How was your week? Going a little stir crazy? It was an up/down week for me as well as my clients. The rainy/overcast weather we had most of the week impacted my level of energy, and impacted their behavior. It is always interesting to watch the changes in clients due to weather and activity levels. They were both a little cranky and as we all know, we learn which battles to pick. As long as they are safe and in good spirits by the time I leave, it's a win in my book.
Doing my best to practice social distancing and support local restaurants. Last Saturday ordered lunch and ate on a friend's patio - no worries we sat apart as she has a large patio. We did it again yesterday - weather was gorgeous. It was fun to sit and just catch up as we soaked up a little vitamin D. I'm sure we'll do it again next weekend if the weather holds up. I wonder if social distancing would have worked a little easier if in the U.S. we were going into winter vice spring/summer?
I know states/towns all over the country are opening up - some slowly/some not so slowly. I can see both sides of the debate, but it does not make it easy for me to understand. Businesses and customers have to adjust in some way. What will the new norm look like? I keep thinking just because places are open does not mean I have to be a customer. There are a few services that I will not be participating in for a while - I may end up looking like a ragamuffin, but that's ok because others will be in the same boat. I am not out to impress others at this point in my life. It's truly a personal decision on whether or not to support non-essential businesses. It does make me a little crazy when some of the political leaders talk about staying home and then are perfectly put together on TV - I know they have "people" for that. I have to admit as I wrote last week, I'm still angry over some of the decisions and the actions of some people. I battle with myself daily about my feelings (good and bad) and then I think it will all work out the way it is supposed to. At the end of every day, I say a prayer of thanks for my blessings and that I survived another day.
I so admire the creativity and imagination some people have shown in this crazy times - whether it be for their family or entertaining the public. I have friends who are staying connected online - exercise, church services, book clubs, happy hours, etc. Using all available ideas for teaching and entertaining. Showing children a different type of learning and fun. We are truly learning that everyone learns a little differently. What will school look like in the future? Is this break a real way of changing the way schools are set up and the calendar year? Should we go back to smaller classrooms?
I love that so many are showing appreciation for those front line workers with meals, drive by parades, and fly overs. I see many senior facilities have signs out front saying "heroes work here" and I'm so happy they are getting recognized. At the same time, I hope we will continue to feel this way when this is over as we know how little compensation many of the workers who do the down and dirty work actually get paid. There are truly so many good people out there helping others in ways we don't think about or take for granted. Keep focusing on the good news stories - we will get through this together.
I keep a running list of topics I might want to mention, but lately it's been overshadowed by the pandemic. When I sit down to write, I'm truly not sure what I will put out here. One of these days, even I will get to a bit of normalcy. One day at a time!
I finished reading: "VALENTINE" by Elizabeth Wetmore (Read With Jenna selection). I found this book interesting, but depressing about life in a small Texas town. "THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ" by Heather Morris. A story of survival and love. Are you reading more or less? What's on your list?
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
May 3
Garden Meditation Day
Lumpy Rug Day
World Press Freedom Day
May 4
Bird Day
National Candied Orange Peel Day
Renewal Day
Star Wars Day
May 5
Cinco de Mayo
National Hoagie Day
National Teacher's Day - Tuesday of first full week of May
Oyster Day
May 6
Beverage Day
National Tourist Appreciation Day
National Nurses Day
No Diet Day
May 7
National Tourism Day
May 8
Child Care Provider Day or Daycare Provider Day - Friday before Mother's Day
Iris Day
Military Spouses Day the Friday before Mother's Day
National Outdoor Intercourse Day
No Socks Day
V-E Day
World Red Cross Day / World Red Crescent Day
May 9
Birth Mother's Day - Saturday before Mother's Day
International Migratory Bird Day the second Saturday in May
Lost Sock Memorial Day
National Train Day- Saturday closest to May 10th
National Windmill Day - the second Saturday in May
A huge shout to my friend Chick as she celebrates a milestone birthday today. Also to my friend Margaret as she celebrates a birthday this week. And to all others celebrating birthdays this week sending you a virtual hug!
I am going to leave it here for today. I hope you have a good week. Stay safe. Chat soon. Take care. Marie
“The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. For every challenge encountered, there is opportunity for growth” -—Unknown
“There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them. But they are there for a reason. Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there.” – Paulo Coelho, ‘The Fifth Mountain’
“I think that little by little I’ll be able to solve my problems and survive.” – Frida Kahlo