Posted on April 2, 2020 at 3:45 PM by Jason Macoviak
Changes, lots and lots of changes. I started self distancing three and a half weeks ago and with that has come a new way of doing things. That is okay because I'm not the only one making changes. I think about people less fortunate, who live alone or paycheck to paycheck, or have a business and maybe employees. I'm fortunate that even though I'm temporarily not working I do have a roof over my head and a partner to rely on.
One change I don't like is not being able to hug someone. It is so strange to run into someone you've always greeted with a hug and not be able to, or worse not being able to comfort someone that really needs it.
I am a creature of structure, a schedule, and still room for a smidgen of spontaneity. Now I have neither of the first two. In fact if I still didn't have physical therapy twice a week I probably wouldn't know today was Thursday. The past 3 weeks I filled that void with things I always said there was no time to do and now that excuse is mute. So I'm grateful for the unexpected time and happy I made good use of it. Now I see we have a minimal of another month of this and I decided to set up some temporary structure for myself. I made lists of what I still have vs whats temporarily been taken away. This is a must for me or I'll keep watching TV and eating. Christ I've already added on 7 pounds. Exercise, meditating, yoga, writing, making art, music and walks are all good things to fill up some of our time with.
Another frustrating but necessary change is hygiene and cleanliness. I was clean before but now I'm so clean I actually squeak. I'm also ready for a purse or man-bag. I use to take phone, wallet and keys, but now it's that and a mask, gloves, sanitary wipes, and a small bag of q-tips to use at ATM's and store checkouts. Every time I get back home (not from walks) I automatically wash whatever I have on, it never sees the hamper.
Many people in our community are stepping up however they can and I fully believe we will make it through this. But it will take time, so be kind to one another.
Lastly I'm so happy that I have a good solid relationship. I know some people that don't and this time must be extra miserable for them. In fact this is a perfect set up for the following joke.
Please be safe out there!
Day 9 of the quarantine;
My wife called out from the other room and asked if I ever get a stabbing pain in my chest like someone has a voodoo doll of me and is stabbing it.
I replied no.
She responded, how about now?