COVID Diaries - April 30

Today was.... well, it was up and down. 

5am or so - I woke up, which is actually later than my usual 3am middle of the night wake up call.  I was all "the suns coming up anyways, go for a run" so I did.

7am or so - I went back to bed.  Ways I am turning into my mother: I was sooooo cold.  It's worse after a run, but usually taking a shower after the run helps (which I did). 

9am um, 9:15am, ok 9:30am, I got up for reals.  I went by McDonalds for the breakfast of champions (sausage and egg biscuit) before heading in to work.

10am (or so, let's be real) I showed up to sort donated masks.  Hand made, donated masks. Today, I got to hang with one of my most favorite PTs ever (I call her "the smiley giggly one").  I did this deployment one time before and it made my life.  As Mr. Rogers says, always look for the helpers. 
If you haven't seen or done this, you just cannot... There are no words.  I mean... There are thousands of hand made donated masks.  And this was the third time I know about we'd sorted that many masks.  Imagine the effort and time and materials people put into these masks.  This is what love looks like. 

And then... Around 1:30 or 2pm, things fell apart with a different work thing that I was trying to accomplish.  I might've (not on purpose) made someone cry. So, that was really the low point of the day. Low.
I had Chipotle for supper. Because apparently I am not cooking today?

Zumba was cancelled.

I talked to Mom and Dad and somehow upset Dad on the call.  Because I was all "this is what I heard you say, I'm sorry if I misunderstood".  And then, for some reason, Mom thought it would be a good idea to say oh, he was being sarcastic like he who shall not be named.  (Though, Mom did name him.  I don't type bad words here.)  Anyways, that's about where the phone call ended.  I was like "leave me out of this nonsense."

So, super positive day in some ways, but also a hard moment or two.

COVID Diaries - April 29

Well, Melissa Etheridge did a "live from my house" concert and now I need a cigarette or something.  Come To My Window is one of my most favorite songs in life, and one of the songs I played all the time when I was learning to play the guitar.

I worked today.  Day two being back.  I'm teaching my colleagues to do "vidyo" visits. It's a thing.

I tried to take a walk this morning, but it was so freaking windy and awful that I only went around the block and came back inside.

At the end of the work day (when I was not done charting), I went over to the Rookery to try out some new toys.

When I got back I went for a run.

I talked to Mom and Dad for a minute but was like "no, I have to go, Melissa Etheridge is doing a concert for me now" (so that's what kind of person I am today). 

After the concert I talked to My Pooky Bear (got an updated on Baby Pooky), and Qat Lady (got an update on the hens).

Now I'm watching Melissa Etheridge on youtube, because.

COVID Diaries - random shortages

One of the other "things we'll remember" about this time is all of these random shortages on... all of the things.

For health care, there's lots of concern about gloves, gowns, and masks.  Particularly procedure masks and N95 masks.

There's also "shortages" or ventilators that are less talked about.  The people addressing this shortage in particular, just shows how many real life MacGyvers there are in life.

Thermometers are in short supply. That's been going on for a minute.

Oximeters are now on back order until July.  (The thing that goes on your finger and tells your pulse and blood oxygen saturation.  Kind of important for a respiratory virus, right?)

Toilet paper was probably the most talked about.  With hand sanitizer and wipes coming in a close second, followed by bleach.

But there's all these other random things that people want.  For me personally, I can't find hand weights/dumbbells/kettle bells etc. They're all gone.

In addition to nursing homes, COVID has been rampant at food processing plants, so there may be shortages in pork, chicken, and beef.  No one has really talked about milk/yogurt/cheese.  I guess those places are still okay?

When I first went to the store, after the shit hit the fan, I noticed runs on the soup aisle as well as the pasta aisle.  That seems to have been short lived.

Another random item missing: elastic.  People are making masks like crazy.  Having sorted thousands of donated masks myself, I say "keep them coming".  What a boost!  But, so many people are making masks there's no elastic anymore.  Can you imagine?  JoAnns is out of elastic!

There is a straight up Toilet Paper Tracker for Costco.  There was only one day I went to Costco that I couldn't get eggs.  It was right after Easter. I haven't had an issue with fizzy water.  I also get my Dr Bronners at Costco, and that's always been in stock (so far).  I want Dr B's to stay in business, but be just obscure enough they don't wind up selling out in stores like Lysol and Bleach.

COVID Diaries - April 28

I am back at work.  I had a more successful work day because I kept an agenda, and created one for tomorrow. Successful right now is being measured in "do I think I worked hard enough?"

I'm trying to think of all the things that people will talk about, years from now, about how crazy this time is/was.  For example, it's April and I have a solid tan, and a legit watch tan.  In April.  Remember last year when I was trying to train for a marathon in the snow?

This relates to the significant amount of time I've spent out doors.  Running.  Walking.  Visiting with friends.  It's amazing. 

One of the other phenomena which I've kind of mentioned here is losing time and losing a routine.  Like, no one knows what day it is or where we are or anything.  It's wild. Having an agenda for myself for the previous ten days was clutch, and something I'm carrying on now as a coping mechanism.

Here's a different take on the situation. My M&Ms were gummy bears. 

I've now converted Mom and Dad to daily calls. They're getting more used to FaceTime, though I still look at a lot of light fixtures. Not sure if we'll keep up the daily calls once this is all done. 

I miss family so hard.  It's like, I know they're there, and I can't even go see them right now.  It's so sad.  The one I feel worst about is Grandma, who's in a nursing home with no visitors.  But I'm missing Dad pretty hard too.  He started a new medicine a while back and I think it's helped him a lot, but I can't see it face to face right now.  So that's rough.

I ran today, and thought I'd do Zumba on Zoom but Bernice canceled at the last minute.  I hope she's okay.

COVID Diaries - April 27

Furlough is complete.  I capped it off by actually calling in to safety huddle, but I have not yet checked my email.

Today was actually an awesome day.

I woke up and cooked myself an actual breakfast (minus coffee because of some other plans) and then lounged around for a bit.

I did the longest bike ride I've maybe ever done in life. With a friend from work.  It was super fun.  I tried some things I wouldn't have done without her.  She also helped me fix my bike when I popped the chain on a steep hill. Sites included Victory Memorial, Wirth Park, Cedar Lake, Sculpture Garden, Mississippi River, a coffee shop, the heron rookery, and Webber Parkway.  It was quite a ride!

I ran as soon as I racked my bike.  This just needs to get done right?.  It was hot out, and sunny.  But a nice day to be outside in the end.

Next up, obviously, was food.  I hit up Chipotle.  Apparently I've thrown social distancing caution to the wind here.  I even went in without a mask.  (I didn't realize there'd be other customers in there.)


I ended the evening with a social distance happy hour with Captain Smiley and Dungeon Master.  Captain Smiley put out his Blessed Ramadan sign.  Our neighbors across the street stopped and thanked him.  They said it means a lot.

Tomorrow it's going to rain and I'm surprisingly excited for not sunshine.  I told my co-worker, I've never had such a legitimate tan so early in the year.  She agreed.  But it's okay to take a break for a day, right?

COVID Diaries - Sunday April 26

We are on day 2,000 of the quarantine.  What?  No?  Year 2,000?  I dunno.  It's been a while.

I am calling it good on Furlough Week.  I technically don't have to work tomorrow but I do work this week so I'll call into the safety huddle in the morning like the team player that I am.

I woke up once and then actually for reals woke up after 11am. I went out for a run.  I wasn't quite done running when Captain Smiley needed some socially distanced logistical assistance with moving furniture.  So, I did the thing.

Then, I cleaned my house and myself.  I did laundry (sheets), reorganized the laundry closet, did dishes, and reorganized under my kitchen sink.  The reason for all this?  I told myself I could have tacos when I'm done.

I did get my tacos.  Turns out, I can order online, drive down to Los Ocampos, and my order is about ready as I walk in the door.  Mmmm.  It was so good.

I wrapped up the evening talking to Mom and Dad on Facetime.  Mom gave me gardening tips. 

COVID Diaries - April 25

So, I woke up around 8am, stayed in bed, and went back to sleep.

I woke up for reals around 11:30am.  After a bad dream about not making my mile.  Trying to run and trying to run, and literally, I couldn't go far enough.  There were walls and hedges and issues...

I am surprised to report that I wound up at Sherburne Wildlife Refuge today, after several days of me thinking I wouldn't go. I ultimately self-negotiated no trail running, but any walking, picture taking, and sketching that I wanted.   Honestly, it turned out to be a phenomenal day. 

Blue Hill Trail has an overflow parking lot. Y'all I did not even know there was another lot.  I've never seen more than two other cars besides me parked in the regular lot.  I decided to skip that walk in honor of social distancing.

I hiked the Oak Savannah... something.  There were a lot of Trumpeter Swans this time.  I also saw Loons, but they were so far away, I couldn't take a picture.  This is the site of "Dad thinks he'll be eaten by flies but really we just looked at Pelicans".  No pelicans today.  I guess that means I have to come back.  Right?

I also did the Wildlife Drive. It was fascinating to observe the wildlife.  I saw a Red Tail Hawk; nesting Bald Eagles, Blue Heron, Sand Hill Crane (I think only one?), some weird duck, Trumpeter Swans, and I basically don't even mention Canada Geese anymore, right? 

It was also fascinating to watch the humans/cars/bikes on the Wildlife Drive.  (I adore Wildlife Drive, and will sneak it in anyway I can.  Even on work days if I'm in the area.)  There were bikes, but they were actually finishing the loop as I was starting.  Some of the other cars went super fast, I just pulled over and let them go around.  A car or two was taking things as lazily as I was.  (Think 5-10mph for a 7 mile loop.) At least one car had humans wearing masks inside the car.


When I got home, I took a minute to gather myself.  Then I went out for my run.  I went a bit longer than 1 mile, and tried to enjoy the phenomenal weather we're having.

Next up was laundry.  Oh.  Y'all.  Sometimes I do not have enough drying racks.

I ended the evening with a Happy Hour Zoom call with my people.

COVID Diaries - April 24

Today was my day of distance socialization. 

I woke up around 5am, and was all "well, the sun is coming up, I can go run, I'm sure I'll nap later". I saw the sun rise over the river while I was out.  I also spent some time finding a new path to the river because of the effing train in my way.  When I got home I did "weights" which is a band workout right now.

I tried very hard to log onto a webinar.  It didn't work.  I thought it was because I was on a mac, which has been an issue in the past.  I got an email later it was an issue with their server.

Instead, I talked to Baby Pooky who can now wave, and sometimes say hi, but I think she needs to know me better to talk on FaceTime.

And then I napped.  Hard.

Afterwards I sent a retirement card to one friend, birthday cards to Baby Pooky and Captain Smiley.  The birthday card design is clutch I think.

Next up was actually eating food.  I got carry out at Peppers and Fries and took it to Olive's back yard.  I stayed outside and we ate at least six feet away from each other. And her dog.  We sat outside and talked half the afternoon.  We could hear baby eagles, saw woodpeckers, etc.  It was awesome.

Since I was already on that side of town, I went to Riverview Theater and got some To Go Popcorn.  I wound up with a bonus visit to a friend (more a friend of Qat Lady's) and her kids.  Her kids knew Fiona and had a book about her.

When I got home, Captain Smiley and I had a physical distance happy hour on my patio.

Now, I'm catching up on the news. Someone who I will not name suggested we inject ourselves with bleach or lysol to treat the virus.  Like, really?  Maybe we should put some people on that?  So now Lysol and all of the other places literally had to do PSAs saying "please, do not main line bleach". 

In news that I think is beautiful, Calls to Prayer are broadcast to the Cedar Riverside neighborhood during Ramadan so that everyone can safely honor the holiday.

COVID Diaries - Before and After

One of the unexpected side effects of quarantine is that I've started drawing.  A lot.  Apparently I am fascinated with the color of water, because that's what most of my drawings have involved.
The original photo here was taken in late 2014 in Buffalo MN.   Here's today's rendering. 

COVID Diaries - April 23

This was another "not the way I planned but ultimately productive" kinds of days.

I woke up, made myself banana pancakes with raspberries and chocolate chips, and coffee.

I finally finished a (free) 12.5 hour CEU.  That is a super big chunk of CEU hours that count towards the clinical credit, so that's amazing.

In the afternoon I ran/walked/ran 3 miles.  (I did a full mile without stopping.  Have you met me?)  I forgot to take my anti-crazy pills this morning, and my heart rate was much better in the afternoon, even after the coffee. Correlation much?

I ended the evening with Zumba on Zoom.  I had a bad attitude and sound problems to begin with.  But no one else noted the sound problems, so I assumed it was me.  Ultimately I found my iPad, logged in there, and improved my attitude significantly.

Sometimes I'm like "I'm going to come back and read these blog posts to remember what physical distance/quarantine/whatever was like".  And one of the things that's totally happening but I don't mention much is the freaking crazy dreams I am having.  At least I'm not alone, right?

My sleep is so completely screwed up.  Or, more accurately "the time I want to wake up is completely screwed up"  I'll have to address that by early next week.  Sigh.

Another thing that's been surprisingly clutch is the 3 month free trial of Amazon Music (expensive version).  I've spent some time going through old albums/songs/artists that I adore and I am loving having great music all the time.  I'm currently listening to Throwing Copper which was one of my absolute favorite albums in high school.  At one point I could play several of the songs on here. I may be sucked in on this one, since I have so many Alexa devices.  Sigh.

COVID Diaries - April 22

For a day that I did almost nothing I'd originally planned, this was a positive and productive day.

I started with breakfast and a walk with Captain Smiley.  I showed him the dome house and the ponds (we're calling them ponds now instead of marshes).  We saw a friend along the way walking her dog.

Second exercise was an 11 mile bike ride around Palmer Lake.  I was sad (but unsurprised) not to see Dungeon Master.

After second exercise I did chores: I swept out my garage (originally scheduled for Saturday), and then as a bonus cleaned/organized my car.

Third exercise was running my mile. Done.

After that, and possibly the best part of the day, was taking a shower and washing my hair.

I hit North Market (which may replace my Seward Co Op Furlough goal).  Shopping there is such a pleasure.

To wrap up the evening, Captain Smiley and I had a physically distant, socially present supper and it was amazing.  We had to go from Nona Rosa's. So so good. 

COVID Diaries - Tuesday April 21

Today was the day that everything fell apart, and then sort of put itself back together quite nicely.

I thought about heading up to Sherburne Wildlife Refuge, and was looking to see if Wildlife Drive is open for the season.  That's about when I learned that while yes, the drive is open, all the bathrooms are closed.  This had a significant impact on my trail running plans.. This led to me checking Elm Creek and Baker which are in similar predicaments. Sigh.

So, I lay on the couch, and dried the clothes I forgot to take out of the washer last night and considered all my options.

I wound up doing a 3-ish mile run.

Then I talked to some of my favorite people in Kentucky.  One is reading The Order of the Phoenix, the other is reading Enders Game.  Neither one will go back to school in person this year.

Obviously I had my afternoon nap.

While dealing with the "what the heck am I going to do now?" of it all, because I'd been looking forward to some further away parks, I decided to head back to the Heron Rookery. Did I mention while I was sulking, I found my binoculars.  So, I tried to take lots of pics through the bincolulars.  That was a learning process all it's own.

Next up was Zumba on Zoom.  They are finally working out the nitty gritty on this one.  Sounds is getting better and better.  Mom does the Zumba too.

Finally, Chipotle was delivery to my door.  At no extra charge.  So that's a nice way to wrap things up.

Bonus that is unexpected (and not in my post-its) is I did a very rough sketch of the rookery as well.

COVID Diaries - April 20

No.  I did not smoke pot today.  That's not my thing.

I did get up and go for a bike ride on the newer of my two bikes.  I like this one much better, except the tires seem more fragile for the winter/post-winter conditions. I went a lot faster on this bike.  No joke.

I also did my mile run after the bike ride.  I understand why triathletes call this a brick workout because trying to make my legs run and pop after a bike ride is not easy.

For a new adventure, I ordered online with the Chipotle app and picked it up.  I now (somewhat problematically) understand that I live five minutes from a Chipotle.  I could've done better without that discovery.

In the afternoon, I assembled a grow station in my living room.  It's the best thing I've ever done in this house.  Why did I not have all the plants living here from the beginning?  So, my transformation into my mother is almost complete.

I wrapped up the day with a virtual happy hour.  Qat Lady and My Pooky Bear are both doing well.  Baby Pooky is learning to walk.  She can also say hi.

So, day 3 of 10 Days of Furlough ends with me accomplishing everything on my agenda.  Originally a trip to a wildlife refuge was planned for today, but I opted out of that nonsense when I saw the 25mph winds with gusts up to 40mph.  Maybe tomorrow instead?

I still can't find my binoculars.  One of the enduring "where'd I put that?" items from moving that i haven't found yet.  Only, now I'm afraid I know where they are and it involves moving other boxes to get to them.  Sigh.

COVID Diaries - April 19

Today is furlough day 2 of 10.
Plans for Monday include a happy hour with Qat Lady and My Pooky Bear.
Plans for Tuesday include talking to some of my favorite people in Kentucky about the books they are reading.

Today was productive and then it fell off a cliff.  I'm cool with that.

Running: Done first thing.
Weights (goal was 15 mins).  I did a 10 minute warm up for running, of leg exercises.  When I got back I did the same 10 minutes of drills, but this time with a resistance band.
For "first meal" I had lox, capers, cream cheese on crackers, and then a "my Pooky Bear sandwich" (which is modeled of a prosciutto sandwich she had somewhere in England or Ireland and adored).

Heron Rookery: A suggestion from Olive was that I get myself to checkout the Rookery before the leaves are on the trees.  I'd looked at biking there, but it was just all too much, emotionally, right now so I drove.  Totally worth my time.  FYI, Blue Herons are my favorite bird.

Lowes: I got plants.  I tried to find something for Dungeon Master but they didn't have it.  I'm currently trying to teach her about Sugru.

Costco: They are out of eggs.  This just makes it certain I have to hit the co-op.  There was no line to get in, so I'm not really sure what I saw the other day in Coon Rapids.

And then, y'all, I hit the wall.  I came home, put my plants in the window with the sunshine and watered them, unpacked my groceries, and sat my butt down on the couch. I've just had second meal (eggs, bacon, toast), and not planning on moving much the rest of the day.

Originally I'd planned to hit Sherburne Wildlife Refuge tomorrow.  The forecast calls for sun, which is good, but 25mph winds which are not my thing. So, I think I will relocate that trip to another day.

COVID Diarires - April 18

Today is Furlough day 1 or 10.  I have a plan people.  I've made a list of things to do, people to contact, places to see, exercise/movement options, and chores.  And by "list" I mean post its.  And then I put the post its on different days of the furlough so I know what is planned for the day.

Today's goals were bike ride, clean the bathrooms, vacuum/sweep the floors.

Bike ride: Actually happened first.  I rode my old old bike, because the tires are better to deal with the post-winter street conditions.  Except, apparently I tried to break one of my tires.  Glad I didn't go for a longer ride.  I deflated and then reinflated the troubled tire and it seemed to stay on the rim better now, but I didn't take it back out to test it.
Agenda for later this week is to pull out the other bike and see how she handles the sand and gravel in the roads.

Run: I ran my mile, but I took my route backwards today.  Everything looks so different this way.

Then there was a significant amount of lounging, napping, etc.  Followed by

Floors: I swept the kitchen first, because the broom gets into a couple places better than the vaccum. Then, I started eying the bathrooms, so I switched to those.

Bathrooms: I have 2 full bathrooms and 1 half bath.  I really only use the tub/shower in my bathroom, so the second tub/shower doesn't get dirty, nor get a lot of cleaning attention. My strategy has been to do one chore in each bathroom, and then move on to the next chore.  It's more walking around, but fewer cleaning rags actually.  Current plan is all mirrors, all sink tops/surfaces, the tub/shower that's used the most, then the freaking toilets.  I hate cleaning toilets.  The floors were done as part of the other floor project.  There was a lot of hair on my bathroom floor.

Vacuum: I finished off the evening vacuuming all of the floors on both levels. I have a lot of hair.

Then I went to a Chinese restaurant for take out.  That's an experience.  I had to call and say I was here, and they brought the food outside, set it on a table, went back inside, and then I could grab it and go.

COVID Diaries - April 17

The Furlough begins.  For the next 10 days I don't have to work.  I actually moved my work computer out of my normal sight line.  (3 day weekend, 4 days off work, next 3 day weekend)

I am nervous that I'm going to turn into a day-drinking, non-running, all-of-the-issues human being while I'm not working.

I am making plans/goals for furlough week.  Accountability goal number 1 is that my bathrooms (and there's 3) are cleaned by Sunday at 5pm.

Bike riding, a "distance picnic" involving a hamburger and fries with Olive, and distance tacos with Dungeon Master are also on the agenda.

I'm going to be 100% honest here: My heart rate has been screwed up for quite some time. Today, I did a run solidly at MAF, so that felt nice.

I'm making a "list" (it's post-it notes) of what I want to do on my ten furlough/quarantine days.  I want a burger and fries y'all.  So hard you can't believe it. 

COVID Diarires - April 16

Today is the day I pressed Dad into computer technical service for the Minnesota health care system y'all.  He totally rose to the challenge.  By "rose to the challenge" I mean he did not use bad words or get mad at me/the computer/etc.

What actually happened: My company is rolling out a platform for "virtual visits".  (Think Skype or Facetime, or Zoom, but health care compliant.)  So I called Dad and said "I do not care if this works. I need you to try it and I need to know what happens." And then I did parts of how the virtual visit would go (sending an invitation, trying to log on, getting the platform on his computer). 
Dad had trouble downloading the app because his internet sucks.
Dad then had trouble installing the app because that's just not a thing he's ever known how to do?
I wound up using Jitsi with him, so he could share his screen with me.  We got the app installed and opened.  And then he was able to use the meeting invite to see me and have "virtual visit".  This was me saying "thank you so much for doing this" and not an actual health care assessment (for anyone who was worried about poor boundaries).

Tomorrow: Dad is going to try to put the app on his phone and have a virtual visit with me that way.  You cannot understand how much I'm looking forward to this.
Also tomorrow: If my timing works, I'm going to have Dungeon Master attempt to install this on her phone (because she has an android and will continue speaking to me if it doesn't work) and also have a pretend virtual visit with me. 

After me telling Dad "I need a 5 minute phone call to explain, and the other thing should take 10 minutes, 15 tops' (it was like an hour) Mom tells me this story:
(Background: Mom works in an academic setting and was asked to do a short video message to her seniors who basically don't get a graduation ceremony.)
"I drug Daddy upstairs..." So, they used her iPad to shoot this video, and she had her "social work poem" (I swear, I need a copy) taped to a broom stick so her gaze was at the right direction for the video.  She needed a few takes, just because of fumbling the words in the poem, etc.
Well, Mom can't actually send the video from her iPad because it's too big for Gmail. (She doesn't know how to upload it to YouTube, leave my mom alone.)
So, Mom starts problem solving on her computer (Mac Desktop).
Y'all.  Mom found Photobooth and recorded a video there.  On her own.  I am so proud.
Mom also reports she had to clean off the other desk in the background for this video.  (She was able to have a different angle/background with the iPad.)
Ok; but the Photobooth video is apparently still too big for Gmail to deal with. 
So, Mom edits her poem to make it shorter.  I need both versions now, right?  And then re-shoots it on Photobooth.  Which she learned to use on her own!  And that one was small enough to email.  I am so proud.

Other funny story for the day.  (Background: Generally when I say bye to Mom or Dad I say "love you".) I told a colleague about getting Dad on this virtual visit.  Then colleague and I needed to step off the call.  I almost told colleague I loved her because I'd been thinking of Dad.  Then I told my whole social work team about the virtual visit with Dad.  And almost told them how much I loved them as well.  Sigh.  Luckily these people are awesome and laughed instead of feeling uncomfortable.

COVID DIaries - Wednesday April 15

This video has me laughing so hard I'm crying.  Those walks are gonna be clutch! 

I ran today.  And I did a "weights" workout, meaning resistance bands which is in so many ways harder than weights.  This is a good workout and I will stick with it.  I'm making peaces with the bands.

I was "out in the world" today.  Costco is having people line up and wait to go inside.  I saw that and I was all it's too cold for this shit right now so I went to Hy Vee and got Sushi instead.  Pretty sure I'm going to Hy Vee for Sushi every day now.

I had a wonderful video chat with My Pooky Bear and Qat Lady. I didn't realize how much I needed it until I talked to them for an hour.

COVID Diaries - Tuesday April 14

How long have I been in lock down? I straight up do not know, but I think it's been a while.

Mom and I got to Zoom Zumba tonight. Thanks very much to Out in the Backyard.  It's fun to dance with Mom, even remotely.

I signed up for Uber on this wonderful trip.  I signed up after we landed at the CDMX airport (with presumably an IP address in Mexico).  To this day, Uber sends me emails in Spanish.  I do not know how to read Spanish and I do not know how to change this setting.  My app is in English.

HGTV seems to be premiering new seasons for a lot of their shows.  I predict Ben and Erin become the next "Chip and Jo" if you know what I mean.  They are adorable.

I continue to be happy with the leadership in Minnesota and terrified with the goon in the federal government.  Minnesota seems to be run by the nerds.  Y'all, I am with my people.  The federal government is currently led by a demagogue. 

I've barely run this week.  February came back for a visit.  In April.  I don't know why it's such a pain in the butt this year.  This is all I ran in last year.

COVID Diaries - April 13

You know the Facebook memories?  One year and two days ago, we had the last blizzard of 2019.  One year ago yesterday, I tried to buy my house.  And failed.  And then didn't eat for two days before I had to run my 20 miler for my marathon training.

I am "furloughed" next week. I am very fortunate.  For me, this means 'involuntary PTO'.  For one week.  I am thinking about how I'll spend my time.  I'm hoping for some version of "talking to plants", though apparently I'm late to the game on growing new plants from seed?   Whatever.  I'm new here.

For a "day off" work, I was oddly busy with work things.  Whatever.  It's gotta get done right now and we can't be fussy about schedules.

I made a workout of my own, based on this video. Counting is not my thing.  So, I set it up to be 1:00, then 1:30, then 2:00 of all the exercises. Since I only have 3lb dumbells at home, I also added resistance band to add to the challenge.

I did not understand, before all of this, how training with a resistance band would totally jack up my heart rate. These things are legit. Sometimes I do a banded good morning versus a banded dead lift. 

I did also run my mile. But not much more. Maybe tomorrow?

COVID Diaries - Happy Easter

Facebook reminded me this is the day, last year, that my first offer on my house was rejected.  It was not a good day.

It snowed today.  It also snowed last year.  Thanks Minnesota!

Apparently we had a big jump in cases today.  Somehow it relates to announcing cases on Easter Sunday instead of on Monday?  Shouldn't it be the other way around?

My sleep was ten kinds of screwed up today.  I was listening to a book last night that, instead of falling asleep, I kept listening to.  Then I got up early to run because of the snow... I took a nap.  I am so confused.

I am re-reading Speaker for the Dead.  I loved this book.

COVID Diaries - Saturday April 11

I'm on a Zoom call.  We're now talking about if COVID 19 was made in a lab in Maryland or somewhere in China.  And other conspiracy theories.

And we're talking about who does and does not wear masks. I am wearing them for shopping trips but not for running/walking.

For some reason tonight, I am able to sign in on my iPad but not on my computer.  It's very confusing. The Zoom website was not helpful.

I read an article today about maintaining hope that this will end, but focusing on a routine to get through day to day stuff right now. So, I'm thinking abuot more and more of a routine.

What I've learned on this Zoom call: maybe it's okay I'm single right now.  This place would be a lot smaller with a second person here.

It was 60* today.  So, of course it's going to snow tomorrow.  Two to five inches.  Excellent!

COVID Diaries - April 10

This has been a day that seems hard, but also seems like an opportunity to count my blessings.  Right?  So, I'm choosing to focus on that, even though the other thing creeps in from time to time.

Mom and Dad continue to be hilarious.

A few of my favorite people in Kentucky called me tonight.  One of them is reading the Harry Potter series and another is reading Ender's Game.  I was all call me, we can talk about these books! And then I went and found Speaker for the Dead so I could listen to it again.  Enders Game is, just, you need that backstory to make Speaker for the Dead so powerful.

COVID Diaries - Thursday April 9

It doesn't matter.  No one knows what day it is anyways.

Well, I put down my house key yesterday when I got done running.  And then today I couldn't find it.  So, now my whole house is clean.

We had snow flurries today. And 20mph winds.  So it was not a long run.

Dad's email is finally fixed.  Mom was about to be nominated for sainthood until she said his password now is ridiculous and he'll never remember it. 

I'm currently re-watching some of the Harry Potter movies, just to see if the scenes in the books are in any way similar to the movies.  I still don't like the one where they burn down the Weasley house.  WTF was that?

COVID Diaries - Wednesday April 8

Sundown marks the start of Passover.  I "celebrated" by going to a Zoom Passover with an old friend's family.  Captain Smiley also Zoomed in.

I worked today.

I mention the Passover Seder because a lot of wine is involved.  Which leads to me typing this out loud...

The thing about health care is, some parts of the system are SLAMMED and some are having super low census right now.  Which is leading to furloughs and redeployment.  I am, like, considering where would I go in this situation?  ED or ICU feels like the right fit.  PS - If I ever worked in an ICU, I would screw up the personal protective equipment and the sterile feel so bad it's not even funny.

COVID Diaries - Tuesday April 7

I have been "redeployed" which is actually kind of awesome because I get to work on a couple projects that I am excited for at work.

It's also, like, the nicest day in the world.  So I went out for a run/walk.  Then we had physical distance happy hour that involved multiple neighbors plus Dungeon Master.

Captain Smiley wound up with masks and N95 filters for reasons completely unrelated to COVID 19.  He shared a mask with me.  It's a really good one. I told him so. 

The Governor has not announced his changes/updates/etc to the current Stay at Home order.  But I expect them tomorrow.  PS - I now have Siri set an alarm for 2pm every day to hear the governor's updates.

In exercises related news - I have been working out more and more with the resistance bands. Holy crap.  Those things really raise my heart rate. I mean, really.

This continues to be one of my favorite weights videos. But I really have to adapt it. The weights i have are too light.  And the resistance bands I have are too much.  Sigh..

This is another video I'm really enjoying.  I tend to do the first round only and use it as a warm up for running.

COVID Diaries - Monday April 6

Technically the current stay at home order expires this weekend.  I assume it's going to be extended.  But I was dealing with a different emergency during that part of the Governor's briefing so I didn't hear for sure.

I did work a bit today.  No one knows what day it is. It's fine.  It was one of those things I normally would've given to coverage, but for now, like, where am I going?  I can just deal with it right?

I got out for a longer run.  My heart rate continues to be all kinds of screwed up.  Probably related to the not so awesome dietary decisions I've made lately.  Whatever.  It is what it is.

I talked to Mom for a while.  Dad continues to be locked out of his Gmail account on his computer but not on his phone.  It's an issue.

I am Loving my new exercise bands.  Amazon delivered them two days early.  I just pick them up and start doing exercises all the time.  Talking on the phone?  Waiting for water to boil?  Whatever.

COVID Diaries - Sunday April 5

First time wearing a "mask" at the grocery store.  My masks are just buffs that I got for running.  Maybe Qat Lady or My Pooky Bear will make me a real one?

I had a donut for breakfast. HyVee was out of the flavor I wanted, so I made due with a Boston Cream.

The state of the state address happened tonight.  Short and sweet. Basically, pretend our neighbors are stuck in the snow and we have to dig them out.  Except "dig them out" means stay home.

I feel like I am forever doing laundry.  Day Pajamas Sweat pants and sweat shirts are so bulky.

A note to my future self here this is not what Tiger King is about. I haven't watched Tiger King.  But it seems popular.

When I was running today, I straight up found a dome house in my neighborhood. Hows have I missed this thing for so long?  It's clear total hippies with kids live there. There's indoor plants in every window and chalk drawings outside.  Y'all are my people. 

This is not the dome house, but it is lovely.  It was a gorgeous day.

COVID Diaries - Saturday April 4

Today I learned there are two kinds of people in the world. Those who see a 144 piece clear acrylic puzzle as a challenge and those who don't.  My Pooky Bear and I are mainly on the good side of this debate.  I feel like one of my aunts could be made to see reason as well.

I am currently on a video chat with some of my old Zumba people.  It's hilarious for many reasons. It is making my life.

Now we're talking about if we should invest in Zoom.

My virtual background is upside down. What did I do wrong?

 I told Mom "basically I'm going to call into Zoom and say hello, and then just listen to the chaos".  I wound up being more a part of the conversation than I expected.  I'm sure the cider had something to do with that.

I did run today.

I tried to do a a resistance band workout before running my mile.  This thing nearly killed me. I stopped when they were all "we're going to do a resistance band push up".   Noped right out of there.

COVID Diaries - Friday April 3

Work was like... is it a full moon?  What was the deal? I worked hard today.

I tried to watch the Governor's daily address, but 2pm is about when the wheels really came off the wagon with work stuff, so I didn't see much.

I ran my mile today, and lifted weights a bit, but not a lot. For weights, I added a resistance band to some of the exercises. So, band plus little dumbells. It's better than nothing right?

We technically had snow today.  It really didn't stick here, and by the time I was out running, the sidewalks were dry.

I ordered resistance bands on Amazon.  They seem to be more in stock than weights. I also got pumpkin seeds because I miss them. Hard.

It's possible I got a bit snarky (I did get snarky) with a friend regarding new guidance to mask when we're out around people.  Friend was saying cloth face masks don't do anything.  I was explaining the guidance I'd been given by incident command and people who've been studying viruses longer than I've been alive.  (If Friend wears a mask, I am protected from Friend's germs, but Friend is not protected from my germs nearly as well).  Friend told me the guidance is was wrong viruses need true filtering from an N95.  I offered to connect Friend to the MDs and PhDs at incident command so they could be educated properly. (Snark.) 

Friend is not wrong, N95s would be ideal.  But currently the federal administration is in a pissing match with 3M over the distribution of N95s.  And apparently once the federal administration gets their hands on the N95s, they are for hoarding, not for distribution to the states. 

COVID DIaries - Thursday April 2

I am surprised to report I got up somewhat on time.

I am also pleasantly surprised to report I had a nice afternoon run.  My heart rate stayed low and I felt good.  One of my longer runs this week.

Actual monologue from my father (because I was told not to interrupt)

"Don't interrupt me and Don’t judge. All of us get this email.. (Legendary Run Golf Course) they have been approved by the county health commissioner to open their course...So Gary sends out this email... Michael is a little reluctant but he can't stand it much longer and if we're going to play

Dick said no... I originally said yes... about two hours later after Jan talked with me, I sent out an email saying I'm withdrawing my original approval.  And then Gary and Mike thought the same thing.  So we're going to sit out another week or two... The city courses aren't open... well no there's a city course in Covington Open and Legendary Run... not sure on Kenton Co"  

I asked Dad what changed his mind, and apparently it was just Mom saying "I wish you wouldn't""

Dad is mad that I can go out and run in the parks and he can't golf.  My thing is, no one has to go to work for me to enjoy the parks.  Dad's like "what about the people who mow the grass?" and I'm all "it's Minnesota, the grass is not growing here".  

So, the drama continues but I see progress in the right direction.

I'm listening to part of Gov Walz briefing.  11 of the 18 deaths in Minnesota have been in long term care facilities. 

Dad said "when we go 'back to normal', it's going to be something new."

Dungeon Master is going to make me a homemade mask.  After she figures out how to make one without a pattern or elastic. It's an issue.

COVID Diairies - Wednesday April 1

I was off work today for working on Monday.  (So worth it.  Sorting masks was the best thing ever.)

I woke up in time to call into safety huddle.  Apparently now that's a thing I do.  Even on my days off.  I remember when I hated these things so hard.  Everyone did.

I did a run walk later in the day. I just wanted to sleep.  That's pretty much how all of my days off go though, right?

In the evening, I took a physically distanced walk with Captain Smiley.  It was very good to get out, walk around, see the people, etc.

I talked to Dad.  He seemed bored and grumpy.  Or just "grumpy because bored" maybe.  I tried to call Mom but she did not answer.  Sigh.

This was kind of a rough day.  Not rough, but long.  I had a head ache. 

COVID Diaries - March 31

Well, it finally happened.  I picked up a beer, picked up the phone, and tried to help Dad with his computer.  I didn't work but we're still speaking to each other.  So there's that.  (He lost his Google/email password when he insisted on upgrading his computer OS even though I told him not to.)

Dad also read me an letter/email from the golf course that's still open.  I've given up on him being a socially responsible adult.

I got out for a run in the afternoon.  In the sunshine. There were too many other people out.  I'm going to try again tomorrow.  In the morning.  When I don't have to be at work.

Tracking the toilet paper supply at Costco remains a thing but apparently the technology is improving? 

I am still listening to my current audio book.  I'm to the part with the son of a Taliban leader, and why the son looks up to his father.  It's creepy and terrifyingly human at the same time.  I plan on walking, running, and listening to this a lot tomorrow.

The map of Minnesota is starting to look different.  This is hitting me pretty hard.

COVID Diaries - March 30

I worked today.  Yes, on a Monday.  It doesn't matter because no one knows what day it is anyway.  

My 'work' was sorting 11,000 homemade masks that have been donated.  Most have elastic ear bands but some have ties (because apparently there was a moment when the craft stores ran out of elastic?!?).  Some had snapped elastic or other issues in transit.  And some just had not the standard pattern.

I told Captain Smiley and Dungeon Master I've literally never been so excited to be in a room full of people all day.

This was supposed to take 2 days and turned out to not even take one full day.  (Apparently these masks are easier to sort than the face shields that were donated?)

I used the time in my old stomping grounds to hit up my favorite taco place, and my old grocery store. (They have the best bacon and the best hand rolled butter.)

I also spent some time drawing pictures for the neighborhood scavenger hunt? Is this a thing everywhere?  Apparently the distance learning kids are supposed to take a morning walk.  Every Tuesday the little ones are supposed to look for things in the neighborhood.  Tomorrow it's a butterfly and next week it's a music note.

I continue to lecture my father on the shelter in place rules.  I'm pretty sure he continues to ignore me.  Like literally, people are making face masks out of scraps of fabric to keep people alive over here, maybe don't go to the golf course and hold off on the walk through for a minute? Sigh.

In other news, I got up early today (that's big news), and went for what turned out to be a great run.  It's been a long time since I've found myself feeling good on a run.  I was over by the river because I wanted to see the sun rise and it was amazing.

I'm trying to watch The Voice.  The commercials have finally caught up with COVID 19.  CVS Pharmacy is offering free delivery and my social work ears have perked up! 

COVID Diaries - March 29

I continue to sleep in.  That's going to be interesting because I actually have to get up and go to work tomorrow.  Yes, on a Monday.  It doesn't matter because I no longer know what day it is anyway.

I was actually fairly productive for a slow day.  I cleaned the paperwork off my table.  That's huge.

I'm coming to terms that I'll be driving around with expired tabs for a while.  Sigh. I mailed in my renewal on March 16.  The check hasn't cleared yet.  Are these services considered essential?  Maybe I should ride around with my check dupe in case I get pulled over?

I did a new weights video.  This was not as brutal as it could've been but only because the weights I have at home are fairly light. I liked this video though, and think it could be a useful format if I'm ever allowed back in the gym.

I just fell into the rabbit hole of looking for dumbells online.  Those are sold out too.  Sigh.

COVID Diaries - March 28

How did we get here? This is wild!

I woke up at... 11am actually.  And then stayed in bed a while after that.

I did a weights workout (not the video I thought I was loading, but I went with it), and then ran.  In circles.  Because I wanted to get to 2.4 miles for my run (to make 20 miles total for the week), but it was about to rain and I didn't want to be too far away.  So I ran my super short circular route today, and did make my miles.

I came in and had pot roast.  I made the portions of these pot roast servings way too big.

And then I napped.  Hard.  Saturdays are for sleeping.

I talked to Mom and Dad for a while on FaceTime.  I did teach him how to 'unlock' the rotation of the screen, so that was useful. 

I played a lot with the 3D paint on my work computer.  Now I'm like "my iPad is so old... maybe I should get a new one so I can color."  Yes.  That's me.  I'd like a $1,200 coloring book please.

COVID Diaries - March 27

Waking up early, or even on time, continues to not be a thing.

Today at work was significantly more productive than yesterday.  So, there's that. 

I have the hiccups.

State goes into lock down tonight.  The soccer games that take place on the fields by my house are technically not allowed any longer.  We'll see if they stop.

A friend wants me to video myself singing a song.  I promised, for the sake of our friendship, that I would not sing to him.  He was sad.  I told him I would say the prayer for protection for him but that was about my limit.

Distance happy hour continues to be a thing that I look forward to.

COVID DIaries - March 26

Today, I just did not want to wake up.  At all.

Work was rough, but I really hit my stride at the end of the day.  I guess that's better than nothing right?  I have a solid plan in place for tomorrow.

Around 4:30pm, I went for my run.  Afterwards, I pulled my patio chairs out of the garage.  They all got wiped down with soap and water. More for the dust from the garage but it helps with the other thing too, right?

Followed by Captain Smiley and I having a distance happy hour.  Our neighbor (we share a backyard) came by for a visit as well.  Captain Smiley and I wound up with blankets and hats. It was a very happy hour!

COVID Diaries - Mom and Google Voice. Lesson 2

This one was actually significantly less dramatic than lesson 1.

Mom wanted me to be her test subject for a WebEx meeting.  She sent me a link.  I logged in from my work computer (which is sometimes so secure it's a pain in the ass), and also from my home computer (which is a different OS). 

We chatted.

Mom practiced sharing her screen.  She's getting much faster here.

I had Mom go to SpeedTest so she could see how fast her internet is.  And then I showed her how fast mine is. 2MB to 80MB, and mine was having a slow day.

Then she started asking me questions about Google Voice.  If you've never used it, there's a moment in the app where you're convinced you're calling some super crazy phone number...  Once you get used to it, everything's fine.

Great, we're on a video chat.  I'll hold my phone up here by the camera for you to see what I'm doing.

Followed by "are you sure I don't get charged long distance for those calls?" 

It was a few minutes later that we were looking through her call log on the phone (not the app).  And she called... well I didn't know who because she was laughing too hard.  Turns out to have been Dad.  And then I was laughing too hard.  So.  Day 2 ends the same as day 1.  

COVID Diaries - March 25

I woke up early and did a longer youtube weights video.  And then I ran.  I have not found a favorite weights video.  This may not be it.

Mom and I had another technology session.  This one was significantly less painful.  Mom wanted me to try WebEx. It also ended with us laughing so hard we were crying.

I currently am watching the Governor briefing.  Shelter in Place order.  OMG.  We're trying to buy time.  That's it.  What are we using that time for?  To turn arenas, stadiums, and hotels into hospitals. And to make more ventilators for patients and PPE for health care workers.  Ok; now I'm terrified.

Work was slow today. A colleague sent me more patients for tomorrow, and then I sent an email to everyone begging for more work.

I figured out the next level of 'playgrounds' which continues to be a fun app when I can focus on it.

Dad tried to tell Mom and I The Parable of the Farmer.  I was all "literally I do not know this story and I still know you're telling it wrong" and he got frustrated.  His interpretation was 'it's the farmer's money, he can do what he wants, those not in power should quit complaining'. I love the 'god's grace' version much better.

COVID Diaries - March 24

I think we should re-name this blog "the IT diaries"

I woke up in time for the safety call this morning.  After the call, I worked from home including helping a few co-workers with computer issues and new procedures.  We also practiced things like answering skype video calls and screen sharing.

In the middle of the day, I went for a run along the river.  I did not get down to the heron rookery, but a few of them did visit me while I was out.  There's no sunshine today (sad), but it was good to be out.

Tonight I talked to Dad who just could not be bothered to hold the phone so I could see him on FaceTime.  So I talked to Mom instead.  Sigh.

The mayor of Walton, KY (Boone County) Became my spirit animal today. 

COVID Diaries - Monday March 23

I woke up around 7am, did a few weights, and then went for a run.

At 8:15am I called into a huddle meeting that lasted for 45 minutes (we knew it was going to be that long).  Yes, this is my day off.  We found out about all the community drives for homemade face masks, which made all of us tear up.  (It feels like the cavalry showing up somehow.)  Pooky Bear's mom is one of the sewers in this project, so I sent her a thank you on Facebook.

At 9am, I tried to help mom make a google voice account.  You know what, this has to be it's own blog post because it was that complicated.

"Day pajamas" and "night pajamas" are now a full fledged thing.

I went to Costco.  People were running around like they'd never get food again.  Costco was out of dry pasta, toilet paper and wipes.  But they had laundry soap and liquor.  So, I got what matters.  (After buying laundry soap early last year, I was almost out.)

Only had 1 work related emergency.  Refreshingly it had nothing to do with COVID 19. Again, it's my day off.  Whatever. We'll do what we can right now.

I have done the math. A 'gallon' of Dr Bronner at Costco is roughly $35.  (2 pack of 25oz soap is $13.49, which per ounce converts up to $34.54 per gallon)   Cheapest I can find online is almost double that.

Captain Smiley and I are instituting a front porch happy hour, every evening at 5pm or so.  It's easier since I went to Costo and got him $50 of booze there (which is a lot).  No judgements, I got myself almost as much.
Update: We may move it to the back patio.  The backyard features significantly more sunshine at 5pm and is also large enough for physical distancing (which is the new social distancing).

Minnesota remains not on lock down.  It seems like only a matter of time.

A word here about the daily statistics: Mayo labs have stepped up and cleared a huge back log of tests.  So it's not that 'so many more people were tested positive today' as 'so many tests that had been sitting there for the past few days finally got results'.   Source.

COVID Diaries - Mom and Google Voice. Lesson 1.

At 9am, I tried to help mom make a google voice account.  This was at her request.  As the call starts, I have optimism and faith in her.  She's taught on blackboard and canvas, she grades online, she can explain why one student internship management software is better than another one in terms of features. I'm estimating 15 minutes, 20 tops.

First, I got her onto a Jitsi video call.  That took a second longer than it should have, but we had to grant some permissions.  The video call starts. It took us several minutes to get screen sharing going.  "What am I supposed to hit?" 

Once I could see what she was doing, we went to Google Voice, she picked a number, that part went pretty fast.

Next, she has to install the app on her phone.  It's here that the wheels really started to fall off the wagon.  She was foiled by the 'double click the side button' to install thing.  My iPhone is much older so I didn't even know what she was talking about until I youtubed it.  It was another couple minutes for her to get her case off the phone so she could feel the side button and double click it properly. 

After the app is installed, she was able to swipe through and find it. Okay.  We open it up.  "What's my google password? Is it the one I use to turn on the computer?"

That takes us to Jitsi meeting number two.  Screen share was faster this time since we did it 20 minutes ago. (That 15-20 minute time frame?  No.  I was wrong.)  We go into Firefox preferences to find her saved passwords. She see the password, recognizes it, and goes forth installing the app.  Also, Mom thinks I can perform miracles.

Except now, for some reason she can't go back to a regular video call.  She's stuck in some screen sharing vortex.  Without a regular video call she can't hold up her phone and show me what it's doing. Eventually I hang up the video call.

Now she calls me from Dad's phone (which means he's not golfing).  And then all the sudden she's all 'why is my phone ringing?'  Followed by 'how do I hang up?'.  (How do I hang up?!?)  

Relevant point here is that mom is hearing impaired... Mom's literally got two phones in her hands.  She can't really identify that it was Dad's phone making the noise, not hers.  Eventually I was able to identify it as Dad's timer, not a phone call. (How do I hang up?)  I guess she knew how to stop the timer.  

Now she's laughing so hard she's crying.  I'm starting to laugh too.  We're both losing it.  Also, we're at 10am my time and I said we had to be done.  She has the app on her phone and can answer calls. She can't make them yet, or text. 

I guess agenda for lesson 2 is how to hang up the phone (in google voice or regular phone).  That may take the whole time.  But if not, we'll add how to dial in google voice.

I'm reserving texting in google voice app and online for a later lesson. There's only so much whiskey.

COVID Diaries - Sunday March 22

Minnesota has not been ordered to shelter in place.  The order just went out in Ohio, to start Monday night/Tuesday morning.

My department at my company announced a 45 minutes safety huddle (they are usually 5 minutes).  This safety huddle is on my day off and I am for sure calling in.

I am starting to do more YouTube videos for lifting weights.  They're much more 'metabolic conditioning' than true strength with a lot of gaps for rest.  But it's so much better than nothing.

I got a $435 CEU (for 12 hours) for free, to learn about telehealth.  I'm one hour in.

Literally had to talk to Dad about why playing golf was wrong. And then had to follow it up in an email with research from California.  Also, the Ohio shelter in place order prohibits gatherings of any size outside your household, so, that's a golf game. I don't think my info worked with Dad but I may have scared the hell out of Mom in the process.  Sigh. 

This is what I'm talking about.  Even with social distancing this is such a big deal.  (Numbers for Ohio and Minnesota.)  Minnesota's point of "no return" is a couple days closer than Ohio.

 Now 90 mins in to the training.  I'm learning what a URL and a domain are. Except she's getting it wrong, what a domain and a URL are. Just, wrong.  My brain is hurting.

I'm going to start adding graphics as well. A picture is worth 1,000 words right?

COVID Diaries - Linkfest

Not sure how long these links will stay active, but for now:

A map of the COVID 19 Growth across the US.

Some Minnesota specific data as well though at this point, I think we can't really use geographic and political boundaries to describe what's going on.

On the running side, all the blogs have 'workouts you can do at home' since all the gyms are closed.  Runners are generally continuing to run outside.  Personally, I find myself much more friendly with everyone I meet. I make sure to make eye contact and wave or say hello.  Like "we're out here, literally in this together".

COVID Diaries - March 21

We continue on an exponential growth curve with COVID 19.   Most of the leaders in the US are literally too stupid to look at Italy and think do anything different.

I think the leaders in the state are less stupid.  When you say things like "we didn't close schools until we a plan for lunches and child care" and "we didn't close restaurants and other public places until we had a plan for unemployment and health insurance" it's reassuring.

I was invited to my Pooky Bear and Pooky Baby but I declined.  I hurt for people so hard, but I'm trying to do my part.

I did get out for a run.  Starting next week, I'm back to having a weekly mileage goal for running and walking.

I got into my "night pajamas" early today, 5pm, after running and 8 Minute Arms video.

My biggest 'supply issue' is actually laundry soap.  I haven't checked what' available on Amazon. I can make my own, but I haven't decided to do that either.  My current plan is to get to Costco early on Monday morning. We'll see.

COVID Diaries - March 20

Apparently we are still on an exponential growth curve, but not quite as wild as Wisconsin?  So I guess that's something.

I walked back and forth the entire time I was on a conference call this morning.  Back and forth.  Back and forth..

I got take out Indian food tonight and it is like manna from heaven.

Dungeon Master learned about InstaCart a few days ago.  Now she's learning about Door Dash.

Mom wants to learn about Google Voice.  And she wants to learn why the Google Maps lady doesn't talk out loud to her.  I was like 'those are two separate phone calls, let me know which one is first and when you're ready'

I am watching Star Trek Picard and loving it.  But now I'm all how are they going to have a second season?!?  Are they going to have a second season? Noooo.

Current meme on the internet is "at 9pm we change out of our daytime jammies into our night time jammies"  Ooof. 

COVID Diaries - March 19

I got up and ran super early, mostly because of rain.

I'm sad I can't walk outside today.  Ask me about the rain again.

I have not adapted to a 'work from home' schedule yet.  But I am improving.

I am learning all of the things about skype, skype meetings, and skype for business meetings (which are not the same).

For now my job is changing to telephonic/work from home.  There's safety related reasons for myself and the people I serve in play.  I'm viewing it as an adventure.

Animal planet basically has puppies and kittens on all day.  I can leave my TV on mute and watch the cute fest.  Dungeon Master put me on to this.

COVID Diaries - March 18

I did go to the grocery store (for 50% off produce)   There were more people there than normal, but it was not crowded.  There was a small amount of toilet paper.  Everyone was pleasant. 

Mom and I are waiting for The Voice to catch up with real life.  We're still on taped episodes and enjoying it.  What are they going to do for the live shows?  They're going to have to delay right?

I have started more and more Skype Video Calls and Face Time calls.  I miss my friends so hard.

I bought like $0.99 pancake mix at the store.  Today I made the mix plus mashed a banana in it, plus instead of water I used whey from my yogurt.  It was like manna from heaven.  

COVID Diaries - March 17

Bit of a back story here:
It's been a week or two since we've had COVID 19 cases in Minnesota.
Starting late last week, Dad could no longer visit Grandma at her nursing home in Ohio.  I was still seeing patients, including in senior buildings. 
My employer was starting to send daily emails regarding patient safety, staff safety, and the general response to things.  (Ok; glad you have a plan.)
On Friday night I took a walk with Dungeon Master and Captain Smiley. 

And then, over the weekend, all hell broke loose.

Significantly updated information was coming out.  It was specific enough to be scary but vague enough to be completely unhelpful.  At one point I was pretty sure I'd killed two of my friends because of a potential exposure. Ok; glad you're communicating but could I either have a lot more information or a lot less.  Just for a minute?  (There was no exposure.)
Also over the weekend, all the races started to cancel including the 10K I'd planned to run and Flying Pig.

Monday I worked from home on a new project (that's obviously now delayed because they need resoucres for other things at the moment).  All in person meetings are cancelled for the foreseeable future.  (So I guess we will find out how much we can do by Skype and email.)

Which brings us to today:
Safety updates continue and are significantly more useful than what happened over the weekend.  (Glad we learned that lesson quickly.) 
I paid $1.92/gallon for gas. 
There's no traffic.  I mean, there's a few other cars on the road but rush hour is not a thing anymore.
I have enough food and am reading that food shortages are not expected at this time.
I am finally trying to eat what's in my fridge instead of just going to the store for something I like better.
I have enough toilet paper (because I live alone, shop at Costco, and bought some recently)
I have stopped face to face contact with several friends because I am afraid of getting them sick.
I am not sick to my knowledge.  I'm more afraid of being Typhoid Mary here.
I have found a thermometer.  It appears to work. 
Working from home has forced me to straighten up the place.
I am talking to Mom and Dad a lot. 
Mom is freaking out but pleasantly focused (this impacts her job much more than her personal life). 
Dad played golf today and is sad he can't play golf or tennis for the foreseeable future.  (I'm all 'people like you are why they had to lock down the nursing home'.)
In my (significant) spare time, I am learning coding from Apple Playgrounds and learning HTML from a free learn to code webiste.
I am running my mile per day but not much else.
The 1 mile race has not been cancelled yet.  Yet.

Get in Gear - 7 Weeks to Go

Sunday planned
: Run 1 miles
Sunday actual: 1.19 miles "easy" but my heart rate was super high.  3.7 mile walk that did not bother me.
From today, I learned: Sometimes walking with friends is the best!

Monday planned: 3 miles easy
Monday actual: 1.25 miles on the treadmill, walking drills, attempted kettlebells that were aborted for a high heart rate
From today, I learned: Apparently I still do not feel well.  Sigh.

Tuesday planned: Run 1 miles, Tuesday weights
Tuesday actual: 1.22 miles in the afternoon.
From today, I learned: Heart rate is definitely starting to come down.  This is a positive sign.

Wednesday planned: Quality workout
Wednesday actual: 3 easy miles.
From today, I learned: This was not the 'quality' workout my coach intended, but I no longer feel like crap, so that's good.


Thursday planned: Run 1 miles, Thursday weights
Thursday actual:
From today, I learned:

Friday planned: 4 miles easy
Friday actual:
From today, I learned:

Saturday planned: 6 miles easy
Saturday actual:
From today, I learned:

This is also the week I called off officially training for this race.  The race hasn't been cancelled yet but I'd be surprised if it goes off as planned.
For me personally, this week has been wild.  Wild.  Dad can no longer visit Grandma at the nursing home where she lives.  I have toilet paper and slowly buying boxes of mac and cheese, ramen, etc.  Not hoarding.

I am still working and going out in the community.  Not sure how much longer that's going to last.  I cancelled an orientation that I was supposed to have on Monday at a hospital.  (You do not need one more body there right now.) I am getting daily emails from my employer, partly focusing on how we're treating patients and partly focusing on employee information like "we'll pay you for the shifts you should've worked if you have to quarantine due to a work related exposure"  I'm reassured they have thought of this stuff and have a plan. 

I'm doing my mile.  And, really, whatever else I want.
I'm using this as a "MAF reset" if you will.  Lots and lots of easy running until we know what's what in life.

Get in Gear - 9 and 8 Weeks to Go

A note to my future self here: This is about the time coronavirus came to the US.  I had a vacation and then my job (in health care) went wild for obvious reasons.  Also, my body tried to attack me this week because I'm a woman, so, lot's going on here.  Therefore, a very late update.

9 Weeks to Go
Sunday: 1.19 miles running in Minneapolis before heading out of town.
Monday: 4.6 miles in Florida (it feels so good to be hot and sweaty) and walking drills.
Tuesday: 3.33 miles run, 1.4 mile walk.  This was the day I thought my tooth was poking through my gums in a way it should not have been. So there's also that going on.
Wednesday: 2 miles run, speed work delayed a day for weather
Thursday: 4.89 miles including tempo work.  This also includes a box truck trying to hit me and me taking a massive trip.  I stayed on my feet my torqued my leg, which becomes relevant later.
Friday: 2 miles run
Saturday: 6.95 miles run.  This was a nice easy long run with an angry leg.

8 Weeks to Go
Sunday: 2 miles run
Monday: 5.7 miles run, still on a bum leg and I may have tripped again here. 
Tuesday: 2 miles run, walking drills, and a long sad plane ride back to the snow.  Which, mercifully was trying to melt.
Wednesday: 4.65 miles, no speed because I am blah.
Thursday: 1.2 miles easy
Friday: 1.18 miles easy
Saturday: An emotional 5.49 miles.  I went a route I haven't taken in a long time.  One of the most recent times I tried this route I was attached, and then the snow started, and... it was time for me to get back on the horse.  That's the only win for the day because I felt like garbage and my heart rate was super high.