Misadventure Turns to Perspective

Some of us had to visit the University of Iowa Hospital, and is was a unique experience to say the least. I thought businesses in Burlington were cautious, even a little strict at times, but over there, it was insane the screening and protocol. 

First, the place in so complex, it is exceedingly difficult to find the right parking lot, and then, to make it to any appointment is even more challenging. Entering the building, you must get screened to see if you might have the virus, and if don’t have an appointment, they will not let you wait inside. We were lucky that outside, there was a soda machine that took debit cards, and that there was Wi-Fi accessible to us.

Later, our friend was able to get something for us to eat at the cafeteria, but we could not go through the building, so we had to the LONG way around. It had stopped raining, so that was good, but it seemed a lot harder at the time. When we finally made to the entrance, we were able to outside, and they even let us go in to use the bathroom, and go into the cafeteria, where they had two machines that made Starbuck’s coffee. I was surprised, and so happy! Walking back to the parking lot wasn’t so bad after, it gave me time to think of everything that has happened, and how we all have had to adjust with the COVID-19 sticking around.

After all that, we took a short drive to this awesome store, even better than Goodwill, and we found some amazing clothes, and houseware. Downstairs, there were incredible clearance items, I am definitely saving so I can go back. The drive home was peaceful, and I got to think about how the university and the hospital, were working within the new laws, and protocol.

Even though I understand why, it is still challenging when you must adjust to the way things are set up, when you cannot go through buildings to make things easier for example. We all need to examine how things are going to work, and everyone included. That goes for those of us you need to be more patient with healthcare as well.

Keep Talking About Change

Now, we need to get a handle all the other stuff that is handed to us. People have not always dealt with our differences the best way. All of this has come to a boiling point, which has been building over the years. People have been getting hurt, people we may not know, but who are still human beings, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and children. Whether their black, or Latino, or some other race entirely, everyone needs to be accountable for how we treat each other. We all live on this planet.

With all this going on, we need to stay connected, even from home, and keep talking about how to stay safe, that means keeping healthy, and working to fight injustice and racism. These are my thoughts, on what I have heard, read, and learned. This is my way to speak up, and I hope others do as well.

Spring Turns to Summer 2020

Getting into this time of year, most of us were hoping that the virus would die out, and we could find out way back to normal, or what could pass for it. The weather is warmer, some places are opening again, but we have other things going on we need to take care of. Our health, not just our looks and fashion styles for one.

We need to remember to take care and watch out for ourselves and others. That does not mean we cannot have fun though. Many of us have designed or bought cloth masks for when we need to go out. Speaking of places that are reopening, the YMCA in Burlington, Iowa has opened its swimming pool, as well as other areas for small groups. We go to the pool, and we need to be mindful of large groups, no one crowding. Time to work out and enjoying fitness again. To be able to go exploring when it is this warm out is great, and we get to see nature, and watch the scenery change.

So now, we can keep up with these regulations we have been doing, maybe this pandemic will not hold our lives in death grip, and that will be our new normal.

Dealing with Anxiety While Waiting

We all have been self-isolating for a couple months now, and right about now, the stress maybe starting to get to some of us. Now is the time to get creative and get started on something for yourself. Work on a project, clean out your house of the clutter, or get out of the house, and explore something new. 

It has been a slow time coming, for life to return to a new normal, if that is the right word. Right now, there has been a gentle reopening of stores, and salons in the area, while other large businesses around the world have keep their doors closed. Our church has started to resume worship, with some groups gathering inside, as well as its live streaming.

For as long as it takes, we still need be vigilante, work together to stay as healthy as possible. Working together is the only way we are going to the other side, and hopefully beat this pandemic, once and for all.

Somethings Just Getting Started

One of the interesting things that draws me into a series, or a storyline, is the beginning of a relationship, especially a couple that is just getting started. Seeing how they come together is part of the fun.

These are two examples that I have in mind. On GH, we have Michael and Willow. After Willow had her baby, and he was delivered to his adopted parents, Michael was dealing with Nelle, the mother of his child, when they got into a car crash. Willow’s baby dies, and Nelle manipulates Brad, on the adopting fathers, to switch the babies. So now, both Michael and Willow are dealing with loss. We see them meet, and deal with their feelings, and how they end up connecting with each other. Enter Chase, and then Sasha. Then all four become friends, and then the baby switch is revealed. Now, Michael is working on being a father and giving his child the best life, while Nelle is attempting to take their son, and have him all to herself. Willow still loves the little boy she thought was hers, and it pulls her towards Michael. Chase and Sasha want what is best for their loved ones, and child that keeps them connected. Another bomb is about to drop, on top of life changing choice that Chase and Sasha made, and it may bring together Michael and Willow, in a very unconventional way.

The other example is Kara Danvers and William Dey on Supergirl, an unexpected, yet somewhat predicted duo. Both reporters, both wanting justice, and going after the infamous Lex Luthor. Kara once had a great love, but fate had others plans. After a long time, she has been riding solo as one of fiercest female heroes. She is also a person, and a kick-ass, beautiful one at that, so why shouldn’t we see her paired with someone equally awesome, even if they are not wearing a suit. Even if William does not fit quite as we hoped, this opens the door for Kara to finding that special someone.

All these characters are just starting in these relationships, so it is somewhat early for any criticism. We just have to wait and see what happens next and enjoy all the interesting moments.

Social Connections Through Physical Distance

For a long while now, all over the globe, people have had to keep a fair distance from each other to stop the spread of the COVID-19. Friends, and families have had to stay apart, no visiting, or getting together for long periods of time. And yet, we have been able to find new opportunities to communicate and stay connected with each other.

It has also given us a chance to find others, people we would not have gotten to know otherwise. It has given us all the opportunity to explore friendships through social media, instant messenger, and video chats. For some, it is all so different, and exciting, and sometimes we just stumble upon meeting people by mistake, and come out finding true relationships, hopefully.

During this time, people have been experiencing each other differently. Getting to know each other is a unique experience in some ways. Personally, talking to someone face to face is a challenge, people can get off subject, and you can still listen. When you are messaging with someone, you need to be able to focus on the words to really understand what someone says, while with video chats, you have to keep facing the person, focusing on their face.

Truly, at this period, I do not know if these experiences will help us stay connected. I guess we will see what happens when we all get the chance to have that first physical meet and greet.

This World We Now Live In

It has been a while now since the coronavirus has spread around the globe, and it has changed just about everything, including the many ways we manage our health in our daily lives, at least for me it has. While being isolated from people, it is also given us a different perspective as well.

For me, it has made me take a harder look at both my general health, but also how it affects other as well as myself, in public. I've been working on a better routine for myself, starting with having a regular exercise workout, and healthy eating habits. I work on keeping clean, including taking care of personal hygiene, as well washing my hands on a regular basis.
Now that physical distance is strictly required, there are different ways to communicate with others, enter social media. We’ve been able to use live streaming, and other mediums in ways we hadn’t before. Churches have been able steam through using Facebook, and YouTube. And friends, and family have been able to video chat, seeing each other.

If one does have to out in public, many have been finding ways to limit the spreading of germs. Quite a few stores have public sterile wipes, and different sanitizers. And many people have been using face masks, some custom and/or homemade ones.

All of this is to help fight the virus that has a firm grip all over the world. However, we as people, have managed to keep going, and have been able to adapt. Hopefully soon, a cure will be found, or the virus will fade into the background. All we can do is keep living our lives.

Dealing with What’s Happening

It’s been difficult for many of us around the world. The coronavirus has changed a lot of our lives, at least for me it has. While being isolated from most people, it's also given us a different perspective. It’s made me take a harder look at both my general health, but also how it affects me outside, in public.

I’m working on discovering what I can do right now, from home, for my physical, and mental wellbeing. There are projects we can do, along with getting the house cleaned and sorted they way that you like. You can go over all your personal papers, and ephemera, try to figure out what you what you want, and what you really need. On the other hand, you can go over all your digital files, and try and make room for everything.

We can even work on improving our regular routines like I’ve been doing. Balancing everything, figuring out what we need to accomplish, and what really want to do. For example, finding time and ways to exercise in the day. Managing any stress and anxiety that can creep in on you, and dealing with it through meditation, and/or prayer.

For example, this individual does her best to get up each day, get tea/coffee and breakfast going, does housework on and off throughout the day, then takes a break and stretches, and works on her computer. Then she takes moments to pray for her loved ones, and all the others in the world, and their loved ones. We all need to deal with what’s happening and manage our lives the best way we can.