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Quarantine Tuesday Reading Kaffeeklatsch: 1/5/21
Theresa, It is good to see your family members protected and that is one ease of your mind. I'm glad that Rose is settled and vaccinated. Covid is much on my mind as well. My immediate supervisor's father has it and my supervisor, Jesus, drove him to the hospital, so he is now in quarantine. I am keeping my fingers crossed for both of them. His dad is a long time friend of ours and has serious health issues, besides being in an age range that one is automatically concerned about.
I am super cautious and we have all been on work vacation for the past two weeks, so I have no fears there.
It also means that I once again have to put in more hours at work, which I do not want to do . I hate to say this because it makes me feel guilty, but I am of an age that extra hours are not fun.
I am, of course looking forward to a time of less turmoil nationally.
Booknblues wrote: "Theresa, It is good to see your family members protected and that is one ease of your mind. I'm glad that Rose is settled and vaccinated. Covid is much on my mind as well. My immediate supervisor..."
BnB - I have something that will make you laugh. At some point during Poll Tally, I mentioned you and something you had read over in Jade Dragons private group. Only instead of 'BooknBlues', you became.....
BOOKNBUBBLES!
🤣😂🤣😂🤣
It still wants to slip out that way from time to time.
Theresa wrote: "BOOKNBUBBLES!🤣😂🤣😂🤣
It still wants to slip out that way from time to time. "
Too funny! It makes such a nice mental picture me with my book in one hand and champagne glass with bubbles floating all around me. Bubbles are a favorite thing at work.
In this time of so many serious issues and stress, I love the idea of floating bubbles!
Wishing everyone a better 2021!Theresa,
I am also still thinking about covid (too) much. Today, the chancellor meets with the presidents of the provinces/states (Bundesländer) to discuss and decide whether to continue the lockdown that has been in gear since before christmas.
The question whether kids should go to school or be taught at home will be discussed, too. But, since it is under jurisdiction of the states, they will decide in the end. So we might expect definitive news on that by the end of the week. And will have to deal with the decision from Monday.
I am indecisive what to wish for.
On the one hand, I do think being at school is so much more than teaching and learning online. I also don't like teaching online because it seems to be increasing the workload enormously. On the other hand, I know it is not possible to make the kids keep their distance all the time. And we do meet people from so many different households at school.
Good to hear that your sisters will get vaccinated soon!
For new years my husband and I visited with our oldest friends and their son. We felt it was safe, since we hadn't had any outside contact (except groceries and going for walks) for more than a week and the same for them. I needed that!
Booknblues, I hope the additional workload can be reduced! I think it is always ok to also talk about what these things mean to each of us individually.
Theresa, the tea and tea pot sound lovely! I am a passionate tea-drinker and cannot recommend drinking tea in all turmoils of life enough! It is always helpful.
I have started writing a so-called 6-minute gratitude journal each morning and night. It helps me to focus on the good things that still exist and happen to me.
Usually I feel like I am in a perpetual state of limbo until I return to work after my end-of-year 2 week break, so my year so far, since yesterday Monday, is going well. I had 2 meetings on Monday. One went better than I planned and was only 15 minutes and the other was canceled so it is a slow start which will help me ease into it... @Theresa - glad to hear the people in your family are getting the vaccine as needed. My husband should be next in line soon but I will be later (who knows when).
But sorry to hear that COVID is weighing heavily on your mind :(
Continues to be frustrating with a country divided, but I have relinquished the outcome to fate in places where I have no control.
Otherwise for my I continue to be as safe as I can... although I met a friend for dinner and it felt completely frivolous and unnecessary.
A nice cup of tea and chocolate sounds amazing.
I am doing Dryuary again this year, did it last year when I read Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol (name dropped by Chrissy Tiegen!), and doing it again. I drink a lot more tea when I am sober 😊
I always feel so much more energetic and in-tune with myself, why not make this permanent?? I don't know if I am ready.
Here's to hoping for as much good as possible for all the PBT family!
These sound like good practices. I just saw another recommendation about a gratitude journal, or at least listing at the end of the day 3 good things that happened. In these last months, it's often hard to remember anything that happened during the day!I don't have an issue with alcohol, and I would never miss it if we had Prohibition again. But if Diet Coke were outlawed, that would be a problem! However, in the last couple years, I have switched over to just drinking one per day and otherwise drinking mineral water, regular water or tea. I do like tea and drink more of it now that I am home to prepare it more.
I know 2 medical professionals locally who already got vaccines. . I see that around the US there are delays because there aren't enough people to administer the vaccine. (They are taking care of sick people!) It seems like this would be a good place to use retired doctors and nurses, medical and nursing students, anyone who knows how to give shots. I have pretty much faith in my state and local medical systems, even though my state of Wisconsin is where a crazy pharmacist deliberately spoiled many doses because he believed some conspiracy theory about the vaccine changing people's DNA!
Today is sunny and relatively warm for winter so I will go outside. I have missed walking outside on the colder, windier and darker days. I am grateful for living in a place where there are many attractive places to walk close by.
My brother in Memphis has been notified that his retirement community will get the vaccine (Moderna) this week. Not sure when HE will get vaccinated - he's on staff, not a resident. Sadly, only about 20% of the nursing staff has indicated a willingness to be vaccinated! The conspiracy theories running rampant on social media are just sucking so many people in .... @Theresa ... such good news that your sisters will be receiving the vaccine soon. And love the idea of that tea pot and, especially, the chocolates.
@BookNBubbles .... We had a wonderful dragon avatar ... sitting in a bubble bath WITH a glass of bubbly ..... FOUND IT!
Are you ready? Wait for it....
Are you all waiting?.....
Jaden got into Ithaca College! We found out yesterday. He had his deferral interview for Hofstra today, and we are feeling pretty confident there too. I am feeling a much more settled, and so is the family. My husband's reaction was priceless. He was in shock, he had his head turned away and he was crying, couldn't speak or respond for a good long time. Then there was cheering. We didn't tell anyone, sat on it until a few hours later, until he could share it with my parents. Then I told a few friends. Now you guys! Pretty big news over here.... I am not posting this on social media, its not my style. I kind of dislike the have and have not feeling that emerges around that. But I don't mind slowly letting a few people know that we have been so happy for their prayers and support.
So... On the Covid front, we are now seeing so many loved ones it is hitting, but so many more people we know starting the vaccine process. Plenty of people getting their first immunizations. I hear our town is now beginning with the first responders. One of my patients is a psych intern at a local hospital, and she got her vaccine in the second week, while her coworkers got it the first. She had a reason for the delay. She said she was in the group with the IT department and the janitorial staff and the receptionists, but that the entire hospital was just about complete, and that was on 12/29. But here is the interesting feature. All of her co-workers got the Pfizer and she got the Moderna. She said not one of them had a side effect, but she sure did. She had two days worth of terrible headaches, aches and pains, fatigue and chills. And says she will take the next day off for the next shot. I told her to make sure she reports the findings, so they know these things. In any case, I have another close friend and another patient with exposure, and both are anxiously awaiting their fate. Both are incredibly compromised situations. Like extremely compromised. But I am with you guys that 2021 will have us all pulling through this, albeit slowly. My blessing is for us all to stay safe, strong, healthy, and to stay connected. My love and gratitude is with you all-
Amy, so excited for Jaden. What a relief for all of you.Ithaca is very close to my home town and it is a very beautiful place.
I'm sure Theresa will verify as well.
There are wonderful state parks with glens and falls. Robert Treman State Park with Enfield Glen. In the summer there is a swimming area that when you jump in is so cold will take your breath away. Also Buttermilk Falls State Park and Cayuga Lake are great attractions, and of course there is Cornell.
I hope he loves it there.
Oh, Jaden .... the places you'll Go! I am full of gratitude and joy for you and your family! Saw your mom's announcement let out a cheer, and now just siitting here at my computer beaming. We are all so proud of you!
I’ve been on holiday (not back till next Monday) and we have finally had a lot of warm sunny weather. Both the holiday and the weather make a massive difference to my mood. Spring was terrible - so much rain and wind. And whileI love my job, there was far too much of it in the last few months! I just needed to stop for a while, which I’ve done, so am feeling refreshed.
One of my three beehives has nearly a whole box of capped honey already, so I need to urgently shop for more boxes today plus some new wax foundation for my old frames. I love my clever bees - they’re such fascinating creatures.
I’m not getting much reading done except for audiobooks (currently listening to Anthony Horowitz’ “The House of Silk”) but am right back into my stitching, which is delighting me. I’m doing a couple of blackwork ‘stitch alongs’ this year (where a section of a pattern is released every week or month or whatever) and I’m more than half way done with a needlepoint cushion that’s heading to Washington DC when finished. Plus I have several UFOs (unfinished objects) to get back to!
So the year has started really well for me. All the family in the UK are in lockdown of course though, and I’m worried for friends and family in the States and Canada. Beastly virus.
Amy wrote: "Are you ready? Wait for it....
Are you all waiting?.....
Jaden got into Ithaca College! We found out yesterday. He had his deferral interview for Hofstra today, and we are feeling pretty confid..."
Yay!!!! I'm so, so happy that Jaden got in to Ithaca!! I will continue to send positive thoughts about Hofstra depending on which is his preference!! Such good news!!
Amy I'm so happy for Jaden and your family!I'm worried about these new covid mutations and about possible protests tomorrow so I'm concentrating on my little corner of the world where the three of us are still fortunately covid free. My cousin's fiance who is a nurse in a hospital got the first vaccine shot last week and I know she was very happy to do so. Hoping soon we can all be vaccinated.
Anna I'm continuing to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Amy that’s *fabulous* news about Jaden! Go, that lad! You must be hugely proud. What an emotional moment
Happy for Jaden!We've gone even further into lockdown, and I'm in the adjusting phase. I may have to go with books'n'bubbles to cheer me up :D
@Amy - Congrats to Jaden! So happy for you and your family.
@KateNZ - wow, I would love to have my own fresh honey, that is amazing! 👏🏼
Speaking of gratitude, I was going to try to jot 3 gratitudes / day.
I have been using a planner for several years and this year I am in a Hobonichi Cousin (I am in a planner cult) and it has daily pages which are great for journaling or whatever.
Trying to be more positive. If you think it you will be it?
Amy wrote: "Are you ready? Wait for it....
Are you all waiting?.....
Jaden got into Ithaca College! We found out yesterday. He had his deferral interview for Hofstra today, and we are feeling pretty confid..."
Congratuations :)!!! Is that his first choice? I am not at all surprised he has done so well, and I feel free to say that I have never had any doubt of things going well for him. However, I understand how you felt on your end :)! I am so very happy for Jaden!!!!!
@Theresa--I am so very happy about both of your high risk sisters being able to be vaccinated! My husband is not happy that he can't go visit his mother right now; she's at home, but is nearly 96, however she is not first in line for vaccinations due to her living situation. I'll be so happy when the vaccine is widely available.@Kate--how lovely that your bees are healthy after all I've read about problems with honey bees. No one's honeybees have been in our garden for some years now, just indigenous ones.
@Meli--it's great to take time off like that so you know you are in control :). While alcohol/drugs isn't something I enjoy, I can empathize with the struggle to just do what's healthiest for us rather than just what we normally do.
@Amy & Jaden! Woot! Congratulations!🎉🎈🎊Ithaca College is a great school! He will do well there. And yes, I know it well..Ithaca was considered practically im my backyard...in rural terms meaning you could get there using back roads in about 45 minutes. Home of the original Moosewood Restaurant and Le Cochon Rouge, a great french restaurant where as a teen I had my first escargots. And 'just down the road' is Owego on the mighty Susquehanna with charming shops, a Strawberry Festival, surprisingly amazing restaurants, and the site of my youth.
@ Meli - I applaud your efforts. Alcohol is not something I struggle with but there are other things, like diet coke and eating properly. I am losing the diet coke battle at the moment but the food battle is getting back under control, slowly. Abrupt changes don't work for me. Gradual changes to routine that become habit do. For example, making sure I eat three real meals a day, with the big meal in the middle of the day and including lots of protein, comes close to eliminating snacking.
Thank you, ladies, for the words of encouragement *^_^*
Family update: my sister Cathie got her first shot of the Moderna vaccine this morning and is doing great. And my sister Rose is getting her Pfizer shot this week. Got a call from her social worker saying that thanks to Gov Andy's organization and monitoring, the vaccines are getting out faster, so they are accepting verbal consent, not waiting for mail to deliver the original signed ones.Side effects - some people are going to have reactions. I fully expect to be one of them because I have had strong reactions to every shot of any kind I have ever been given. I like to think it just means my immune system works hard to reject or at least gain the upper hand over all invaders, LOL. It is no reason to avoid getting it.
Theresa wrote: "@Amy & Jaden! Woot! Congratulations!🎉🎈🎊Ithaca College is a great school! He will do well there. And yes, I know it well..Ithaca was condidered practically im my backyard...in rural terms meaning ..."
Yes, me too, as far as geography. My mother and brother both went to Cornell. I didn't know what type of college Jaden was looking at, but my impression is that smaller colleges are your best bet for looking at the whole student when choosing who to admit (Also they often have a lot of scholarships). And once he gets there, a smaller college will be better for a student who doesn't always thrive on impersonal exams.
@Kate - love that you have bees! Have you read The History of Bees by Maja Lunde? P.S. if you check out my cross stitch design page on FB, Arachne's Silken Web, you will spot a number of bee designs. Note that I am actually allergic to bee stings and stay far away from real ones.
@BooknBubbles - champagne in a bubble bath! Only way to live!
Amy, congrats to Jaden!And Theresa (and others with family soon to be vaccinate), happy for you, too!
So, so Happy for Jaden-And for Mom who now can relax a bit? I love the positivity in this group here-
And yes Meli- think it and be it!
Theresa wrote: "Side effects - some people are going to have reactions. I fully expect to be one of them because I have had strong reactions ..."Yeah ... that's my expectation as well.
I got my second Shingles vaccine last week Monday and was down for the count for about a day and a half. Muscle aches not just in my arm but all across my shoulders and neck; headache; and just general exhausted feeling. Went to bed for a nap in late afternoon and never bothered to eat dinner that night. Next day still felt someone crummy ... just tired and blah with muscle soreness. By late afternoon on Tuesday I was pretty much back to normal. So, my expectation is that I'll have a similar reaction to the COVID vaccine.
But I have no idea right now when I'll get it. I asked the pharmacist when I was getting my shingles vaccine if they had any updates on the COVID vaccine. He didn't want to say much ... most of the shipments they were receiving at that time were slated to be distributed at nursing homes. When I said I figured that at age 70 I'd probably get mine in late February to early March, he seemed to think that was a reasonable expectation. Hubby will probably be ahead of me, and will get his through the VA. But the VA is still focusing on vaccinating all their employees, and then the residents in the nursing home / group homes on campus.
As long as we can both be vaccinated by April I'll be happy. Our nephew graduates in May and we are bound and determined to go to Texas for that.
Your collective good wishes fill me with immense joy! The Hofstra interview today was short, only 20 minutes and he said it went well. They are sending their decision in the next couple of weeks. That actually is his number one, but due to Covid, there are a ton of schools he has never seen. And might not be able to. But he feels strongly about Hofstra, and we suspect that he'll get in. He got deferred from University of Delaware, rejected from Towson. And still waiting on five more: UNH (New Hampshire), Quinnipiac, Boulder, URI, and Muhlenberg. And we are now filling out for UMASS Amherst, which is a reach and we are not enthused. But... It's our state school, and we feel funny not giving that one a shot in these troubled times. But at least he got into the first, its a great school, and if nothing else, its a win at a place I know he would love. Thank you guys for your great support. It means a lot.
Theresa wrote: "Family update: my sister Cathie got her first shot of the Moderna vaccine this morning and is doing great. And my sister Rose is getting her Pfizer shot this week. Got a call from her social worker..."When I finally get mine, I plan to double dose my normal OTC antihistamines (I can do that if I get a bee sting or something I am allergic to that I don't need an epipen for) and then expect to have to sit and wait for 30 minutes afterward. This is what they recommend for people who have life-threatening allergies. I have NEVER had that kind of a reaction to a vaccination before, but then I was able to eat nuts until I was in my 40s and now have an epipen for them, so take no chances.
When it comes to germs, I have a great immune system--barely got the mumps, for example--but it goes crazy for the stupidest things (different parts of it, that's why).
Shocking day for the USA. Still not under control but I have to believe our democracy will survive.
Trying to think of something more to say, but no words.
Johanne wrote: "Trying to think of something more to say, but no words."I say this to you Johanne and all the other non-USA members:
This is NOT us! I beg the world to please, please don't give up on us. We voted in throngs in November and yesterday in Georgia, to bring this man down and restore Democracy-hang tough with us, while we sweep this cancer from our nation.
Great words, Joanne. This is not us. Not the majority and in fact not even most of the minority. We will rout this out.
I was glued to the TV all afternoon and now, into the evening. I was in tears. Heartbroken to see what has happened to my country.
Well said Joanne. Heavy heart today.... Lets see how we can listen to Biden's words and create and do and be something better than this. This will be interesting to watch what happens next - and maybe we can start taking our country back with what democracy looks like. Yes, friends, don't give up on us. We are fighters too.
Book Concierge wrote: "I was glued to the TV all afternoon and now, into the evening. I was in tears. Heartbroken to see what has happened to my country."I share your tears, my stomach is in knots-just taking deep breaths and praying it does not get any worse. And where are all the "patriot's" that have stuck by this man-Locked in their condos, down in the basement of the capital? They let this happen -
Unfortunately we (Washington state) had our Governor's mansion stormed as well by rioters. Governor Inslee was safely evacuated but it's been a scary and sad day.
Book Concierge wrote: "I was glued to the TV all afternoon and now, into the evening. I was in tears. Heartbroken to see what has happened to my country."Lots of tears here. Devastating to watch. Reveals so much that is wrong and broken in our country.
Charlotte wrote: "Unfortunately we (Washington state) had our Governor's mansion stormed as well by rioters. Governor Inslee was safely evacuated but it's been a scary and sad day."Have seen nothing about that! Terrible things happened in PA yesterday as well.
And an incredible discrepancy between how peaceful demonstrators for Black Lives Matter were attacked with batons, tear gas, rubber bullets and real ones, in multiple cities including DC, vs. no real aggression toward today's violent thugs, only dispersed much too late. No way a group of Black protesters could have stormed the building like that. Also pretty frightening how easy it would be for international terrorists to attack as long as they look like white Americans. I wonder if Al Quaeda is taking notes.
Robin P wrote: "And an incredible discrepancy between how peaceful demonstrators for Black Lives Matter were attacked with batons, tear gas, rubber bullets and real ones, in multiple cities including DC, vs. no re..."Truth. We are seeing US systemic White Supremacy in action.
I was shaking as I watched this unfold and then I had to go to work. The preschool teachers were unaware of what had happened when I arrived. I informed them and told them to go in the office and watch on computer and I would tend to the kids.:(
I know it's not the majority of the US, feels surreal from afar. I really hope the new presidency can restore balance. At least they don't share the hateful retoric against their political opponents (that I know of) so there is hope for that. It's a sad day for democracy when you can't have political discussions without conscious acts of violence.I am also really heartbroken about the differences in dealing with white versus black protesters, it is telling of both racism and makes you think of possible corruption in the force (not that I know enough about that to be sure). As a foreigner in a country with a lot less guards etc in general, one would think US government buildings had their security in place, so it makes you wonder.
In any case, I am rooting for US democracy to get through these rocky times, hopefully with some positive changes in the end.
@Johanne - you are not alone in wondering. But, democracy is proceeding, even as I finally head to bed. Probably by about 5:30 AM, Congress will finish certifying that Biden will be next president. Just about an hour later, social media will allow Trump back on.
And then we will see.
My heart stopped for a moment, when my friend from the US sent me a text saying that she was ashamed of her country. I hadn't heard yet. I am sure democracy will prevail!We had a group of people try and run into parliament last year, too. They were stopped by the police and didn't have guns, but it shows there are people like this everywhere.
That might not help, but it shows this is a universal problem, too and not solely an American one. Plus, all the Americans I know are so different from this!
Sending virtual hugs.
Hugs from me too. It’s been an awful day. But no, the shameful and anti-constitutional actions of a mob do not define either what America is (on either side of the political divide) or what it can be in years to come. Your inherent spirit of decency is too strong for that.
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents (other topics)Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You (other topics)
The History of Bees (other topics)
Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol (other topics)
So how has it been treating you all so far? I don't know about you, but for me, the bar is pretty low. Plus I am unlikely to really think a new time has begun until 12:01 pm 1/20/21.
COVID is much on my mind. The news of a more contagious strain, of climbing numbers, of botched roll-out of the vaccines, of a federal government seemingly ignoring it all - all designed to make me want to hide in my blanket nest behind my TBR Towers with a 6 month supply from the bottle shop and Mondel's chocolates!
Our own Annapi and her family have been stricken, yet brave loving soul that she is, Anna is sharing their journey, providing valuable insight to all of us. I for one, Anna, am so appreciative of your sharing the experience!
Another reason that COVID is so much on my mind is that I just signed the consent papers for my elder sister Rose, who is in a nursing home for the developmentally and physically disabled, to get the Pfizer vaccine. She has had 3 trips to the hospital in the last month, although in a rural area with extremely low numbers. Based on the rollout announced by Gov. Andy today, she should get it within 2 weeks. But even better news: my sister the nurse's aide in an ER in Upstate NY is getting vaccinated TODAY! Such a relief, my 2 family members most at risk daily, are truly getting it first. Now I can start worrying about my older brother who has many health issues and is in FL. Always someone to worry about.
Otherwise, it's work, reading and ignoring the various chores needing doing around the house. I am definitely in a bit of a funk. Need to give some thought to rousting myself out of it. A client brought a lovely New Year's gift by for me last evening...a lovely white china teapot with a tin of tea from Republic of Tea and a small box of truffles. Perhaps time to test it all out and let it sink in just how lovely some of my clients truly are.