Outside

 

Slowly but surely? the villages cities, states, are re-opening.  Slowly but surely? vaccines are becoming more accessible. Slowly but surely? my confidence of not just being outside (beyond walking the dog) but on public transportation is growing.  

I re-loaded my transit card in anticipation of running a few errands over the next several weeks.  

I will likely take public transportation to get the vaccine when my number is called.  

Slowly. 

Surely.

Gingerly. 

Cheers to Spring! 

                                                                  my annual ode to spring

                                                                       Here they come 

The Year That Is Finally Ending

 

We are a short (or long, depending on your point of view) twenty days from the end of the longest (yet shortest) year ever. I'm hearing every day, time and time again about how all days have looked the same, how tired we all are of the routines, the isolation, the masks, the frustration with folks not wearing masks, how these days have been the longest ever. 

For me, the next twenty days will look a lot like the previous 346 with some exceptions for possible wardrobe changes for possible worsening weather conditions. 

Just to catch you up and to clue you in: 

Both my son and daughter remain healthy. My son's industry is basically shut down but he has managed to stay afloat and look as though he may weather the storm. Casting calls have resumed, albeit guardedly.  My daughter is working in an Assisted Living facility as a culinary lead.  They are tested weekly and have on-site safety protocols in place to minimize exposure and spread.  

My employment as a revenue cycle specialist with the medical billing company remains active.  My being able to work from home (even before the pandemic) has been quite the saving grace.  Things with the company were a little  shaky for a time; there were lay-offs at the beginning. There have been a couple of new hires so, at least things are holding steady. 

I have not cut my hair.  I am still sketching though not every day as before. But I feel good about what I produce and the communities I have discovered. I spent a good number of recent days creating and mailing greeting cards for the nearest and dearest of family and friends.  I expect to finalize the last batch before the weekend has expired.  

My annual medical visits, postponed from May because...well, you know, will take place over the next month or so. I have four appointments lined up and barring any hiccups in any of the labs or screenings I should be good to go for 2021. 

Twenty-twenty notwithstanding I'm feeling pretty good. Given the track record here over the last several months I probably won't be back here within the next twenty days so I shall wish you all 

Happy Happy Joy Joy  for whatever December holiday celebrations you observe.  May your next twenty days be more of the same or better or at least full of Peace Joy Love Health and Happiness 

The Newest Normal

prompt: something that starts with "T"

prompt: Lick and A Promise

Shelter at home, safer in place, self-quarantine, suspended, postponed, cancelled. This is Spring 2020.  Maybe Summer too? And dare we fear, Fall?  It is all too overwhelming to contemplate so I'm working on maintaining a day-to-day outlook.

It's difficult.

Point of fact my day-to-day hasn't changed much since the beginning of the government's efforts to "flatten the curve".  I was already working (so grateful) from home and I am not, under even the most perfect of conditions, a social butterfly.  My work hasn't had to shut down and in fact, may get busier as the days go on with folks seeking medical attention. (The company has clients whose practices are likely to be less in demand while others are likely see a dramatic uptick).

Still, I'm concerned.  Both my son and daughter work in industries that are not considered essential. Well, my daughter's industry is but as she was employed by an sports and entertainment venue her workplace was shuttered with days on the schedule.  She may be able to get hired on with another group within the industry but job hunting during this time is...well, challenging.  Her income or lack thereof impacts my (our ) budget.  She may get paid for the games missed, a promise with no concrete documentation.

There are options, not great but, something. Those are being explored, utilized in as much as they are feasible. 
 
My son is still waiting to hear if the university (he's a teaching artist working with a theater attached to one of Chicago's major universities) will pay staff during the shut down and if so, for how long.

I am concerned. March feels taken care of economically for us but the days, weeks, m o n t h s following, not so much. And beyond all that, both have, prior to their respective workplaces shutting down, had a lot of contact with a lot of humans.

The unknown (and an extreme lack of confidence in the federal government) invokes fear, anxiety. 

So yes, I'm working on maintaining a day-to-day outlook; trying to focus on that which I may solve.  And reaching out (even more) to family and friends. 

And leaning on art even more. 

Stay safe. Stay home if you can. Follow CDC protocols.  We're all in this together.