It has been a year

SPEEDY MCCREADY

Since covid was officially declared a pandemic. Good lord! Looking back at the last year is just pure insanity. There was a time when every time I got out of my truck I would spray myself with Lysol. There was a time when I went thru 10-20 disposable gloves a day. How about the insanity at the grocery stores? My wife and I taking turns hitting every store we can get to, looking for wipes, sanitizer, bleach, etc. Because it truly felt like a life and death situation. And sadly for way too many, covid was a life and death situation.

I was discussing the last year with a dear friend of mine last night. We sat in his garage, put on the Blackhawks game, and shared some adult beverages. It was great. Because as we all remember, it wasn't too long ago where none of us were allowed to do just that. We talked about everyone in the country, and how some handled this pandemic. Who can forget the absolute lunatics who lost their fucking minds, because they were asked to wear a mask? All the videos that showed up on the news of folks in a Walmart, Target, gas station etc. who literally turned in to 3 year olds because they were asked to wear a mask. And in the whole scheme of things, is wearing a mask all that much to ask?

How about the food stores? Holy fuck! The meat section just being empty? There was a day when I went shopping that the ENTIRE frozen vegetable section was COMPLETELY EMPTY. Other than frozen okra. I guess people are not a fan of okra.

We discussed friends and family who lost jobs. We discussed how our nation handled this pandemic, and all the mistakes(in our eyes)that were made. Could we have shut down the nation for 2 months? As in a complete shutdown? Could we have just froze everything? Would it have changed or slowed down how the virus spread through our nation?

We discussed the nightmare that was New York City, in the early stages of covid. We discussed that military hospital ship that was parked there. How about the turning Central Park in to a field hospital? So many deaths. So damn sad.

Its been quite a fucking year, that's for sure.

Anyway.

Share some thoughts about the last year. Looking back, what are some of the things that will always stand out to you? The hoarding at the stores? The terror of not finding wipes or disinfectant? The fear of just walking out your front door? and obviously the fear of getting sick.

23scidoo

The fear of tomorrow..

SPEEDY MCCREADY

23scidoo said:

The fear of tomorrow.

How about it. For so long we never knew what terrifying news the next day would bring. Damn

PJNB

I have luckily avoided a lot of the things you went through Speedy where I live. Some thoughts of mine in an area that has not been impacted by the virus. 

- how much the kids have been impacted
- how much time we have lost with loved ones, some that have passed and will never get to see again
- missing out on seeing live shows. 
- the divisiveness that everyone has with regards to restrictions
- the impact on my wife's business and friends and family that either have been laid off, let go permanently, and business's have closed. 

SPEEDY MCCREADY

PJNB said:

I have luckily avoided a lot of the things you went through Speedy where I live. Some thoughts of mine in an area that has not been impacted by the virus. 

- how much the kids have been impacted
- how much time we have lost with loved ones, some that have passed and will never get to see again
- missing out on seeing live shows. 
- the divisiveness that everyone has with regards to restrictions
- the impact on my wife's business and friends and family that either have been laid off, let go permanently, and business's have closed. 

My friend and I discussed the situation with the children for at least an hour. The fact that our nations children basically lost an entire year of education is mind blowing. And for young kids not to have social interaction? Good lord! Its devastating. And the long term with these children? Mind boggling.

OnWis97

This is the one-year anniversary of my last day in the office.  Still employed; all work from home. Thursday, March 12.  I remember leaving and thinking I'd be back in several weeks. I made the decision that this was the time (i.e., not to even go in on Friday, which I think is probably the last office day for many of my co-workers). I went into the office in the fall to pick up my sports coats (on the day of the one hair cut I've had in the last year), which I figured were getting dusty and my cube had some food (non-perishable) and Bubly waters, etc., along with some disinfecting wipes I'd purchased the week before. I clearly under-estimated the length of time.

One thing that stands out to me is that I was at a conference the week before and it was just a bit eerie. I kinda new that if it had been the following week, it would have been cancelled. I sat down to lunch next to two strangers and we introduced ourselves, shaking hands, of course. I, being a germophobe of the old school, put my arms down at my side, touched nothing, and a minute later went to the bathroom to wash my hands. Barring a loved one or myself getting very sick (knock on wood), March through about May is definitely the most memorable time. There was actual (as opposed to the current almost exclusively willful) ignorance about how distancing and masks work. People were walking around stores like zombies, afraid of each other (except those who were oblivious, who were far worse). I do have one memory of that aforementioned hair-cut, though. Guy comes in and asks my barber when he can get in. He's got his mask on but he pulls it down to talk. Why are these things so difficult to understand?

When Minnesota allowed some in-restaurant eating (which we still do not partake in) I went to a moderate/high-priced Italian place to pick up some food. The place had a dark ambiance and a basket full of reading glasses for the guests. I waited about five minutes and saw a guest drop a pair into the basket. The host grabbed it and wiped it down. Next time someone dropped a pair into that basket, the host wasn't there...Come on. Either let people use their cell phones or turn the lights up.  Community glasses? I haven't been back out of principle (and the lobster ravioli was quite good).

I think one of the worst things that's come out of this is that unlike, say 9/11, this has not brought out our unity. It's made it worse. The ability to politicize this and to be willfully ignorant out of spite has been something to marvel at. The unwillingness to look out for one another has really been brought to the forefront. Whatever value there is in our "rugged individualism," there's certainly an ugly side.

What a strange time that first several weeks was going to the store to try to get certain products that were hard to find and looking at everyone with distrust because surely they could infect me. Getting to the check-out counter and feeling like I should just open my wallet and turn it upside for a TIP for the terrible position the employees are in.  And by now, it all seems just normal.  The grocery store isn't the harrowing experience it was last spring (in part because, as I mentioned in another thread, mine has great compliance). Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

Hobbes

Disgusting human behavior on full display.

hedonist

Kind of tough to condense a year of so much into a few words. I think what’s struck me most is how low people can go. Still DO go (lots of mask pushback, literally).

Those really tough times in the first few months demonstrated my own sense of perseverance...and weaknesses as well.

And for whatever trials I went through, it was a cake-walk in terms of what others have experienced.

SPEEDY MCCREADY

hedonist said:

Kind of tough to condense a year of so much into a few words. I think what’s struck me most is how low people can go. Still DO go (lots of mask pushback, literally).

Those really tough times in the first few months demonstrated my own sense of perseverance...and weaknesses as well.

And for whatever trials I went through, it was a cake-walk in terms of what others have experienced.

How low people can go? The last year has certainly showed us.

Illinois has just topped 1 million fraudulent unemployment claims. I myself was a victim. Some piece of shit collected 3 months of unemployment, with the addition $600 a week covid bump included, using my name.

oftenreading

OnWis97 said:

This is the one-year anniversary of my last day in the office.  Still employed; all work from home. Thursday, March 12.  I remember leaving and thinking I'd be back in several weeks. I made the decision that this was the time (i.e., not to even go in on Friday, which I think is probably the last office day for many of my co-workers). I went into the office in the fall to pick up my sports coats (on the day of the one hair cut I've had in the last year), which I figured were getting dusty and my cube had some food (non-perishable) and Bubly waters, etc., along with some disinfecting wipes I'd purchased the week before. I clearly under-estimated the length of time.

One thing that stands out to me is that I was at a conference the week before and it was just a bit eerie. I kinda new that if it had been the following week, it would have been cancelled. I sat down to lunch next to two strangers and we introduced ourselves, shaking hands, of course. I, being a germophobe of the old school, put my arms down at my side, touched nothing, and a minute later went to the bathroom to wash my hands. Barring a loved one or myself getting very sick (knock on wood), March through about May is definitely the most memorable time. There was actual (as opposed to the current almost exclusively willful) ignorance about how distancing and masks work. People were walking around stores like zombies, afraid of each other (except those who were oblivious, who were far worse). I do have one memory of that aforementioned hair-cut, though. Guy comes in and asks my barber when he can get in. He's got his mask on but he pulls it down to talk. Why are these things so difficult to understand?

When Minnesota allowed some in-restaurant eating (which we still do not partake in) I went to a moderate/high-priced Italian place to pick up some food. The place had a dark ambiance and a basket full of reading glasses for the guests. I waited about five minutes and saw a guest drop a pair into the basket. The host grabbed it and wiped it down. Next time someone dropped a pair into that basket, the host wasn't there...Come on. Either let people use their cell phones or turn the lights up.  Community glasses? I haven't been back out of principle (and the lobster ravioli was quite good).

I think one of the worst things that's come out of this is that unlike, say 9/11, this has not brought out our unity. It's made it worse. The ability to politicize this and to be willfully ignorant out of spite has been something to marvel at. The unwillingness to look out for one another has really been brought to the forefront. Whatever value there is in our "rugged individualism," there's certainly an ugly side.

What a strange time that first several weeks was going to the store to try to get certain products that were hard to find and looking at everyone with distrust because surely they could infect me. Getting to the check-out counter and feeling like I should just open my wallet and turn it upside for a TIP for the terrible position the employees are in.  And by now, it all seems just normal.  The grocery store isn't the harrowing experience it was last spring (in part because, as I mentioned in another thread, mine has great compliance). Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

This one stands out for me. If I watch a movie that shows people in a crowd, laughing and talking, all squished in together, I now have a gut reaction of "that's not right!" or "how can they not be wearing masks?". I feel a little vicarious anxiety just watching it. I don't know how long it will be before I would even want to be out in a crowded place without a mask. In fact, I know that I plan to continue wearing masks on airplanes and other public transit, and probably in other crowds too.

Also, okra really is that bad. 

F Me In The Brain

oftenreading said:

OnWis97 said:

This is the one-year anniversary of my last day in the office.  Still employed; all work from home. Thursday, March 12.  I remember leaving and thinking I'd be back in several weeks. I made the decision that this was the time (i.e., not to even go in on Friday, which I think is probably the last office day for many of my co-workers). I went into the office in the fall to pick up my sports coats (on the day of the one hair cut I've had in the last year), which I figured were getting dusty and my cube had some food (non-perishable) and Bubly waters, etc., along with some disinfecting wipes I'd purchased the week before. I clearly under-estimated the length of time.

One thing that stands out to me is that I was at a conference the week before and it was just a bit eerie. I kinda new that if it had been the following week, it would have been cancelled. I sat down to lunch next to two strangers and we introduced ourselves, shaking hands, of course. I, being a germophobe of the old school, put my arms down at my side, touched nothing, and a minute later went to the bathroom to wash my hands. Barring a loved one or myself getting very sick (knock on wood), March through about May is definitely the most memorable time. There was actual (as opposed to the current almost exclusively willful) ignorance about how distancing and masks work. People were walking around stores like zombies, afraid of each other (except those who were oblivious, who were far worse). I do have one memory of that aforementioned hair-cut, though. Guy comes in and asks my barber when he can get in. He's got his mask on but he pulls it down to talk. Why are these things so difficult to understand?

When Minnesota allowed some in-restaurant eating (which we still do not partake in) I went to a moderate/high-priced Italian place to pick up some food. The place had a dark ambiance and a basket full of reading glasses for the guests. I waited about five minutes and saw a guest drop a pair into the basket. The host grabbed it and wiped it down. Next time someone dropped a pair into that basket, the host wasn't there...Come on. Either let people use their cell phones or turn the lights up.  Community glasses? I haven't been back out of principle (and the lobster ravioli was quite good).

I think one of the worst things that's come out of this is that unlike, say 9/11, this has not brought out our unity. It's made it worse. The ability to politicize this and to be willfully ignorant out of spite has been something to marvel at. The unwillingness to look out for one another has really been brought to the forefront. Whatever value there is in our "rugged individualism," there's certainly an ugly side.

What a strange time that first several weeks was going to the store to try to get certain products that were hard to find and looking at everyone with distrust because surely they could infect me. Getting to the check-out counter and feeling like I should just open my wallet and turn it upside for a TIP for the terrible position the employees are in.  And by now, it all seems just normal.  The grocery store isn't the harrowing experience it was last spring (in part because, as I mentioned in another thread, mine has great compliance). Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

This one stands out for me. If I watch a movie that shows people in a crowd, laughing and talking, all squished in together, I now have a gut reaction of "that's not right!" or "how can they not be wearing masks?". I feel a little vicarious anxiety just watching it. I don't know how long it will be before I would even want to be out in a crowded place without a mask. In fact, I know that I plan to continue wearing masks on airplanes and other public transit, and probably in other crowds too.

Also, okra really is that bad. 

Frozen okra is gross.

Cooking it fresh?  Amazingly good.  Sweet, even!

oftenreading

F Me In The Brain said:

oftenreading said:

OnWis97 said:

This is the one-year anniversary of my last day in the office.  Still employed; all work from home. Thursday, March 12.  I remember leaving and thinking I'd be back in several weeks. I made the decision that this was the time (i.e., not to even go in on Friday, which I think is probably the last office day for many of my co-workers). I went into the office in the fall to pick up my sports coats (on the day of the one hair cut I've had in the last year), which I figured were getting dusty and my cube had some food (non-perishable) and Bubly waters, etc., along with some disinfecting wipes I'd purchased the week before. I clearly under-estimated the length of time.

One thing that stands out to me is that I was at a conference the week before and it was just a bit eerie. I kinda new that if it had been the following week, it would have been cancelled. I sat down to lunch next to two strangers and we introduced ourselves, shaking hands, of course. I, being a germophobe of the old school, put my arms down at my side, touched nothing, and a minute later went to the bathroom to wash my hands. Barring a loved one or myself getting very sick (knock on wood), March through about May is definitely the most memorable time. There was actual (as opposed to the current almost exclusively willful) ignorance about how distancing and masks work. People were walking around stores like zombies, afraid of each other (except those who were oblivious, who were far worse). I do have one memory of that aforementioned hair-cut, though. Guy comes in and asks my barber when he can get in. He's got his mask on but he pulls it down to talk. Why are these things so difficult to understand?

When Minnesota allowed some in-restaurant eating (which we still do not partake in) I went to a moderate/high-priced Italian place to pick up some food. The place had a dark ambiance and a basket full of reading glasses for the guests. I waited about five minutes and saw a guest drop a pair into the basket. The host grabbed it and wiped it down. Next time someone dropped a pair into that basket, the host wasn't there...Come on. Either let people use their cell phones or turn the lights up.  Community glasses? I haven't been back out of principle (and the lobster ravioli was quite good).

I think one of the worst things that's come out of this is that unlike, say 9/11, this has not brought out our unity. It's made it worse. The ability to politicize this and to be willfully ignorant out of spite has been something to marvel at. The unwillingness to look out for one another has really been brought to the forefront. Whatever value there is in our "rugged individualism," there's certainly an ugly side.

What a strange time that first several weeks was going to the store to try to get certain products that were hard to find and looking at everyone with distrust because surely they could infect me. Getting to the check-out counter and feeling like I should just open my wallet and turn it upside for a TIP for the terrible position the employees are in.  And by now, it all seems just normal.  The grocery store isn't the harrowing experience it was last spring (in part because, as I mentioned in another thread, mine has great compliance). Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

This one stands out for me. If I watch a movie that shows people in a crowd, laughing and talking, all squished in together, I now have a gut reaction of "that's not right!" or "how can they not be wearing masks?". I feel a little vicarious anxiety just watching it. I don't know how long it will be before I would even want to be out in a crowded place without a mask. In fact, I know that I plan to continue wearing masks on airplanes and other public transit, and probably in other crowds too.

Also, okra really is that bad. 

Frozen okra is gross.

Cooking it fresh?  Amazingly good.  Sweet, even!

You'll have to prove that to me. I'll swing by for dinner some time. 

F Me In The Brain

oftenreading said:

F Me In The Brain said:

oftenreading said:

OnWis97 said:

This is the one-year anniversary of my last day in the office.  Still employed; all work from home. Thursday, March 12.  I remember leaving and thinking I'd be back in several weeks. I made the decision that this was the time (i.e., not to even go in on Friday, which I think is probably the last office day for many of my co-workers). I went into the office in the fall to pick up my sports coats (on the day of the one hair cut I've had in the last year), which I figured were getting dusty and my cube had some food (non-perishable) and Bubly waters, etc., along with some disinfecting wipes I'd purchased the week before. I clearly under-estimated the length of time.

One thing that stands out to me is that I was at a conference the week before and it was just a bit eerie. I kinda new that if it had been the following week, it would have been cancelled. I sat down to lunch next to two strangers and we introduced ourselves, shaking hands, of course. I, being a germophobe of the old school, put my arms down at my side, touched nothing, and a minute later went to the bathroom to wash my hands. Barring a loved one or myself getting very sick (knock on wood), March through about May is definitely the most memorable time. There was actual (as opposed to the current almost exclusively willful) ignorance about how distancing and masks work. People were walking around stores like zombies, afraid of each other (except those who were oblivious, who were far worse). I do have one memory of that aforementioned hair-cut, though. Guy comes in and asks my barber when he can get in. He's got his mask on but he pulls it down to talk. Why are these things so difficult to understand?

When Minnesota allowed some in-restaurant eating (which we still do not partake in) I went to a moderate/high-priced Italian place to pick up some food. The place had a dark ambiance and a basket full of reading glasses for the guests. I waited about five minutes and saw a guest drop a pair into the basket. The host grabbed it and wiped it down. Next time someone dropped a pair into that basket, the host wasn't there...Come on. Either let people use their cell phones or turn the lights up.  Community glasses? I haven't been back out of principle (and the lobster ravioli was quite good).

I think one of the worst things that's come out of this is that unlike, say 9/11, this has not brought out our unity. It's made it worse. The ability to politicize this and to be willfully ignorant out of spite has been something to marvel at. The unwillingness to look out for one another has really been brought to the forefront. Whatever value there is in our "rugged individualism," there's certainly an ugly side.

What a strange time that first several weeks was going to the store to try to get certain products that were hard to find and looking at everyone with distrust because surely they could infect me. Getting to the check-out counter and feeling like I should just open my wallet and turn it upside for a TIP for the terrible position the employees are in.  And by now, it all seems just normal.  The grocery store isn't the harrowing experience it was last spring (in part because, as I mentioned in another thread, mine has great compliance). Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

This one stands out for me. If I watch a movie that shows people in a crowd, laughing and talking, all squished in together, I now have a gut reaction of "that's not right!" or "how can they not be wearing masks?". I feel a little vicarious anxiety just watching it. I don't know how long it will be before I would even want to be out in a crowded place without a mask. In fact, I know that I plan to continue wearing masks on airplanes and other public transit, and probably in other crowds too.

Also, okra really is that bad. 

Frozen okra is gross.

Cooking it fresh?  Amazingly good.  Sweet, even!

You'll have to prove that to me. I'll swing by for dinner some time. 

Done & done! 

hedonist

F Me In The Brain said:

oftenreading said:

F Me In The Brain said:

oftenreading said:

OnWis97 said:

This is the one-year anniversary of my last day in the office.  Still employed; all work from home. Thursday, March 12.  I remember leaving and thinking I'd be back in several weeks. I made the decision that this was the time (i.e., not to even go in on Friday, which I think is probably the last office day for many of my co-workers). I went into the office in the fall to pick up my sports coats (on the day of the one hair cut I've had in the last year), which I figured were getting dusty and my cube had some food (non-perishable) and Bubly waters, etc., along with some disinfecting wipes I'd purchased the week before. I clearly under-estimated the length of time.

One thing that stands out to me is that I was at a conference the week before and it was just a bit eerie. I kinda new that if it had been the following week, it would have been cancelled. I sat down to lunch next to two strangers and we introduced ourselves, shaking hands, of course. I, being a germophobe of the old school, put my arms down at my side, touched nothing, and a minute later went to the bathroom to wash my hands. Barring a loved one or myself getting very sick (knock on wood), March through about May is definitely the most memorable time. There was actual (as opposed to the current almost exclusively willful) ignorance about how distancing and masks work. People were walking around stores like zombies, afraid of each other (except those who were oblivious, who were far worse). I do have one memory of that aforementioned hair-cut, though. Guy comes in and asks my barber when he can get in. He's got his mask on but he pulls it down to talk. Why are these things so difficult to understand?

When Minnesota allowed some in-restaurant eating (which we still do not partake in) I went to a moderate/high-priced Italian place to pick up some food. The place had a dark ambiance and a basket full of reading glasses for the guests. I waited about five minutes and saw a guest drop a pair into the basket. The host grabbed it and wiped it down. Next time someone dropped a pair into that basket, the host wasn't there...Come on. Either let people use their cell phones or turn the lights up.  Community glasses? I haven't been back out of principle (and the lobster ravioli was quite good).

I think one of the worst things that's come out of this is that unlike, say 9/11, this has not brought out our unity. It's made it worse. The ability to politicize this and to be willfully ignorant out of spite has been something to marvel at. The unwillingness to look out for one another has really been brought to the forefront. Whatever value there is in our "rugged individualism," there's certainly an ugly side.

What a strange time that first several weeks was going to the store to try to get certain products that were hard to find and looking at everyone with distrust because surely they could infect me. Getting to the check-out counter and feeling like I should just open my wallet and turn it upside for a TIP for the terrible position the employees are in.  And by now, it all seems just normal.  The grocery store isn't the harrowing experience it was last spring (in part because, as I mentioned in another thread, mine has great compliance). Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

This one stands out for me. If I watch a movie that shows people in a crowd, laughing and talking, all squished in together, I now have a gut reaction of "that's not right!" or "how can they not be wearing masks?". I feel a little vicarious anxiety just watching it. I don't know how long it will be before I would even want to be out in a crowded place without a mask. In fact, I know that I plan to continue wearing masks on airplanes and other public transit, and probably in other crowds too.

Also, okra really is that bad. 

Frozen okra is gross.

Cooking it fresh?  Amazingly good.  Sweet, even!

You'll have to prove that to me. I'll swing by for dinner some time. 

Done & done! 

I want in! I’ve met only one okra I liked. 

FiveBelow

Raw, sauteed, fried or pickled...It is all good!

dankind

So you’re basically telling me that I’ve been stoned for an entire year now.

Good to know...?

F Me In The Brain

hedonist said:

F Me In The Brain said:

oftenreading said:

F Me In The Brain said:

oftenreading said:

OnWis97 said:

This is the one-year anniversary of my last day in the office.  Still employed; all work from home. Thursday, March 12.  I remember leaving and thinking I'd be back in several weeks. I made the decision that this was the time (i.e., not to even go in on Friday, which I think is probably the last office day for many of my co-workers). I went into the office in the fall to pick up my sports coats (on the day of the one hair cut I've had in the last year), which I figured were getting dusty and my cube had some food (non-perishable) and Bubly waters, etc., along with some disinfecting wipes I'd purchased the week before. I clearly under-estimated the length of time.

One thing that stands out to me is that I was at a conference the week before and it was just a bit eerie. I kinda new that if it had been the following week, it would have been cancelled. I sat down to lunch next to two strangers and we introduced ourselves, shaking hands, of course. I, being a germophobe of the old school, put my arms down at my side, touched nothing, and a minute later went to the bathroom to wash my hands. Barring a loved one or myself getting very sick (knock on wood), March through about May is definitely the most memorable time. There was actual (as opposed to the current almost exclusively willful) ignorance about how distancing and masks work. People were walking around stores like zombies, afraid of each other (except those who were oblivious, who were far worse). I do have one memory of that aforementioned hair-cut, though. Guy comes in and asks my barber when he can get in. He's got his mask on but he pulls it down to talk. Why are these things so difficult to understand?

When Minnesota allowed some in-restaurant eating (which we still do not partake in) I went to a moderate/high-priced Italian place to pick up some food. The place had a dark ambiance and a basket full of reading glasses for the guests. I waited about five minutes and saw a guest drop a pair into the basket. The host grabbed it and wiped it down. Next time someone dropped a pair into that basket, the host wasn't there...Come on. Either let people use their cell phones or turn the lights up.  Community glasses? I haven't been back out of principle (and the lobster ravioli was quite good).

I think one of the worst things that's come out of this is that unlike, say 9/11, this has not brought out our unity. It's made it worse. The ability to politicize this and to be willfully ignorant out of spite has been something to marvel at. The unwillingness to look out for one another has really been brought to the forefront. Whatever value there is in our "rugged individualism," there's certainly an ugly side.

What a strange time that first several weeks was going to the store to try to get certain products that were hard to find and looking at everyone with distrust because surely they could infect me. Getting to the check-out counter and feeling like I should just open my wallet and turn it upside for a TIP for the terrible position the employees are in.  And by now, it all seems just normal.  The grocery store isn't the harrowing experience it was last spring (in part because, as I mentioned in another thread, mine has great compliance). Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

This one stands out for me. If I watch a movie that shows people in a crowd, laughing and talking, all squished in together, I now have a gut reaction of "that's not right!" or "how can they not be wearing masks?". I feel a little vicarious anxiety just watching it. I don't know how long it will be before I would even want to be out in a crowded place without a mask. In fact, I know that I plan to continue wearing masks on airplanes and other public transit, and probably in other crowds too.

Also, okra really is that bad. 

Frozen okra is gross.

Cooking it fresh?  Amazingly good.  Sweet, even!

You'll have to prove that to me. I'll swing by for dinner some time. 

Done & done! 

I want in! I’ve met only one okra I liked. 

Welcome!

Halifax2TheMax

Okrapalooza?

Poncier

Okra Winfrey?

Hobbes

Halifax2TheMax said:

Okrapalooza?

Tour stops: Okrahoma, Okranogan, Okrand, Okranawa...

F Me In The Brain

Hobbes said:

Halifax2TheMax said:

Okrapalooza?

Tour stops: Okrahoma, Okranogan, Okrand, Okranawa...

Same group as 2016 need not apply, you are all in!

Matts3221

The one year yesterday was hard and a time of me to reflect on the past year and what we have all gone thru as a collective. I kept a journal for some reason for the first couple of months. I looked back thru it last night and some of it felt so raw I just could not keep reading.

- Impact of kids , honestly I don't know how they are doing it. One nephew called me last night saying he is his own best friend now. My sister and her husband are helping him go thru this with some therapy but I honestly worry about what this will do in the long term for young kids ( he is 9 )

- I have been very luck that my family is all still here , however I have friends that cannot say the same. The loss of this is beyond scope , the grief that humans are going thru all at once seems like its too much for anyone to take. For anyone on here who has lost someone I am so very sorry. I know it may not mean much but I truly am.

- One journal entry in April I said I don't think anything is going to be ok in 2020 , I detailed a conversation I had with my mom and later one of my two sisters. They both were angry with me and said I should not be such a downer and that of course Thanksgiving and Christmas will happen ( this is when I stopped reading the journal ) , god how I wish I was wrong.

- Waiting in lines outside a grocery store for up to 90 mins at times as capacity was capped at 80 people in the whole supermarket at once. Just bare shelves. I started to drive an hour out from were I lived to a really small town that was not as busy and had more items in stock , also cleaning off all the boxes when I got home.

-I have hugged my mom once in the past year , something that breaks my heart. I facetime every night with her and during the warmer times go on walks with masks and distance but I am so close with my family and we made a pack not to break and possible expose my mom to anything. I am luck that one sister and her husband have been working from home since last March and in July she entered their bubble and has been able to have a place to go a couple times a week and spend holidays with.

-My first friend to catch it was right before Thanksgiving and that scared me to death he was so sick and luckily pulled out of it fine in the end.

-My wife losing her job at the end of March , her sadness and feeling like she did something wrong. That was rough.

-Honestly my emotional health overall has been declining in the past year and finally is getting back on track. For anyone struggling I am there with you and feel your pain.

With all of that said...……….Also as of today one year and one day later

- My mom has gotten both shots of her vaccine as have some others in my family.

- My Wife ended up getting her dream job after being out of work for six months

-Being very lucky to have kept my job the whole time with no intributions and because we go no where and really do nothing put play boardgames , go for walks , make dinner together ect we have saved more money in the past year than ever before.

- We have a president that is not pretended that this is going to go away on its own , who has empathy and seems to care.

Sorry long post , we are close...…….

tempo_n_groove

oftenreading said:

OnWis97 said:

This is the one-year anniversary of my last day in the office.  Still employed; all work from home. Thursday, March 12.  I remember leaving and thinking I'd be back in several weeks. I made the decision that this was the time (i.e., not to even go in on Friday, which I think is probably the last office day for many of my co-workers). I went into the office in the fall to pick up my sports coats (on the day of the one hair cut I've had in the last year), which I figured were getting dusty and my cube had some food (non-perishable) and Bubly waters, etc., along with some disinfecting wipes I'd purchased the week before. I clearly under-estimated the length of time.

One thing that stands out to me is that I was at a conference the week before and it was just a bit eerie. I kinda new that if it had been the following week, it would have been cancelled. I sat down to lunch next to two strangers and we introduced ourselves, shaking hands, of course. I, being a germophobe of the old school, put my arms down at my side, touched nothing, and a minute later went to the bathroom to wash my hands. Barring a loved one or myself getting very sick (knock on wood), March through about May is definitely the most memorable time. There was actual (as opposed to the current almost exclusively willful) ignorance about how distancing and masks work. People were walking around stores like zombies, afraid of each other (except those who were oblivious, who were far worse). I do have one memory of that aforementioned hair-cut, though. Guy comes in and asks my barber when he can get in. He's got his mask on but he pulls it down to talk. Why are these things so difficult to understand?

When Minnesota allowed some in-restaurant eating (which we still do not partake in) I went to a moderate/high-priced Italian place to pick up some food. The place had a dark ambiance and a basket full of reading glasses for the guests. I waited about five minutes and saw a guest drop a pair into the basket. The host grabbed it and wiped it down. Next time someone dropped a pair into that basket, the host wasn't there...Come on. Either let people use their cell phones or turn the lights up.  Community glasses? I haven't been back out of principle (and the lobster ravioli was quite good).

I think one of the worst things that's come out of this is that unlike, say 9/11, this has not brought out our unity. It's made it worse. The ability to politicize this and to be willfully ignorant out of spite has been something to marvel at. The unwillingness to look out for one another has really been brought to the forefront. Whatever value there is in our "rugged individualism," there's certainly an ugly side.

What a strange time that first several weeks was going to the store to try to get certain products that were hard to find and looking at everyone with distrust because surely they could infect me. Getting to the check-out counter and feeling like I should just open my wallet and turn it upside for a TIP for the terrible position the employees are in.  And by now, it all seems just normal.  The grocery store isn't the harrowing experience it was last spring (in part because, as I mentioned in another thread, mine has great compliance). Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

Now it's almost at the point where "normal" might feel strange.

This one stands out for me. If I watch a movie that shows people in a crowd, laughing and talking, all squished in together, I now have a gut reaction of "that's not right!" or "how can they not be wearing masks?". I feel a little vicarious anxiety just watching it. I don't know how long it will be before I would even want to be out in a crowded place without a mask. In fact, I know that I plan to continue wearing masks on airplanes and other public transit, and probably in other crowds too.

Also, okra really is that bad. 

Agree w all of this Often.

Fried okra is rather tasty.

Out of My Mind and Time

The Hawks are looking good! Feels like I haven't been to the UC forever. Well, off to Sunnyside*

SPEEDY MCCREADY

The only highpoint? Of this past year, for me?

Finding out my wife, a 4 year degree in psychology, who at the age of 50 went back to school to become a Registered Nurse?

Finding out that she could take the $35 hair clippers I was forced to purchase, with all the silly attachments, and actually give me a pretty decent haircut. Im still kind of shocked. She has now cut my hair 10 times?

So the highpoint is, that if she ever wants to change careers, we can turn our living room into "Kathy's Hair Emporium"

Hahahahahahaha

OnWis97

I have a high-point, too.  Down 12.8 pounds over the last year. I'm hoping to lose another 5 to 12 (strange range, I know, but there's a reason)

mfc2006

SPEEDY MCCREADY said:

The only highpoint? Of this past year, for me?

Finding out my wife, a 4 year degree in psychology, who at the age of 50 went back to school to become a Registered Nurse?

Finding out that she could take the $35 hair clippers I was forced to purchase, with all the silly attachments, and actually give me a pretty decent haircut. Im still kind of shocked. She has now cut my hair 10 times?

So the highpoint is, that if she ever wants to change careers, we can turn our living room into "Kathy's Hair Emporium"

Hahahahahahaha

Ha! I can relate---my wife has been cutting my hair for the last year as well. She does a great job, too!

Some thoughts/ramblings/etc.

-I left the the office on 3/11/20 to work from home. I worked from home for about 4 months and I've been back at the office ever since. They've done an awesome job keeping us separated and everyone is very respectful of each other's space and wear masks at all time when not at their desks. Yesterday, which was exactly one year later...I received my first shot of the Moderna vaccine. I had tears running down my face as I was injected. Yes, that sounds dramatic...but that's because it was to me. For the first time in a long time, I truly felt a sense of hope and it overwhelmed me and I welcomed it fully.

-I have spent the last year in constant worry over the health of my mom, wife, siblings, friends, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles...everyone. We had some close calls with friends and relatives, but we are all still here. For that, I am beyond thankful.

-I have been thoroughly amazed and saddened by the state of humanity's priorities. Amazed by our selfless front line and essential workers like Speedy....thankful for all that you all do and I hope this note of thanks finds you all well. Saddened by the selfishness that I've seen---the hoarding of supplies or refusing to wear a fucking mask. NEWS FLASH: NO ONE LIKES WEARING THEM, BUT YOU SHOULD DO IT ANYWAY, YOU IDIOTS! WHILE YOU'RE AT IT, WEAR IT PROPERLY! (sorry....really pisses me off)

-I am a people person...and I miss people. period. I miss hugs, high fives, bbq's, ball games, concerts, ALL OF IT. 

some positive stuff before I start rambling....

-I am beyond thankful for my amazing wife and the extra time we've had together while going through many things over the last year. I do my best to show her every single day.
-I cannot wait to hug my Mom, siblings, in-laws and friends. 
-I've learned a lot about about myself in the last year. I've made some changes and I am proud of those changes. 
-I built a damn guitar! That was a lot of fun and I look forward to building another one! 
-I built a fence and fixed up the deck and will start working on the kitchen remodel on Monday.
-I've been writing and recording a ton over the last year. Music has helped me get through this much more than I realized.
-I am grateful to be alive right now and I am grateful that you are all alive as well.

Be well....stay safe...and WEAR A DAMN MASK!

ps---sorry for the meandering nature of this post. Cheers to you all.

brianlux

It will be one year for us this Monday, the 15th.  That's the day a year ago that C. and I were working at the bookstore and our governor announced that anyone over 65 should go home and shelter in place.  We close the store a few hours early and went home.  The store stayed closed for a month until younger, braver souls went back to work and we did a little work there after hours.  I only work there a little now and then to maintain the used vinyl section that I maintain.

This year has been a long, strange trip indeed.

dankind

Almost cut my hair....

Halifax2TheMax

dankind said:

Almost cut my hair....

Gettin kinda long.......

hedonist

mfc2006 said:

SPEEDY MCCREADY said:

The only highpoint? Of this past year, for me?

Finding out my wife, a 4 year degree in psychology, who at the age of 50 went back to school to become a Registered Nurse?

Finding out that she could take the $35 hair clippers I was forced to purchase, with all the silly attachments, and actually give me a pretty decent haircut. Im still kind of shocked. She has now cut my hair 10 times?

So the highpoint is, that if she ever wants to change careers, we can turn our living room into "Kathy's Hair Emporium"

Hahahahahahaha

Ha! I can relate---my wife has been cutting my hair for the last year as well. She does a great job, too!

Some thoughts/ramblings/etc.

-I left the the office on 3/11/20 to work from home. I worked from home for about 4 months and I've been back at the office ever since. They've done an awesome job keeping us separated and everyone is very respectful of each other's space and wear masks at all time when not at their desks. Yesterday, which was exactly one year later...I received my first shot of the Moderna vaccine. I had tears running down my face as I was injected. Yes, that sounds dramatic...but that's because it was to me. For the first time in a long time, I truly felt a sense of hope and it overwhelmed me and I welcomed it fully.

-I have spent the last year in constant worry over the health of my mom, wife, siblings, friends, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles...everyone. We had some close calls with friends and relatives, but we are all still here. For that, I am beyond thankful.

-I have been thoroughly amazed and saddened by the state of humanity's priorities. Amazed by our selfless front line and essential workers like Speedy....thankful for all that you all do and I hope this note of thanks finds you all well. Saddened by the selfishness that I've seen---the hoarding of supplies or refusing to wear a fucking mask. NEWS FLASH: NO ONE LIKES WEARING THEM, BUT YOU SHOULD DO IT ANYWAY, YOU IDIOTS! WHILE YOU'RE AT IT, WEAR IT PROPERLY! (sorry....really pisses me off)

-I am a people person...and I miss people. period. I miss hugs, high fives, bbq's, ball games, concerts, ALL OF IT. 

some positive stuff before I start rambling....

-I am beyond thankful for my amazing wife and the extra time we've had together while going through many things over the last year. I do my best to show her every single day.
-I cannot wait to hug my Mom, siblings, in-laws and friends. 
-I've learned a lot about about myself in the last year. I've made some changes and I am proud of those changes. 
-I built a damn guitar! That was a lot of fun and I look forward to building another one! 
-I built a fence and fixed up the deck and will start working on the kitchen remodel on Monday.
-I've been writing and recording a ton over the last year. Music has helped me get through this much more than I realized.
-I am grateful to be alive right now and I am grateful that you are all alive as well.

Be well....stay safe...and WEAR A DAMN MASK!

ps---sorry for the meandering nature of this post. Cheers to you all.

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