Personally we are doing fine. Getting a lot of projects done around the house, and yard. Professionally, I am retired so doing ok. My small business on the other hand, is closed by decree, and the bills, don’t stop. This is not a sustainable situation. We are in real danger of closing the doors, and shutting down a business, that adds to our towns main street. We will see what the future holds, but one more extension will put us out of business.
I cannot recall a time in my life when my anxiety was this high. The stress is unbearable, and the inability to be social and talk to a friend, or go to the gym, or just get out of the house to escape my thoughts is making things worse.
We’re holed up in our little farm village. My oldest daughter is home from College and was just awarded the Full Navy ROTC scholarship. So the Navy picks up 3 years and she owes them 5. But it’s a relief for me. The youngest just had her final day of High School and is off to college (hopefully) in the Fall. It’s so nice to have them home. Besides the general anxiety it hasn’t been unpleasant. I’m in a little apartment now in a small village. (Divorce) I walk to my grocery store and post office masked up. I work remotely and that gives me meaning. I rather like the slow life. The family time has been good.
The first rhubarb pie of the season was excellent. Rhubarb, the key to the good life, and secret of happiness. Other than that… tired. Very tired. I wake up every night about 3, and then I’m usually up for the day. Working a lot, and juggling the kids between my wife’s and my schedule. How I wish we could get a babysitter.
Health holding out; just the usual Spring allergies. Mrs is suffering cabin fever big time, she is really missing going into the restaurants. Our church held a drive-in service last weekend, that helped a bit. Me, I’d be happy to curl up in the recliner and read mysteries every day; I probably have 100’s of unread books.
Been doing different projects around the house and trying to clean out the garage. Garage has been interesting; finding lots of stores car parts, lots of stuff we no longer need and are mostly giving away on local web sites, and rediscovering stored family history papers. Lots of trips down memory lane, and little bits to fill in items on the family tree. Also decided I have too many time comsuming hobbies: genealogy and classic cars being the major ones. I’ve also discovered I physically am no longer the 30 year old my brain thinks I am.
- Bruce (no not him) - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:38 pm:
I’ve reached the awkward stage when I REALLY need a haircut but it’s still too short for a ponytail.
I’m very lucky. Still employed, have my whole family together and haven’t lost anyone close to me from this disease. We get out of the house everyday for walks in the neighborhood, and have plenty of food/beverages. Ordering take out from a variety of local spots. Making the most of a bad situation. The weather could be nicer, but that’d just bring more yahoos out.
And trying very hard not to engage in much of the nonsense going on in these comments lately. And often failing. I promised myself early on that I would try to be positive or not comment. Epic fail.
Better. We are all well, or on the upswing. The stress of the entire multigenerational family, now “working from home*- including multiple Zoom/Canvass/Go-to-Meetings occurring simultaneously- is nuts. But we are enormously fortunate to have such problems. I evermindful of how very lucky we are.
== the inability to be social and talk to a friend ==
Facebook, Zoom, Messenger can let you see and talk to your friends
== just get out of the house to escape my thoughts ==
Nothing stopping you from going for a drive in the country. The wife and I do that every few days, especially if the weather is nice. We just don’t stop anywhere people are. Closest we get to prople is at the gas station.
My kids are quarantined together in Los Angeles. They seem to be having a wonderful time, but I miss them so much I can’t stand it. Apart from the constant anxiety about money and death, we’re doing pretty well…. (Seriously, we’re generally holding up all right, although Soccerdad stuck a knife in a plugged-in toaster this morning. I think it may have been a cry for help…)
Feeling fortunate that the financial effects on me are low, and worried about others. Wanting out of the house, which is why I get frustrated seeing others breaking rules or agitating to open too early, which will prolong this thing or waste my efforts.
- Cool Papa Bell - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:49 pm:
@Ducky - jealous of the pie… I hope its a true rhubarb pie and you didn’t ruin it with strawberries… You’ve made me miss my Mom ever more now that I can’t get to her so she can make me one..
Otherwise good, its trying to have the kids at home every single minute of every day. Married people need some alone time!
And my dog is driving us crazy. I think we are driving her crazy. The five of us aren’t used to be around each other all the time.
I trimmed my hair this morning. Just around my face, so I guess it’s a proto mullet. I also made a truly magnificent looking loaf of bread and perfected my stick blender mayo recipe.
not so hot. financially ok. Working from home full time, so not getting any home type projects done. Doing what I can for elderly parents without actually being allowed to visit. Not seeing offspring and grandchildren. Isolation and the four walls a little much.
Feeling better now that I received my negative result from getting tested. First thing I did today was take my daughter’s car in for servicing. $600. So much for feeling better.
47th Ward - don’t try too hard, you are missed if you aren’t commenting.
Bored, but reading a lot of military History helps put things in perspective. the sacrifices everyone made during World War II (or civil war, or revolutionary) makes wearing a mask seem laughably trivial.
I miss my bar and restaurant buddies, but I am doing carry out at least twice a week, to try and help. I hate making a salad for one. I am using my cleaning lady to run errands which keeps me out of circulation since I have an assortment of compromising factors. And she needs the money.
Shaggy. Dug the clippers out.
I have an impressive list of projects around the house that I am almost thinking about starting to plan on preparing to begin. When the time is right.
I try to reconnect with an old old friend each weekend.
- TheInvisibleMan - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 3:30 pm:
I’m not trying to rub it in and this isn’t something I even tell anyone openly, but…
After adjusting my behaviors only a little bit to fit into how the outside world has changed, I’m now greatly enjoying the pace of my life now.
My garden has been planted and looks better than it has in years, and I’m looking forward to all the dinners that will be coming out if it.
It turns out I don’t really like interacting with the general public. Nobody has to force me to stay inside and away from them - especially now.
Continuing to work from home, play the clarinet (so my neighbors get live music, whether they want it or not…), learn German. Filling the time with those activities help to fill time and also keep things normal since those were activities I engaged in before.
I feel strangely out of step with the world, given work is very challenging and stressful and I wouldn’t have time to be going out even if I could. I’ve got a few things planted in the garden. Some days I feel like I’m plodding through monotonous days and some days I feel overwhelmed. And some days I’ve felt uncustomarily, how can I word it, spring-feverish.
while I miss live events of all sorts, I feel strangely ok with how life has to go. until I start thinking about this going on for a long time and the constant prospects of infection especially with new studies coming out about movement through air in closed spaces. then I’m anxious.
Still healthy, but I miss music (playing and listening) and sports (playing and watching) but still with a steady income. Having the chance to enjoy nature is good as well. And I have hope that maybe after all this they’ll decide after all that maybe, just maybe I can work from home at least some of the time.
Rich, hope you’re well, keeping well, and the same to you all, that includes mental health, and if you need someone to talk to, reach out to find someone.
Me?
Doing better than some, same as others.
No banana bread this week, might make, arguably the best cookie ever;
Single in Chicago South Suburb, but wish I could come and go as I please w/o a mask (ripped last pair of plastic gloves). Somewhat surreal world to a point; keep remembering it will get better. Ration news (much not worth reading/hearing), using new upholstery cleaner and other things to stay busy while solo. Outside between rains; cut the lawn yesterday. Talk to friends now and again. It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world right now. Thanks to Rich and commentators for “the lively are of conversation” as the late Irv Kupcinet said.
- Proud Papa Bear - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 6:12 pm:
I’m a teacher and I’m usually exposed to a lot of germs. I’m in the odd situation of feeling healthier than ever during a pandemic.
Usually, during a crisis (eg. 9/11), I can turn to sports as an escape. Now even that is all pandemic-related.
Since first report this morning, am sad this evening. Learned a good man died today of cancer. My friend was a truly exceptional person, genuinely kind, generous, and ever cheerful. I never heard him curse, or get angry. He loved his job and was very good at what he did, he worked to go fly fishing. He made his work his play and played his life away. Gonna miss Terry.
- Top of the State - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 8:46 am:
I had my second shot for Shingles yesterday. Temperature, fatigue, and pretty much like the first shot. Feel better today and hope to get back to normal tomorrow. My Doc has seen a lot of Shingles cases and strongly encouraged his patients to receive the shots.
- Practical Politics - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:14 pm:
Bored by the lack of normalcy.
- Retired Educator - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:23 pm:
Personally we are doing fine. Getting a lot of projects done around the house, and yard. Professionally, I am retired so doing ok. My small business on the other hand, is closed by decree, and the bills, don’t stop. This is not a sustainable situation. We are in real danger of closing the doors, and shutting down a business, that adds to our towns main street. We will see what the future holds, but one more extension will put us out of business.
- Just Me 2 - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:25 pm:
I cannot recall a time in my life when my anxiety was this high. The stress is unbearable, and the inability to be social and talk to a friend, or go to the gym, or just get out of the house to escape my thoughts is making things worse.
- Cubs in '16 - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:29 pm:
Doing fine physically and financially. Emotionally, not so hot. I can attest that isolation exacerbates depression and anxiety.
- Honeybear - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:32 pm:
We’re holed up in our little farm village. My oldest daughter is home from College and was just awarded the Full Navy ROTC scholarship. So the Navy picks up 3 years and she owes them 5. But it’s a relief for me. The youngest just had her final day of High School and is off to college (hopefully) in the Fall. It’s so nice to have them home. Besides the general anxiety it hasn’t been unpleasant. I’m in a little apartment now in a small village. (Divorce) I walk to my grocery store and post office masked up. I work remotely and that gives me meaning. I rather like the slow life. The family time has been good.
- bowwow - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:33 pm:
We are bored to exhaustion. Only anxiety is from being coped up. No concerns regarding the virus.
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:34 pm:
The first rhubarb pie of the season was excellent. Rhubarb, the key to the good life, and secret of happiness. Other than that… tired. Very tired. I wake up every night about 3, and then I’m usually up for the day. Working a lot, and juggling the kids between my wife’s and my schedule. How I wish we could get a babysitter.
- Chicago Cynic - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:34 pm:
Meh.
- RNUG - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:36 pm:
Health holding out; just the usual Spring allergies. Mrs is suffering cabin fever big time, she is really missing going into the restaurants. Our church held a drive-in service last weekend, that helped a bit. Me, I’d be happy to curl up in the recliner and read mysteries every day; I probably have 100’s of unread books.
Been doing different projects around the house and trying to clean out the garage. Garage has been interesting; finding lots of stores car parts, lots of stuff we no longer need and are mostly giving away on local web sites, and rediscovering stored family history papers. Lots of trips down memory lane, and little bits to fill in items on the family tree. Also decided I have too many time comsuming hobbies: genealogy and classic cars being the major ones. I’ve also discovered I physically am no longer the 30 year old my brain thinks I am.
- Bruce (no not him) - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:38 pm:
I’ve reached the awkward stage when I REALLY need a haircut but it’s still too short for a ponytail.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:39 pm:
I’m very lucky. Still employed, have my whole family together and haven’t lost anyone close to me from this disease. We get out of the house everyday for walks in the neighborhood, and have plenty of food/beverages. Ordering take out from a variety of local spots. Making the most of a bad situation. The weather could be nicer, but that’d just bring more yahoos out.
And trying very hard not to engage in much of the nonsense going on in these comments lately. And often failing. I promised myself early on that I would try to be positive or not comment. Epic fail.
I’ll try harder.
- West Sider - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:40 pm:
Better. We are all well, or on the upswing. The stress of the entire multigenerational family, now “working from home*- including multiple Zoom/Canvass/Go-to-Meetings occurring simultaneously- is nuts. But we are enormously fortunate to have such problems. I evermindful of how very lucky we are.
- Huh? - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:41 pm:
Fantastic. Wife has come back home from inlaws, so have been relieved of responsiblity for house plants and yowling cats. Glad wife is home too.
- RNUG - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:41 pm:
== the inability to be social and talk to a friend ==
Facebook, Zoom, Messenger can let you see and talk to your friends
== just get out of the house to escape my thoughts ==
Nothing stopping you from going for a drive in the country. The wife and I do that every few days, especially if the weather is nice. We just don’t stop anywhere people are. Closest we get to prople is at the gas station.
- Soccermom - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:41 pm:
My kids are quarantined together in Los Angeles. They seem to be having a wonderful time, but I miss them so much I can’t stand it. Apart from the constant anxiety about money and death, we’re doing pretty well…. (Seriously, we’re generally holding up all right, although Soccerdad stuck a knife in a plugged-in toaster this morning. I think it may have been a cry for help…)
- SSL - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:43 pm:
All good. Nice to see weather warming up. Golf courses being open has been nice. Hope all is well with you.
- Jibba - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:48 pm:
Feeling fortunate that the financial effects on me are low, and worried about others. Wanting out of the house, which is why I get frustrated seeing others breaking rules or agitating to open too early, which will prolong this thing or waste my efforts.
- Cool Papa Bell - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:49 pm:
@Ducky - jealous of the pie… I hope its a true rhubarb pie and you didn’t ruin it with strawberries… You’ve made me miss my Mom ever more now that I can’t get to her so she can make me one..
Otherwise good, its trying to have the kids at home every single minute of every day. Married people need some alone time!
And my dog is driving us crazy. I think we are driving her crazy. The five of us aren’t used to be around each other all the time.
- Cheryl44 - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:53 pm:
I trimmed my hair this morning. Just around my face, so I guess it’s a proto mullet. I also made a truly magnificent looking loaf of bread and perfected my stick blender mayo recipe.
- thoughts matter - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:54 pm:
not so hot. financially ok. Working from home full time, so not getting any home type projects done. Doing what I can for elderly parents without actually being allowed to visit. Not seeing offspring and grandchildren. Isolation and the four walls a little much.
- Interim Retiree - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 2:59 pm:
Feeling better now that I received my negative result from getting tested. First thing I did today was take my daughter’s car in for servicing. $600. So much for feeling better.
47th Ward - don’t try too hard, you are missed if you aren’t commenting.
- SAP - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 3:00 pm:
My daughter relieves her anxieties by baking stuff, so I got that going for me.
- @misterjayem - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 3:03 pm:
– MrJM
- Langhorne - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 3:03 pm:
Bored, but reading a lot of military History helps put things in perspective. the sacrifices everyone made during World War II (or civil war, or revolutionary) makes wearing a mask seem laughably trivial.
I miss my bar and restaurant buddies, but I am doing carry out at least twice a week, to try and help. I hate making a salad for one. I am using my cleaning lady to run errands which keeps me out of circulation since I have an assortment of compromising factors. And she needs the money.
Shaggy. Dug the clippers out.
I have an impressive list of projects around the house that I am almost thinking about starting to plan on preparing to begin. When the time is right.
I try to reconnect with an old old friend each weekend.
- TheInvisibleMan - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 3:30 pm:
I’m not trying to rub it in and this isn’t something I even tell anyone openly, but…
After adjusting my behaviors only a little bit to fit into how the outside world has changed, I’m now greatly enjoying the pace of my life now.
My garden has been planted and looks better than it has in years, and I’m looking forward to all the dinners that will be coming out if it.
It turns out I don’t really like interacting with the general public. Nobody has to force me to stay inside and away from them - especially now.
- cermak_rd - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 3:31 pm:
Continuing to work from home, play the clarinet (so my neighbors get live music, whether they want it or not…), learn German. Filling the time with those activities help to fill time and also keep things normal since those were activities I engaged in before.
- Earnest - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 3:38 pm:
I feel strangely out of step with the world, given work is very challenging and stressful and I wouldn’t have time to be going out even if I could. I’ve got a few things planted in the garden. Some days I feel like I’m plodding through monotonous days and some days I feel overwhelmed. And some days I’ve felt uncustomarily, how can I word it, spring-feverish.
- bogey golfer - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 3:42 pm:
Had been doing OK. Learned Mom will be under hospice care by week’s end.
- Amalia - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 4:01 pm:
while I miss live events of all sorts, I feel strangely ok with how life has to go. until I start thinking about this going on for a long time and the constant prospects of infection especially with new studies coming out about movement through air in closed spaces. then I’m anxious.
- Wensicia - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 4:15 pm:
It’s hard. I feel like we’re frozen in time and space with no way out.
- Dotnonymous - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 4:20 pm:
I’m grateful to be generally well…as I hope everyone remains going forth…Sunshine is coming.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 4:29 pm:
===still too short for a ponytail===
Same.
- Wylie Coyote - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 4:30 pm:
Drove 450 miles to stand in the pouring rain wearing a face mask to wave at my mom who was standing at her door. What more can I say?
- Skeptic - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 4:33 pm:
Still healthy, but I miss music (playing and listening) and sports (playing and watching) but still with a steady income. Having the chance to enjoy nature is good as well. And I have hope that maybe after all this they’ll decide after all that maybe, just maybe I can work from home at least some of the time.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 4:53 pm:
Rich, hope you’re well, keeping well, and the same to you all, that includes mental health, and if you need someone to talk to, reach out to find someone.
Me?
Doing better than some, same as others.
No banana bread this week, might make, arguably the best cookie ever;
Peanut Butter cookies… with chocolate chips.
- revvedup - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 5:14 pm:
Single in Chicago South Suburb, but wish I could come and go as I please w/o a mask (ripped last pair of plastic gloves). Somewhat surreal world to a point; keep remembering it will get better. Ration news (much not worth reading/hearing), using new upholstery cleaner and other things to stay busy while solo. Outside between rains; cut the lawn yesterday. Talk to friends now and again. It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world right now. Thanks to Rich and commentators for “the lively are of conversation” as the late Irv Kupcinet said.
- Proud Papa Bear - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 6:12 pm:
I’m a teacher and I’m usually exposed to a lot of germs. I’m in the odd situation of feeling healthier than ever during a pandemic.
Usually, during a crisis (eg. 9/11), I can turn to sports as an escape. Now even that is all pandemic-related.
- RNUG - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 6:59 pm:
Once the sun came out and I got a couple of chores done, I took a 2 hour drive on country roads. That helped a bit for today.
- Huh? - Thursday, May 14, 20 @ 10:18 pm:
Since first report this morning, am sad this evening. Learned a good man died today of cancer. My friend was a truly exceptional person, genuinely kind, generous, and ever cheerful. I never heard him curse, or get angry. He loved his job and was very good at what he did, he worked to go fly fishing. He made his work his play and played his life away. Gonna miss Terry.
- Top of the State - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 8:46 am:
I had my second shot for Shingles yesterday. Temperature, fatigue, and pretty much like the first shot. Feel better today and hope to get back to normal tomorrow. My Doc has seen a lot of Shingles cases and strongly encouraged his patients to receive the shots.