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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
It’s my birthday. I haven’t taken any time off since fall is 2019. So as a treat to myself I found an ocean view room with a fireplace and a tub and took off for two nights. It’s amazing how a change of scenery, even just 30 minutes away from home, can adjust your mood. I was careful when booking, and since it was my first attempt at eating out, as well, I asked for tables next to windows and away from others if possible. since it’s February, midweek, in New England, that wasn’t a problem. All staff are masked, so that is comforting. And I was one of 6 people in the entire place last night. I have walked along the rocky coast on windy days with crashing surf, I have driven backroads singing Sondheim at full volume, done a little yoga, and finished a good book. Time to head home. But will do so slowly. Big wind today and high tide right after checkout so will stop for some views. Feel so privileged to be able to afford to do this for myself. That’s no small thing.
February 19, 2022
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
This is the 17th day of being flat on a bed, mine or hospital. I'm home now, supposedly better but walking across three rooms of the house brings on fits of gasping for air. I didn't need to be - and here's another thing, I just forgot the word where you're intubated with an air hose - it didn't get to that point. When I went to the emergency room I hadn't had anything to eat in six days. My mind was (and remains) a mess. They asked me if I'd had a bowel movement lately and I stalled them by replying "not sure". I had a vague idea what the process entailed - I pictured valves - and started to Google "bowel movement" before I remembered. I'm trying to get whatever thought structures I used to employ to work again. It requires air so I sit at my desk for long stretches waiting for enough - what - air pressure to build and a thought to appear? The worst: I still have nightmares of the food they brought me. They'd set down the tray, I'd uncover and do the big reveal. It would be the opposite of what I ordered and cold when it was supposed to be hot and hot when it was supposed to be cold. This is nothing though. This is the best of all worlds. My wife just finished Stage 1 breast cancer and I had just gotten back from taking her to her parents in Florida to spend a month recuperating. So she's just had to deal with me long distance away from danger.
February 21, 2021