Social Distancing Not All It's Cracked Up To Be

Sister's bunny.

Roommate's cat.

Corona Happy Hour

Stumbled across these Chris Mann videos. Hilarious! Enjoy!

Party Like We Are 109

It's Friday night! Let's go run around, hit the town, stir up some trouble and.....oh never mind. Let's remain quarantined in our homes as we take our life in our hands if we dare to venture outside.

So what am I doing instead?  Snuggled in bed watching Octavia Spencer and Tiffany Hadish in a Madam C.J. Walker series. Madam was the first black female millionaire who developed and sold hair products.  Set in the early 1900's it mixes in the historical with a bit of jive and hip hop music. I'm just starting episode four - the last one.

In Madam C.J.'s honor, I'm also conditioning my hair! Drenched my locks in tons of purified coconut oil, wrapped it in a plastic bag, and will be treating my hair to goodness all night long. I also spread a gob of night serum over my face because why not kill two birds with one stone.

On a side note, my roommate thinks my hair must be terribly damaged because I lose so much of it.  She had me a little worried so of course I Googled "normal hair loss."  The average human loses between 50 and 100 strands of hair a day! And if it's longer it just seems more noticeable! So there you go. Normal especially for someone like me with very thick, abundant hair. 😝

Good night, sweet dreams all and here's to silky hair and no wrinkles in the morning!

One of the Good Guys is Gone

Top Chef is one of my favorite shows.  I own all of the Top Chef series along with several of the Top Chef Masters, Just Desserts, and All Stars.  Today there was shocking news that one of the Top Chef Master's winners, Floyd Cardoz, died of the Coronavirus. He was only 59!! He was diagnosed on March 16 and died March 23.  He appeared to be such a nice person - kind, friendly and such a loss to the food industry.

R.I.P. Chef.

We Didn't Start the Virus

A little ditty I wrote to be sung to the tune of Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire."

We Didn't Start the Virus

Wuhan, China, Feeling ill Coughing, Fever, 

No vaccine or pill

Coronavirus

Covid 19

Princess Cruise Line Quarantined

Spreading Fast

Italy

Singing from

Their balconies

We didn't start the virus

So much we're learning

Now the world's been turning

We didn't start the virus

No we didn't light it

And we're trying to fight it

First case in 

Washington

My home state

No place to run

Work from home

Don't touch your face

Wash your hands

At 20 second pace

Panic buying

Toilet paper gone

What are we gonna wipe

Our poor butts on

Masks and gloves

Shields and spray

Lysol my 

best friend today

We didn't start the virus

So much we're learning

Now the world's been turning

We didn't start the virus

No we didn't light it

And we're trying to fight it

Closing restaurants,

Bars and pubs

Drive through or deliver

To get our grub

Sports all stop

NBA

Concerts cancelled 

It's getting cra cra

Celebrities confirmed

All through the ranks

Andy Cohen, Rand Paul

Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks

We didn't start the virus

So much we're learning

Now the world's been turning

We didn't start the virus

No we didn't light it

And we're trying to fight it

Social distance

Self isolate

Nothing on but

Democrat debates

Global pandemic 

Deaths begin to rise

Flatten the curve

Immunocompromised 

Travel restrictions

Shelter in place

Stay at home

Vacation erased

We didn't start the virus

So much we're learning

Now the world's been turning

We didn't start the virus

No we didn't light it

And we're trying to fight it

Immunity

CDC

Asymptomatic and

Healthcare Capacity

WHO is what

Zoonotic new strain

Community spread

And elder pain

Sharp spike

Tests not free

Communicable and

Epidemiology 

Delayed action

Daily speech

Trump's big mouth

We should've impeached

We didn't start the virus

So much we're learning

Now the world's been turning

We didn't start the virus

No we didn't light it

And we're trying to fight it

But when we are gone

Will it still spread on, and on, and on, and on

Corona Calculations

Being a person of numbers and analytics, the following article clearly spelled out just how bad the Covid-19 virus will be for America.  It's scary. However, the more we know the more we can protect our own well being.

https://www.newsbreakapp.com/n/0OVBkqf3?s=a99&pd=04TLJfPE

Perks of Social Isolation

Self-distancing, quarantine, and isolation have begun to set in. Have consciously limited the number of times I've left the house. Marie still gone so along with work have been feeding the outside cats and uncovering the birds in the morning and covering them up again at night.

A few highlights from being home all the time:

• No need to wear a bra;
• Sweats are acceptable work attire;
• No makeup, no hair prep, and no heels so not only is my morning routine fast it's practically non-existent;
• Desk is right next to the kitchen which has meant snacking. Afraid it will be time to return to work and my clothes won't fit especially after my leggings have lulled me into a sense of size maintenance. Thankfully will be moving into the spare room this week as an office which should prevent further easy access to the fridge.

Thursday popped over to visit Jordan and Candy. Oh that Jordan cracks me up - case in point, refer to Exhibit A below.

Weather was so nice couldn't help myself but indulge in sidewalk chalk drawing.

Today involved taking down all of the St. Patrick's Day decor. If I see another scotch-taped shamrock it will be too soon.  Stumbled across a Dollar Store bag filled with Easter decor so know what will be happening once Marie returns.  Vacuumed the living room, did the dishes, then flew the coop to get gas and escape to Willow Grove.

Weather was gorgeous this afternoon which may explain all the people at the river including two groups having barbecues. What were they thinking?? Self-distancing people!

Afterwards did a quick stop at the grocery store to pick up some items and almost threw myself into a panic attack. Keep your distance! Too close! Get me out of here!!

Arrived home, relaxed, and watched Bombshell (interesting sexual harassment flick but the facial makeup effects on Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman were distracting) and Dark Waters with Mark Ruffalo (same story as A Civil Action with John Travolta but not as good.)

Later did some on-line window shopping at Kakimoda.com, which has a ton of unique, stylish, and low priced shoes. One style shown below harkened back to my high school days. These look exactly like the Sbicca wedge slides that were so popular when I was a teen. I remember visiting downtown Bergstrom Shoes (think that was the name) on Commerce Avenue drooling over them but unfortunately at $50 a pair they would always be a dream not a reality for me.

Browsed the web and listened to several celebrities and experts espouse Covid-19 info. Oddly enough one of the more eloquent and insightful speakers has been comedian Russell Brand. Yes, seriously Russell Brand!  Another surprising video was a Ted talk by Bill Gates five years ago where he talked about a world-wide pandemic being our greatest threat and we were unprepared for the damage it would cause. Five years ago!

Home Bound

Day Two of working from home and so far it's been ok. Have set up on the tall dining room table which allows me to stand or sit. Work provided laptop and we now have wifi at the house so connection has been great. The one frustrating issue is there is only one screen. At the office I have three screens which makes work faster and more efficient. Now I'm bouncing around from one program to the next using a split screen. Ay Chihuahua!!!

Also have been able to sleep in to about 6:30 or 6:45. Get up, grab my coffee, brush my teeth, then get to work. It's been two days of no makeup, no bra, sweats, and ponytail. Stubbs doesn't know what to make of it having his mama at home all day.

Yesterday one of my friends dropped off to me a face mask she had made. It's superhero theme and cute! Was sweet of her to gift one to me as well as Marie.

Speaking of Marie, she left yesterday to visit her aunt until Friday. This means I have the house to myself for a few days. Along with work I've done laundry, made granola, and started a driftwood painting project. She took the dog and cat with her so my assigned pet tasks are to uncover and cover the parakeets and feed the outside cats every day.

I've Got the Covid Blues

Feeling warm

Achy too

Started coughing

Must be flu

First in Wuhan

Epidemic strain

Dispursed by cruise ship,

Airplane and train

It needs a name

This flu we fear

CDC called it "Corona"

Mexico's tasty beer

When it hit the U.S.

We all started to freak

Illness paranoia

At its highest peak

Wear the masks

Make sure you clean

Don't touch your face

Or you'll be quarantined!

Forget the hugs

And grab your gloves

Elbow bumps only

To show your love

Widespread panic

During this illness caper

Stores sold out of

Water, Lysol, and toilet paper

Horders of sanitizer

Selling via Amazon

$70 for Purell

Until they were shut down

No school, no crowds

No diners, no bars

Statewide lock down

So we can't travel far

Job germs aplenty

So time to work from home

Telecommute for 2 months

In my personal biodome

Social distance required

Pandemic world-wide

Deadly flu out to get us

And there's no place to hide

Can't sneeze in public

Cough or lightly wheeze
Instantly labeled contagious

Hey, it's just my allergies!

Hysteria commonplace

Panic on the brain

The world all cast members

In "The Andromeda Strain"

Just like Y2K

We'll laugh about this flu

But in the middle of this chaos

I'm kind of scared, aren't you?

Put me in hibernation

Eight weeks ought to do

Can skip the virus drama

Won't need paper for my poo

So we sit here hunkered down

Waiting for virus to strike

Anticipation killing me

Covid19 just drop the mic!

Trapped in the house

Small space I am crammed

Only outlet for amusement

Is texting and Instagram

The one wish I make

The request I do dream

Is to hear those sweet words

"We've discovered a vaccine!"

Stay healthy everyone!

For A Chuckle

Found these on line and they really tickled my funny bone!  Here's your laugh for today:

Grove and Gracepoint

Such a beautiful day that after work grabbed Stubbers and we hit Willow Grove for some R&R.  The pup had a grand time while I wandered the shoreline searching for treasure. Spotted some green buried in the wet sand, dug it up, and discovered a little Hot Wheels truck!

Arriving back home, continued watching "Gracepoint", the
Americanized remake of the English "Broadchurch" which stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman.  This version stars the wife from Breaking Bad and David Tennant - yes, reprising his role but with an American accent.  Can't tear myself away but I'm missing Olivia Colman as well as David Tennant's Scottish brogue.

Vs.

Performance, Parasite, and Pasta

Received my annual review last week and it was pretty darn exceptional if I do say so myself. Even received a promotion to boot!

Friday was Employee Appreciation Day and we each received an Amazon gift card, a mini bundt cupcake, and lunch from The Office which has outstanding meals and martinis  (although they weren't part of the package.) 😏 Awesome when your work spoils you as an employee and it makes a difference. The Amazon card also allowed me to watch Parasite (definitely deserved the Best Picture Oscar), Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, and am getting ready to watch the Downtown Abbey movie.

Saturday met up with Sam to run errands then stopped by Sushi Sakura for lunch. I wasn't aware Sam liked sushi but figured I'd join in. Ordered lobster roll along with inari (bean curd wrapped rice.)  Sam ordered the Dragon roll and the Volcano roll. All of it was very tasty!

Today went into work for six hours to catch up on pending tasks.  I've come to realize that I can never be 100% caught up and that's okay.

Arrived home and started a new project to sew a lace extension to a shirt to give it an update. Well it didn't go as planned. While gathering the fabric, the lace kept catching on the needle. Then the spool of thread was in panic and proceeded to fling itself off the machine not once, not twice, but threw times. Grrr.  Should have stopped there but oh no had to keep going. Ended up with a crooked piece of lace with uneven gathers stitched to what once was one of my favorite shirts. Tossed it in the corner while I consider if it can be saved or must be tossed.

Tonight made mushroom pasta ala Pinterest for dinner. Whole wheat thin spaghetti covered in a crimini,  wine, garlic, and cream based sauce.  Along with a side of Texas toast it was pretty darn delicious.

The clocks jumped ahead today which means it's 8:30 pm but feels like 7:30 pm. Going to be a struggle to get to sleep at an acceptable hour.

Let's make this week unforgettable shall we?!

The Whole Enchilada

The key word for this weekend was organization.

Saturday spent all day cleaning, rearranging, and organizing my room. Moved the bed, dresser, and chair to different areas, dusted, Windexed, washed all of my bedding including comforter, hung pictures on the wall, and placed dollar store canvas storage boxes (an awesome find!) in the bookcase. Organized the top of my closet so it would hold more storage items.

Today finished hanging more pictures then created some steps to the bed for Stubbs. Duct taped two Walgreens photo boxes and a shoe box to make the steps then glued an old bath rug on top to make it not only presentable but easier for my senior doggie to climb. And it works! He's using it like a pro! No more dog-eyed begging for me to lift him on to the bed.

After my room was done, I then made veggie enchiladas for dinner. Tortillas were filled with brown rice, lentils, tomato, onion, olives, cilantro, corn, spices, and a shake of Tapatio. Added chopped avocado on the side. Very tasty and lots of leftovers!

Getting the Clean Bill of Health

Last week was a series of catch up for all my doctor appointments.

Tuesday had the regular pap smear exam. To make it even more exciting, my doctor was going to remove a skin tag that was by my nether -regions. Yep, the cherry on top was receiving the numbing shot perilously close to my va jay jay.  Good news is the skin tag is gone, my pap was clean, and I tested negative for HPV, which has now become a standard test performed. Next exam will be in five years - yippee!

Thursday to the dentist for a cleaning. Last September went in for a cleaning which I was sorely late. Was numbed up for a filling so that came in handy when they brought out the water works to hardcore clean my teeth.

My insurance pays for cleanings every three months so set up a return visit. During the previous 90 days I flossed and paid close attention to the teeth that needed some serious TLC. Happy to say almost all of my scores improved! My chart notes were all green for improvement. 😁

Friday capped off my medical week when I visited the sleep center to assess my snoring. Steve thinks I stop breathing when I'm sleeping so it was time to find out. After checking in o was led to a consultation room which had a big bed right on the middle of the room. Not a medical bed but a cozy queen size model. I felt like a hooker being prepped for my first customer!

The older doctor was knowledgeable and asked lots of questions. After examining my mouth and throat he said it appears my palate and windpipe are on the small side so this may be what's causing me to snore.  He had to hold my tongue down with the thin wooden depressor in order to see my uvula. He also placed a device over my heart, which was hooked up to an app, so he could see if my heart was beating normally (it was.) He then explained a variety of treatments - mouth guard, C-Pap, surgery to extend jaw, and even gastric bypass which would be covered by insurance. First step is to see how bad the problem is so they scheduled me for a sleep study on April 3.  You get hooked up to lots of monitors and stay the night at the hospital so they can examine your sleeping habits. Looking forward to the experience!!