My body knows when I’m stressed before my brain does. I was experiencing severe neck pain a few days ago. I was trying to keep my imagination from running away with me, and started thinking about what other than the virus could be the cause. I realized I had spent days with my shoulders so scrunched up they nearly touched my ears. I set a timer to go off every 30 minutes to remind me to relax my shoulders and my body in general. It really helped.
Remember to take some time every hour to relax your body. Like chicken soup, it can’t hurt.
We are. My wife and I did a grocery run over the weekend to stock up so we wouldn’t have to shop again for 3-4 weeks. Walmart was broadcasting COVID-19 related information over the PA system at regular intervals. That was nice to see/hear.
Our entire family is pretty well hunkered down although my daughter works three shifts per week as a residential DSP. We’re cleaning and disinfecting everything we can and riding it out.
- MakePoliticsCoolAgain - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:04 am:
Except for the sudden rush of almond butter in our household, we are holding up fairly well. Hopefully the rain stays away this week, so we can start taking daily walks.
So far so good, and hope you and yours are well, too.
Strictly following orders and staying home. Trying the best to fight back, as we all are in the midst of this war. Just last week life was almost normal.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:13 am:
We are good, but my wife’s aunt is being tested for COVID in the southeast US today and awaiting the results. She tried to get tested yesterday, but there is a shortage of test kits, at least at her facility which is one of the more prominent hospitals in the area. Sooner or later, you will know someone with the virus, or sadly, someone who lost their battle with it.
Sick with a stomach flu all weekend. No fever. Feel great today, so of course I’m at work…. Very bummed about Joe Diffie. He was my wife’s favorite country singer. She had seen him 7 or 8 times. We’re just trying to maintain sanity, which is difficult for us in the best of times. But we persist.
We self-quarantined for two weeks just in case since we served as election judges (all seems to be well). But the inability to do any grocery runs or anything “normal” has made me pretty nervous about now being able to get more lemons, since everything has gone south since we went in the house. I’m sure I’ll get over it, but can understand how folks get agoraphobia.
I just read “Caroline”, a much more adult, realistic account of the Ingalls’ life at their first try at pioneering in 1870s Kansas. It puts staying home, spending my time listening to Brahms and surfing the net in perspective.
- Friendly Bob Adams - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:21 am:
Still healthy physically but this social distance thing is tough to bear. Ain’t natural…
We’re fine up in the northern suburbs. But a senior citizen couple -long time friends-had a sewer back-up late yesterday afternoon. They were able to get plumbers out within an hour and have it rodded within two hours. Just another timely reminder of the people and professions which are so important to society’s functioning every single day and night no matter what else is going on.
I kidded them about what the heck they had been flushing but they said the plumber assured them the blockage was caused by tree roots.
Another week of my wife working from home, about 5ft from where I’m doing the same. We may be ordering a second desk soon. The looks we give each other when one of us gets a call and needs quite are not pretty.
Doing better, about over this cold I had last week. The wife is pregnant, and the doctors office wouldn’t let me go with her to the check-up. Understandable, and I couldn’t have gone anyway with this cold, but still wish I could have been there. We’re well past the age when most people have children, so I get overprotective. She says I worry too much, which is probably true, but we didn’t plan on having another child and certainly didn’t plan on having one during a global pandemic. Still got a few months left, so I’m praying this all settles down before the due date.
Things are occasionally a little tense in my household with the constant togetherness. But we go to separate rooms and get through it. I’m concerned about those households where things are getting out of control and the potential for domestic violence or child abuse is heightened.
So far so good. Made a run to the grocery store on Saturday during a downpourm figuring the store would be less crowded. The shelves were well stocked and weren’t many people there at all. Hopefully the hoarding insanity is over.
Work stress taking a serious toll. Taking the appropriate self-care steps to keep it from becoming a mental health issue. Nice to see the sun shining today.
- Bruce (no not him) - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:51 am:
Spending way too much time on the internets. reading all about the Covid19 is really not good for your stress levels.
Physically good, mentally meh.
Sunshine today, so getting out of the house.
Saw someone recommend trying on your jeans once in awhile because sweatpants lie. Next grocery run will include more vegetables. Walk when our Illinois weather permits. (Also concerned for JP)
Still OK but feeling stressed. A friend from church is one of the new confirmed cases in Sangamon County. Last saw her and her husband 2 weeks ago at church. Been staying isolated except for weekly trip to grocery store or pharmacy.
- St. Patty's Ghost - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:08 am:
Not sure why my comment got moderated so trying again.
Why are the various news organizations releasing data on police officers that have contracted the virus? Why is that data even released to the press. I lean to the prepper side of life and find this disconcerting. Maybe the Governor can write an EO to stop this data from being released.
- Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:14 am:
You do realize that many of the COVID-19 positive cases have started as stomach flu type symptoms? Hopefully, you not having a fever isn’t false personal observation and you are actually healthy enough to have gone back to work. Take care.
Better, today. But Mrs. West Sider and I still have ’something’. She’s taking antibiotics- but based upon a phone diagnosis- so who knows. The college child has been home for 10 days, and is now virtual learning, so everyone is living in one virtual world, or another. The stress is real, but we really like each other, so we’re managing.
More bluegrass music, less news. I live on several wooded acres with a creek. Walks are good for mind, body, and spirit.
I relocated the temporary office setup from the dining room table to the desk in the loft. The work hot spot seems to be working okay still. Cellular data is iffy here in the holler. Hopefully I’ll be back in the office before the leaves are on or my internet will go from sketchy to not.
Hubby returned to work today. I worry but he usually works alone. Otherwise he’s cantankerous enough to inspire people to leave him alone.
The sun is shining. No weather damage from Saturday’s storms. Very thankful. Grateful for another day.
Wishing smiles to you all.
- Boone's is Back - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:27 am:
Hi Burgee, I understand. After researching WHO, CDC guidelines and consulting with a nurse, we came to the determination that it is very unlikely to be corona virus. My wife had the same thing weeks ago as well. Can’t ever be sure, though. That is why I am avoiding all contact with anyone outside my home.
We managed the 1,500 mile round trip to Atlanta and back to empty our daughter’s dorm room in under 48 hours. We went through half of a container of Lysol wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. The dorm was fairly empty, we only saw one other family there during our time slot. Solid social distancing at the self-storage place. The manager would only let one other person in the office at a time, so my wife and daughter had to alternate between signing the contract – 6 feet from the manager, using our own pen – and verifying insurance and paying. $1.29 gas in Dalton, GA was very nice, though I know we will all pay for that in the long run.
Doing well. Getting a lot of work done on the house, and grounds. I was wondering what help there is in the stimulus package for “Mom and Pop” businesses. We have no employees, but we still have bills. Is there some grant or help for people who just run a small business? I know there are some very smart people on here. Maybe some of you know a lot more then me.
- The Old Professor - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:29 pm:
Doing fine on Urbana. (We’re both over 65 and still working.) My undergrad class this semester is easy to do on Zoom (My ones in the fall wouldn’t have been.) Talking to PhD students on Google Hangout. My wife is a software engineer who’s been working from home for 3 weeks and thinks she’s more efficient that way. She misses choral rehearsals though. We’re staying home except for bringing in dinners and walks. Expect this “stay at home” is going to last through the end of April, at least. Hope all readers are well. Thanks to Rich Miller for keeping it up under the circumstances that prevail!
South burb, just over Chicago border. Some people in public still don’t get social distancing; have an urge to yell at them, but don’t want to start a riot. Stores generally stocked, although a lack of dryer sheets and antiseptic mouthwash was evident in a dollar store. Traffic is lighter, Metra parking still almost empty. Socially it’s the ‘Net, waves to a neighbor, or phone calls. Some concern over health issues and the virus, but I think I’m o.k. Sun is out brightly here; will be stepping out for fresh air shortly. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. (Theo. Roosevelt)
Working from home. Spouse and I not used to spending this much time together.
Rich- remember last week when you said they wouldn’t stop people on the interstates? Other states are now stopping people with out of state plates on the interstate. My anxiety about my out of state son is rising. He is still working at the work site and considered essential.
All are good here, but I’m absolutely certain my wife and I made the right choice in not having children. (My partner is here from Boston with her two teenaged boys.)
Hanging in there. Cat is confused but thrilled I’m home with her. Teenager is much less enthused about me being here. Work is on an old phone system that couldn’t be forwarded so, even though I was told I’m non-essential, I call and check voice messages multiple times a day and pass messages on.
And please, if you call a state agency for anything right now, don’t just hang up. Leave a message. Just because a clerical may have been told to stay at home doesn’t mean there isn’t someone checking messages. You may get a call back.
Doing good. State Employee and our office supervisor has been absent for a week as of tomorrow after saying she had a headache. There is a growing concern from the other workers in the office about the lack of an update on the absence as we are left wondering if we have been exposed to it.
Job stress level for my essential wife has decreased after initial round of policy decisions and actions. She actually had some time off over the weekend. OTOH, I had a bit of a blow up, feeling hemmed in and frustrated that I can’t be out and about working with the camera, what with spring starting to pop out. The wife gave me that look and said “get over it,” so knowing what was good for me, I did.
I’ve been super careful and followed the guidelines so I thought I was good. Then came the headache, nausea, neck pain, body aches and 103 fever. I’m good now but the experience was unsettling. Doc said it was probably covid but could have been the flu. Since I’m better there is no need for the test as there are few available and only for those who are hospital ready sick. So when you hear there are enough test kits, there are not. I guess if everyone would have access to the test kits the numbers would be astronomical yet we would have valuable, better and more accurate information for the experts.
Be extra careful out there.
- A Guy - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 8:52 am:
Yes. Hope the same is true for you and yours.
- Lil Squeezy - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 8:58 am:
The John Prine news hit me hard.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 8:59 am:
Prayers for John Prine
- Nieva - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:00 am:
We are all fat and sassy down here. Praying for JP.
- SAP - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:00 am:
Yes, but I have a new appreciation for the saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
- Lake County Mom - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:01 am:
My body knows when I’m stressed before my brain does. I was experiencing severe neck pain a few days ago. I was trying to keep my imagination from running away with me, and started thinking about what other than the virus could be the cause. I realized I had spent days with my shoulders so scrunched up they nearly touched my ears. I set a timer to go off every 30 minutes to remind me to relax my shoulders and my body in general. It really helped.
Remember to take some time every hour to relax your body. Like chicken soup, it can’t hurt.
- the Edge - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:01 am:
Going for a long walk. Its not the same as working out in the gym, but the birds are chirping and the sun is partially out.
- Cubs in '16 - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:03 am:
We are. My wife and I did a grocery run over the weekend to stock up so we wouldn’t have to shop again for 3-4 weeks. Walmart was broadcasting COVID-19 related information over the PA system at regular intervals. That was nice to see/hear.
Our entire family is pretty well hunkered down although my daughter works three shifts per week as a residential DSP. We’re cleaning and disinfecting everything we can and riding it out.
- MakePoliticsCoolAgain - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:04 am:
Except for the sudden rush of almond butter in our household, we are holding up fairly well. Hopefully the rain stays away this week, so we can start taking daily walks.
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:05 am:
So far so good. Only the cats seem stressed out from having us all around all day.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:10 am:
So far so good, and hope you and yours are well, too.
Strictly following orders and staying home. Trying the best to fight back, as we all are in the midst of this war. Just last week life was almost normal.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:13 am:
We are good, but my wife’s aunt is being tested for COVID in the southeast US today and awaiting the results. She tried to get tested yesterday, but there is a shortage of test kits, at least at her facility which is one of the more prominent hospitals in the area. Sooner or later, you will know someone with the virus, or sadly, someone who lost their battle with it.
- Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:14 am:
Sick with a stomach flu all weekend. No fever. Feel great today, so of course I’m at work…. Very bummed about Joe Diffie. He was my wife’s favorite country singer. She had seen him 7 or 8 times. We’re just trying to maintain sanity, which is difficult for us in the best of times. But we persist.
- lakeside - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:17 am:
We self-quarantined for two weeks just in case since we served as election judges (all seems to be well). But the inability to do any grocery runs or anything “normal” has made me pretty nervous about now being able to get more lemons, since everything has gone south since we went in the house. I’m sure I’ll get over it, but can understand how folks get agoraphobia.
- Cheryl44 - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:20 am:
I just read “Caroline”, a much more adult, realistic account of the Ingalls’ life at their first try at pioneering in 1870s Kansas. It puts staying home, spending my time listening to Brahms and surfing the net in perspective.
- Friendly Bob Adams - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:21 am:
Still healthy physically but this social distance thing is tough to bear. Ain’t natural…
- Responsa - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:26 am:
We’re fine up in the northern suburbs. But a senior citizen couple -long time friends-had a sewer back-up late yesterday afternoon. They were able to get plumbers out within an hour and have it rodded within two hours. Just another timely reminder of the people and professions which are so important to society’s functioning every single day and night no matter what else is going on.
I kidded them about what the heck they had been flushing but they said the plumber assured them the blockage was caused by tree roots.
- Give Me A Break - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:31 am:
Another week of my wife working from home, about 5ft from where I’m doing the same. We may be ordering a second desk soon. The looks we give each other when one of us gets a call and needs quite are not pretty.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:34 am:
Doing better, about over this cold I had last week. The wife is pregnant, and the doctors office wouldn’t let me go with her to the check-up. Understandable, and I couldn’t have gone anyway with this cold, but still wish I could have been there. We’re well past the age when most people have children, so I get overprotective. She says I worry too much, which is probably true, but we didn’t plan on having another child and certainly didn’t plan on having one during a global pandemic. Still got a few months left, so I’m praying this all settles down before the due date.
- Independent - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:37 am:
Things are occasionally a little tense in my household with the constant togetherness. But we go to separate rooms and get through it. I’m concerned about those households where things are getting out of control and the potential for domestic violence or child abuse is heightened.
- SSL - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:44 am:
So far so good. Made a run to the grocery store on Saturday during a downpourm figuring the store would be less crowded. The shelves were well stocked and weren’t many people there at all. Hopefully the hoarding insanity is over.
- Earnest - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:51 am:
Work stress taking a serious toll. Taking the appropriate self-care steps to keep it from becoming a mental health issue. Nice to see the sun shining today.
- Bruce (no not him) - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:51 am:
Spending way too much time on the internets. reading all about the Covid19 is really not good for your stress levels.
Physically good, mentally meh.
Sunshine today, so getting out of the house.
- Oneholeoff - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:58 am:
Saw someone recommend trying on your jeans once in awhile because sweatpants lie. Next grocery run will include more vegetables. Walk when our Illinois weather permits. (Also concerned for JP)
- Politix - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:00 am:
“We may be ordering a second desk soon.”
My husband moved his workspace to the basement to save our marriage.
- RNUG - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:01 am:
Still OK but feeling stressed. A friend from church is one of the new confirmed cases in Sangamon County. Last saw her and her husband 2 weeks ago at church. Been staying isolated except for weekly trip to grocery store or pharmacy.
- St. Patty's Ghost - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:08 am:
Not sure why my comment got moderated so trying again.
Why are the various news organizations releasing data on police officers that have contracted the virus? Why is that data even released to the press. I lean to the prepper side of life and find this disconcerting. Maybe the Governor can write an EO to stop this data from being released.
- Burgee - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:10 am:
- Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 9:14 am:
You do realize that many of the COVID-19 positive cases have started as stomach flu type symptoms? Hopefully, you not having a fever isn’t false personal observation and you are actually healthy enough to have gone back to work. Take care.
- West Sider - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:24 am:
Better, today. But Mrs. West Sider and I still have ’something’. She’s taking antibiotics- but based upon a phone diagnosis- so who knows. The college child has been home for 10 days, and is now virtual learning, so everyone is living in one virtual world, or another. The stress is real, but we really like each other, so we’re managing.
- Dog Lover - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:25 am:
More bluegrass music, less news. I live on several wooded acres with a creek. Walks are good for mind, body, and spirit.
I relocated the temporary office setup from the dining room table to the desk in the loft. The work hot spot seems to be working okay still. Cellular data is iffy here in the holler. Hopefully I’ll be back in the office before the leaves are on or my internet will go from sketchy to not.
Hubby returned to work today. I worry but he usually works alone. Otherwise he’s cantankerous enough to inspire people to leave him alone.
The sun is shining. No weather damage from Saturday’s storms. Very thankful. Grateful for another day.
Wishing smiles to you all.
- Boone's is Back - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:27 am:
Bright-eyed and busy-tailed.
- Nick Name - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:29 am:
Doing ok. Working from home. Dog curled up net to me.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:39 am:
Also working from home, and we’re doing our best to comply with staying at home. What a different world than just a little over a week ago.
- btowntruthfromforgottonia - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:16 am:
I’m ok here in East Forgottonia.
Unless I am working I only go out for groceries and gas.
- JoanP - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:23 am:
The spice cupboard and pantry have both been organized and ancient items thrown out.
Lots of shredding happening.
Next up: storage closet and junk drawers.
And I’m 100+ pages into Trollope’s “He Knew He Was Right”. Only about 650 pages to go!
- Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:27 am:
Hi Burgee, I understand. After researching WHO, CDC guidelines and consulting with a nurse, we came to the determination that it is very unlikely to be corona virus. My wife had the same thing weeks ago as well. Can’t ever be sure, though. That is why I am avoiding all contact with anyone outside my home.
- Proud Sucker - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:32 am:
We managed the 1,500 mile round trip to Atlanta and back to empty our daughter’s dorm room in under 48 hours. We went through half of a container of Lysol wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. The dorm was fairly empty, we only saw one other family there during our time slot. Solid social distancing at the self-storage place. The manager would only let one other person in the office at a time, so my wife and daughter had to alternate between signing the contract – 6 feet from the manager, using our own pen – and verifying insurance and paying. $1.29 gas in Dalton, GA was very nice, though I know we will all pay for that in the long run.
- Retired Educator - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:50 am:
Doing well. Getting a lot of work done on the house, and grounds. I was wondering what help there is in the stimulus package for “Mom and Pop” businesses. We have no employees, but we still have bills. Is there some grant or help for people who just run a small business? I know there are some very smart people on here. Maybe some of you know a lot more then me.
- The Old Professor - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:29 pm:
Doing fine on Urbana. (We’re both over 65 and still working.) My undergrad class this semester is easy to do on Zoom (My ones in the fall wouldn’t have been.) Talking to PhD students on Google Hangout. My wife is a software engineer who’s been working from home for 3 weeks and thinks she’s more efficient that way. She misses choral rehearsals though. We’re staying home except for bringing in dinners and walks. Expect this “stay at home” is going to last through the end of April, at least. Hope all readers are well. Thanks to Rich Miller for keeping it up under the circumstances that prevail!
- revvedup - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:35 pm:
South burb, just over Chicago border. Some people in public still don’t get social distancing; have an urge to yell at them, but don’t want to start a riot. Stores generally stocked, although a lack of dryer sheets and antiseptic mouthwash was evident in a dollar store. Traffic is lighter, Metra parking still almost empty. Socially it’s the ‘Net, waves to a neighbor, or phone calls. Some concern over health issues and the virus, but I think I’m o.k. Sun is out brightly here; will be stepping out for fresh air shortly. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. (Theo. Roosevelt)
- Dotnonymous - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:44 pm:
Trying to get outside every day for a few minutes of Sunshine…vitamin D is essential for viral immunity.
- thoughts matter - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 1:45 pm:
Working from home. Spouse and I not used to spending this much time together.
Rich- remember last week when you said they wouldn’t stop people on the interstates? Other states are now stopping people with out of state plates on the interstate. My anxiety about my out of state son is rising. He is still working at the work site and considered essential.
- Ken_in_Aurora - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 1:53 pm:
All are good here, but I’m absolutely certain my wife and I made the right choice in not having children. (My partner is here from Boston with her two teenaged boys.)
- HangingOn - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 1:54 pm:
Hanging in there. Cat is confused but thrilled I’m home with her. Teenager is much less enthused about me being here. Work is on an old phone system that couldn’t be forwarded so, even though I was told I’m non-essential, I call and check voice messages multiple times a day and pass messages on.
And please, if you call a state agency for anything right now, don’t just hang up. Leave a message. Just because a clerical may have been told to stay at home doesn’t mean there isn’t someone checking messages. You may get a call back.
- State Worker - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 3:50 pm:
Doing good. State Employee and our office supervisor has been absent for a week as of tomorrow after saying she had a headache. There is a growing concern from the other workers in the office about the lack of an update on the absence as we are left wondering if we have been exposed to it.
- Flapdoodle - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 4:02 pm:
Job stress level for my essential wife has decreased after initial round of policy decisions and actions. She actually had some time off over the weekend. OTOH, I had a bit of a blow up, feeling hemmed in and frustrated that I can’t be out and about working with the camera, what with spring starting to pop out. The wife gave me that look and said “get over it,” so knowing what was good for me, I did.
Hoping the best for all.
- Flexible one - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:57 pm:
I’ve been super careful and followed the guidelines so I thought I was good. Then came the headache, nausea, neck pain, body aches and 103 fever. I’m good now but the experience was unsettling. Doc said it was probably covid but could have been the flu. Since I’m better there is no need for the test as there are few available and only for those who are hospital ready sick. So when you hear there are enough test kits, there are not. I guess if everyone would have access to the test kits the numbers would be astronomical yet we would have valuable, better and more accurate information for the experts.
Be extra careful out there.