How is everyone doing? — Page 5

I'm doing better than I thought I would, but it's still not great. I'm teaching digital classes for the theater I work for and shifting focus to my own projects. My OCD is worse than it's been in a while because my daily routine has been shaken up so much and I have no way of controlling that. It's a creeping sense of anxiety that has me back to scrubbing doorknobs and washing my hands multiple times in a row to be sure even though I leave the house maybe once every two weeks for a perishable grocery run.

yankeefan7 said: "Very happy for you !! Enjoy your walks !!"



Thanks! Looking forward to getting back to an exercise regimen that will help release those feel-good endorphins. I highly recommend a bit of exercise to those who are emotionally challenged by the difficulties we face during this unexpected crisis. Exercise is good for both body and soul.

yankeefan7 said: "" Thanks! Looking forward to getting back to an exerciseregimen that will help release those feel-good endorphins. I highly recommend a bit of exercise to those who are emotionally challenged by the difficulties we face during this unexpected crisis. Exercise is good for both body and soul. "

Yes it is, just don't overdo it in the beginning. I can't play tennis now so I have been enjoying my jogs almost every day. I had been doing 3-5 miles most days but felt real good the other day and did close to 7 miles, not bad for oldtimer like me - ha ha."



7 miles? That's the equivalent of running a 5K......twice. More than excellent for a "Super Citizen".

BwayinVan said: "If I’m being completely honest today I’m feeling kinda crummy. This week was supposed to be my annual trip to New York. My lineup this year was Company, WSS, Caroline or Change, Take Me Out, Jagged Little Pill, The Visitor, Take Me Out, and Moulin Rouge. I had been planning this trip since last summer.

I realize I’m lucky that I’m still working but as a first responder it is a stressful time. I’ve decided to cancel my leave so instead of enjoying broadway I will be working this week. I know these are first world problems and I should be thankful to have my health and a pay check still coming in but today was the first time since this all started that I let the tears flow which I think was a mix of mourning what could have been along with the stress of the unknown. "

It's perfectly fine to have bad days, even when you do still have a job and pay check coming through. I don't know what you do for a job, but people are finding this time to either be really kind or really nasty. Like 1 day I didn't want to go to work because some people were being extra rude and spreading lies about my company on Facebook. But then I've had days where customers were so friendly and nice and appreciative of what we were doing. So, keep your head up and just take everything 1 day at a time.

Today has been an awful day. Lot of tears, frustration and disappointments. A real, why bother sort of day. (Not in a suicidal sort of way.)

As an educator, I now spend HOURS creating content for my students, as I'm not allowed to "teach live" at all - so everything in my head has to be re-thought and re-planned and delivered differently than it ever has been. All to be told today: that no student will actually fail - even if they don't do a single assignment, or don't do any of them well. It's not that I WANT them to fail, but if I want them to actually TRY to do the work - to learn, to question, to grow - how can I justify that? Or suggest they haven't achieved any sort of success and to try again. (Sometimes it's because they aren't trying, and sometimes they are) It has made me feel, well....useless.

And, of course, this is going to make a bigger up hill battle when we DO return to school.

As an educator, I now spend HOURS creating content for my students, as I'm not allowed to "teach live" at all - so everything in my head has to be re-thought and re-planned and delivered differently than it ever has been. All to be told today: that no student will actually fail - even if they don't do a single assignment, or don't do any of them well. It's not that I WANT them to fail, but if I want them to actually TRY to do the work - to learn, to question, to grow - how can I justify that? Or suggest they haven't achieved any sort of success and to try again. (Sometimes it's because they aren't trying, and sometimes they are) It has made me feel, well....useless.

Teachers are goddamn superheroes. You all should be paid a million dollars a year and you are absolutely invaluable. Please don't ever think you are useless! I read about that a few days ago, basically in most of America all students are just going to pass, even if they haven't done anything since March. It reminds me of that terrible "No Child Left Behind" program, which was causing kids to graduate from high school that could barely read. Very frustrating, and yes, it's only going to so much tougher on the kids and educators when school resumes. Thinking of you and every single teacher today!



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I'm thankful for everything people have been doing to bring us entertainment at all, because they didn't have to. They could have closed down a lot and just charged for things like Sondheims birthday and the 25th anniversary production of Phantom. But they didn't. And I think we have to be thankful and not let our lives revolve around theater to bring us happiness, because right now that's not really an option. I understand people on here may work in theater so they're worried about how they're going to pay the bills which is obviously 100% valid. But we are all struggling right now with not having an escape like theater, we just have to find a way to occupy ourselves right now and not let it drag us down. Let the lights on Broadway be inside you since they can't shine onstage right now. It's hard, but we will make it through this and Broadway WILL be back.

I've been talking to my parents, sister and grandparents a lot. We had a Wii in the apartment I grew up in and I have that so I've been using it to workout. I really like experimenting with new recipes also. It's nice to be able to sleep in since my usual schedule is getting up at 3:30-4am, but I am ready to go back to work whenever it is safe. My main focus right now is making sure everyone in my family stays healthy and safe and that we get through this together. Always make a point of calling someone or reaching out to someone in your family or a friend every day for your own mental health and wellbeing. Do not keep anything inside.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/02/us/face-masks-stillwater-oklahoma-trnd/index.html

After reading this, I am glad I do not live or work in Oklahoma. What is wrong with people? It's already bad enough having to worry about getting the virus at work. And people have been mean at times. But, threatening violence over having to wear a mask is not something I should have to deal with. I am getting some kind of hazard pay, but it's still not enough if I get shot and killed. I am honestly over all of these people who are all "My constitutional rights." What about the rest of us?

I'm Happy that most and I say most NY'ers are MASKING up everywhere...It really makes me feel good about the city we live in and that people are considerate and respectful of others along with social distancing. I can't say that for the rest of the USA where people have issues about wearing a mask!

Another positive note is that NYC will be opening up in phase 1 within the next 2 weeks by June 15

Also, our COVID TESTS came back today both Nasal Swab and Blood(Antibody) came back Negative...CITYMD is offering free testing and the wait time was only 40 minutes-quick and an easy process with results back in 3 days!

My office is only planning on allowing back 20-25% of the work force later next month for the summer months June - September...Summer Friday's 9-2 taking no lunch.

the plan then is to have 1/2 50% working in the office after Labor Day for then the remaining part of the year...Lucky for many in NYC we will have the option to work from home. We also have been advised of NEW Safety rules...social distancing protocol in the office and for desk arrangements (6ft apart),and that masks will be required entering the building, in the elevators and in the office. Building elevators are only allowing 4 per cab and will be monitored in the lobby.

Feelings from others that live in NYC on going back to work and how they will be adapting to the new normal?

Feeling optimistic and before you know it...shows will be back in rehearsal most likely (Jan-Feb) and opening spring 2021 :) HANG in THERE Everybody ~ we'll get through this...June is almost here already!

Updated On: 5/28/20 at 08:33 PM

Highland Guy said: "Robbie2 said: "I'm Happythat most and I say most NY'ers are MASKING up everywhere...It really makes me feel good about the city we live in and that people are considerate and respectful of others along with social distancing. I can't say that for the rest of the USA where people have issues about wearing a mask!!"



SOME people in the rest of the USA "have issues about wearing a mask". Just as SOME people in NY "have issues about wearing a mask".

"

If your job requires you to wear a MASK you are going to WEAR one in NYC..My office will staff 20% of workforce back in the office by June 15 and MASKS must be worn entering the building, elevators, lobby and in the common areas of the office per company email today. If you don't wear a MASK you will be denied entry in to the building and the office. Just saying...Not a problem for me.

Highland Guy said: "Robbie2 said: "I'm Happythat most and I say most NY'ers are MASKING up everywhere...It really makes me feel good about the city we live in and that people are considerate and respectful of others along with social distancing. I can't say that for the rest of the USA where people have issues about wearing a mask!!"



SOME people in the rest of the USA "have issues about wearing a mask". Just as SOME people in NY "have issues about wearing a mask".

Issues? That's not my problem if you have an issue wearing a mask...I wear a mask for me and for others when not able to social distance and will wear a mask when I go back to the office next month as those that have issues won't be going back to the office and or will be denied entry in to buildings in NYC if you don't wear one. Enough said!

Updated On: 5/28/20 at 09:32 PM

On Wednesday, I helped my 90 year old neighbor (who could easily pass for 70) chalk and paint several cracks in her drywall within her condo. Also she had a years old water stain in her ceiling, which I painted. On Thursday, I helped my 80 year old neighbor with her home alarm which wouldn't reset correctly, after a power outage, we had. She also had a huge crack in her drywall, in her kitchen, which she said she didn't notice. So I did the same for her, with the chalk and paint. And sadly, those were the highlights of my two days. That is how bored I am.