How has life changed/is changing? Let's discuss!!

[Rukh O'Rorke]

What are you doing differently - or may plan to do differently?

Well for us - tofu has not been available for a while. I am awaiting a shipment of 5 pounds of soybeans and will try to make tofu myself. 

[Deleted]

First, please tell me how you’re doing, how you’re feeling. I’ve been concerned about you since you posted that you think you probably have the virus, and why.

[busymom]

Bread is getting more difficult to find, and I've been looking at different recipes, including recipes where I wouldn't need yeast.  I wonder if we'll end up living much as our grandparents did?  We're moving soon, & planning to put in a large vegetable garden this year.                                                                                                              


Except for searching for those hard-to-find items, we're spending more time at home. So thankful DS has a large collection of DVD's! If we need to hunker down long term, he's going to be the toughest to keep entertained.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

[giramomma]

There's not a whole lot we are doing differently...other than the obvious:
-Kids doing school at home
-Kids not in any activities

There's a few tweaks:
-I'm having to explicitly account for my work time where I didn't have to before
-I'm missing homework deadlines at school because of the above. Thankfully, my instructor is willing to work with me.
-DH is working a few less hours a week.

Otherwise, honestly, the grind is the grind.

[Lizard Queen]

Working from home is a welcome change, except for the crunch to transition to it so quickly. I work for an essential service, so I could go to the office, but I don't want to.

Kids not running around to a bunch of activities, good and bad. We put them in sports to burn off some of their excess energy. It's been really cold, so that's happening by annoying us inside these days. We are also avoiding the playground equipment down the road, much to my 7 year- olds chagrin.

We used to get pizza every Thursday, and order out another day many weeks. Not doing that any more. We are near several grocery stores, so don't usually stock up much ahead of time like we are now. Now, paper and cleaning products, we've always stocked up on with sales.

We've barely driven our vehicles, such that we're taking them out just to keep the batteries charged.

I was really starting to get into shape, going to the gym for weights and elliptical. That's gone, and my motivation is gone with it.

The whole rhythm of our lives has changed. Even though sleeping in a little is nice, I also miss it. I would have gone to church today. That made it feel like Sunday. I worked a little this afternoon, I'd never do that normally.

ETA: my kids putting their PJ's on before 7 pm reminded me: I'm wearing sweats all day, every day. 🙂

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Mar 22, 2020 16:15:30 GMT -5 @pinkcshmere said:

First, please tell me how you’re doing, how you’re feeling. I’ve been concerned about you since you posted that you think you probably have the virus, and why.

Thank you Pink! I am feeling better. I used an aggressive regime of herbal remedies. I know many poopoo such so I won't detail, but I am happy to share if any are interested.

Our initial symptoms were a bone deep fatigue. DS said he had never been so tired in his life. If you are wiped out for no apparent reason hours before bedtime, and it lasts for several and more days, I'd be concerned. 

I still have a cough and slight heaviness in my lungs, still mild, no concerns there. But the fatigue lifted and I feel like I have a personality again. 

[Deleted]

The pace of the city has changed immensely.  As much as I often bemoaned the frenetic pace and overwhelming traffic, seeing totally empty venues and zero cars is very weird and messing with my head a bit.  Okay, more than a bit.  

We almost always go out for lunch and now we hit up a drive-thru vs. sit-down. 

Loping away from someone in a store because they are headed to my safe, 6-foot space, is so wrong yet so necessary.  Women get it, men don't and show no concept of distancing and respect.  

Until this, I never realized how much I got from the interactions and sharing in the various community meetings I usually attend.  I chose to skip some early in March (attendance 100+) and others were cancelled.  I'm fearful that there will be many empty seats at the table in those meetings going forward.  

The harsh judgments of some in my circle who embrace "business as usual, don't cave to the fear, it's a hoax" are offset by the equally harsh judgments condemning me for going to the grocery store in a futile attempt to secure toilet paper and cat litter.  No, delivery and pickup don't work here.  Yes, I've tried.

I was brought to my knees and tears yesterday by a neighbor and acquaintance, not a particularly close friend, who called from the day-old bread store to ask if I needed any bread.  

[debthaven]

We have been on strict lockdown for a week tomorrow. It looks like they will be extending the lockdown to 4 weeks from the original 2.

How have things changed? I am a total homebody, very happy to spend 24h or even 48h in pjs/sweats. Yet even I am getting cabin fever!!! They banned the forest so we can't even go for walks in the forest anymore. We have to fill out a form every time we leave the house. DH and I argue because you're not supposed to go out with anyone at this point, even the spouse you share a bed with. I prefer to stay off anyone's radar, so I lag well behind DH and plan to pretend I don't know him if we get checked (we haven't yet).

I have a 45 commute to work, each way. I was looking forward to sleeping later but find that I'm getting up at the same time anyway because I still need to go over everything yet again before my Zoom classes (online teaching software). 

I am also IMMENSELY grateful that I have my DH. <3 I have two very close friends who are relatively recent widows (one 4 years but still struggling, one of 2 years who is coping better). I know I would be struggling SO MUCH harder than I already am if I were on my own. 

I miss my four children, their SOs, and grandson terribly.  I am thankful that they are all safe, and all finally on this side of the pond. But I feel like I NEED to seem them at this point, and I know that won't happen anytime soon.

 

 

[Deleted]

The isolation and rhythm of a typical day are the two I've noticed most.  It is early yet, so there is not really a shortage of food, etc.  But I miss getting up and thinking, "Oh, I think I'll put out mulch today or tomorrow.  I need to go WM or HD and get some."  

Now I wake up and think, "Ok, this is what I am going to eat for breakfast.  I need to eat that for lunch or supper so I use it up, etc."  I have become very mindful of wasting food.  And I miss simply seeing other people.  I listen to a lot of music, but no news.  I clean house a lot because there is nothing else to do.  

I think most of all I miss interacting with people.   I was missing that to some extent, anyway, after retiring and then DH dying.  But I was picking up my grandson once a week, having lunch with my DIL every couple of weeks, going to church, and some other stuff.  Now I talk exclusively with Abby.  She is an awesome cocker spaniel, but she has no sense of humor when it comes to my "jokes."  

[TheOtherMe]

It's breaking my heart that I will not get to see my great nephew before they move.  

[jerseygirl]

Looking forward to seeing little grandkids, 4 and 6, on FaceTime tomorrow. Going to try a small biology class every day. I taught college for about 12 years but I think this might be more difficult
Planning about 10 minutes talking then giving them little projects outside
Their parents called on FaceTime today to try out, they look frazzled after only a week of no school and working from home.
They expect lockdown in NY will be a month
Thankful they both have jobs and wfh and get paid. This will be difficult for people who lost their jobs and businesses
Hoping unemployment insurance will be made more easily. But there are many who were paid of the books not able to get even this.
The fortunate among us really need to seriously help

[debthaven]

TheO, you don't know that yet, I think. I hope that you can.

Last night I told DH, on some level, this past week has been like one EXTREMELY long day.

I was very angry at my school for giving us 48h (over the weekend!) to be operational on Zoom. In the end it was a good thing, both for me and my students.

[sesfw]

Didn't go to church this morning but watched the condensed version on utube.  The service was recorded yesterday complete with our pianist and greeter/moderator.  First time I've ever attended 'church' in my jammies.

Friday morning we delivered noon meals in the area.  Wore gloves and handed the meals to our clients in a basket so stayed the social distance.  Wash my hands a lot and I'm getting low on hand lotion.

Dh is having a tooth out tomorrow and the dentist didn't cancel the appointment.

I need to go to work for a few minutes tomorrow to clean up my mess, then I'll be home for the duration.  Sure hope I have a job to go back to.

We have a lot of DVDs and I have a lot of needle work going, so I should be able to stay busy.  My ironing pile is getting high.

Ask me again in a couple of weeks.  I know when I retired, I lasted 3 months before going crazy.


PS:  need to find an online class to take to keep myself disciplined.

[lynnerself]

We're retired and not that socially involved.

Biggest change is not visiting DD and 20 month old grandson, which we used to do weekly.  Only other change is not eating out anymore.

Well, then there is travel. We had 4 trips planned for this year. Not sure how many we'll make. Really hoping for Hawaii in December.

[mathsplosion]

Mar 22, 2020 18:30:24 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Last night I told DH, on some level, this past week has been like one EXTREMELY long day.

I was very angry at my school for giving us 48h (over the weekend!) to be operational on Zoom. In the end it was a good thing, both for me and my students.

I agree!  We also had 48 hours to get things up and going.  Each day felt 6 weeks long.  This weekend offered a little breathing room so I was able to plan things a little better and at least feel like I've got a little something under control.  

The kids are having a big learning curve as well.  Walking into the dining room and seeing my senior sobbing at the table on Friday was a knife to my heart.  He's not worried about graduation.  He's worried about learning and getting his work done.  He has a very tough schedule and his teachers are still trying to figure out a balance. 

[NancysSummerSip]

I'm still working at my office, though everyone else works from home. What I do requires that I work from the office, but at least I am alone. I've gotten to really like it that way. While I am already out, I do the grocery/pet food run if necessary. With the coming of senior hours, this will help. Aside from work and the life necessities (and the bookstore trip today, which someone on this board criticized without knowing my circumstances as a caregiver who also has a job and has full responsibility for a home), that's been it. I do get out every morning for a workout, alone, before dawn. But I consider the physical exercise a necessity.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Mar 22, 2020 18:24:35 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

The isolation and rhythm of a typical day are the two I've noticed most.  It is early yet, so there is not really a shortage of food, etc.  But I miss getting up and thinking, "Oh, I think I'll put out mulch today or tomorrow.  I need to go WM or HD and get some."  

Now I wake up and think, "Ok, this is what I am going to eat for breakfast.  I need to eat that for lunch or supper so I use it up, etc."  I have become very mindful of wasting food.  And I miss simply seeing other people.  I listen to a lot of music, but no news.  I clean house a lot because there is nothing else to do.  

I think most of all I miss interacting with people.   I was missing that to some extent, anyway, after retiring and then DH dying.  But I was picking up my grandson once a week, having lunch with my DIL every couple of weeks, going to church, and some other stuff.  Now I talk exclusively with Abby.  She is an awesome cocker spaniel, but she has no sense of humor when it comes to my "jokes."  

This.  I have been trying to be more mindful of what has the possibility of going bad in the fridge, and to try to use it up.  Last week, I had about a half a dozen mushrooms that got tossed into rice.  Tonight, the curry I make is going to contain a bunch of leftover veggies as well as the leftover chicken.  I am really glad I went to the middle eastern market and stocked up on their spices after, lunch a few weeks ago.  

I think tomorrow I am going to try to make bagels.  I have a container of the everything bagel topping.

[MarleyKeezy78]

I am Human Resources for a small home health care franchise, this past week has been hell. I not only work in the office,(but have been working mostly from h9me this week) I caregive for the company too. On the front lines taking care of people and having to wade through all the shit and send out reassuring and informative info to over 100 caregivers and all of our clients has been very stressful. Webinars, Meetings, PowerPoints, (in gloves and masks of course) I feel done!!! We had to go to the office yesterday and I typed up a letter, had to make sure we had a certificate for our caregivers to be out to do their job in case of Martial Law and a signs and symptoms for Covid 19. We ended up with rum and vodka in our coffees at the conference table because Jesus Christ 😫 So that was how my day off was. I want to drink myself to sleep 😂 Except I have to get up and work again tomorrow. I may not have time off for a couple weeks. My husband is a teacher and my 11 year old is out of school like my husband. I am about to go stir crazy 🤪

[Deleted]

Well, ever since all the bars, restaurants, and gyms closed, my life has...pretty much stayed exactly the same.  

Kids being home all the time is a change.  

[Tennesseer]

I have noticed chain restaurant ads on TV are all offering free delivery.  Hell must have frozen over.

[weltschmerz]

Mar 22, 2020 18:24:35 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

The isolation and rhythm of a typical day are the two I've noticed most.  It is early yet, so there is not really a shortage of food, etc.  But I miss getting up and thinking, "Oh, I think I'll put out mulch today or tomorrow.  I need to go WM or HD and get some."  

Now I wake up and think, "Ok, this is what I am going to eat for breakfast.  I need to eat that for lunch or supper so I use it up, etc."  I have become very mindful of wasting food.  And I miss simply seeing other people.  I listen to a lot of music, but no news.  I clean house a lot because there is nothing else to do.  

I think most of all I miss interacting with people.   I was missing that to some extent, anyway, after retiring and then DH dying.  But I was picking up my grandson once a week, having lunch with my DIL every couple of weeks, going to church, and some other stuff.  Now I talk exclusively with Abby.  She is an awesome cocker spaniel, but she has no sense of humor when it comes to my "jokes."  

I used to go out a lot.....movies and concerts and plays and Tai Chi and yoga and dinner out. Now I wake up and and it takes a minute before I realize I'm now living between the pages of a Dean Koontz novel, and life is not the same. Now it's just me and the cat.
He's been good company, all purrs and snuggles and conversations at top volume, but it's just not enough.

[Sharon]

I'm finding that working from home is good for me.  My stress is greatly reduced and I've lost 5lbs so far.  I've never been one to go out and about a lot so there isn't much change that way.  I'm not making quick trips to the store to pick up things on a whim anymore. 

Today I did go down and babysit the grands for a few hours while DD and DSIL were meeting with a potential new employer for DSIL.  The neighbors still visit out on the driveways like usual but just stand further apart.  The other day I visited with my next door neighbor lady, she stood on her driveway and I stood on the sidewalk.  We were probably 15 feet apart.

My biggest issue is Mom.  I have been grocery shopping for her (80 years old and recent hip replacement) and with the limits on the amount that can be purchased at one time it is difficult.  I've had to go to the store more often then if it was just for me.  If I could pick up 2 loaves of bread for each of us then I wouldn't have to go so often.  I actually did take her to the store last Friday so she could do a big stock up, hope it wasn't a mistake.

[teen persuasion]

I'm a homebody, so I'm perfectly happy staying in for long periods of time, I've got lots of books to read, projects to tackle, stuff I should be doing (like cleaning) but procrastinate on...

I went in to work Monday-Thursday, but limited hours and worked alone, so I've kind of eased into this. My boss has opted to go in this week, so I'm home.

I've been cooking and baking more than I have in a while, and trying to plan them logically. A week ago Friday I made ricotta cheese for lasagna from scratch (meatless for lent). So now I've got whey to use in baking instead of using up our milk. St Paddy's day I made Irish soda bread, Friday made waffles for breakfast, and pizza dough for dinner. Made a pot of soup Saturday, so we've had leftover pizza and soup for lunches. Cookies are almost gone, so mixed up some chocolate chip cookies. Probably will try bagels as we're out of those. I've been trying to ration out the eggs - the chickens have been hit and miss over the winter with egg laying, getting back up to 2 eggs per day most days, but we got 3 today! DH likes an egg for breakfast each day, so I have to watch what I decide to make. Lasagna has eggs for the noodles and one in the filling, for example.

One good thing about being home - we should all be getting caught up in our sleep for once. No need to get up early. DS5 has really been catching up - sleeping late but still going to bed relatively early, and took a nap the other day (wind storm knocked the power out, so no internet, no gaming). DH can't convince him to join DH and get out running, yet. At least the weather has mostly been good enough that DH can run outside, since the Y is closed now. Wondering if he should drop the membership for now; he just wants a place to run in winter.

[Deleted]

Mar 22, 2020 17:57:48 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Mar 22, 2020 16:15:30 GMT -5 @pinkcshmere said:

First, please tell me how you’re doing, how you’re feeling. I’ve been concerned about you since you posted that you think you probably have the virus, and why.

Thank you Pink! I am feeling better. I used an aggressive regime of herbal remedies. I know many poopoo such so I won't detail, but I am happy to share if any are interested.

Our initial symptoms were a bone deep fatigue. DS said he had never been so tired in his life. If you are wiped out for no apparent reason hours before bedtime, and it lasts for several and more days, I'd be concerned. 

I still have a cough and slight heaviness in my lungs, still mild, no concerns there. But the fatigue lifted and I feel like I have a personality again. 

Please do share. PM is  fine, if that’s what you prefer. I’m always interested in herbal remedies. Especially so with yours since you mentioned fatigue.

SO glad that you are feeling better. DS too. I hope you both continue to take good care of yourselves even though your symptoms have started to improve. 

[MarleyKeezy78]

On the up side, my husband and kid are home for an indeterminate amount of time and hubby has been doing the dishes, laundry and cooking 🤗 I guess losing my mind at work will balance out without having to do these things 😂

[Ryan]

For me, the week has been fine.  I've been running more in the morning because, if I don't, the time outside has been limited.  I'm working from home and that works fine from me, I get way more done at home than I do work so it works for me.  

My wife is probably having a harder time than me.  I think I must be an introvert/extrovert because, while I'm outgoing and get charged up by being around friends, it hasn't bothered me at all to be isolated with just my family.  My wife wanted to go on a walk with her aunt today, but her aunt was in NYC within the week, to me I didn't think it was worth it.  She didn't end up going because I planted the seed in her head that it might be dangerous.  To me, that's a no brainer.  I'm not hanging around inside my house for the entire week just to blow it by going on a walk with a relative who is coming out of a hot zone.  I felt bad because I might've overreacted and she probably needed it for mental health.  

[countrygirl2]

Well, this is just a continuation of boredom. Ever since all the stores around here had started closing over a year ago, I've been going nuts.  It's been getting worse and worse with nothing to do or anyplace to go.  But this is really starting to kill me and its just started.

We aren't getting dressed, sitting around doing nothing, watching TV, reading. On the computer bitching about trump, I need to get the jerkoff out of my brain. I cook and cook and do laundry and laundry.  I was losing weight probably not now I don't know.

I am going to work at the house tomorrow and I'm tired of that too.  I have been struggling with trying to enjoy life for sometime. I wanted to head for Florida this year but instead opted to help hubs get this place done.  
 
But none of it is going to work out for quite awhile. We are going to have to let renters stay most likely without paying. That is going to cost us for taxes and insurance just when we were going to go the other way. If they can't pay, they can't pay.  I'm not about to evict these people at least for some time.

Now I likely won't get my new flooring again either, sigh.  

I don't know what is going to happen. Maybe when it warms up and we can get in the yard,  plant flowers and a garden perhaps my mood will improve. I never thought things like this would bother me but it is. At least our internet is working so that's good. And if I get my new serger, maybe I can sew.  I am still hearing they need masks. I don't mind making them but do they really need them. I hate to do the work and find out its for naught. I found 24 yards of black elastic not white and I have fabric.  My head hurts tonight. 


I also am trying to conserve and not waste food as we don't know where this is going to go.

[hopetoberich]

I closed down my small business.
Husband works for a hospital so we have his income but it won't be enough.
We probably spent $500ish on stocking up supplies.
I plan on cooking from scratch every thing today was homemade churro.


We are mid 50's. DH has most of the health concerns that don't have a good outcome. He may not survive that if he gets it. I only has asthma so might stand a better chance. There is just no point in sugar coating things. We are not stupid.
He ate a few of my lemon cakes today, I said nothing. He can do whatever he wants. Just be happy.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

The lack of child care has been the biggest game changer for us.  We use daycare through the school which is shut down.  Daycares around here are still open but are not accepting new clients which I totally understand.  #1 they can't maintain 10 people or less per room that way and #2 that is introducing new exposure risks.

DH's company is being wonderful about it considering he's only been there a month.  Not only will they let him take a day off here and there they will pay him full salary.   My individual site has been great as well I can work half days this week and they will adjust to 8 hours so I am not burning vacation.

That leaves at the moment another two weeks.   However if this goes on longer I will need to talk to my boss about taking up her swing shift offer.  I am thinking two days a week I work 5-1 or 6-2 that way my mom doesn't go insane.   Boss is in the same boat I am so I said if we need to do that so she can arrange her daycare too I am okay with that, we will figure it out so neither of us are down at the same time.

We don't know if we will close.   With what we do I would consider us essential to an extent but there are things that while not ideal would keep clients going by till we reopen.  So far corporate does not have any intention of giving us full pay should that happen.  We have been told we will get "something" but won't elaborate on what.   

I now have a month's worth of groceries, more if I make use of leftovers regularly which I do anyhow.  Dusting off a lot of my cooking knowledge to be able to make the most of what I have.  And DH said my two shelves of cookbooks were too much.

TP may become a problem if people don't get over hoarding in a few more weeks.   Though we do have my grandma's old books downstairs which I have zero intention of reading so they can be sacrificed for the greater good. 

I can handle two months if it comes down to that.  If it were to come to the 8-18 months some doomsayers are predicting I am not sure what state my mental health will be in.   I'm already starting to get to where my anxiety is making me unable to function and it's only been a week.   The social isolation thing isn't so much a contributor as is the not knowing.

[raeoflyte]

Dh has started locking the chicken run. Fear of egg or chicken looters I don't know, but it seriously made me feel sick to have to open a padlock on it this morning. Things aren't good, but I really don't think we're at the point of needing to lock up the chickens.

I'm not sure whose feeling trump whose in this situation. It's not a huge inconvenience, but I also feel like dh's untreated anxiety is starting to spiral out of control. He also seems stuck on this endless loop of how he is exposing us by going to work, "undoing" all of our quarantine efforts. Which is simply not true. Yes, we will be exposed to him, but it's still necessary and helpful for us to stay home, and everyone still wants er access for their pets.

I want to be kind and supportive, but at the same time regular life was hard enough with someone always looking for disaster. When actual near disaster is here we need to be problem solvers, not problem finders.