This week, I have thought about how Halloween will work out. Since we are living in such a difficult time right now, it is not possible for us to have such big, crowding events. It seems to me that some people want to go out of their way to go to parties and violate safety regulations ... Because of this, I spent time considering how I am going to be celebrate Halloween. Despite the restrictions we are forced to put up with, I still wanted to celebrate in my own special way. Just yesterday, I received a package from my parents. I had told them two weeks prior that I wanted some snacks that I would actually eat before I have to empty out my room. The box was filled with some of my favorite candy and other goodies. I was very excited. It motivated me to think of further plans for Halloweekend. I spent some time today playing a virtual game of "Clue" ... It was a really fun time for all of us; we enjoyed ourselves very much. I plan to spend the next day eating some candy and watching a Halloween themed movie, after I finish some work. I also bought a ticket to watch a movie for the 29th annual Philadelphia Film Festival since one of my friends is their ambassador this year. I will be watching that this coming Sunday. Celebrating Halloween during the pandemic has given me time to think about other events. Although this crisis has been tough for all of us, we must make the most of the good times. When life gives you lemons, you always have to find a way to make lemonade. For me, coming up with revised ways to celebrate Halloweekend has been a good way to work around the effects of this pandemic. It may not be the most ideal celebration, but it works in a time like this. Now that we only have three weeks left of classes, I am more grateful every day for how far we have come.
October 31, 2020
I have wanted to keep a journal through these weeks and months. I started but quickly my energy flagged. I am hoping that this new opportunity will reenergize my determination to write. Because I live in a retirement residence which has a nursing home attached, we are particularly vulnerable to the virus, and our restrictions have been quite severe. Even so, we have had an outbreak and a number of virus deaths among our most vulnerable residents. We are currently virus free, but are limited to short walks in the neighborhood, and social distancing at all times, wearing masks, and eating and exercising in our own units. Frustrations abound, but I am eternally grateful for phone contacts, Zoom visits and events, and outdoor visits with friends in the building. I am yet to be able to visit other friends or family, and am anxious to know when I will be able to travel to see any of my children - all of whom live far away. The summer stretching out ahead is looking pretty bleak at the moment. But I am determined to not let it get me down.
June 30, 2020