The death count has already climbed to close to 47,000 people: mothers fathers brothers sisters aunts uncles nieces nephews children...real people.
A close friend of mine has the symptoms and is “presumed positive” by the health department but after weeks of trying still hasn’t been able to get tested. Everyone in her house feels sick and likely also has it. The ER told her to stay home despite the fact that her primary care doctor recommended her going to there. Apparently if you can still breathe a little on your own you're good. She also worries about the cost. I don’t know what to tell her. Forget her pre-existing conditions (plural), yeah, she’ll be fine. You won’t believe how fine she’ll be!
Some day, karma will catch you, President Trump, I just hope I live long enough to see it.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Sunday, April 19, 2020
COVID-19 An Account April 19,2020
It’s 2:00am and as usual I’m having a difficult time sleeping. I feel like if I’m not completely exhausted I’ll just toss and turn all night.
The last time I wrote, the death toll was around 26,000. Now only a few days later it’s up around 34,000. Still there are people understating the facts. They say things like there are this many people who die of lung cancer every year and we don’t shut everything down; and this many people drown in pool accidents etc. but most of the things they talk about are not brand new highly contagious viruses with no known treatment or cure. Apples to bulldogs, right? Now there are protesters who say their rights are being violated and the state governments have no right to compel people to stay at home. I understand. Had this happened 30 years ago, I would have had an incredibly difficult time. At that point I was living paycheck to paycheck and barely that. Losing my job would have been devastating. I currently have a lot of friends who are really struggling. The government has approved $1200.00 to every citizen to help, but for many that won’t go very far. I understand people wanting to go back to work and begin getting a paycheck again, but not being careful in the process could have horrible consequences. I feel like it will extend the effects of the virus even longer. The protesters don’t understand that the countries that have fared better were extremely strict with their “stay at home” orders. I saw a documentary where the police in China were literally welding doors shut of people who violated the orders. Victims of COVID19 were being forcibly dragged away to be quarantined. Here in the USA, we don’t do that sort of thing. People would be up in arms! We do have freedom, but some are not being smart about social distancing or even wearing masks. The whole thing will be prolonged if we're not adamant.
There are also those who figure a certain amount of casualties is acceptable, but um, NO! No one should die for someone else’s convenience. It's hard for everyone. We need to remember our humanity. Please.
The last time I wrote, the death toll was around 26,000. Now only a few days later it’s up around 34,000. Still there are people understating the facts. They say things like there are this many people who die of lung cancer every year and we don’t shut everything down; and this many people drown in pool accidents etc. but most of the things they talk about are not brand new highly contagious viruses with no known treatment or cure. Apples to bulldogs, right? Now there are protesters who say their rights are being violated and the state governments have no right to compel people to stay at home. I understand. Had this happened 30 years ago, I would have had an incredibly difficult time. At that point I was living paycheck to paycheck and barely that. Losing my job would have been devastating. I currently have a lot of friends who are really struggling. The government has approved $1200.00 to every citizen to help, but for many that won’t go very far. I understand people wanting to go back to work and begin getting a paycheck again, but not being careful in the process could have horrible consequences. I feel like it will extend the effects of the virus even longer. The protesters don’t understand that the countries that have fared better were extremely strict with their “stay at home” orders. I saw a documentary where the police in China were literally welding doors shut of people who violated the orders. Victims of COVID19 were being forcibly dragged away to be quarantined. Here in the USA, we don’t do that sort of thing. People would be up in arms! We do have freedom, but some are not being smart about social distancing or even wearing masks. The whole thing will be prolonged if we're not adamant.
There are also those who figure a certain amount of casualties is acceptable, but um, NO! No one should die for someone else’s convenience. It's hard for everyone. We need to remember our humanity. Please.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
COVID-19 An Account, April 14, 2020
Hello, sorry it's been a few days. The last few days have been surprisingly busy. was actually able to see a few people, with masks, outside and like 10 feet away, but still, friendly faces are nice to see in person. My daughters and their babies have been having fun talking with Bill and I on Messenger. We discovered that there are filters to change your face, or picture you with a puppy on your head etc. The boys (our grandsons) especially love a game where little hamburgers pop up and you try and catch them in your mouth. the more you catch, the chubbier your cheeks start looking. It's hilarious. I wonder it they are trying to get a message across?
I've been trying to look for those jewel moments that make me smile, the ones that make me forget for a few glorious minutes. My mind escapes from all things medical, except for worrying about my cheeks getting bigger (which, ironically, is how you win). The boys giggle and laugh uncontrollably and that...is the sweetest sound in the world.
I've been also attempting to limit myself to shorten the time spent watching the news. It just depresses me. I did however watch a recent COVID-19 press conference, when I heard President Trump claim that as the President, his authority was "absolute". When a FOX reporter said basically, no it's not, and asked who had told him that, he attacked her saying that her question was "horrid". Wow. Are GOP senators, representatives, etc. okay with this? Another newscaster continued the same line of questioning, and deploying his signature move, Donald Trump shut the reporter down. Trump is a master of pushing away the press, getting riled up and defensive instead of answering the questions posed. Again, I don't believe everything I hear the news stations say, but I listen to the things that come out of his mouth, and not just the snippets the media chooses. I hear them in the full context of the entire news conference. I watch him picking fights with people and ignoring the hard issues. When that doesn't work he brings up the impeachment "hoax". I think it's funny that he used that same word when talking about the Corona Virus earlier this year. Apparently that's as much of a hoax as the impeachment. Currently, as of yesterday the death toll in the US is almost 26,000 people. Some hoax. It's a shame that there are those who want him out so bad they are willing to lose hundreds of thousands of American citizens. Being among the higher risk population, I think I could think of better ways to push President Absolute from office. I'm not fond of the idea of dying.
I've been trying to look for those jewel moments that make me smile, the ones that make me forget for a few glorious minutes. My mind escapes from all things medical, except for worrying about my cheeks getting bigger (which, ironically, is how you win). The boys giggle and laugh uncontrollably and that...is the sweetest sound in the world.
I've been also attempting to limit myself to shorten the time spent watching the news. It just depresses me. I did however watch a recent COVID-19 press conference, when I heard President Trump claim that as the President, his authority was "absolute". When a FOX reporter said basically, no it's not, and asked who had told him that, he attacked her saying that her question was "horrid". Wow. Are GOP senators, representatives, etc. okay with this? Another newscaster continued the same line of questioning, and deploying his signature move, Donald Trump shut the reporter down. Trump is a master of pushing away the press, getting riled up and defensive instead of answering the questions posed. Again, I don't believe everything I hear the news stations say, but I listen to the things that come out of his mouth, and not just the snippets the media chooses. I hear them in the full context of the entire news conference. I watch him picking fights with people and ignoring the hard issues. When that doesn't work he brings up the impeachment "hoax". I think it's funny that he used that same word when talking about the Corona Virus earlier this year. Apparently that's as much of a hoax as the impeachment. Currently, as of yesterday the death toll in the US is almost 26,000 people. Some hoax. It's a shame that there are those who want him out so bad they are willing to lose hundreds of thousands of American citizens. Being among the higher risk population, I think I could think of better ways to push President Absolute from office. I'm not fond of the idea of dying.
Friday, April 10, 2020
COVID-19 An Account April 10, 2020
As though it's not enough to be trying to stay inside, it has to rain too. Don't get me wrong. I love the rain. I think it's just the sky being grey. I lose all track of time. It seems like 7:00am all day. I've been keeping busy, and things are not all that different for me to be honest. I think it's just the not being allowed to spend time outside or with your family or friends. You never really appreciate something until it's taken away, right? Freedom is never more valued until it's been removed from your life. I feel fortunate that I have my home and food when I know others are struggling. I just hope this doesn't actually last a year and a half like the experts are saying it might; that they are giving us the worst case scenario, but it will really be much less time.
They extended the "Shelter in Place" end date to May 15 (I think that's the date) not that I think we will be able to venture out much by then, It hasn't even really hit our area yet. There are cases. Just a few, but then that's how it always starts, I expect it will get much worse before the coast will be clear.
I just deleted a whole section of my writing because I realized I was ranting again. I don't want to always be doing that. Today, I'm just thankful for the rain. I'm in California. Rain is a good thing.
They extended the "Shelter in Place" end date to May 15 (I think that's the date) not that I think we will be able to venture out much by then, It hasn't even really hit our area yet. There are cases. Just a few, but then that's how it always starts, I expect it will get much worse before the coast will be clear.
I just deleted a whole section of my writing because I realized I was ranting again. I don't want to always be doing that. Today, I'm just thankful for the rain. I'm in California. Rain is a good thing.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
COVID-19 An Account April 8, 2020
Well, things are very different during this whole health crisis. It's so hard not talking to my family, but we recently figured out a way to all get together. Unfortunately my two sons are both in essential jobs, so it's difficult to schedule time for group calls. Still I do get to see my grand-babies, at least. I know how fast they grow up at this age (they're both 3), and I wish I didn't have to miss so much of it. So every day we go onto Messenger and do a group call. So now I've been able to see almost all my kids, which makes me happy.
I have started to alternate my YouTube viewings. I watch the news for a while, and then I switch to something funny like old "Saturday Night Live" shows, or a travel vlog, This keeps me sane.
I have other worries, like a doctor's appointment next week with a new neurologist. We recently lost our insurance and had to get new insurance. All of my doctors are now not in network. It took me years to find the ones I had. Neurologists especially are difficult to find. It's not that they aren't out there, but in my experience, the majority of them are older, male, arrogant jerks with no bedside manner, and even less compassion. They think they know everything about me and my body, so just "do what I say", they tell me. No explanation, no reasons why I should. I am an idiot, and he's the guy with the M.D. after his name so what's my problem? I had finally found one I liked and trusted, mostly. (Honestly I trust very few doctors in general.)
I had to start again, and I didn't even get to pick really. It's an HMO, so I had to go to a new Primary Care Physician, who I just met, to give me a referral for a new neurologist. This would be a stressful situation without the added complication of COVID-19. If I wasn't on medications that have to be refilled, I'd probably just wait.
Anywho, I've been trying to meditate, to keep my mind off things, but always it sneaks back in. I hope you all are hanging in there. It's important that we do.
I have started to alternate my YouTube viewings. I watch the news for a while, and then I switch to something funny like old "Saturday Night Live" shows, or a travel vlog, This keeps me sane.
I have other worries, like a doctor's appointment next week with a new neurologist. We recently lost our insurance and had to get new insurance. All of my doctors are now not in network. It took me years to find the ones I had. Neurologists especially are difficult to find. It's not that they aren't out there, but in my experience, the majority of them are older, male, arrogant jerks with no bedside manner, and even less compassion. They think they know everything about me and my body, so just "do what I say", they tell me. No explanation, no reasons why I should. I am an idiot, and he's the guy with the M.D. after his name so what's my problem? I had finally found one I liked and trusted, mostly. (Honestly I trust very few doctors in general.)
I had to start again, and I didn't even get to pick really. It's an HMO, so I had to go to a new Primary Care Physician, who I just met, to give me a referral for a new neurologist. This would be a stressful situation without the added complication of COVID-19. If I wasn't on medications that have to be refilled, I'd probably just wait.
Anywho, I've been trying to meditate, to keep my mind off things, but always it sneaks back in. I hope you all are hanging in there. It's important that we do.
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| Having fun with filters. |
Sunday, April 5, 2020
COVID-19 An Account April 5, 2020
I just can't listen to him anymore. His lies are so obvious. He tells the American people that everything is under control, and it is clearly not. New York is running out of ventilators after Trump decided there weren't as many needed as was requested. Taking the word of Jared Kushner who has NO experience in anything related to a pandemic. If it's thought that the request was over estimated, than experts should have been consulted as to what actually was needed. People are dying. How many times must it be said? Isn't it better to have more than you need than to have people dying needlessly?
Speaking of dying needlessly, there are churches (pastors, ministers, etc.) compelling their congregations to attend during all this, even going so far as laying hands and other physical practices. I'm not saying that I don't believe that God could protect them, but I do believe that if God gives you doctors, scientists and leaders who are warning you not to go out and gather in groups, than maybe you should listen. It's like that story when a man is stranded in the middle of the ocean. He prays to God "Save me! I know you will save me, I have faith in you." A boat goes by and the man says "I'm okay! God is going to save me!" An airplane and a helicopter go by and he says the same thing. After a while the man prays "God, why have you not saved me?" and God answered: "I sent you a boat, an airplane and a helicopter and you turned them away!" God is telling you to listen to the experts. He will still listen when you're not at church. Your faith is in your heart, not in a building.
The problem is that some people, and there is no effort to change this, believe that President Trump was sent from God, that he is "the chosen one". These are Trump's words. This is a man who has been married several times, has been unfaithful to at least some of those wives, who says things like "You can grab them by the p#&%$" in regards to women. He is someone who lies on a regular basis (this has been fact checked) and clearly thinks of himself above all others. He has no humility or even an ounce of humanity. He's totally okay with separating children from their parents/families. He's clearly racist, homophobic and misogynistic. This is their "chosen one"? Wow. Good luck with that. I have tried not to call names because I know that I have friends and even family members who support Donald Trump. I try and respect everyone's opinion, but the Republican Party is out of control. Their greed is overwhelming. I watch as the rich get richer and the rest of us pay for it. How much do you need before you stop grabbing it from others? It all makes no sense to me. The people I know who are the most kind hearted and generous, are usually the ones who don't have very much. It's a sacrifice to give to others and yet they still do. The rich hold on to their money like an oyster, clamping down to protect it's pearl, but someday, someone will pry them open. I kinda' feel sorry for what's coming for them...kinda'.
Meanwhile our president takes "no responsibility" for anything, not his delay in responding, nor his incompetence in getting much needed supplies to hospitals all over our country. He keeps claiming he's doing a great job, as more people die every day. The federal government is not a "shipping clerk" and they are only a "back up". Um, no. Once you've announced a "National Emergency" it's YOUR job to make sure the states have what they need. It's your job to coordinate getting the word out, to secure supplies, distribute those supplies, and listen to the experts for guidance. WE PAY YOU! You are supposed to put the American people FIRST. Get over yourself and do your job Mr. Trump. Now.
Thank you to the Mayfair Monsoons Marching Corps for this image.
Speaking of dying needlessly, there are churches (pastors, ministers, etc.) compelling their congregations to attend during all this, even going so far as laying hands and other physical practices. I'm not saying that I don't believe that God could protect them, but I do believe that if God gives you doctors, scientists and leaders who are warning you not to go out and gather in groups, than maybe you should listen. It's like that story when a man is stranded in the middle of the ocean. He prays to God "Save me! I know you will save me, I have faith in you." A boat goes by and the man says "I'm okay! God is going to save me!" An airplane and a helicopter go by and he says the same thing. After a while the man prays "God, why have you not saved me?" and God answered: "I sent you a boat, an airplane and a helicopter and you turned them away!" God is telling you to listen to the experts. He will still listen when you're not at church. Your faith is in your heart, not in a building.
The problem is that some people, and there is no effort to change this, believe that President Trump was sent from God, that he is "the chosen one". These are Trump's words. This is a man who has been married several times, has been unfaithful to at least some of those wives, who says things like "You can grab them by the p#&%$" in regards to women. He is someone who lies on a regular basis (this has been fact checked) and clearly thinks of himself above all others. He has no humility or even an ounce of humanity. He's totally okay with separating children from their parents/families. He's clearly racist, homophobic and misogynistic. This is their "chosen one"? Wow. Good luck with that. I have tried not to call names because I know that I have friends and even family members who support Donald Trump. I try and respect everyone's opinion, but the Republican Party is out of control. Their greed is overwhelming. I watch as the rich get richer and the rest of us pay for it. How much do you need before you stop grabbing it from others? It all makes no sense to me. The people I know who are the most kind hearted and generous, are usually the ones who don't have very much. It's a sacrifice to give to others and yet they still do. The rich hold on to their money like an oyster, clamping down to protect it's pearl, but someday, someone will pry them open. I kinda' feel sorry for what's coming for them...kinda'.
Meanwhile our president takes "no responsibility" for anything, not his delay in responding, nor his incompetence in getting much needed supplies to hospitals all over our country. He keeps claiming he's doing a great job, as more people die every day. The federal government is not a "shipping clerk" and they are only a "back up". Um, no. Once you've announced a "National Emergency" it's YOUR job to make sure the states have what they need. It's your job to coordinate getting the word out, to secure supplies, distribute those supplies, and listen to the experts for guidance. WE PAY YOU! You are supposed to put the American people FIRST. Get over yourself and do your job Mr. Trump. Now.
Thank you to the Mayfair Monsoons Marching Corps for this image.
Friday, April 3, 2020
COVID-19 An Account April 3, 2020
Today I was able to see my brother in law and my niece. They were picking up an extra bed we had (a twin bed from one of the kids). It was nice but awkward while we tried to load up the bed without touching or even getting too close. My whole family is very physically affectionate. It's automatic to hug each other every time we get together. Now we have to do "air hugs". Not quite the same.
My older brother (out of five) called me to let me know he was safely home from his trip to Thailand. He and his wife were visiting her family. He was saying they really expected when they landed in the US that they would be delayed by officials taking their temperature or questioning them. Nope. They just glided on through. They were stuck in line at one point, with people right next to each other. Now that's just great, right? His wife was nervous after being in Thailand. There, pretty much everywhere you go they take your temperature before you can enter any establishment. At one point they were worried that they were going to be quarantined for two weeks! That really would have put a damper on their trip. Of course when they got home and people were wondering around as though nothing was wrong, they were a little surprised. My brother said the roads were a little less crowded, but nothing like Bangkok, normally a bustling jam packed metropolis which is now empty. Why are people not paying attention? This is a scary disease! You may not care if you get it (and you should, because even strong healthy people are ending up in the ICU) at least think about your loved ones.
Meanwhile, the cases in my neighborhood continue to increase. The hospitals still don't have ventilators or PPE. The federal government got their hands on some masks and/or gloves recently and people were excited until they learned that it was to be released to commercial distributors. What??? Doctors, nurses and hospital staff are BEGGING for these things. Now we're back to states bidding against each other, as well as other countries and even the federal government itself! How f-ed up is that? Why is this even remotely okay? Why do we pay taxes? To make others richer? My tolerance level for stupid has been met and then some. They should call common sense "rare sense".
My older brother (out of five) called me to let me know he was safely home from his trip to Thailand. He and his wife were visiting her family. He was saying they really expected when they landed in the US that they would be delayed by officials taking their temperature or questioning them. Nope. They just glided on through. They were stuck in line at one point, with people right next to each other. Now that's just great, right? His wife was nervous after being in Thailand. There, pretty much everywhere you go they take your temperature before you can enter any establishment. At one point they were worried that they were going to be quarantined for two weeks! That really would have put a damper on their trip. Of course when they got home and people were wondering around as though nothing was wrong, they were a little surprised. My brother said the roads were a little less crowded, but nothing like Bangkok, normally a bustling jam packed metropolis which is now empty. Why are people not paying attention? This is a scary disease! You may not care if you get it (and you should, because even strong healthy people are ending up in the ICU) at least think about your loved ones.
Meanwhile, the cases in my neighborhood continue to increase. The hospitals still don't have ventilators or PPE. The federal government got their hands on some masks and/or gloves recently and people were excited until they learned that it was to be released to commercial distributors. What??? Doctors, nurses and hospital staff are BEGGING for these things. Now we're back to states bidding against each other, as well as other countries and even the federal government itself! How f-ed up is that? Why is this even remotely okay? Why do we pay taxes? To make others richer? My tolerance level for stupid has been met and then some. They should call common sense "rare sense".
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