3/18 Chat

[pixy0stix]

K all, work is shutting down all facilities to the public so things are hectic here. I'll check in to moderate, but won't be around much until we get this sorted out.

[winecat]

This is probably not a smart idea, but I'm keeping my diagnostic ultrasound appointment that is tomorrow morning. Due to my car accident, I haven't been able to work since early January. Events typically start picking up mid April. Obviously they're not going to happen right now. I'm hoping that I can find out if what is causing me pain just needs time and I can take a temp job at Whole Foods or something and earn some money or if I'm going to cause permanent damage if I use my arm.

[nsl]

The earthquake in Utah this morning was the straw that broke the back of my equanimity. Before that I was doing really well at keeping a positive attitude, managing what my family needed, and not giving in to panic. We're due to move to Salt Lake in June and are closing on a house there next Monday--no idea what's going to happen with that now. My parents are there and are fine (my mom is slightly hysterical, but physically they're okay), as is my sister. Those are the really important things. But we are spending more money on this house than we have ever spent on anything--by a long shot--and I am terrified that it's got major damage that we don't have time to properly assess.

[shauni27]

I finally caved and called my PCP to get xanax. I am just having daily breakdowns thinking about what this means for the future of the world, for those who are struggling, for my own sanity. The thought of this lasting weeks and months is too much.

I also found out two friends of mine tested positive here locally. And my BFF's brother in law (lives in Belgium) has been intubated and is in a coma due to how poorly he has responded to other treatments. It makes it more real once you start knowing people who have it, and especially those who have it and are in critical condition.

[jamaicam]

shauni27, oh no! I hope he responses well to that. Thinking of you

Today is Day 1 of WFH. I am in a lot better position than most people - I have a separate study to wokr from, I have help in the house and my partner is home too.

But I am still freaking out. The economic implications for the world and Jamaica and other poor countries particularly are terrifying. The majority of our national income is from tourism and most major hotels announced they are closing so sooo many people will be out of work now.

[raangoli]

I missed the open windows for Whole Foods delivery bc I went back to add more to my cart. Dang it.

[niemand88f]

Mar 18, 2020 10:51:23 GMT -5 nsl said:

The earthquake in Utah this morning was the straw that broke the back of my equanimity. Before that I was doing really well at keeping a positive attitude, managing what my family needed, and not giving in to panic. We're due to move to Salt Lake in June and are closing on a house there next Monday--no idea what's going to happen with that now. My parents are there and are fine (my mom is slightly hysterical, but physically they're okay), as is my sister. Those are the really important things. But we are spending more money on this house than we have ever spent on anything--by a long shot--and I am terrified that it's got major damage that we don't have time to properly assess.

As long as the house isn't in Magna, it's very unlikely there's any damage. I live about 12 miles from the epicenter (Magna) and my 70 year old house has no damage. My co-workers on the east or south sides of SLC (Cottonwood Heights, Sandy, etc) barely felt the aftershocks. I know it's scary though, good luck! Can your realtor go check out the house for you to reassure you? 

However, although earthquakes are rare in Utah (the last earthquake like this was 1992 in southern Utah), there is potential for a really big one here so do make sure your new house has things like the water heater secured to studs, etc. 

[followyourarrow]

I keep mentally counting how many meals are left in the house. I have 12 days worth, easily, after that it will be slightly more sparse with a lot of oatmeal and basic pasta, but still totally fine! I can 100% afford to have groceries delivered or order takeout. But my brain won't stop worrying about it. I wish it was safe to set up a therapy appointment. I may have to check and see what I can find for online or call my EAP.

[sugarbear]

@@@@






I am a heaping, sobbing mess by 3pm every day. I'm trying to teach my students -- who are all very tech savvy and privileged, but who are struggling so much. I currently have 17 GChat windows open (which is why I'm here, obvs)-- while also homeschooling my own kids. I have so much anxiety about how long this will last and how damaging it's going to be to our family company (we make equipment for one particular sport that was just completely shut down by the NCAA for the spring). I am not ok.

[ajj]

I thought about calling my dr for something. I thought I was doing ok with my anxiety but I was having anxiety attacks all day yesterday.

My mom is really worrying about money. They were smart with their retirement. But this big of a hit on their investments is a big deal. Being financially independent in retirement is a big stressor for her. I just don’t want the stress effecting her health. She has high blood pressure that isn’t controlled very well with medication. Plus, my step dad had an ankle swell up out of nowhere on Monday and he hasn’t been able to get in to see a dr about it. The dr’s office told him to go to the ER, but they don’t want to do that. I guess he’s trying to get in to see a cardiologist now. I’m worried about him, too.

[cattledogkisses]

I’ve been trying to think of a non-corona related discussion topic because my sanity could really use some normal conversation right now, but damn I’m struggling to come up with something. I thought, ooh we can talk Easter and Passover menus! CEP loves food talk! And then I realized that no one is going to be hosting Easter or Passover get togethers. Gardening? Not for awhile for me; it’s supposed to snow next week.

[winecat]

Trump is having another press conference. It came on while I was in the shower. The Dow is dropping again.

[nsl]

Mar 18, 2020 11:04:08 GMT -5 niemand88f said:

Mar 18, 2020 10:51:23 GMT -5 nsl said:

The earthquake in Utah this morning was the straw that broke the back of my equanimity. Before that I was doing really well at keeping a positive attitude, managing what my family needed, and not giving in to panic. We're due to move to Salt Lake in June and are closing on a house there next Monday--no idea what's going to happen with that now. My parents are there and are fine (my mom is slightly hysterical, but physically they're okay), as is my sister. Those are the really important things. But we are spending more money on this house than we have ever spent on anything--by a long shot--and I am terrified that it's got major damage that we don't have time to properly assess.

As long as the house isn't in Magna, it's very unlikely there's any damage. I live about 12 miles from the epicenter (Magna) and my 70 year old house has no damage. My co-workers on the east or south sides of SLC (Cottonwood Heights, Sandy, etc) barely felt the aftershocks. I know it's scary though, good luck! Can your realtor go check out the house for you to reassure you? 

However, although earthquakes are rare in Utah (the last earthquake like this was 1992 in southern Utah), there is potential for a really big one here so do make sure your new house has things like the water heater secured to studs, etc. 

I'm so glad to hear that you're okay and your house is undamaged.  We're buying in East Millcreek, and I'm hopeful that the house is perfectly fine.  Our agent is going to check on it, but he's also under a shelter-in-place order at the moment and has his own properties to check on first.

I grew up in SLC, so I'm familiar with the need for earthquake preparedness.  Still, the last time there was a quake this size in the valley was in 1962--it's frightening to have one happen for real during my lifetime, and especially during what is already a crisis.

[Vespasia]

sugarbear please @ tag or move your post. I'm sorry you are struggling.

[sugarbear]

Mar 18, 2020 11:21:32 GMT -5 Vespasia said:

sugarbear please @ tag or move your post. I'm sorry you are struggling.

Done. Thank you!

[AAM2012]

My BIL just finished radiation but can’t continue his chemo as he’s sick. Appears it’s bronchitis but between worrying about money, his family, the virus, etc. I’m worried about his overall physical and mental health.

[shauni27]

sugarbear, hugs. I cannot imagine. I am so sorry.

[bowies]

I guess this will be the year I try to garden. We have a raised bed but have never used it.

I managed to kill a succulent soooooo.....

[Vespasia]

Mar 18, 2020 11:29:08 GMT -5 bowies said:

I guess this will be the year I try to garden. We have a raised bed but have never used it.

I managed to kill a succulent soooooo.....

I really want an herb garden. I even have a planter and soil I bought last year but never used. Too bad it's probably too early to plant anything outside here.

[niemand88f]

Mar 18, 2020 11:17:19 GMT -5 cattledogkisses said:

I’ve been trying to think of a non-corona related discussion topic because my sanity could really use some normal conversation right now, but damn I’m struggling to come up with something. I thought, ooh we can talk Easter and Passover menus! CEP loves food talk! And then I realized that no one is going to be hosting Easter or Passover get togethers. Gardening? Not for awhile for me; it’s supposed to snow next week.

Can you start seeds for your garden? I'm now going to expand my garden even more than I planned this year

[ohgillian]

Mar 18, 2020 11:10:03 GMT -5 sugarbear said:

@@@@

Hey. This is hard. What you're asking of yourself is almost impossible. It's okay if you can't work all you want; it's okay if you park your own children in front of screens for a week to give yourself time to get your footing. You can also put all of those people on hold right now and go take a hot shower and cry. 

What we're being asked to do is nearly untenable. We're all in this. I hear you. 

Edited to limit @ references.

[readyin07]

I’m a mess today. I feel so very worried and scared for all of us.

[racegrrl714]

Mar 18, 2020 11:05:22 GMT -5 followyourarrow said:

I keep mentally counting how many meals are left in the house. I have 12 days worth, easily, after that it will be slightly more sparse with a lot of oatmeal and basic pasta, but still totally fine! I can 100% afford to have groceries delivered or order takeout. But my brain won't stop worrying about it. I wish it was safe to set up a therapy appointment. I may have to check and see what I can find for online or call my EAP.

I feel like I'm in the same headspace as you. I keep worrying about if I have enough of this and enough of that, even though besides things like milk and fresh veg/fruit, I have enough food/supplies here for a month. I wish I could break out of that worry. I have requested a refill of my xanax (that I haven't had to use in over a year!) just to deal with the constant feeling of doom/panic.

[readyin07]

Mar 18, 2020 11:37:14 GMT -5 racegrrl714 said:

Mar 18, 2020 11:05:22 GMT -5 followyourarrow said:

I keep mentally counting how many meals are left in the house. I have 12 days worth, easily, after that it will be slightly more sparse with a lot of oatmeal and basic pasta, but still totally fine! I can 100% afford to have groceries delivered or order takeout. But my brain won't stop worrying about it. I wish it was safe to set up a therapy appointment. I may have to check and see what I can find for online or call my EAP.

I feel like I'm in the same headspace as you. I keep worrying about if I have enough of this and enough of that, even though besides things like milk and fresh veg/fruit, I have enough food/supplies here for a month. I wish I could break out of that worry. I have requested a refill of my xanax (that I haven't had to use in over a year!) just to deal with the constant feeling of doom/panic.

Me too. I am trying to regularly go to the store while there are still some things in stock and also on sale. I make our budget work by shopping sales and having small stock piles (like 6 items) of things when they are really cheap. My husband is being kind of a jerk about it which I understand because he doesn’t want to me to increase our family’s exposure but I feel really uncomfortable right now eating our foods and not immediately replenishing it to the best of my ability.

[ohgillian]

Mar 18, 2020 11:35:23 GMT -5 readyin07 said:

I’m a mess today. I feel so very worried and scared for all of us.

I'm sorry. I have my moments. I wake up super anxious. Last night I was literally nauseous and just had a moment. I find the middle of the day goes fine in terms of my anxiety, maybe because I have distractions. 

[Jalapeñomel]

Mar 18, 2020 11:42:46 GMT -5 readyin07 said:

Mar 18, 2020 11:37:14 GMT -5 racegrrl714 said:

I feel like I'm in the same headspace as you. I keep worrying about if I have enough of this and enough of that, even though besides things like milk and fresh veg/fruit, I have enough food/supplies here for a month. I wish I could break out of that worry. I have requested a refill of my xanax (that I haven't had to use in over a year!) just to deal with the constant feeling of doom/panic.

Me too. I am trying to regularly go to the store while there are still some things in stock and also on sale. I make our budget work by shopping sales and having small stock piles (like 6 items) of things when they are really cheap. My husband is being kind of a jerk about it which I understand because he doesn’t want to me to increase our family’s exposure but I feel really uncomfortable right now eating our foods and not immediately replenishing it to the best of my ability.

Stay home! Don’t go out.

[ohgillian]

I have a question about shopping.

I know that we're supposed to limit optional outings (and let me be clear, other than to go outdoors, I've only left once since Friday and that was to go to the grocery). And it seems like we should limit Amazon and Target orders to reduce the workers' exposure.

If I go to Target for groceries anyway this coming weekend, it's okay for me to take the time to grab some optional fun things for home to keep the household from going crazy, right? I mean I'll be there anyway, using all my precautions.

[CloudBee]

Mar 18, 2020 11:42:46 GMT -5 readyin07 said:

Mar 18, 2020 11:37:14 GMT -5 racegrrl714 said:

I feel like I'm in the same headspace as you. I keep worrying about if I have enough of this and enough of that, even though besides things like milk and fresh veg/fruit, I have enough food/supplies here for a month. I wish I could break out of that worry. I have requested a refill of my xanax (that I haven't had to use in over a year!) just to deal with the constant feeling of doom/panic.

Me too. I am trying to regularly go to the store while there are still some things in stock and also on sale. I make our budget work by shopping sales and having small stock piles (like 6 items) of things when they are really cheap. My husband is being kind of a jerk about it which I understand because he doesn’t want to me to increase our family’s exposure but I feel really uncomfortable right now eating our foods and not immediately replenishing it to the best of my ability.

Right now more than anything you need to be eating from your pantry. Stop shopping. We are trying to slow the spread.

[AJL]

It's been just over two weeks since my dad died. At the same time, shit got real about CoV-19. I'm in this weird grief holding pattern. I've also been sick with a cold-turned-sinus infection so I haven't been over to see my mom (she's 73 and also has a heart and autoimmune condition. I didn't want to expose her to anything I have.)

Now oak pollen is high and I'm super allergic. So my cold should be gone but I'm still congested and sneezing. I've been sleeping until after 10 AM every day. Clearly I'm also experiencing some depression (but I'm also on medication for severe anxiety so that kind of blunts things a bit.)

I fucking hate all of this and I'm just ready for at least ONE thing to resolve. Ugh.

[bowies]

Mar 18, 2020 12:00:17 GMT -5 AJL said:

It's been just over two weeks since my dad died. At the same time, shit got real about CoV-19. I'm in this weird grief holding pattern. I've also been sick with a cold-turned-sinus infection so I haven't been over to see my mom (she's 73 and also has a heart and autoimmune condition. I didn't want to expose her to anything I have.)

Now oak pollen is high and I'm super allergic. So my cold should be gone but I'm still congested and sneezing. I've been sleeping until after 10 AM every day. Clearly I'm also experiencing some depression (but I'm also on medication for severe anxiety so that kind of blunts things a bit.)

I fucking hate all of this and I'm just ready for at least ONE thing to resolve. Ugh.

I’m so sorry. I wish I could take some of this burden from you.