COVID-19 - 24 days of shelter-in-place

I have to say, all this shelter-in-place has taught me a few things.

I always knew I'm a bit of an introvert. Well, probably less an introvert and more a misanthrope. Hm. That's not really right either. I like people fine enough in doses and the right numbers. I certainly like the people I like. I do like having my space, though.

Working remotely has been a challenge, to say the least. It's hard to get people's attention via messaging systems. And it's hard for me to get my job done without the attention of people whose assistance I require.

I am still pretty comfortable, all said. I'm okay on supplies, though I'm running low on some things and planning a resupply run soon. I have masks, gloves, and a lot of soap, so there's that. I'm okay on food. I'm doing okay on booze, too. So all the essentials are covered.

The hardest thing really is those moments when I really do need to do the whole human contact thing. There are people I care about who are in pain right now. As far as I'm aware, the situations aren't directly tied to COVID-19, but the damn virus and shelter-in-place sure as fuck isn't helping. And I can't go help.

The news is promising in California. There's a possibility they may be able to unclench a bit and relax some of the restrictions "by Summer". That's an interesting way of saying May is going to be in lockdown as well. I dread what things are going to be like as this drags on.

And I'm counting my blessings right now.

COVID-19 - 18 days into shelter-in-place

So we've been under a "shelter-in-place" order in California for about 18 days now.

Been a hell of a thing.

In truth, the impact on my life has been minimal. I don't go out much anyway and it's allergy season, so I'm actively trying to avoid the outdoors due to pollen.

Upsides:

• I get an extra hour of sleep every morning due to not having to commute.
• Pants are optional.
• Feel like a beer at any time? No problem, provided there's some in the 'fridge.
• I have a guilt-free excuse for not going outside.
• Can do laundry almost any time I like.
• Did I mention the awesome commute?
• I can justify take-out orders as helping the economy rather than just me being lazy.

Downsides:

• There is no toilet paper to be purchased for love or money.
• If I want a beer, I have to have some on-hand or get a to-go growler from a brewery.
• All food is to go.
• Can't buy basics at local supermarkets: canned goods of nearly any sort, flour, sugar, soap, detergent, paper towels, and fucking toilet paper!!!
• Almost everything is closed (for good reason, but still...)
• Slight stir-craziness.
• Did I mention the toilet paper thing?

Okay, my downsides are pretty minor. Hell, I managed to score a pathetic roll of paper towels this morning! I only had to get to the damn store at 7am...

Everyone wears masks and gloves now. In a way, I'm glad the fires last year had me invest in some masks. The news keeps flipping back-and-forth between "you don't need to wear masks" and "for the love of god, wear masks". That's not counting the gibbering nonsense from the Cheeto-in-chief who initially claimed this was all a hoax and that COVID-19 would be gone by Easter. Nice job, asshole.

I'm told by friends in the medical industry and in local government that I should prepare for the shelter-in-place to stay in effect until at least June. Gotta say, that's going to be brutal, but it sure beats getting hooked up to a respirator. Or, y'know, dying.

Crazy world. Stay safe out there!