Deeper into the Corona

It’s been a weird week for everyone, I know. We’ve all been addicted to the news as we adjust to whatever this new normal is going to be. Our Zoom board meeting went well and it was interesting to get such a personal picture of everyone’s space (those who joined with video that is). I did a Zoom webinar on Thursday and learned how to make cool fake backgrounds so nobody can see your messy house or whatevs. Not sure the etiquette on that stuff, but it’s one more thing to learn in this new digital workplace.

An old cubicle neighbor from a prior job and I have big plans to use Google Hangouts to simulate the coworker experience next week while we’re both stuck working from home. We used to chat all day facing opposite directions with a cube wall between us, so it’ll kinda be just like the old days. Nice to connect with an old friend, too.

On Friday I rode my bike to the office to check the mail, scan stuff, get stamps and envelopes to send out checks, and make some bank deposits. I was also running some personal errands and as I cruised around downtown, it occurred to me  that this is the “note on the door apocalypse” because every single business had some kind of a note on their door about COVID-19 and the changes it entailed. From the herb store only accepting call-in orders to be picked up by appointment to the banks doing only drive-up or night drop, to the restaurants only doing carry out, everywhere has a sign on the door–and there is almost no one around.

I found out today that my brother is in actual quarantine from a meeting with a coworker who tested positive for the virus. He’s feeling great, but I feel bad for him literally stuck at home with no choice to go on a walk or run errands or anything. That would be the worst. At least I can go for walks, bike rides, go to the store, and little stuff like that. I can’t imagine not being able to leave at all. He only told us today, but he was exposed on the 12th, so it’s already been over a week and it’s good to know he’s okay. Still, this thing hits closer to home every day.

On my walk today (so grateful for this sunny weather) I came across a maybe 11 or 12 year-old girl writing positive messages on the street with sidewalk chalk. She wrote “Just Read” and drew some books, and “It’s okay to be afraid” and “You’ve got as much chance as everyone” on the road. It was cute, but kinda sad, too. These poor kids! I was about that age when Chernobyl happened, but life went on as normal and they didn’t cancel school or anything. It’s gotta be so scary to be young right now–and old!

How are you doing out there?