windy forecast, we shall prevail. That's what's kept me going this week, seeing my dad's reaction to all of us being outside his house. It's something. Otherwise we are selling our house and just bought one in southern Rhode Island so been incredibly busy staging and packing this house, now a lull where i find myself mourning this house and town. So many goodbyes and big changes coming, all compounded by the unnaturalness of covid taking away one last christmas dinner, one last gathering of neighbors, one last time to host all the people here we've known the past 18 years. I'm not afraid of change, i am excited to move, but i need to find time to really honor the loss that moving will bring.
December 27, 2020