How long has it been since this mess all started? No, seriously. I seemed to have lost track. On purpose. My philosophy these days is to just make it through one day. One day. And then another. And then one more. The future can look kind of scary right now, so I don't touch it. I put it away. Tuck the future away for now. You can unfold it later.
I am one of those people who has been working since the pandemic started ... although, some days I try to stay away from the work environment--it's not always possible.
I am so so tired of drowning in stories of Covid-19. Is it just me? Yet here I am talking about it. Sorry. This isn't to say I am taking away from all those souls out there dealing with this right now, affected by the changes--furloughed, unemployed, sick. Maybe you're on the front lines at a grocery store check-out lane or at the doctor's office. Maybe you're a first responder. Maybe you're a doctor. Maybe you're a parent homeschooling their kid right now. God bless you. Or you're the teacher trying to walk the parents through your job. THANK YOU. We need you right now. You are valued.
There is no instruction manual on how to deal with this stuff.
In a weird way, though, I find misery does loves company. It feels good that most of the planet is united in this battle against a tiny microscopic organism.
What are you doing to stay busy? Can you focus on anything at all right now?
In order to try and help you take your mind off things, I've found some really cool things on the internet to pass on. Here we go:
1. Disney just handed out their recipe for their world-famous pineapple dole whip. If you've never been to the parks, and you like pineapple, this is a MUST. Plus, it's comfort in a cup.
The recipe (for a single serving) reads as the following:
1 big scoop of ice cream
4 oz of pineapple juice
2 cups of frozen pineapple
Add all ingredients to a blender until it’s a thick drink.
Add your swirl and then you’re done.
2. Do you have a library card? You can check out your favorite book online! Is your public library closed due to coronavirus concerns? What better time to check out reading material electronically? Most libraries have partnerships with one or more digital-lending services, meaning you can borrow, well, a library's worth of reading material, all from the comfort of your PC, phone or tablet.
Here's what you'll need to get started:
A library card
A compatible device: iPhone, iPad, Android phone/tablet, Kindle reader, Kobo reader.
Yep, that's about it. Did you know my books are on these services? Cool, right?
Next you'll want to visit your library's web site and look for something pertaining to e-books. It might be called "eLibrary" or "Downloads" or something else entirely, but it should lead you to at least one of the two major lending services: Hoopla Digital and OverDrive
OverDrive provides access to e-books and audiobooks, while Hoopla adds music, comics, movies and TV shows to the mix.
What kinds of books can you expect to find? Just like at the actual library, the selection may be somewhat limited, and you may have to wait to check out the book(s) you want. That's because, just like at the actual library, there are limited numbers of each title available for checkout.
3. Goldbelly -- online gourmet food store. Although this one might be a little more on the pricier side of things, it's not always bad to treat yourself--especially during a global pandemic. Also, you're supporting smaller shops and businesses nationwide. Looking to do something special for those who are hunkered down on Easter Sunday? This is a great place to order restaurant kits, ham, and care packages. I absolutely love this idea.
So, these are some of my suggestions to keep you going while you're bored or stuck at home, or you're still working but you're coming home and adhering to the self-isolation.
Stay healthy and sane, my friends!
Happy Easter!