Category: General Cogitation Page 7 of 40

Is anybody still out there? It’s been a fortnight since we all holed up in our homes. We are several days into our “stay at home” order. Only essential errands are allowed, however outdoor exercise is still permitted. In fact the only reason I leave the house is to go out for a run. It sucks to be stuck in the house as the temperatures start getting warmer. The funny thing is I probably still wouldn’t go anywhere even if we weren’t ordered to stay at home. Perhaps the zoo I guess. Nice weather makes running more enjoyable. We can open the windows, provided someone with the virus doesn’t walk up and sneeze through the screen. Oh, and grilling season is starting!

Going Stir Crazy?

They are not practicing proper social distancing!

I always work from home, so that doesn’t feel different. However having everyone home when I’m working is a new challenge. I’m a creature of routine and I don’t like forced changes to my routine. I have a six year old who has also been forced out of her routine, so that adds a new level of excitement. I think we’re adjusting fine.

Supposedly kids can return to school in two weeks. I’m not convinced that will actually happen. As much as I try to avoid watching the news, I have heard that the virus hasn’t peaked yet, however they are expecting it soon. I think the next two weeks might be the best indicator as to how effective the containment efforts have been. The next two weeks may also determine how much longer we can expect everything to be shut down.

In fact I still don’t know anyone, personally, that has the virus. I guess that means everyone I know is smart enough to know that this is serious. I still hear stories of people gathering at parks or friends homes. It doesn’t make sense that people still refuse to adhere to the CDC containment guidelines. Isn’t it better to err on the side of caution.

Now I know why Negan was so pissed.

Please people, be smart and stay safe.

We are four days into “social distancing” (if you exclude the weekend). We only go to the store if its necessary. So far the cases in the city seem to be outside our area but I don’t expect that to last very long. Thankfully none of us are showing symptoms but that doesn’t mean the stress isn’t starting to get to me. Either the stress is going to kill me or my wife will as my temper has been short and explosive lately. I don’t know if its stress from uncertainty or from the disruption in my routine. Probably both.

So far I don’t know anyone, personally, that has contracted the virus. I worry about my folks and other friends and family that fall into the “at risk” demographic. I hope that they take the necessary precautions. You don’t have to live in fear but don’t be so obtuse to confuse fear with common sense. The standard flu is absolutely no fun, and this is far worse and more contagious than the flu. Why would you be so careless?

Home Schooling and Exercising

The other challenge about this pandemic isolation is that we get to be teachers for a few weeks. I have new respect for Kindergarten teachers. They have skills for teaching kids that I will never have; like patience. I don’t know how they can convince a 5 year old to do her school work when all she wants to do is play with her toys. Granted we are only a couple days into this; I’m hoping this will get easier. I think it will get easier as a new routine develops (for the short term).

Regardless of the situation, I’m still finding time to exercise. As long as the weather is nice, and nobody in the house is symptomatic, I go for a run. This flu is only airborne up to 6 feet, and there’s no walls, door knobs or handrails on the sidewalks. As long as someone with the flu doesn’t run up and cough in my face, outdoor exercise is safe.

Outdoor, large gatherings, is NOT safe; yet some people are still doing it. If this flu turned people into zombies, this would be just like The Walking Dead. The only positive of that scenario is at least the idiots would be the first to die off. I know, at first, we all scoffed at the coronavirus, but it’s not as funny anymore. Even churches are closing and cancelling services. Its much more serious than we think and I think the mayors, governors and president are not trying to scare us; they’re trying to protect us.

Be smart and stay safe, people.