It's amazing to me the way the world has changed within the past several weeks. Do you forget what day it is since the schedule is completely upside down? I have noticed it as I go back/forth to work, I have to think what day is it today? Am I headed to the right house? I notice the quiet in my area. I live near Dulles Airport and I hardly see or hear planes. In some ways it reminds me of immediately after 9/11 when life stilled. I live within a few miles of four schools so there are no buses and/or the sounds of kids at certain times of the day. What I am hearing/seeing are people in their yards, prepping for spring and planting gardens. I saw a man yesterday with his five children, all on bikes, out enjoying the day. It was like he was leading a parade.
I have been eating at home a lot, simple and easy food because sometimes it's just easier. Well, I was craving eggplant parmesan the other day (my dad made the best) so I ordered that and chicken fettuccine alfredo (for my bff) from a local place. I called ahead, picked a time when I figured it would not be busy for pick up and everything was seamless. I know they have curbside pick up, but I went in because I wanted to check out the pastry display. I did not realize that they had prepped food as well. I got to chat with the owner about business and he said the neighborhood has been so supportive. I read they have donated meals to the hospital and organized a car parade of thanks at the local hospital and will be doing it again in a few weeks.
Overall, my week at work went well. My one client is going a little stir crazy he and his wife went out to lunch every day. He had to go to the DR the other day and gave his wife a hard time about wearing a mask. Luckily, we were leaving at the same time, so as I put my mask on, his wife told him to see what I did and to look like me. I made a joke about us getting ready to go rob a bank so he put it on with his sunglasses (I had mine on) and we left together. I said lets go get the million....he laughed but kept moving forward out the door and to the car.
Are you wearing a mask when you are outside? Now, if only people would learn how to properly wear them. Thank you to those sewing masks, I think this will be the fashion statement of the summer. Although they may not be able to be used by hospitals and such, they are a great protection for personal use. I saw online some people were upset that hospitals can not use their donations. They do not understand that the materials carry germs and need to be sanitized constantly, which is why the professionals need a different kind. The cloth masks protect you personally and still need to be sanitized, but perhaps not as frequently depending on how you are using. Most stores now are requiring you wear a mask to enter and maintain social distance. I also thank the people who are using old fashioned ingenuity in coming up with safety devices. Every time I hear of some new idea I think, WOW, how awesome to be able to think that way.
My heart hurts when I watch the updates on this pandemic. I honestly do not know how the healthcare professionals and those on the front lines are handling this every day. Many are not trained for this constant onslaught of heightened everything. They were not trained to be in a warlike setting and away from family/home for long periods of time. I can't imagine the exhaustion mentally/physically they are experiencing. They are trained to help/fix people whether they know them as patients or not. No matter how well trained you are to compartmentalize, you just can't tuck everything away for long. Hugs and praise to all those on the front lines no matter what profession you are in.
I can't watch the entire update from the White House any more as I just can't stand to listen to certain people. Some really do sound just so political and this is NOT what I want to hear. I will listen to Dr. Fauci and that's about it for data. Politics are certainly different right now and the fall elections I'm sure will be different. Not to jinx anything, but I'm grateful that there are hardly any political ads on TV at the moment....we do not need them. I do like that most tv and radio stations are trying to focus on good news stories there are many times I just tear up listening to them.
I don't know about you, but I have noticed my emotions are right at the top these days. I watch TV and tears flow. I spent many years being stoic and in some ways hard, both professionally and personally, so these days I surprise myself. It's not a bad thing, just something I've become more aware of. I'm grateful for many things and during this time I try to focus on them. What have you learned about yourself during this time? What will you do differently in the future? Spring/Easter is the time of renewal/rebirth, so how will you emerge?
This past week I finished reading: "THE BEACH QUILT" by Holly Chamberlin. A story about a 16 year old intelligent girl who gets pregnant and the impact on her family as well as her best friend's family. Some family secrets thrown in. Very well written. "FINDING CHRISTMAS" by Karen Schaler. A good happy ending story. "TEXAS OUTLAW" by James Patterson and Andrew Bourelle. 2nd Texas Ranger book featuring Rory Yates. Murder and mayhem in Texas.
A huge shout out to my youngest nephew Brian as he turned 19 yesterday. We will celebrate when this is over.
I am going to leave it here for today. There are more things I could write about, but don't want to bore you. I noticed the above writing does not flow well, I guess that my mind this morning. Guess I better go make coffee and take a shower. The sun is shining here and I hope it shines for you too. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life." — S.D. Gordon
"For I remember it is Easter morn, and life and love and peace are all new born." — Alice Freeman Palmer
"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow." — Proverb