Mar
17
The pace of all the coronavirus news and updates is the scariest part of all of this, at least so far. There is of course the fact that we just don’t know what’s going to happen next, and that’s scary too, but it’s so disorienting to have things change so dramatically one day to the next, or even by the hour. I keep thinking about how last week — was it just last week!? — my friend and I were dithering over whether to cancel our San Francisco getaway plans. Like, we were having such a hard time making a decision because it wasn’t yet clear what everyone should be doing, and from this vantage point that all seems hopelessly naive. Oh, one week ago me, how cute that you were still browsing Bay Area menus.
It took me longer than it should have to really get my head around what’s happening and what’s required of us all. At one point a couple days ago I just up and drove to the library, thinking that being around people was worth stocking up on a bunch of books, and the library was closed. Oh riiiight, I thought.
Someone in my Facebook feed compared the feeling of being in this shutdown to the ongoing DUH when your house loses power, and that seems exactly right. It’s like I’m mentally walking around flipping light switches over and over and going, oh right. No you can’t go to the gym or Barre3 or TJ Maxx or the consignment place or the craft store, so stop lunging for the car keys, self.
I am, like all of us, so incredibly grateful this virus is not targeting children. Can you even begin to imagine what this would all be like if that were the case? My god. I’m also deeply grateful for the springlike sunshine we’re having in Eugene right now, it’s chilly but beautiful and that really helps.
The last two days I’ve gone for long walks while listening to podcasts and audiobooks, anything but pandemic news, and that has been head-clearing and good. I’m trying to keep up with my exercise routine. I’m trying to extend myself some grace about my eating habits going off the rails, while also trying to gently get myself back on track because honestly the carb bingeing just makes me more anxious.
It seems like we are all frozen in place, holding our collective breath, waiting to see what happens next. Take good care, friends.
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I have thought several times about reviving my blog or starting a new one. CoronaDays?
Anyway, the analogy of the light switch when the power goes out is spot on. And you aren’t behind, no matter how much news I hear or don’t hear, I still can’t wrap my head around this.
Just here to send my best wishes from Seattle.
I would love some podcast suggestions…. right now my usual diet of true crime, murder, death, destruction and the end of the world as we know it feels really, well dark and a little too real!!
It’s so nice that we still have (some of) our blogs, for connection. I agree it’s all so disorienting. I feel like we’re settling in, now, but there’s still so much time to go! At least another 10 days at home, probably more. I should be thrilled! Grateful for time with the kids I wouldn’t normally get! But it’s foggy with strange-ness.
I had San Francisco planned for the first week of June with my girls, as a college graduation present for them. Which was happening immediately after my niece’s wedding in Palm Springs. So I guess….neither of those is happening? American Airlines waiver, here we come. UGH. And it’s such a small thing when others are cancelling weddings, graduations, etc. Still sucks.
Agree wholeheartedly with immense gratitude it is not targeting children; and deep sadness that my parents are at risk. Thanks for posting.
Don’t forget, Lowes, HD, and Target are still open. Wear a mask!