Since we appear to be the long-term house guest or prisoner of COVID-19, we are all finding ways to cope with that. As I have noted before, I think too many people are too casual about the dangers involved with this virus and have declared it "dead" simply because they are tired of it. I understand, but it doesn't work that way. What also doesn't work is hiding under the bed and waiting for it to find us. I remember back in the 70's a helicopter pilot who was a traffic reporter crashed into the top floor of a condominium the next town over. Not only was he killed, but so was the man sleeping in his own bed and minding his own business. I've often wondered if the man was afraid of flying. If it's your day it's your day.
The sheer exhaustion of living in terror wears thin. I don't tremble when I go to the grocery store any longer (although it's still mostly once every three weeks) and I don't wear gloves. I have become very aware of where I keep my hands, however, and that would be nowhere near my face until I've sanitized my hands to a fare-thee-well in the car. I scrupulously keep my six feet distance as much as humanly possible, wear the mask with the filter for these trips, and am very quick to "rat out" the employees who insist on going around with their noses exposed. The store manager is getting to know me pretty well.
The restaurants are opening up, both inside and out, and more and more businesses are back at work. I still canceled my haircut appointment for tomorrow and although my back muscles are screaming for attention I haven't booked a massage yet. I will eventually, but not quite yet. I listen to Anthony Fauci attentively and defend him on Face Book all the time. I'm not sure why I bother, because those who are attacking him do not have the ears or the common sense to listen to science. And my friend and guide Dr. Fauci says that this is still Phase One. And that if we act sensibly (i.e. masks, distancing, and thoroughly washing hands), we may be able to avoid a Phase Two, or at least to mitigate its effects. I insist on having faith in tomorrow, and in the goodness and kindness of a great many (if not all) people.
For now I'm working on walking more, on praying more, and on reading and watching uplifting books, videos and television shows. I watch the news mostly for the weather. Beyond that I fear for my blood pressure. I'm working on calming down and on reaching out to my friends on a rotating list so no one feels neglected. And this might (just might) be the weekend when we get take-out food for the first time since early March. I will feel like a warrior princess!
Cope with it as you need to cope. Do not let your friends push you. And perhaps it's still a good idea to be just a little more cautious than even you think you need to be.
The sheer exhaustion of living in terror wears thin. I don't tremble when I go to the grocery store any longer (although it's still mostly once every three weeks) and I don't wear gloves. I have become very aware of where I keep my hands, however, and that would be nowhere near my face until I've sanitized my hands to a fare-thee-well in the car. I scrupulously keep my six feet distance as much as humanly possible, wear the mask with the filter for these trips, and am very quick to "rat out" the employees who insist on going around with their noses exposed. The store manager is getting to know me pretty well.
The restaurants are opening up, both inside and out, and more and more businesses are back at work. I still canceled my haircut appointment for tomorrow and although my back muscles are screaming for attention I haven't booked a massage yet. I will eventually, but not quite yet. I listen to Anthony Fauci attentively and defend him on Face Book all the time. I'm not sure why I bother, because those who are attacking him do not have the ears or the common sense to listen to science. And my friend and guide Dr. Fauci says that this is still Phase One. And that if we act sensibly (i.e. masks, distancing, and thoroughly washing hands), we may be able to avoid a Phase Two, or at least to mitigate its effects. I insist on having faith in tomorrow, and in the goodness and kindness of a great many (if not all) people.
For now I'm working on walking more, on praying more, and on reading and watching uplifting books, videos and television shows. I watch the news mostly for the weather. Beyond that I fear for my blood pressure. I'm working on calming down and on reaching out to my friends on a rotating list so no one feels neglected. And this might (just might) be the weekend when we get take-out food for the first time since early March. I will feel like a warrior princess!
Cope with it as you need to cope. Do not let your friends push you. And perhaps it's still a good idea to be just a little more cautious than even you think you need to be.
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