coronavirus – Grandma Bloggers

Iadmit it – I am an introvert. So this social isolation thing actually feels quite comfortable to me. I suffer from social anxiety and avoid big crowds because the noise is deafening. When I was a young girl, I preferred to play alone in my bedroom with my paper dolls and write stories rather than being abused by family members and so-called friends. Mind you, I don’t like having to stay in the house all of the time, especially being isolated with an extrovert!

My husband is having a difficult time. He has to call several people every day between his jogs around the house to stay sane. Some of my grandchildren are having a really tough go of it also. They are used to having their friends around them at school constantly. Yesterday one of my granddaughters went to a “take out” with some friends (each in their separate cars). Then they met up in a parking lot, parked their cars in a circle, and sat on their cars while they visited from a distance. Quite creative, I’d say.

I appreciate those who have taken this pandemic seriously and are staying away from others as much as possible. I was not surprised when I heard on the news that here in Utah about half of the persons who have contracted the coronavirus were younger (between 20 and 40). They seem to think they are invincible. Younger people are vulnerable too. It is so sad to hear of even small babies that have been stricken with corona.

Since we lived in Hawaii for over 20 years, I got used to being hugged by everyone I met. That was difficult for me since I value my personal space. Right now I don’t have to worry about that contact

and it is somewhat of a relief for me. However, two of my grandchildren are graduating this year and I feel bad that they won’t have all of the leis and festivities that go with Polynesian graduations.

Some younger people think this is the right time to become popular on social media:

https://www.drphil.com/videos/i-was-really-annoyed-that-coronavirus-was-getting-more-publicity-than-me-says-woman-who/

Honestly, how idiotic can you be. I also had a friend who thought it was cool to

announce on facebook that she took her grandchildren to Costco to get a few things. What? Does she not realize how ignorant that sounded? Please leave the grandkids at home! She got reprimanded in the comments.

I like how many of the regular TV celebrities have taken corona seriously and now broadcast from inside of their homes. It is fun to see another side of them and I have a healthier respect for them. Hopefully, if everyone does their part, this virus will die off soon. Warmer weather will make it more difficult for it to thrive and spread. I am excited to get out and work in my yard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKDd38-EVCs

As for my own family relations, my father who is 93 hasn’t changed his schedule much from what it was before corona. He spends much of his time reading and watching TV. The only way he could get the virus is if someone brings in into his home. I am trying to keep away. Thankfully, my brother and sister live closer and take good care of him. My other sister is on oxygen and I pray she will be alright.

The thing I miss the most during this time is shopping. Every Tuesday before this happened, I would shop at the local thrift shops because it was discount day for seniors. Now they are all closed. I realize that I went a bit overboard with my thrifting because my closets are stuffed and I have nowhere to go! Now the popular thing to wear when we go out is a mask!

I have set up a little gym in my bedroom.

It includes a stationary bike, thigh master, weights and bands. I hope this will result in me being stronger and more fit. I also take vitamins every day and go to bed at a reasonable hour. When I wake up, I do specific stretches before I even get out of bed. It helps with my joint pain.

As far as corona memes and jokes are concerned, I have seen most, but found some new ones today: https://hubpages.com/technology/Facebook-Status-Updates-About-Being-in-Isolation-Social-Isolating-and-Having-to-Staying-at-Home

Yesterday I ordered groceries for the first time. They couldn’t deliver them until today. Of course I had to pay extra

for the service, but feel for now it is worth it.

I’m grateful that my children are isolating and are still able to work to provide for their families. Our patience is being tested bigtime right now. Can you imagine how much harder this would be without technology? It certainly is a blessing to be able to talk and see loved ones at this time. One thing to remember with all of this time spent online, there is a greater danger of hacking and predators. Please be safe online!

Tomorrow I will be listening to leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our prophet forsaw this time and has been preparing our members for it for a while now. I value my membership in the church and it brings a lot of comfort to my llife. It has been very inspiring to see many turn to God and praying more often during this pandemic. If you want to hear some inspired messages for this time, join us at:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng

Quarantine! Introverts Unite! Peace!

The latest epidemic of Coronavirus has been on my mind constantly. I feel empathy for the many who have suffered from this virus and especially those who have lost their lives and their families. As an older person with chronic autoimmune issues, this virus is a threat!

So far, Utah has not had any known cases of the virus obtained instate. However, paranoia has emptied many shelves in the local Costco and Walmart. People are panicking in ways I never imagined. You would think it is the end of the world! Perhaps it is!

Well, at least I have learned something from all of this chaos, like how to wash my hands properly! Before, a quick dab of soap and a second or two of water sufficed. Now I feel that everything around me has germs on it, especially things I touch often like these computer keys. I use my clorox wipes much more than ever before.

I have also decided not to go out to the movies, to shop unless I really need to, and I have questioned attending large gatherings. It has affected almost all of my interactions with others – I even found myself elbow bumping my own granddaughter (what)?

Our church (LDS) has had general conference every spring and fall for as long as I can remember. For the first timein my life, they have told everyone to watch conference from home and that no international leaders will meet as usual at the conference center on Temple Square! Even the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah is not accepting new missionaries in lieu of being prepared online. Some temples have been closed and missionaries reassigned or sent home.

*Our daughter and our family at the Salt Lake Temple*

All of this has affected my psyche and ultimately affected everything I do. My daughter is a Nurse Practitioner and I worry that she might be exposed to the virus at work. She has been taking care of my husband and I and this adds another dimension to her job. I have Grave’s disease and use oxygen at night due to respiratory problems.

When will this nightmare end? Hopefully spring will bring warmer weather and kill off any hint of the virus! I am praying this time next year, the coronavirus will be a bad memory and not a significant threat to many.

*Some of our family in Italy only a couple of years ago where the coronavirus currently rages*

I realize how unprepared I am for a full-out emergency situation. We have been slowly eating up all of our food storage and not replacing it. I regret that right now!

While we are retired and doing okay financially, the recent stock market crash has eaten away at my 401-K! That is not the worst thing that could happen, but it is very frustrating.

I’m trying hard to have a positive outlook for my children and grandchildrens. I hope and pray that all of them will avoid the effects of the coronavirus.

Tag: coronavirus

Introverts Unite

Coronavirus COVID-19 and Grandma