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Now What?

3/28/2020

16 Comments

 
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Shelter in Place. That’s what it’s called. Forty million Californians (and more in other states) staying at home unless venturing out is absolutely necessary. Families learning to live with each other 24/7 without going crazy, but as Gayle King of CBS This Morning said recently, “I live alone and I’m driving myself crazy!”

So now what? What do we do?

Many are still working, only now from home. How is that working out? The refrigerator is way to close for my comfort.

Others are trying to recreate their normal at home. Gym workouts, projects, hobbies, etc. The only difficult part is to actually get started.

I have managed to clean four drawers and one cupboard and feel pretty good about that though I know it falls miles short of what I probably should have accomplished already.

I did find these puzzles (pictured upper left) that are self-proclaimed to be “Perhaps the World’s Most Challenging Puzzle,” because there is only one way all nine of those squares fit together. My intent was to complete each one (I have six) and then give them away. After about thirty minutes with one, the frustration was more than the isolation so now all are in the “give-away” box and I moved on to more enjoyable ventures (see bottom photo).

I thought my now defunct tree blankets might work for a hitting net for my whiffle golf balls, but alas they proved too thin (as you can see by the hole) so I moved on to burlap, which seems to be holding up nicely.

I do not mean to make light of the issue, nor of our need to isolate, but we all have had to create a new normal, and as the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”

So first of all, how are you doing? Staying safe. Hopefully well. Then what are you doing? How are you managing the old responsibilities with the new reality? What new activities have your incorporated into your day?

I would love to hear from you. I have time.

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16 Comments
Genevieve Healey
3/28/2020 08:04:14 am

Haha! I didn't notice the hole in the fabric before. Has grandma joined you golfing?

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Jody
3/28/2020 11:44:59 am

Not yet. But there is still time.

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Hannah Lee
3/28/2020 08:19:17 am

I love this! You’re so innovative. We need to set up something in the backyard to golf! It’s crazy how this quarantine has changed perspective on life. I love the humor! We need it, optimism is key in these times. Great read. :)

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Jody
3/28/2020 11:45:46 am

Thanks, Hannah. Had to upgrade to a more sturdy fabric.

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Pamela Lee
3/28/2020 08:22:31 am

Whew! I actually like being alone, but this is different. Going shopping is different, very different. I waited in line to go into Trader Joe's (because only grocery stores are open right now) so everyone could shop with "social distancing." I was told to "only buy what you need" but did I really need anything? I was just trying to get out and do something and I was feeling a bit guilty about taking up a 6ft. radial space from someone who may have needed it more.

However, some of the things that I am doing is trying not to check the news more than once a day, going for a good (at least 1 mile) walk daily, meeting with family & friends online and starting my day with a good strong prayer. God knows what is going on, He is in control. :) Right?

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Jody
3/28/2020 12:09:36 pm

Well, it also seems you have also been feeling guilty too! I think you are wise limiting the amount of news you listen to. One-a-day now has a whole new meaning.

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Chris McKinney
3/28/2020 10:21:08 am

I'm starting over again cleaning my closets and other areas of accumulation, trying to get rid of things that don't give me "joy" any longer. Actually I'm trying to finish up what I started long time ago. Plus I've been making masks for an organization in Redding that will distribute them to health care places.

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Jody
3/28/2020 12:19:38 pm

Chris, that is wonderful. Those masks are SOOOOO important, so that they can swap them out during the day.

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Heather Santopadre
3/28/2020 11:37:44 am

Great post. I love the backyard picture. Great idea! I need to come up with something for my Dad. He might be going crazy in the house with 3 women. As crazy as all of this is, I do love going out for a long walk and seeing so many people out walking. I am secretly loving this time of being home with the kids and not rushing around from event to event. Looking forward to your next post.

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Jody
3/28/2020 12:23:01 pm

There are definitely good things that are coming out of this for sure. Actually, you are in your teaching element here aren't you, since you work with the home school portion of your district? I hope you are sharing with everyone!

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Raelene Bonnar
3/28/2020 04:14:55 pm

Hi Jody! I think the most comforting thing about this is that "we're all in this together" even though we can't be together in physical sense. Rich and I are now forced to change our old-school ways and embrace digital learning. Lots to learn, but it's not a bad thing--it's good for our aging brains to learn something new, right? I've come to really appreciate Zoom meetings as a platform to keep connected on the job and at church as well. Now we're planning a virtual Yahtzee game with our kids! We've had more time to walk and exercise, which is a good thing, but I still feel lazy because I'm used to being on my feet most of the day. We miss our students a lot and worry about them, and we miss our colleagues and church family. Virtual get-togethers are just not the same, but they'll have to do for now. Thanks for your blog--keeping you and your family in prayer!

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Jody
3/30/2020 08:58:31 am

Hasn't Zoom been a Godsend? Since our family are spread out across the state and country, with a cousin in Australia, we try to Zoom every night just to check in with each other.

I am amazed at how quickly schools have been able to put things in place. Well done, and I will be praying for you and your family as well.

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Jen Christo
3/28/2020 04:21:22 pm

Like you, cleaned out a couple of needed areas, but short lived! Taking walks around the neighborhood and Shasta Dam. I’m now making cards to thank the Mercy Hospital workforce for their dedication to keeping us all safe and healthy!

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Jody
3/30/2020 08:59:42 am

Jen, What a wonderful gesture. Thank you. Taking walks and experiencing fresh air is wonderful. So glad we live in an area that allows for such beautiful places to walk.

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Linda C
3/29/2020 02:51:09 pm

I don't know how I spend so many hours doing nothing. Okay, the fault of a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle and Netflix. Jody, you're inspiring me to get off my duff. As soon as I find that piece of the puzzle that is eluding me...

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Jody
3/30/2020 09:00:45 am

Actually, I think that 1000 piece puzzle is a GREAT idea! As for the missing piece, check the vacuum cleaner bag or canister.

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    Jody Eileen Solinski spent her career teaching in the California public school system where she enjoyed helping young adults take their place in society. A native Californian, she enjoys the outdoors and so loves living in Northern California where she can enjoy the beauty of God’s creation up close.

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