You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
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Corona Chat
The boating community is pretty isolated and there are a lot of vulnerable people. Some of the people in the community have come together in conjunction with some of the local charities to service the whole length of this canal so that people have the support they need. My friend is one of the main people involved in it and she's doing a fantastic job. We are all in safe hands. I wasn't sure whether to post this here as it's corona related or the other thread as it's positive but settled on here.
It's great to read about people taking care of each other.I've also decided to focus on the positives of this crisis. We're in it, it sucks, not much to do about that. But there are many great initiatives in which people help each other, people can take a step back from their busy lives and have quality time with their families and do low-key activities like going for a walk and playing board games, we're all getting very innovative in teaching for example, effects on air quality and such are already visible.. I don't want to downplay what's going on, and I know there are also a lot of people working harder than ever and stressed about losing businesses and jobs, but I can't just focus on that all day long.
My colleague just introduced the term 'distant socializing' instead of 'social distancing', which sounds a lot more positive too.
This is a great idea. I recommended my best friend yesterday to stop reading the news for a few days since all of this was making her overly anxious.
I don't think you are downplaying this, Peggy. This is obviously serious, no doubt, but there is that much anxiety one can tolerate before going crazy, specially considering this involves "isolation" and will go for a long time. Anxious people can't help another person even if they have the means, so it's better for everyone to calm down.
Yes, it's not like I'm ignoring all the negatives, I come across them all day long. I just want to make sure to have eye for the positive too.
And talking about helping each other, yesterday an email from our school district brought tears to my eyes. The subject was "How can we help?". They said that now that they have kind of figured out the onlines classes, they wanted to help with other things,and contact people in need with people willing to help. This included not only financial donations and a food bank, but also childcare, petcare, tutoring for kids that make don't have they teachers to help, etc. It was moving seeing the community moving to reach every single member who might be in need.
I totally get it. I have limited how much I watch it on the news too. I watch the briefing at 12 and then Henry gives me the military update when he gets home.I saw some pictures of Venice and the water is turning back to a vibrant blue and there are dolphins in the canals. I don't like the reason it's becoming blue, but Mother Nature is amazing.
Great idea Mods :-) The other thread was getting very depressing. At least now we have a place to moan without depressing others and if we have anything other than the virus to discuss (well, it is possible LOL) the normal thread is there.
I couple of articles today which I thought interesting. One was the effect of social isolation on Venice and the state of the canals there. Apparently, there have been sightings of dolphin in them as the waters clear! That was a nice positive one. The negative one was that 50% of the people in intensive care in France due to coronavirus are under 60! That's pretty scary!The NHS are doing a massive recruitment drive, as are a lot of the local supermarkets. So those who cannot work for other reasons may be able to pick up some temporary work elsewhere which is great. If I didn't have asthma, I'd have signed up for the NHS as I used to work on a respiratory ward as a healthcare assistant years ago. In fact, it was during the SARS outbreak.
Once the threat eases more, I might have to get a 'proper job' if my business is slow to build back up again. Now I have a car it will be easier. I guess we just see how things pan out.
Another lovely thing in the boating community is that each night at 8pm they are all posting a link to a music video. They are trying to create a music mexican wave. I really liked this idea. Music was helping me a lot yesterday.
I've sought permission from the canal and river trust so that we can stay put for moment and don't have to move the boat which I'm grateful for. One less thing to worry about.
'distant socializing' is a great term. Kudos to your colleague Peggy!My book club WhatsApp group is cheering me up. All through the day people are sharing funny clips and messages.
We have made an agreement in my house not to mention corona news throughout the day. We all watch the TV news together at 6 pm and then the UK news at 7pm. Pete is English and his Dad and brother, along with many friends and some of my family, live there still so we want to know what's happening. We talk about it all then.
Other than that life goes on. I Call friends, go for short walks, try to meditate a bit. I find I can only read fantasy books at the moment. I can get completely immersed in a fantasy world.
I think I need to move over to fantasy books again. My graphic novel has been good but my chosen book which is ghostly is not right for me now. I might have a look at my options in a bit.
I'm reading a fantasy book now, and I was thinking today that my next book is definitely not going something difficult, depressing or heavy. Maybe a cozy mystery, a fantasy, some chicklit even. Light and fluffy please!Nursing homes have been closed down here too. It's the best I guess, but so sad, for example people with dementia who now can't be visited by their family members. And Skype, even with help, just isn't the same for those people.
And our minister of Medical Affairs has stepped down. He fainted yesterday during a debate in parliament. He's overly tired because of the last weeks. Men, it can't be nice being among the decision makers of a country right now.
The rules are more severe than a few days ago. When I came home from groceries, I found my son and partner suddenly at home. My partner said that he was obligated to stay home. I immediately thought he was sick and quaraintained, but he needs to work from home and our osn is home from the emergency care. He has almost no work, because he works for the department of education and all the schools are closed.I went for food for my chickens, but it was all gone! People act like hamsters over chicken food! Normally they'll have it again Saterday. Then I went to the supermarket: people were all in a row all over the parking and were let in one by one. I had no time and needed to go to work, so I went to another supermarket.
Police are patrolling in the streets, asking why you're out.
Because I work in health care, the managing board made a document that we need to be out for our work and cannot work from home. Also, apparently, we can use this to be not in the waiting line for the supermarket.
I get the feeling now how it must be for people in the WW I and II.
Sarah wrote: "I couple of articles today which I thought interesting. One was the effect of social isolation on Venice and the state of the canals there. Apparently, there have been sightings of dolphin in them ..."I've heard also that the air in Italy was much better since everyone needs to stay at home. I can only hope that we can pull lessons out of it for the climate.
I like 'distance socializing' :) And I feel that it's just an alternative of living, that can be a bit enjoyable too. We're slowing down, maybe enjoying our time more. I've worked with my son in the garden yesterday and we enjoyed it. He needs mor structure due to his ASS, but he's doing okay. Monday he was so upset and cried that I decided to let him stay home yesterday. Now he doesn't need to go to the emergency care, so I hope, with his structure, it'll be good now.
It's just bizarre reading about it Saar, police asking why you're out, the need to carry a document, those lines outside the supermarket.. I wonder whether we will get to that stage too. People really aren't considering the 1.5m distance advice.It's my birthday next week and obviously it will be a very small celebration. I just came across a local restaurant that can bring you a 3 course meal and you only need 5 minutes preparation for each course. I think I'm going to order that with Rob on my birthday, to make it a little like a celebration, while at the same time supporting a local business.
I just need to check whether it requires a microwave, because we don't have one.
Great idea for your birthday Peggy. Lots of pubs, ccafes and restaurants have started doing take out and deliveries here.
That is is crazy Saar! I too wonder if it will be like that here.
Yes, it's just bizarre. We've got 40 000 police agents who our out of their normal tasks, like surveilling football matches, so instead, they get patrol duties. Even kids playing 4 meter out of each other, get comments. If you don't keep your distance of 1,5 metres or are out when you can't, you get a fine or 3 months prison. It's insane!Thats' a great idea for your birthday, Peggy, I hope you'll enjoy your special day.
What a great idea Peggy!
We are planning to have a virtual Mother's Day drink with my husband's Mum & Dad and his sister and husband. A lot different to most years but hey, that is the way it is and you have to try to make the best of the situation.
From Monday, I will be working from home for the foreseeable future.
We are planning to have a virtual Mother's Day drink with my husband's Mum & Dad and his sister and husband. A lot different to most years but hey, that is the way it is and you have to try to make the best of the situation.
From Monday, I will be working from home for the foreseeable future.
That sounds like fun Anna! I also suggested to friends we should just have online drinks, and to colleagues to have an online lunch. Some universities here have decided to provide only online education for the remainder of the academic year. Wow, I can't imagine staying here at home until the end of the school year and then for the summer holidays as well, so not returning to work until September!
Also, I am so annoyed by all the people not observing the guidelines! But I don't feel like I can address strangers on the street, as I would my parents or friends. Right now we don't have a lockdown like other countries, we can still go outside, but still you see so many (young) people getting together, in supermarkets people don't keep their distance.. I'm sure we can slow spreading of the virus if people stick to all the advices, but if they don't, I wouldn't be surprised if the government has to force everyone to stay at home.
I left the boat today for the firsst time in a week. I had to get out. Just went for a drive andd Rob went into to the supermarket while i waited in the car. It was good to get out. But i was surprised how busy it was in local towns - not much different to normal to be honest. And so many old people! I think tighter rules are coming in for London today. But it need to wll over i think, especially here in the south west where we're short A LOT of crittical care beds.
We have our first confirmed case in my county. Michigan finally started getting more tests and we are at 336 cases. We went out yesterday for a few minor things but the stores were pretty empty. My in-laws went on a cruise while this was made public but really hadn’t hit the US that we knew of. My husband said “Is this really worth your life?” They didn’t want to lose their money. Now they are stranded on the boat with limited supplies because South Africa doesn’t want them to deboard and catch flights. They have been virus free on this cruise (over 3 weeks on it) so they won’t contaminate people. We had to get our State Representative involved in hopes that they can get the government to let them off to get to the airport. This is crazy. The citizens are attacking the tourists my in-laws were told by the ship. This is crazy. I wish they would have not even done this cruise. I can imagine they are scared but honestly it is probably safer on that cruise if they can get some supplies.
I'm trying to stay in as much as possible and keep myself clear of my housemate (she's upstairs, I'm downstairs and we meet on the middle floor in the sitting room and kitchen). She's out socialising all Saturday and possibly some of Sunday. Crazy, but there's not much I can do about it. At least I have the run of the place until Sunday night.In the meantime, I'm trying to make my pad as cozy as possible and I'll be able to read in complete peace!
Peggy wrote: "Some universities here have decided to provide only online education for the remainder of the academic year. Wow, I can't imagine staying here at home until the end of the school year and then for the summer holidays as well, so not returning to work until September!.."I'm probably in the same siuation Peggy. I think they'll seal off the College for the foreseeable future on Monday.
Many universities here in the US have also decided to keep classes online for the rest of the semester, the one where my husband works and the one my oldest daughter attends included. My kids school is still supposed to resume on March 30th but I'm sure they won't. At this point it seems pretty obvious to me that they are not coming back. This is a small university town and in general what the university does is what everyone else does.Pennsylvania has 263 cases today, and we also had the first case in our county. That supports my feeling that school won't be resuming any time soon.
Oh man, Jannene. Your in'laws got themselves into a bad situation there. I agree that getting supplies onto the ship would be a better idea. Then, they could just cruise back! Annerlee, it's so frustrating when people ignore the recommendations set out for everyone. It just makes it worse for those of us who are doing what we're supposed to.
That is insane, Jannene. I hope everything turns out well for them.Jayme, I hope your dad gets a flight soon. I've heard other people complaining at how Mexico is handling this.
Lol, I was reading and a sentence was something like 'Thick walked into the room, sneezing.' My first response was 'No! You can't walk among other people now, go home!'It was just a very quick reflexive thought, but I guess it shows how it occupies my mind.
The universities decided also to give only online courses untill the end of the academic year.I hope school can start after the Easter holidays, otherwise I don't know how my son will get to the second grade. Also, 9th May he has his Spring party. That's something similar to the first communion, but without the communion. There's a ceremony at school and then we've got a rexervation booked in a restaurant for 22 people. I have the feeling that we'll have to cancel.
Virtual aperitieves sounds like fun! It's a great alternative.
That's insane what is happening to your in - laws, Jannene! I hope they can get home safely.
I must admit, work is crazy and I'm so tired!
My grandson stocks shelves on the nightshift at Safeways. He texted me this morning to tell me that the store is open from 7:00-8:00 am for seniors so that they can have access while the shelves are all freshly stocked. I hear that there was even toilet paper! I'm glad stores are starting to do that.
The're are some stores who do that to here. And also for people working in healthcare and police, they don't need to stand in the waiting line to enter the supermarket. I'll test that tomorrow when I'll go with my document that I work in healthcare. I don't feel great about doing that, but we're one of the few that still need to go to work.
Your comment made me lol, Peggy! We definitely have a different perspective right now. Janice, in my area they are doing that as well, but also allowing anyone with a compromised immune system to shop then too. The goal is to keep the higher risk people separate from the general population. I think it’s a great idea.
Peggy wrote: "Lol, I was reading and a sentence was something like 'Thick walked into the room, sneezing.' My first response was 'No! You can't walk among other people now, go home!'It was just a very quick re..."
LOL, Peggy.
Don't feel bad about using it Saar!Supermarkets here are starting to do early hours for seniors too.
My mom just texted that she and my dad are going to be extra careful from now on. They're both totally healthy but they are 65 and officially a risk group. They were sticking to all the advice already, but there are more and more cases, so they will do their shopping for a week early in the morning, and stay at home for the rest of the time. I'm glad they decided to do so.
Kristie wrote: "Janice, in my area they are doing that as well, but also allowing anyone with a compromised immune system to..."That is great. It is not hard to implement, really. It is just a matter of good willing. I am glad they are doing this.
That''s worrying Jannenne. Hopefully they'll get supplies andd set same for the US again.I've been reading over the last day or so about how more younger people are being effected here in Europe. In France, 50% of those in ICU are under 60. I saw a video circulating of a British healthy 39 year old woman in ICU eith coronavirus. She was in a right state. It's very worrying.
All pubs, cafes, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, gyms, and leisure centres have closed here now.
My country has the highest death rate in Southeast Asian and the government hasn't suggest the lockdown, only social distancing, wfh, and such. I barely read the news, mom always update it for us which only worry her more.What a coincidence to read books about viruses. One talks about Spanish flu, and the other talks about ebola and corona's siblings. So just like other outbreaks, I do believe this Covid-19 will be gone as mysteriously as it came.
Saw this on facebook earlier - Australians coming up with abbreviated terms in relation to covid19 and how said terms are used in a sentence. Made me chuckle. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
Sarah wrote: "Saw this on facebook earlier - Australians coming up with abbreviated terms in relation to covid19 and how said terms are used in a sentence. Made me chuckle. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story..."The link says content not found. "The link you followed may be broken, or the page may have been removed."
We've paused teaching next week to move to online courses. We are expecting the rest of this semester, but preparing for the second too. So the whole academic year - but that means a lot longer for us than you guys.My new boss left work on Thursday and on Friday sent an email saying she was in lockdown as she had been exposed. She left work, picked up shopping for her immunity compromised friend, and then was chatting to the friend and the friends husband. The husband had a cough. And while she was there the phone rang to tell the husband that he had been exposed on a flight.
Boss went home, called her partner and told him he wasn't to come home and was staying with his parents for the foreseeable future. Eek!
I sat down with my new team this week, and we'll keep working at work this week at the moment. Some staff are practical who need equip or collections, and don't want to work at home. Some are isolated and want company. I just feel like abandoning the team one week into being their boss is shit. We are pretty spread out with separate offices, and the academic staff and PhD students have been encouraged to work from home.
But the more that comes out, I am wondering if this a bad call for me with Lexx as a T1 diabetic. But there is no literature on this, it's either old people with diabetes, or T2 diabetics, or young people. Not young people with T1. It's really hard to make decisions.
Kristie wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Saw this on facebook earlier - Australians coming up with abbreviated terms in relation to covid19 and how said terms are used in a sentence. Made me chuckle. https://m.facebook.com/s..."Oh, here you go: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ETgx2iIX0...
My baby cousin is already hashtagging #ronatime
haha Thanks, Rus. That's great. Thanks for linking. At least your boss didn't bring it into the office. How about making it optional? For now, those that feel safer working from home may do so. Those that need/want to be at work can still come in for the time being. You could work mostly from home and only go in if you are needed. At least you'd have less exposure that way, but still be available. I feel like any diabetes or preexisting condition like that puts people at higher risk.
I feel like you guys in Australia haven't had a break from major issues in such a long time. You are long overdue for some good news.
My daughter has two people that work with her that are being tested and awaiting results right now. There are already 5 confirmed cases in her city. Scary.
Our policy is that if you don't feel safe and want to work from home, you can. I spent all Friday with my team setting up laptops for them to test over the weekend to see what works at home. They all want to come in at the moment, and I feel a little like I should as they want to.I sent two people home early this week as they were wreaked. I said to them all - If you are tired, not sleeping, vaguely unwell, you need to stay home, rest and heal up. You cannot afford to be under the weather at the moment and that's why you have sick leave. You need to be 100% otherwise you are vulnerable, and you make us all vulnerable. So, you two are going home now.
They looked so much better on Friday.
Oh and Lexx is still planning to go in to his work. He's gotten permission to work from home once he decides. I think that will be the kicker, once he decides he's done I'm at home too. I think it will be in the next week to fortnight.
Yes, that makes sense. No need for you to stay home to protect him if he's going in to work. You may find that more people want to work from home as the week progresses. Good call on sending those two home to rest. Hopefully, others will follow suit.
I agree, I submitted a report on Friday about staffing next week with a comment "this may all change over the weekend"Today, we found out the powers that be allowed 4 cruise ships to disembark their passengers into Sydney. 154 on one ship had ALREADY tested positive before they were allowed off to their own devices. The other 3 ships had multiple cases. There are 3000 people roaming Sydney now who had been exposed and let out with no self isolation. Except that we have closed our borders, everyone who arrives from outside Aus needs 14 days isolation, etc. These guys, free for all.
The border/immigration department is blaming the State Health dept. The state is blaming the feds. No one is fixing anything. But we are "ahead of the virus". My arse.
You'll love this one...!! A book club & more
Books mentioned in this topic
Catch-22 (other topics)The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories (other topics)
We decided to make a separate thread so that if people want to limit all the corona-news they come across, they can skip this thread but at least still visit Watcha Doing :)