 |
| Relaxing on our camp deck |
Like everyone that has been severely impacted by the current situation, (we are selling our home and building another - and we're fortunately healthy) it's important to remind ourselves of the positive impact of staying at home.
- More family time (college and high school age sons both at home)
- We are finding patience with each other
- We spend less money dining out, thus eat healthier meals prepared at home
- Furloughed (VT has 23% unemployment), I have time to continue sprucing up our current home and accessorize the next - guess which one is more fun?
- Ability to help my mother/brother's household
- Time to reconnect with friends
- Lots of time to ride and work on bikes
In Vermont, because of our smaller population and quickly implemented SIP orders, we've escaped severe impact of the virus - so far. In Burlington, Vermont's largest city, we have room to spread out for daily walks and rides. With the popularity of our waterfront trail, it gets dicey on weekend days, so I'm finding alternative routes.
Like others who've suddenly found themselves at home, I've run the gamut of emotions: first delighted to have a couple weeks off to take advantage of lots of projects, to daily crying because I felt inadequate, to now a more acceptable mental health state, being kind to myself, lowering expectations as far as productiveness around the house.
As the spring warmth descends, it's easier to adjust, wandering outside, watching birds and squirrels, puttering (productively, of course) and for once, I've kept up with weeding my perennials. While each day blends into the next, I've found it's important to just keep moving forward - the excitement of watching construction on our new home is keeping me upbeat!
What are positive impacts to your daily lives?
I am struck in the mornings about just how empty the streets are. It prompted us to rewatch "On the Beach."
ReplyDeleteI've never seen that movie - and I love the old ones, better dialog, etc - but have refrained from upsetting films currently, as I tend to need a distraction from current events. However, I will put that movie on my radar.
DeleteI still go into the bike shop; fix flats, sell bikes, wear a mask. It’s nice to work in a business now labeled as essential, even though the word essential means little more than the phrase allowed to open. I work with greater attention to detail, though the details I focus on—cleanliness, distancing, thinking about everything I touch—are way different than the mechanical details I’d rather be doubling down on. Still, greater attention, greater consciousness remind me that I am still human and capable of improvement. Why, I haven’t thought about the robot takeover since...oh, jeez, now I’m thinking about the robots again...
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping our bikes in top shape. I know it must be a big adjustment to service the public. One of our sons works in a grocery store only on Sundays and used a mask today for the first time. I expect we'll all be much better at hygene at the very least.
DeleteFirst off I must say that we're pretty fortunate and these strange times haven't yet affected us that much in a negative way. As for positives though, like you mention we're staying out of restaurants also bars and the grocery store which is probably better for both our wallets and health. We're riding for more picnics and coffees outside than we'd normally be doing.
ReplyDeleteI've been following your daily outings on IG. Retirement ride destinations I imagine are more difficult, depending upon your areas population. I've heard that folks furloughed are riding less without the work commute. I find this aspect very interesting...I don't have any problem finding places to go! Maybe it's the difference between bike fanatics and busy city dwellers who only commuted and are now stuck at home?
DeleteSaving money and spending time sums up my experience. No temptations to buy expensive food and no pressure to do anything in a rush as there is always tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteWe have spoken to our families more than we ever have even if we haven't seen or hugged them.
All in all could have been worse (except for a slightly nagging feeling of the possibility of death if we are unlucky. We are old.)
I'm impressed with how you seize the day! More than most people of your generation, you have a wonderful appreciation,connection with the outdoors. I'm learning that living week by week - so contrary to our nature - is by far the most difficult part.
DeleteYou have a nice views and now plenty of time to enjoy them. We live in a semi rural area and what better time to enjoy the nature and beauty of your surroundings. Thankfully our bike shops are open and I used them the other day to repair a broken spoke and re true the wheel.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, trying to make the best of it. :)
Delete