We hit our first two week window.
It’s been over two weeks since my daughter has been at college and in Washington DC. Two weeks since they drove up 95 to NYC. Two weeks since he has been at work. Two weeks plus since I have been to the gym, book club, theater, movies, restaurants… Two weeks since we have had any exposure to large groups.
We all remain symptom free.
But don’t start cheering…
Because according the NY state higher ups, the apex of this crisis has yet to hit NYC.
But essentially, that means that if we develop symptoms now, the fault doesn’t lie in our stars but in ourselves…
We were warned over two weeks ago to stay at home if possible….
Which we have, for the most part…
But…
We still walk the dog.
We still go to target or the market.
And no matter what experts say, corona is smarter than all of us…
We wear gloves every time we leave the house. When we come back in, we wipe down our gloves. And wash our hands.
We wipe down the doorknob.
We wipe down the leash.
We wipe our reusable bags.
We wipe down every single thing we buy. If the food product can be switched to a different container, we do it, and get the offending container out of the house.
We wipe down the mail. But since it’s paper, we don’t wipe too much, so we then leave it out and don’t touch it for at least 24 hours. Same with newspaper or if we get a package.
When we throw out garbage, we wipe down all the handles before we open the door or the chute. Same with stairway and banister if we take the stairs down. We use our elbows for the elevator if we use that.
When I do laundry, which is communal and in the basement, I wipe down the machines. I wipe down my laundry card.
Suffice to say, we wipe down everything. We wash our hands three times as much.
As I told my friends last week, I have the cleanest doorknob in America…
Crazy?
OCD?
Overcautious?
I don’t know. You tell me.
Because we’ve been told to stay home and social distance for over two weeks…and we still haven’t hit the peak…
I now live my life in two week increments: we got through phase one, phase two began yesterday. Every day fever free, every day cough free, is a small victory. But every sneeze, every time someone feels cold or hot is a warning bell… It reminds us that we are not even close to the finish line…and there is no mile marker to tell me where we are, only vague suggestions that maybe we’re at mile nine…
The problem is, we don’t really know how many miles are in this particular marathon.
You just expressed everything I am thinking about.
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Hoping that sharing my experiences helps you deal with yours
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Thank you!๐
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I have a feeling we will eventually all branch off into different tunnels..some will be much longer..some will be shorter.
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My mindset is extremist right now….but thatโs for another day๐
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My mind is like a wild stallion these days..takes everything in me to lasso my negative thoughts..started watching OZARKS last night on Netflix- another GREAT(!!!) series ๐..if you need need a distraction…
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Someone else talked about that! I think we might try the Tiger one that everyone appears obsessed with
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We started the Tiger one last night first and got about 3 minutes into it..I told my husband I can’t deal with animals in cages right now..so we moved on to murder, drugs and sex..๐ Ozark is REALLLY good..I’m pretty darn sure you would love it.
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Thank you!
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Ozark is the best! I watched season 3 this weekend!!!
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It is SO good! I rate everything on the “1-10 did it take my mind off Corona” scale..and this got a 10! I got totally lost in Ozark..great acting too! My husband said it’s like a combination of Breaking bad and Shitts creek- HAHA
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Thank you!
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I love the actors! Jason Bateman is that you? Every episode leaves you hanging. Just wait my darling….just wait! ๐
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I KNOW!!! Jason Bateman..say whaat??? I was asking my husband like “…wasn’t he in one of those TV shows for kids back in the day??” He’s GREAT in this – and STILL pretty easy on the eyes..๐
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Keep doing this. ๐
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๐๐
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The thing is…there are too many out there who believe because the crisis isn’t getting ‘worse’ or it’s even not directly affecting their immediate community that that PROVES Covid-19 is overblown at the least and a hoax at the worst of it all.
Whew – thanks. I knew I could say it like it is here on your blog…
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I have a story for tomorrowโs blog….and trust me…we have plenty of those people right here….
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This is an invisible virus… so, good that you take precautions, but I feel God is in control here. Similar to people who live a perfect and healthy life, but they still get cancer, while the person who drank, didn’t exercise, smoked, etc. does not get cancer.
There is no rhyme or reason to this.
How about the poor workers at grocery stores, hospitals, etc. that CAN”T stay home!!
In a weird way, we are ALL equals now (super wealthy, not wealthy) it doesn’t matter. We are all in fear of the unknown, and instead of wanting to buy something “materialistic,” we want toilet paper, water, etc. — basic needs to survive.
It’s like a Tsunami is on the way… but we don’t know when it will hit. RIGHT!
STAY POSITIVE… STAY SAFE… KEEP CLEANING/STERILIZING… at least you FEEL safe.
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Ahhh….but I donโt feel safe, because every day brings a new unknown….thatโs the thing….Iโm trying….but who knows if itโs enough….
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Nope – not OCD. Or at this point, most of the country could be diagnosed! Keep sanitizing, keep sheltering and you’re right. Corona is smart – it may still find a way in, but you will have done all that you can at that point. I’m on several nursing pages, even though I’m more administrative for education now. Our healthcare workers are overwhelmed in many places. People that aren’t taking this seriously are not just putting themselves in danger, they are putting others in danger as well. Stay safe, friend, and keep writing. You motivate me!
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Thank you! I needed that!!๐ Iโm going to write, probably tomorrow, about people not listening…
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I think we’re all more capable of doing this than we know. When my husband ruptured his Achille’s, he wondered how he would get through a day in a cast and boot for one day, let alone four months. But he did. I’ve also been through some difficult times and have learned that the only way is faith and one day at a time. I’m no holy roller, but today is really all any of us are guaranteed.
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You got that right. Concentrate on today, hope to get to tomorrow
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๐
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Nope, not OCD at all. I do it too. I wash my hands so many times the skin’s peeling off my hand. ๐ถ If i go out, i put the clothes, bags, shoes in the sunlight after coming back. I even wiped all our phones with sanitizer yesterday. It is better to be safe than sorry. I went to the supermarket today. They have hand sanitizers outside, you gotta use it before going in. Only five peeps allowed at a time. Queue system + social distancing; they don’t allow peeps in if they aren’t wearing masks. Everybody gets their temperature checked before going in. So, in a way, everybody is doing their best to stop the virus. Everyone’s OCD-ing so this is the new normal.๐
Hugs๐งก๐
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Hugs! ๐๐ I donโt think people here have gotten it yet…
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Itโs the not knowing when life will be the old normal again and not knowing how long this will be that is driving me crazy!!! We also started watching Ozarks and itโs pretty good!! Something to look forward to after the husband gets home. And I am still insisting he strips, washes clothes and showers the minute he enters the house! I even use Lysol wipes on his shoes!!!
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I donโt blame you!! And yeah….the not knowing where we are on the crisis timeline….๐
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Stay safe!!!!
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You too!
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Well said!
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๐
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You’re singing my song, sister.
I’m not panicked, but I am diligent af!
Here’s the reality, even doing everything we possibly can to stay and keep others safe, there is a real possibility we’re going to get sick, that’s just statistics. It’s also frustrating as hell because doing the right things doesn’t always make a difference.
You’re right when you talk about two week increments, how much longer will we live our lives in these two week chunks? For the foreseeable future. And your hometown has not yet peaked.
At least we’re all in this together, and I send you so much love! โค
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Thank you! Right back at you!!
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Crazy? OCD? Overcautious? ๐ you me and everyone across the globe sister! Hmm who knows if this virus is smarter than us? Who knows if we were all clean enough? Sooo many questions, whatever the truth history books in years to come will be interesting reading….. that’s if we haven’t had our fill of virus related stories.
As an aside, I visited my mother yesterday, instructed to keep 2 metres away at all times, a washing up bowl of hot water and soap by my feet, she disinfected the door knobs when I left (even though I touched nothing) BUT she insisted I visited, enjoyed the company……โฆ are we being foolhardy? I visited the supermarket and very few people were obeying quarentine rules, picking up packets then putting them back again. Anyways I’m enjoying all the positive covis blogs I follow
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Iโm going to write about New Yorkers and their attitudes soon….
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The only person that has left this house in over two weeks has been my Hubby and that has only been to get groceries. I will go outside and walk around my yard, but that is very different than living in a city where anything outside your front door is a potential for exposure. Stay healthy and sane as best you can!
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The sane is the hard one!๐
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I cannot even imagine it.
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๐คช
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Yep. We all are wondering how long this marathon will be. Stay safe, be well.
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You as well
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Christ on a cracker, I’ve been fortunate to have been so insulated thus far. I’m now on a leave of absence, and I’m gobbling up all the information, tips, and etcetera from the parts of the world that haven’t been so insulated. Thank you for sharing this insight into your daily routine. Please stay safe and healthy, I need you in my life!
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๐๐๐Iโm on it!
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You take care of yourself too!
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Hang in there, and thank goodness there are a lot of people, most I hope, who are diligent like you are. I don’t understand why some people are contrary, and feel that rules are for them, not us.
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Iโm going to write about what Iโve seen ….
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Maybe it should be split into multiple posts if the vibe I am getting is accurate
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Well, this week all my posts are going to veer towards personal as opposed to theoretical. I donโt know how Iโm splitting the ideas up yet
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This is a triple marathon. No one has ever done that before. Hang in there. Be safe. You’re doing all you can do and that’s all you can do.
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Thanks. One day at a time! Be well!
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Our son didn’t believe in the severity of the situation at first and insisted that he could take the train to work. Now at least he’s letting me drive him. Our eldest daughter lives alone and has been finding it most difficult. She is angry with people who are not listening to the distancing rule because the longer it takes to get rid of this the longer she will have to be alone. For several reasons she can’t come here to be with the rest of us. It’s hard.
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Iโm going to talk about my first hand observations at some point this week….
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It is hard and the people who cannot follow simple directions are making it harder on us all. Stay well.
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I know!
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I haven’t been doing the switch-containers thing. Yet. My son gave me an exasperated look when I made him wipe down a plate with a cookie a neighbor dropped off (we didn’t wipe the cookie).
-really, I do not understand why so many think eating out, dropping things off, and hanging out are okay.
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I know…..
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Your precautions are all good and sensible, but I can’t be bothered. I leave home once a week to shop. I try to keep six feet away from people. But that is as far as I go. ๐
Hope you all stay well – I am beginning to enjoy my surprise holiday.
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My city is just getting worse….donโt even know what to do….
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You seem to be handling it well. There is little we can do apart from self-isolate and wait. One day we will look back and wonder what the fuss was about. I hope.
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We hope…
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๐
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Youโre taking precautions seriously which is commendable, especially living in a densely populated area. Not surprised to read this, given who I think you are. Where you live and where I live isnโt only 2000 miles apart, but also very different in so many ways. Iโm still able to get outside which is hugely important for my mental health. Iโm also doing home workouts for a variety of sources which has been great. Iโve done grocery shopping and a friend even took me to Costco so I could restock since I had planned to be traveling most of the month. Did you know you can buy a box of 15 dozen eggs?
I have a spray bottle I made of sanitizer that I carry with me. I hike several days a week with Charlie and our friends Kate and Meadow. I know some people arenโt getting together at all, but weโre outside and able to keep our distance. For the sake of mental health, itโs been *essential*
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15 dozen eggs? I canโt imagine….
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Before the current situation, Bob ate a dozen eggs a day. ๐คท๐ผโโ๏ธ Now that he lays around the house doing absolutely nothing instead of spending several hours at the gym and working a few hours a day, he eats less.
When I move I wonโt need a roommate.
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Ugh….I got nothing…
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You’re doing everything you NEED to be doing right now. Keep on keeping, LA.
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You too!
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Given your situation in the Covid hot spot of the US, canโt call you over cautious at all. Hang in there!
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Thank you!
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Sounds like you’re doing everything humanly possible. A marathon it is, and being as NYC is one of the hardest hit, there is no telling where you may be on a timeline that keeps on moving. Sat safe!
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Thank you! Trying!
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You’re welcome – keep on keeping on,
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๐๐
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It’s all so exhausting, isn’t it? And we’re literally still at the beginning.
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Argggg….
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So very true…we mark in two week increments too. It truly is a marathon. May we all stay well as we weather this storm xox
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Be well!
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Thank you for sharing. Wishing you the best. We are all stepping up to the new rules in more ways than one…..
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๐
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Stay safe and healthy. God Bless. โฅ
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To you as well
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Dr. Emily London from U. Chicago came to mind when I read this. She said that if we are doing this right it will feel like an overreaction. You are doing it right because it is working. Best wishes for continued health…..
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Thank you!
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The governor of VA just implemented a stay at home order until June 10th…
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I wouldnโt be surprised if everyone does
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True
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It sounds like youโre taking all proper precautions. Hang in there!๐ค
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Thank you!
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I too wipe everything in sight, in fact my hands have gone past rough and have started to split.
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Lotion!
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Has it only been two weeks? It seems like a month! I am feeling a fellowship with my fellow “hermits.” I am an extroverted introvert or an introverted extrovert. I miss eating lunch with my friends, shopping without wearing a mask that may hide my smile. But if this is what it takes to maintain my good health, then so be it. We are all in this together! Thank you for helping to express our feelings too!
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Take care of yourself, hang in there, and just say what youโre feeling. Iโm betting someone else feels that way too
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Yes in deed! It’s not all that bad. It’s a whole lot better than having the virus. Thank you.
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Not OCD at all, just responsible. Iโve struggled to get through to my elderly mother for weeks now. Despite insisting she was โwell stockedโ – she isnโt – because she thought it would just be a week, maybe 2. I donโt know what other words I couldโve used to tell her itโs going to be 3 months, other than the ones I (and our Prime Minister) used. You canโt make people listen, you just have to repeat yourself till the penny eventually drops. Luckily it finally has …
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Thinking about you LA and all of New York. As a retired medical professional, I can’t even imagine coping with what those hospitals have. I don’t think your are being OCD, just very wise. I am leaving my mail and packages sit for days before I open them, haven’t been to the grocery store in over a week when I did seniors early hour and have only been going back and forth between my place and my mother’s. I do walk every day, but social distance if I speak with the neighbours. And no foreseeable end in sight. We haven’t peaked here, just started….
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Thank you. Weโre all doing what we need to get to tomorrow
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Congrats! It’s a good milestone for sure! Keep up the mitigations.
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