How are you coping?

I'm in Portland, OR, which is in virtual lockdown. We don't have the high incidences that have been seen in WA and CA, but everyone seems to understand that's just a matter of time. There's still activity, but it feels like a permanent early Sunday morning out there.

I, fortunately, still have work to do, though it's at about half the level it was. My bank account is shrinking, albeit slowly. As a consequence, I have lots of free time.

I've been investigating volunteer opportunities. I talked to EIGHT senior assistance organizations, such as Meals on Wheels, and it turns out, they're all massively oversubscribed with volunteers! This is one reason why I love this city.

I'm going to be teaching English online, for free. Every student in the city is idle. Many parents want them to not fall behind. They're also going batshit crazy, with the kids bouncing off the walls :)

Once a day, I order takeout for dinner. The list of restaurants I've wanted to try far exceeds my ability to patronize them all. I go for variety; had Indonesian food for dinner last night. I like supporting local businesses.

I also walk for half an hour, at least once and sometimes twice a day. It's amazing how much that helps. Unfortunately, it's going to rain for the next seven days running...because, you know, Oregon.

What's your situation, and how are you coping?

I am able to work from home with my main job.   We have ZOOM meetings throughout the day which keeps it semi-social.     There's about 1000 people in total in my office 90% of which are now working from home.

I also do Amazon-Flex package delivery as a side hustle.   Been doing that for 3 years now.   Thats as busy as ever - especially the grocery deliveries.   People are pretty generous with the tips now.

Still sucks not being able to go to the gym, bars, and shows.   We have a drive-in move theatre which has decided to remain closed.   Drive-in theaters have largely been exempt from the social distancing shutdowns throuhout the country due to the fact you stay in your car...but ours is being extra safe.   Thats a good thing I guess.

At least the weather is starting to warm up to the point where I can do some yard work and a little jogging.    My house is as clean as its ever been too.

Like you guys, I'm working from home.  I do this about half of my time during normal times, but now it's 100%.  Usually I'm on the road about 2.5 days per week visiting customers in Indiana and Michigan.  It's my nature to want to move around, so this is driving me crazy.  I do visit friends down the street, and they visit me.  On the weekends, several of us get together, and we keep our distance.

I do have a 9pm conference call today with a potential Chinese supplier.  I wish that they could get on the phone a little earlier, but that's the deal.  I miss my regular socializing with my friends at the local pub, and it appears that this will continue for at least two more weeks.

We're doing an inordinate amount of technical training with suppliers for work, which I like.  I can always know more.

I am retired.  Church was my keep busy place, but all is shut down.   In addition to the social aspect, I miss choir a lot, our M-W-F exercise, Bible study, handbells, helping with food and pharmacy pick up and delivery to our home bound members.  But like Kevin's attempts with Meals on Wheels, we are seriously over-volunteered.  It has almost become a competition, "Let me do it"  "No, let me do it."  I guess that's good.

I just found solitaire on my computer, a good substitution for casino gambling.  LOL.

Got my nails done just in time, but seriously need a hair cut.  Guess I'll be whacking on it myself...ugh.

Got started back with my daily 1.5 mile walk.  I had quit during cold weather, but really need the exercise.  It is a WALK, too, up and down with some steep rises.  I take a Walmart bag and my grabber and pick up trash along the way. 

We were in Vegas just as the stock market plunge started (seems like it tanks every time I'm in Vegas but this felt different).  Lucky we didn't get sick.  Are there any casino-acquiired Covid-19 stories out there?  

Anyway, I immediately cancelled two upcoming casino trips, Biloxi and Laughlin, even before the word came out that casinos would be shutting down.   Thought I would be paying cancellation fees but all were waved.  Actually it felt good to cancel.  Going too often.

I raided David Miller's medicine cabinet. He had some good shit in there. 

Now, I pretend reality is whatever I want it to be.