How is everyone doing?- Page 5

[trentsketch]

Posted: 4/21/20 at 12:47pm

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. 

[JennH]

Posted: 4/21/20 at 12:58pm

LizzieCurry said: "I'm feeling kinda bad for feeling pretty good."

Any mental health pro will say there's nothing wrong with this either. Everything in balance. We are allowed to feel our anger, sadness and grief about this, or ANY situation, because it allows us to process through it and find healthy ways to cope. Heaven knows I'm not a fan of the toxic positivity culture that has pervaded humanity for too long that disallows us to feel the emotions perceived as negative. Note that I say PERCEIVED. But there's toxic negativity as well. To smile while masking pain at all costs is just as harmful to our psyches as showing pain while masking smiles if we think we don't have the right to feel ok. And certainly trying move past any extreme emotion in the midst of a collective trauma has next to no timeline. Life is roller coaster, especially during these historic times that we've only read about in history books and no one thinks they'll actually live through. Allow yourself your feelings. 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 4/21/20 at 1:32pm

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]

Posted: 4/21/20 at 2:16pm

" 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. "

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.

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 4/21/20 at 3:06pm

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]

Posted: 4/26/20 at 7:57pm

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.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 4/27/20 at 7:01pm

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. 

 

[BwayinVan]

Posted: 4/28/20 at 11:15am

Marianne I’m a first responder so the stress level changes each day. Some days it’s a normal stress day and others it really ramps up

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/28/20 at 5:49pm

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.

 

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/28/20 at 5:55pm

Well currently waiting for the water to come back here in Jersey City! Big water main break happened earlier this afternoon. Puts dinner on hold or changes it since I was going to make pasta!

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 4/28/20 at 6:16pm

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!



"

 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 4/28/20 at 6:45pm

I am finding my energy has been starting to get zapped, even though I am trying pretty successfully to walk at least 5 miles a day and have done a lot of yard work.  Sameness gets old.  I am drained; not even sure that I can say I am bored because I don't feel that I have enough interest in doing something to be bored.

Watching too much TV (never in the day, out of principal, although I can find myself thinking 'Thank God for all these streaming services and my computer and Zoom,etc.'.  For the older folks among us, can you imagine what we would be going through if we were way back in our teens: homebound, no computers, no games that you can play by yourself if necessary, so little choice on TV, long distance calls prohibitively expensive unless you called Saturday night, etc.

I also find that I am bored with home-cooked food.  I cook a lot, but I also eat out a lot, whether at nice restaurants, burrito places, Indian Buffets, etc.: I tend to favor ethnic restaurants, and entrees that I typically would not try at home.  Cooking at home has become a chore because invariably -- despite planning -- I decide to make something different and I don't have some ingredient that make the dish what it is.  So, even though I cook wells sameness has set in.

Finally, I get a little stressed when I question when I am going to see a live show again, when I am going to sit comfortably in a movie house or a restaurant; not much into sports, but I have always made a point of seeing the Red Sox and the Yankees once a year.  Not thinking in terms of that for a long, long time.  

HOPEFULLY, I AM BEING TOO PESSEMISTIC AND THERE WIlL BE A VACCINE WHICH WILL ACTUALLY  BE DISTRIBUTED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME...and that we will return to something resembling before all this happened.  When there is a vaccine, are we really going to be afraid to go to crowded events OR will we be okay until, God forbid, something else arrives on the horizon (and hopefully be much better prepared than we were for this one (not of course being helped by the moron in the White House and his preening sycophants).

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/28/20 at 7:39pm

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. 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 5/3/20 at 6:39pm

I've been getting out early while it's still cool to exercise walk.  Building up my pace and stamina after a recent heart procedure.  Love it, along with the dozens of other walkers and runners in my neighborhood.  We are careful to observe the social distancing guidelines and not to invade each others' space.  And, of course, our face masks are at the ready when needed.

Here is a quick video from "Dr. Gupta" with suggestions for safe running (or walking) in today's world.

 

 

[Marianne2]

Posted: 5/3/20 at 9:33pm

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?

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 5/27/20 at 1:11pm

More than 100,000 souls in the United States have now been lost to the Coronavirus.

 
100,000

Updated On: 5/27/20 at 01:11 PM

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 8:33pm

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]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 8:56pm

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". 

 

Updated On: 5/28/20 at 08:56 PM

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 9:18pm

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]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 9:28pm

Robbie2 said: "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."

 

Apparently I wasn't clear.  Your statement that I highlighted is offensive to those of us who live in the "rest" of the USA.  I can promise you that those of us who live in the "rest" of the USA are, indeed, "considerate and respectful of others".

 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 9:32pm

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

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 5/29/20 at 6:00pm

I just need to vent here for a moment. Today has been particularly awful. I've been holding it together relatively well in this quarantine. I've pushed thru moments of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty by pouring myself into various work and trying to find the positive each day. 

Today I feel like I don't have the strength to do anything. I was already angered and sad by whats happening in MN, and woke up with that. Facing down racial injustice during a pandemic feels even more helpless in some ways. But that was only the tip of the iceberg.

My main job, the one that pays the bills is in theater. Today we cancelled our entire season. Not only is the whole season gone, I was also informed that my entire dept will be laid off. There is no hope of returning to full operation until 2021. Whether I keep my position is up in the air. So now I enter into a period of unknowing whether I'll have any financial stability for the rest of this year, and into 2021. And it's not like other theaters are hiring at the moment. I have always figured out ways to just "make it work." We in the theatre always do. And I'm sure I will figure something out this time. But I have a bunch of projects I need to work on today and I am looking at them paralyzed, unable to do any of them. I can normally find the light, but today I have only found tears. And I just want our world back so desperately. 

[ArtMan]

Posted: 5/29/20 at 6:15pm

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.

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 6/29/20 at 11:09pm

We have beautiful parrots here in Southern California.  All different colors, but mostly green and yellow.  They often pause in our palm trees.  Occasionally, such as late this afternoon, they mass and fly over our house.  Hundreds of them.  They make no sound.  We stop whatever we are doing to be watch.  We don't know where they are flying, or why.  And then they are gone, until the next time


 

Updated On: 6/30/20 at 11:09 PM

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 6/30/20 at 6:15pm

Sitting here NYC waiting with nothing to do and nowhere to go. .Even without CoVid nowhere to go as starting the process for approval from my Neuro ortho doctor to do a unplanned as of 2 weeks ago total hip replacement on my right side. No idea this is what would come out of a sore knee. Can't even go out for a walk.

Anyone want else beat me?