I worked every day this past week - only with the two clients I normally see. I do feel bad as neither of them totally understand the problem, but they know in some way it's disrupting their normal routine. I am grateful that I can still help them in some way. As I drove through one client's neighborhood, all the driveways had chalk art and they were waiting for the teacher caravan that was expected. It was fun to see.
I was thinking about my former career as an HR person and how stressed I would have been over the past few weeks. I saw quite a few crises during my career and worked many long hours supporting and collaborating as we tried to come up with solutions for problems. Part of me misses the chaos and the partnering we did to get things done. Of course the other part of me is a bit happy I don't have to be part of the chaos. I can imagine what my former colleagues are going through and tip my hat to them.
It is interesting to see how restaurants and stores are adopting to the changing times. Who would have thought that restaurants would be allowed in many states to deliver alcohol with the meals? Who would have thought that we would only be able to pick up in store or curbside or have delivery for almost anything we want these days. I picked up a pizza and salad yesterday (phoned ahead) and it was so easy. They gave me the option of curbside or in store. I went in and there were designated signs of where to stand if you had to wait. It was truly organized. Who would have thought that liquor stores or packies, as we called them growing up, would remain open and considered essential business?
There are so many good people/groups trying to offer support and assistance. I saw a post on FB yesterday where a local support group had to shut down their giveaway of supplies to locals because of the chaos that ensued when people ignored social distancing and became disruptive. The group had not tried something like this before and did not know how to deal with the people. I sent them a suggestion of collaborating with another group (yes I provided a name) that has done giveaways (and has a system in place) to see if they could work together. They sent me a response saying thank you and that they will reach out as they want to continue to provide support.
There are many ways to help support groups whether locally or afar. I sent treats to the staff at my mom's former nursing home as I know the staff is working around the clock. They are a small place and thought they might like something different. I ordered supplies via Amazon for a local charity that helps women after reading their wish list. How wonderful is it to see neighbors reaching out to neighbors just to check on them or deliver a meal?
I have wondered about the new norm. Do you think when this is over we will become mini hoarders? I mean why not keep extra toilet paper, paper towels and some sanitizer in the back of the closet (just in case)..LOL! Do you think "social distancing" and "sanitizing" will be part of the new norm? With so many people working from home, how will life change when they have to report back to an office? What about all of this online learning, how will this change learning in the future? Is this the time to consider year round classes? I am not sure there will be any reason not to keep up with schoolwork now that so much can be done via technology. Perhaps I have too much time on my hands with all these thoughts popping up...LOL!
I finished reading: "AMERICAN DIRT" by Jeanine Cummins. Very poignant story about a woman and her son as they escape Mexico for the US illegally. "PEARLS OF WISDOM" by First Lady Barbara Bush. Chock full of memories and advice from stories and recollections.
A huge shout out to my BFF as she celebrates her birthday this week. Although we could not celebrate with our friends, I am preparing one of her favorite meals.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
March 29
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
Smoke and Mirrors Day
March 30
I am in Control Day
National Doctor's Day
Take a Walk in the Park Day
Turkey Neck Soup Day
March 31
Bunsen Burner Day
National Clam on the Half Shell Day
National Crayon Day
World Backup Day
Month:
- National Humor Month
- International Guitar Month
- Keep America Beautiful Month
- Lawn and Garden Month
- National Kite Month
- National Poetry Month
- National Pecan Month
- National Welding Month
- Records and Information Management Month
- Stress Awareness Month
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Weekly Celebrations:
- Week 1 Library Week
- Week 1 Read a Road Map Week.
- Week 2 Garden Week
- Week 3 Organize Your Files Week
- Week 3 Medical Labs Week
- Week 4 Administrative Assistants Week
- Week 4 National Karaoke Week
April 1
April Fool's Day
Atheist Day
International Fun at Work Day
International Tatting Day
National Walking Day - first Wednesday in month
April 2
Children's Book Day
National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
Reconciliation Day
April 3
Don't Go to Work Unless it's Fun Day - we know your decision
National Walk to Work Day - first Friday of month
Tweed Day
World Party Day
April 4
Hug a Newsman Day
Walk Around Things Day
School Librarian Day
Tell a Lie Day
World Rat Day
As I read over the above, I can see my thoughts are all over the place. Hope you were able to follow. I hope you have a good week. Take Chat soon. Stay safe. Marie
"It’s not so much what we have in this life that matters. It’s what we do with what we have." - Fred Rogers
"Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened." - Ludwig Jacobowski