Current Update

Once again, journal

ing is something I need to be doing more of ... it helps me write faster and more effectively at work, and I suddenly find myself responsible for an 80+ page design document. Ooofff.

My last post was about my first impressions in a lock-down. Well, now we are now 8 months in. And I find myself baffled more than anything. Here is a list of things missing from my life before the 'rona:

1) The gym. I find working out at the gym easier and more motivating than working out at home. I have put on a ton (7 lbs is a lot when you are 5 feet tall) of weight, and wish I had a treadmill with a TV attached. THAT is an excellent motivator for me. But when I checked it out, the lack of cultural aversion to masks is rampant, and I am not comfortable being there.

2) Swimming. I hate swimming, and it wrecks my long hair, but it was a wonderful thing to do with Garrett. I miss taking him swimming. A lot.

3) Travel. I thoroughly enjoyed our family reunion in Duck, NC, but I am trepidatious about going anywhere more frequently. It looks like we won't have Thanksgiving with my in-laws this year. I desperately want to go see Pamela, but really am not comfortable with it (will it be the Portland I know and love? doubtful). And work got in the way of a trip to Michigan with my best friend. Even work travel is missed at this point.

4) Human fucking contact. Every time I talk to people that I don't see regularly or talk to for work, I feel like I am remembering lost social skills. This is painful when you are an odd duck to begin with.

I am grateful Garrett's school is open and responsible about everything. It is excellent for him. Best preschool in Colorado Springs, by far!

I work a lot, and right now is harvest season, so I am super busy. Maggie let me borrow her dehydrator, and I definitely want one! Garlic powder, sundried tomatoes, squash flour so far. More to follow on this.

My life has not changed nearly as much as most people's have. For that I am grateful. My job is going well. I have money, food, and plenty to do. But what concerns me is those who are heavily affected. I can't relate, but I try to empathize. I do not know what I can do for those suffering, but the fear-fed anger they must feel is concerning. I hope never to be a target of that anger.

And now, off to the last farmer's market of the season. The dog at my cloth masks, and I need some new ones. Maybe buy some pumpkins and teach Garrett to carve some jack-o-lanterns.