Today -- Day 15 of self isolation -- I finally got to a couple of items on the list -- sent out a peer review a day late, had a skype meeting with a writing partner and did a bit of cleaning. The day, though, has been a tough one. I went for a walk with tunes, but tears felt like they were clambering to burst forth. The walk took me to campus where I had to retrieve a couple of memory sticks that I'd left behind two weeks ago. It was such a desolate and deserted place, and I was just on the periphery of campus. The building was locked, as most are these days, so once inside it was quiet -- eerily so. On the way home I passed a favourite restaurant that is doing take-out only now. It was good to see one open as I'd passed so many closed businesses on my walk. At home, I checked the special for the evening and called in an order. Pick up times are staggered so no one encounters another person -- just the owner who brought out the food and took payment. It was good to talk to a real in front of me person, though I wish I could have given her a hug in thanks for what they are doing to keep some semblance of normalcy in a world that is so far removed from that place. I said it instead, but still not the same. Eating supper from the restaurant did help me feel a bit better. A thought I've had today is that I don't hug my friends enough. My goal when we get out of this is to make sure I do even if I have to travel to do it. For now virtual hugs will help. I'd even settle for a hug while wearing a hazmat suit. <smile>
A few lyrics fluttered around in my brain today, each noting the feelings of isolation. I finally settled on one to share. The first few lines were those that ran through my head today. Listening to the whole song made me think of what I want to do when free again to wander wherever I want with whomever I want. The lyrics hold a bit of that future thinking, too. The guitar work sounds relaxing despite the early lyrics. The tempo and melody changes from the fragments pieced together are interesting and end with something that makes me smile. Take care everyone. Check in with yourself and those you love. Be sure to tell them how you feel. Enjoy!
I've come to appreciate the power of humour as a coping strategy of late. Several friends online help us see the absurd through the anxiety. A smile helps a lot and laughter is not only cathartic but a balm for wounded psyches. Smiles help much, too. Some days I see or hear something that unexpectedly brings on a good belly laugh. There is nothing like it. <smile> I am lucky to have friends who have quirky ways of seeing the world and those who are masters of sarcas. They give me and others a bit of a reprieve in the midst of such weird days.
A song that came to mind fit the isolation aspects of our days. It deals with laughter as a help to overcome feelings of being alone. Enjoy!
Laundry, sweeping and dusting all fit into this 13th day of self isolating. I tackled cinnamon rolls, but due to the shortage of flour, I couldn't make the yeast-raised type I'd planned. Instead I used my mom's biscuit recipe as the bread base. These turned out reasonably, though could be far more cinnamon for my taste. They were crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Yum! Sadly as they all can't -- well, shouldn't -- be eaten all at once, the exterior crispness will be lost by tomorrow. <sigh> Flavour will still be good, though. In the afternoon, I headed out for a walk in the bright sunshine. It was only about 2C, so was cool even with the warmth of the sun. Walking with tunes seems to settle some of the anxiety that if lurking just below the surface for us all these days.
While reading social media posts from friends, one stopped me in my tracks. In a post about being aware of the mental health issues that come with being isolated, a friend made a statement that has had me thinking ever since. She said, "If you don't have people you can trust with all of you -- consider community-based help." It was the first part of that sentence that made me hold my breath. I am so very lucky. Very lucky. As an introvert I have a small circle of close friends. Each of these knows parts of me, but far fewer of a small list are trusted with anything and everything. I know when I speak to these people, it all goes to a place of no judgement. Often, I will be doing the long preface into my main concern or question and these folks get there before me and provide reassurance. At other times, they talk me through anxiety -- walking with me to a place where I can breathe again. I've said this already, but it bears repeating -- I am so very lucky to have such people in my life and to be in daily contact via phone or internet --well, it brought me to tears. I laughed while walking when it reminded me of Christina Yang noting that Meredith Grey was her 'person'. To have one is amazing, but to have two or three is exceptional.
It is normal to feel things more acutely now in this stressful time with that undercurrent of anxiety, that layers on over all our hot buttons making them far more sensitive. Lyrics of a song used in the blog in the past came to mind while walking. They mention fear and doubt along with struggling with belief that things will improve. And the video begins with a train <smile>. Take care of you. Find trust in you and in others. Enjoy!
Today brought the first online grocery experience. The young woman placed the bags into the trunk. Their text message noted that not all items could be included nore were there substitutes for a bunch of things. Many things on the list were available, but some were not, such as flour, yeast, buns, yogurt, cheese, and dryer sheets -- an odd mixture of things for certain. But with the other items in the bags, cooking will still happen. I do miss being in the store and finding just what I need and want. Someday soon, I may be able to do this. I believe I will stick with the online ordering for now, though. It is handy.
Last evening brought some interesting discoveries. I've been hearing some noise outside on some nights -- sounds like someone is close to the side of the house. Tonight this became much louder. I looked out the windows and even opened the front door to try to see what I could. Something did run past the porch, but I couldn't tell what it was. After another large banging noise that made the furry one poof a bit and stare at the front door, I looked out the window. There clear as day was a deer, who ran away as I tapped on the window. Today I wandered the yard following the hoof prints in the snow. Around the yew trees were trampled areas with the most sheltered of the two very trampled and signs of two if not three creature who had been chowing down on these lovely trees on either side of the front of the house. They are not quiet eaters either lots of hitting the side of the house. All of this occurred between 12 and 4 AM. So, they had a party and sadly the trees were the party snacks. <sigh>. I may have some chicken wire in the basement that could be wrapped around the the greener parts of the branches in hopes of discouraging the party goers. Not really sure what else can be done. The first time I've had deer in the yard in my entire life happened briefly in early January, but no signs seen since then.
A concert by a Canadian band had an improvised 'song' with some story telling. I chose to share that here since it deals with the same mammals I encountered last night. Enjoy!
stage banter and improv 'Oh, Deer' -- Barenaked Ladies
Got a few things knocked of the 'to do' list today. I still don't have a schedule with a rhythm that feels comfortable. With time this will appear, I'm sure. My physical activity for the day involved snow shoveling. There was more snow than I had to move two days ago. The bulk of the walkway was about 10-12 inches deep with the rest being about 6-8 inches. It rained in the evening and overnight before turning back to snow, so the ground cover was very heavy and wet. The plow man was scheduled to come by later today, so I only shoveled up to the car instead of all the way to the town sidewalk. Indoors, I tweaked the grocery order for pick up tomorrow and completed the course slides and videos for the Beatles class. I'm so very sorry to see it end online when the instructor was very animated and had great stories to tell that helped us to deconstruct the journey from formation to dissolution of the band.
While shoveling the letter carrier walked into the yard. I asked that she just leave the letter on the car roof. This meant she didn't have to wade through the snow I hadn't yet cleared or find a way for us to pass with 6 foot clearance. We said a few greetings and she was on her way. It was then I realized that that was the first time in two weeks that I'd spoken -- shouted over the 15 foot distance actually -- to a person who was in the same area as me. All other conversations have been by phone, messenger, Zoom or Skype. It meant an awful lot though I didn't realize this until after she left, or I'd have told her she made my day in this way and by bringing me a real letter from a friend and not another bill or plea for funds. <smile>
This week class content covered the activities of the band for 1969, a year that led to the Abbey Road album and Let it Be documentary and soundtrack album. There were a number of interesting songs on Abbey Road. The song shared here, though, was a single from the film and soundtrack. It is soothing and the lyrics remind me of what I've been trying to tell myself over the past 17 days as I encounter fear, uncertainty, disappointment, anxiety and panic. Take some time for yourself to listen to this and relax. Breathe. Enjoy!
I got some things checked off the to do list today. Several things needed to be checked on or investigated online. I found some answers and some weren't as I'd hoped. Still, it is good to see changed to services to adapt to the current physical distancing. I conversed with a colleague about future project deadlines and formats. I feel confident things will work well. While cooking supper, I listened to a phone town hall with our Member of Parliament about the federal responses to the virus crisis. He and an MD fielded questions from constituents and they were able to clarify an number of misconceptions and let folks know there are more talks and plans underway.
By the time I got ready for a walk this afternoon, there was major snow falling. I went out anyway. I saw four other people in my travels. Only one coming out of a building would have crossed my path and he paused and waited as I walked by before he descended the stairs -- keeping the mandated 6 feet between us. Two others were over 1/2 block away while the other was about 15 feet -- I turned into my driveway before we'd have gotten closer. The traffic, though, seemed to be as heavy as usual along Main Street. Not sure where everyone was going or coming from. The walk with tunes in my earphones helped me to relax a bit and get the heart rate up from something other than fear. <smile>
Lyrics from a song reminded me of what we are feeling right now. The need to get out, to get away, and to find hope for the future. Nightmares are referred to as being 'hammered into dust' at some future happy point in time. I think I like that thought. Take care. Enjoy!
Sun shone today, which helped deal with the whiter world left yesterday. The pile by the street from the sidewalk and street plows is mid-thigh deep. Not even going to touch that -- way too heavy. Besides, about 6-8 inches more is expected in the next two days with yet another spring snow storm. I will wait until the rest arrives before calling someone to clear the end of the driveway. I am not going anywhere until Saturday. Where a I going? Well, I spent 2 hours fighting with the software to place my first ever online grocery order and the earliest pickup time was 6 PM on Saturday (order was placed on Tuesday). Sales in place when I ordered will disappear by the time the order is filled, so I will need to go in to check prices and eliminate a couple of items that I don't want at full price.
Most of today was spent speaking with others. I had three meetings about current projects. It was great to chat with other people dealing with self isolation -- as so many people worldwide are doing. Getting coping strategies to make the days special in some small way is interesting. Trying to focus on research projects also helped add a degree of normalcy to this bizarre situation. Visions of what it will be like when it is all over are difficult to see clearly. It won't be the same as it was, but I hope things will have some semblance of past normalcy as the new normal is built. Lyrics from a song state how I feel at times -- "Before all of this went down . . . you were just a face in the crowd out on the street, walking around . . . " I expect this will infiltrate my dreams soon, too. We need to hold onto those thin strands of hope and faith that will get us through. Oh, and yes, I will move on to another artist -- this one just had so much to say to me this week. <smile> Enjoy!
A Face in the Crowd -- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Today brought some frustrations, not unexpected being in the midst of a global health crisis. Sheilagh's broom arrived in the form of a nor'easter that dropped 6-8 inches of snow by the time things slowed around 6 PM. the day felt grey inside, too. I felt an acute sense of loss as current and future travel plans to visit friends, family and colleagues have been cancelled or will be in all likelihood. I feel cheated -- or at best deep resentment. Most of these trips can be postponed rather than fully cancelled. Uncertainty of when these could be rebooked accentuates the negative emotions.
To cope with the feelings, I tried to find something to make me smile. Online friends helped with that one. <smile> Between 6 and 7 PM, I headed out to move snow. It helped with the anxiety and frustrations. I really didn't want to see that much accumulated in the yard, especially knowing that more is forecast to arrive Thursday and Friday this week. Shoveling is great exercise if done correctly, but everything being equal, I'd rather go for an invigorating walk with tunes in my ears -- but this where we were today.
When we come out the other side of this thing, I know there will be overdue visits with dear friends and family. In the meantime, at least we have electronic ways to connect. Not sure what I'd do without these. Perhaps this time will allow for reflection and help us to redouble our efforts to remain connected. The song chosen for today is by the same artist featured here yesterday. Must be channeling him right now -- there are a few other of his songs in my head now, too. Hmmm. The lyrics note something we are all dealing with as many of us are into(at least) week two in isolation. Hang in there everyone. Enjoy!
How the world works has begun to change. Remote health appointments are the norm with MDs doing much over telephone that doesn't need an in person examination and mental health personnel have switched to phone or video conferencing with clients. Personal conversations have moved from the workplace, sidewalk or kitchen table to telephone and video conference software. Now, the class material for the class I am taking moves from the classroom to my laptop. Slides and video material links have been provided for this week, with the final installment arriving next weekend. The instructor is now at home in the US midwest. As he wrote in his instructions, class is whenever we'd like it to be with the bonus that we don't even have to wear shoes to get to that area of the house. <smile> Our Member of Parliament will hold a town hall meeting via phone later this week to speak to us about government policy changes and answer questions. That is a first for me.
I am finding new work arounds to try that will assist with social distancing. I plan to order groceries online for a pick up where they will place things directly in my trunk. I'll let you know how that goes. I understand many people do this regularly, but I actually like grocery shopping -- just not really into it at this point in time. Far less anxiety about being out among people occurs with this format of shopping.
All of these communication methods help us to remain isolated while working together to flatten the curve. As a good friend noted today, "We can practice distancing without being distant, thanks to technology." The song for today ran through my head and while the lyrics could refer to several aspects of our current situation, I heard it as a social movement beginning. I chose a cover of the original to share today. Enjoy!
Something in the Air -- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Anxiety -- Over the past week this has been a constant in a world that changes moment by moment. Fear, foreboding, uncertainty and loss of control can lead to feeling anxious. In turn, for some, this can lead to panic. We've seen evidence of this in the hoarding behaviour of shoppers stocking up for the apocalypse. Social media have filled with frightened, angry and panicked posts from individuals who may have been seeking solace in social nature of e-contact, but actually find themselves in a feeding frenzy of other anxious individuals. While posts have turned to focus on the helpers and some of the humor finding its way out of the darkness, there are still far too many anxiety filled posts. As a community, we need to address this mental health issue. For some, this may mean limiting time with social media or drastically editing content for a while -- just to remain on a more even keel. For others, it may mean reaching out to those clearly in distress and helping them find the resources they need to find coping strategies.
What is anxiety? Clinically, the definition from the DSM-5 has become much more complex than in previous editions of this diagnostic manual. I tend to see the world through metaphors, so let me give this one a try. Anxiety, like water, will find a way -- finding and infiltrating the tiniest crack in an otherwise solid foundation. It rushes in flooding the mind with doubt and fear, just as water would fill a basement. It has the power to take over all plans and resources to hold onto control. Only with a huge effort can this flood be cleaned up -- with everything from a sponge mop to a shop vac to huge pumps. The good news here is, that with that help, anxiety can be managed.
Though overly simplistic as an explanation, there is some truth in this one -- introverts may have the skill sets to deal with self isolation and could share these with the extroverts who appear totally lost right now. Individual from both groups will need supports as we move forward with this journey. So, let's help each other. Learn some basic grounding techniques from breathing exercises to various counting and memory exercises. These can help the rational part of the mind to wrest control from the emotional system of the brain.
Lyrics of the song choice for today seemed to fit the anxiety tide and the current situation -- both will pass as we move forward helping each other along the way. The singers voices blend so well. The melody is calming. Be the light and the hope. Sit back and relax with this one. Enjoy!
A Safe Place to Land -- Sara Bareilles ft. John Legend
I did my best to make this a 'usual' Saturday. Regular housekeeping chores like sweeping, cleaning and laundry occupied my time. I even did a special spring cleaning chore that I'd originally planned for last week. Adding a bit of normalcy into a turbulent time helped a bit.
Into the evening, I met online with a group of friends who I met online 25 years ago. We consider each other family, since we are so close. I've met the majority of them in person. Tonight I got to see and hear each of them -- with two of the eight being heard by me for the first time. We used a new-to-me platform -- Zoom. It worked so well. I gasped a bit and smiled when I first saw all their faces on my screen. It made things more real. This is miles ahead of the IRC chats we did 20 years ago. Each brought us together but seeing facial expressions and hearing voices and inflection -- without extensive use of emojis or the ascii form of these we used eons ago. <grin> e.g., C=|:^) -- me in a chef's hat. <bigger grin>. This group chat brought joy along with reassurance that we are all OK at this time, which in turn brought a sense of calm.
I had used this newer software platform once before when doing an interview as a subject for a research project. Classes at the university have this available for the to hold smaller classes and office hours and such over the next two weeks. So, the name of the software has been in many electronic and personal communications over the past few weeks. When thinking through the fun aspect of the group chat, and the many new users from post-secondary education, a song popped into my head. It made me laugh. Hope it can bring a smile to you today, too. Enjoy!
The Google doodle today celebrated a physician who studied spread of disease -- rudimentary epidemiology. In the 1840s, Dr. Semmelweiss worked at a hospital in obstetrics. Many women died a few days after giving birth. Autopsies showed the cause to be puerperal fever -- a bacterial infection of the female reproductive tract. This was decades before the theory of microorganisms was postulated. Yet, Semmelweiss noted that doctors went from the birthing room to the morgue to do an autopsy and back to the birth room. In this time before surgical gloves, he believed that the cause of the infection was being carried by doctors and then being transmitted to a woman in labour. His solution was to ask the physicians to wash their hands between the two major activities of their days. Of course, this was met with derision and took much convincing to get them to give it a try. Long story short -- the incidence of infection was greatly reduced and basic sanitation practices changed.
I'm sure many of you can see parallels with our current situation. Naysayers who don't want to accept that they could cause infection exist now. Hand washing isn't carried out as it should be, if at all, even after the major educational effort present in our daily lives right now. Luckily, public health efforts have come a long way in the past two centuries. As we find ourselves in an unprecedented situation, there are small (well in the grand scheme they are small) actions we can all take to reduce the spread of disease -- distancing, isolating and hand washing. We've learned from other outbreaks how to cough and sneeze into an elbow and not to shake hands. We can put centuries of knowledge to work now and it will help ourselves and others.
Sitting at home for day 4 remains difficult, but the alternative is even scarier. One thing I noticed yesterday is that I really dislike the colour of the walls in my bedroom, which is where I often do work when not at the office. It is getting old, though <smile>. I will need to move myself around the house to avoid looking at those sad 'builder' beige walls. <smile>. These thoughts brought to mind a song -- imagine that! <grin> Enjoy!
Day three of self isolating. Spring arrived for most of the continent today, but for our Atlantic time zone, it arrives after midnight 49 minutes into tomorrow. The day held sunshine and the promise of warmer temperatures, which may melt more of the remaining ice and snow-ice piles in the yard. It is very muddy out there now from some melting and some rain. So, it is rather spring like.
Spring brings with it hope and rebirth -- two things we are in desperate need of in the world at present. While being cloistered, I look forward to seeing trees bud, grass green up a bit and the spring flowers emerge. Just those bits of colour will make the world outside my window look more positive. I hope it can do the same for my outlook. It has been very difficult to try to accept the isolation from friends, co-workers and loved ones. Extremely difficult. <sigh> Watching the changes in plant and animal life that arrives with spring will be easier this year when not rushing off somewhere to work or whatever. Perhaps this imposed stillness will allow us to see the beauty of nature while being stuck in the ugliness of it all. Bask in the warmth of the spring sun. Feel the rain on your face. See the details of colour patterns in the flowers and leaves. Reconnect with the world around us. Even if we can't be together physically we can look up at moon and stars at the same time. There is hope and I'm doing my best to hang onto that.
The song today speaks to the changes of the spring season and how we can use these to connect and reflect. Enjoy!
Has it only been a week? It feels so much longer. Today I realized the comfort that comes from the Prime Minister doing a daily update -- from his front porch due to being on 14 day isolation since his wife tested positive a week ago. This less formal setting helped me with the ever-changing and unprecedented measures taken. The PM has clearly stated that 'these measures will help save lives."
In an address early this week, the PM noted the mental health component of this global pandemic. The fluidity of the situation often means that before we have time to fully comprehend implications of a new restriction, it has been replaced by an newer one. These are not mere guidelines but are strongly encouraged and in more and more cases have become mandated. There is fear. Uncertainty will do that -- particularly with the generations who have grown up with all the post-apocalyptic movies <smile>. Some mental health supports in our town have moved to telephone counseling. Others use online contacts. These formats of care delivery support the recommendation for social distancing. In fact, many MDs are providing telephone appointments for some issues, a step that requires policy changes to billing codes. So while society has a distinct heightened anxiety feel here, systems are finding ways to continue serving the public. Learning to do routine work in a different format may be a legacy of the journey. Being forced into teaching courses only by distance, might increase such remote linkages for educators in the future, just as it will for health professionals. The bottom line here, as a dear friend noted in a recent online conversation, there is hope.
While uncertainty can make it easier for anxiety to creep in, we must hold fast to that thread of hope. The PM has provided messages of empowerment, stating that our strength lies in our capacity to pull together and take care of each other albeit from a distance. Many virtual local groups have sprung up over the past few days to help us check in with others and provide the social support needed for improved mental health. A song that I've used in past blog entries came to mind today for a different reason. The lyrics speak to the hope of getting through a crisis. This arrangement is gorgeous -- soft and relaxing -- and the vocalist stunning. In the words of Maya Angelou -- Be the rainbow in someone else's cloud. Keep your distance. Stay healthy. Enjoy!
A new lexicon has been introduced to our daily conversations. Epidemiological terms are responsible for most of these with a few other terms being coined. Concepts such as flattening the curve, self isolation, and social distancing have become central to many conversations each day and go far beyond those held by health professionals. The public vocabulary will be forever changed.
Today I noted newly coined terms with more positive connotations. The Jane Goodall Institute noted the idea of "connectioning of hope" -- a form of collective action to work towards a positive outcome. A local group of people have come together in an online group called CareMongering -- instead of spreading fear. Group members share messages for ways to spend time while isolating and linking those in need with those able to assist. Offers to run errands, shop or cook for others have a place to coordinate. Fun ways to gather together virtually to view a movie or play a game. Finding a place with a positive focus helps a bit with the anxious feelings. This group and others that are planning group visits online create new avenues for social support. I've noted before that current communication technologies allow us to keep in touch with friends and family around the world. How cool is that? <smile>
Lyrics of a song explain the idea of social support well. As a construct it requires reciprocity -- I can find help when needed AND I can help others when needed. The song is a bit upbeat with a light sound -- something that felt a little soothing today. As Galen Weston said in a post from his company, "Be kind to each other. We will get through it." Enjoy!
Last evening I noticed the photo of my grandmother in the matriarchal lineage corner of the living room. She seemed to be looking right at me. That surprised me a bit, but I went about my usual evening routine with no further thought. As I left the house at noon today, her photo caught my eye and I stopped, realizing what my brain had been trying to get into the conscious thought area. I looked right at her and said, "You lived through this." Just 102 years ago, the Spanish flu pandemic killed about 50 million people worldwide. The first world war had just ended and returning soldiers took the virus with them as they headed home to their families. This was well chronicled in many books, but one I found interesting was "Flu -- the story of the great influenza pandemic of 1918 and the search for the virus that caused it" by Gina Kolata. That virus had been taken to Europe from North America as it spread through naval stations across the US and into Canada, places where men left for overseas. Standing at the front door today, I realized that two other women whose photos are part of that display also lived through that time -- my great-grandmother and her sister. Interestingly, on the other side of my family, my grandfather's uncle and aunt died of the flu, leaving behind a young daughter. She was adopted by my great-grandparents and grew up with my grandfather and his other sisters. I suspect that many families have similar stories in their histories.
Public health and epidemiology were fairly new-ish ideas, and the concept of quarantine and social distancing were not common. I would like to chat to my late family members about what they recall and how they dealt with the threat of disease. Currently, we don't have such resources available to us. A song that reminded me of the importance of family came to mind when I was thinking of the importance of oral histories. The song is shared here tonight. It is by a great singer-songwriter and comes from an album with a title that oddly fits our current global situation -- Apocaloptimist -- cool mix of fear and hope in that word. Enjoy!
Today was a cold and quiet Sunday. I completed laundry and headed to the grocery store for a few things forgotten on the trip a few days ago. The place appeared to have been picked clean by locusts, but only in select areas. Not sure why some things fell higher on the 'must have' list, including the empty shelves where toilet paper, chicken noodle soup and canned tomatoes -- I'm hoping the latter two indicate that some cooking may be going on while being in semi-isolation. One friend called this 'hunkering down' when not required to be socially isolated as some people are now. The campus closed to all persons not employed or living there until the end of April, with the exception of those waiting for the bus and parents picking up kids. I chatted with a student and a colleague while shopping. We wished each other well and noted we'd see each other in a while. That felt odd. That shopping done, I headed to the pharmacy for a refill of a prescription and to the bank machine to have some cash on hand. I then got Chinese take-out for supper -- a bit of comfort food for the day.
I've noted many things that can occupy my time when remaining at home for a while. Checking in with others close by and far away will be a part of the days ahead, as will work on writing projects and professional documentation completion. Keeping busy should help the time move along. Two songs came through my mind today. The first was shared with me by a friend. It spoke to me about the hope to be free to roam around again and see those we care about both near and far. The song has a great late-'60s to early '70s vibe. The second one was chosen due to one line that jumped into my head today when we were speaking about so many questions that don't seem to have answers at present. The lyrics are poetic with wonderful word choices and the arrangement filled with a distinct psychedelic feel. Enjoy!
Campus emergency alert system notified me this afternoon of the suspension of classes next week, which will give faculty and staff time to set up alternative ways to complete the term and exams. Classes will resume online the week of March 23. Students able to travel home were encouraged to do so, while those who cannot will remain in residence. Other excitement in the day came from the roving gangs of students going from one house party to another all in the name of St. Patrick. Those on my street are still up to this -- the one house that has been going since supper last night <sigh>. So much for maintaining social distance.
One thing that the situation brings forward is my need to contact a number of people. I didn't send cards this December nor did I send the annual summary via e-mail. I had thought of doing this with the spring, so now may be the best time to get that underway. I expect this will be a combination of electronic, telephone and regular mail communications. There are a number of other things I can do around the house, so I shouldn't get bored, just a bit lonely at times with the lack of human interactions.
I've noted the need to hunker down and ride this out at home and the desire to be with others -- a conundrum for certain. The song chosen for today does speak to the feeling of wanting 'home' -- something that means many things to each of us. May you find that peace of home in the coming days. Enjoy!
Computer screens filled with more news on multiple cancellations and closures locally and more broadly. Guest lectures planned for the next 10 days will not occur. Several faces I encountered on campus were filled with anxiety -- the tension is palpable, but optimism does persist.I received news of an abstract accepted for a conference in June. Given the global situation, I'm unsure this meeting will occur. All depends on how long precautions to limit social distance will continue. Some experts expect this could last at least until June. If so, how does one provision a household for that length of time? One of a zillion questions racing around these days.
Facing uncertainty brings myriad feelings -- fear, helplessness, sadness and so many others. Feeling lost has been stated by several folks I've encountered. No one has lived through something quite like this, so no sources of experience or advice exist. Best practice has strong theory and some recent experience behind it. Taking precautions makes good sense and requires community action and not just that of individuals -- both of which can slow the transmission rate. Such thoughts bring to mind many people at great distance from me that I'd like to be closer to during such times, so that the mutual support needed to walk this journey was more accessible.
A song about uncertainty seemed apropos today. The first two lines ran through my head often as I tried to work at my desk while more and more cancellation messages arrived electronically. Take precautions. Be safe. Enjoy!
The day brought more virus news -- only the beginning, I'm sure. A friend and I attended a play in the evening. The theatre was fairly empty so social distancing was doable.. The production was for international women's week -- a play about sexting and adolescent fallout, including the othering by high school girls -- "mean girls." The work needed was apparent for the 10 players all on stage for the full 90 minutes without intermission. The group was between 19 and 30 years old. They did an exceptional job, leaving us with much to think about. Tears entered my eyes during one scene of a group discussion about body image issues -- which parts each girl hated the most and why. That has always struck me as so very sad that society drills this norm into women and girls. I've had to deal with it as a professional very often. It has never gotten easier.
I share a song that speaks to some of the themes from the play tonight. Enjoy!
This novel virus has taken over the air waves and wifi as well as minds everywhere. The concept of a global pandemic is difficult to grasp. Dealing with fear and panic of the messaging feels overwhelming. Interrupting daily routines and near future plans sucks as a good friend put it. I'm in total agreement. Should we all just remain isolated in our homes? That isn't what authorities are recommending, but the 'horse to the barn' feelings brings the desire to just hide in our stalls where it seems safe and comforting. Things likely will get worse before they get better. I just feel unprepared to address this threat. There is a lot more to work through for this one, some of which will appear on this blog. Take care of yourselves.
The song today reflects some of what I feel -- all shaken up and wanting to hide (likely not in a crack in the road, but hide nonetheless). Enjoy!
I woke this morning with a smile. That doesn't happen every day, but it is great when it shows up. <smile> Activities for the day involved writing and research tasks -- a solid meeting that got us almost to the end of a large project, reworking professional license submission, and prepping for the next manuscript formatting responsibility. I always underestimate how long it takes to do this for manuscript text and, in-text citations and reference list formats that match those requested by any journal. Interestingly, each journal seems to have their own quirks and spin on broader accepted formats. Getting the syntax exact can be exhausting -- sounds like I'm talking myself into this being a nasty process <smile> when it isn't always.
Class tonight was one highlight of the evening. After tonight, only three classes remain. This makes me sad, as the content is so interesting, the music like walking down memory lane and the younger (as in all are way younger <grin>) class mates are so very into the subject their enthusiasm brings a smile every week. Tonight one song played had a major affect on me. From the first guitar licks it took me back to being about 12 years old -- a time of adolescent turmoil and awakening to the concept of social justice and need for change in the world. The lyrics of this selection fueled that thought process. The doo-wops make me smile, too. <grin> Enjoy!
Today was a cleaning day -- still more to do. Perhaps, this is a spring cleaning spurt. If so, I hope the impetus doesn't disappear <smile>. Sorting through papers and things can be difficult. Much is mine and other boxes come from elsewhere and landed in my house. It will be managed, but will take time.
Some items imbued with memories. Those may not be easy to part with, so end up being put away for another day. At a later point that emotion may have been leached from the items making them easier to move on to new homes. A surprise always awaits when something that seemed innocuous suddenly has too many feelings attached to it. So, such items remain in a box for next time the declutter bug bites.
A lyric seemed to fit the activity of the day well. The blues rock sound is upbeat -- a necessary sound with a job that could become maudlin with little effort. This one can bring a smile. Enjoy!
Too Much Stuff -- Delbert McClinton ft. Lyle Lovett
Since 1977, March 8 has been International Women's Day. In the early 1900s, women began to organize to advocate for improved work conditions. About 70 years later, the United Nations adopted the date for an annual global day of advocacy for women's rights. The Google doodle today is a kaleidoscope of women -- such a cool way to celebrate women's contributions to the world - socially, politically and economically. The theme for the day this year is "an equal world is an enabled world." This day highlights the goal of gender parity through collective community action. Equality is important to allow women to become empowered, though it is likely that equity might be a better concept to pursue. Providing the same supports to everyone may not even the playing field; different supports may be needed for different people. Ideally, the reasons for the inequities will be understood and the systemic barriers will be removed allowing access to all without any specific supports. This would represent justice instead of equality.
Gloria Steinem has stated, "The story for women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." It is worth noting here that whenever Steinem is interviewed it is pretty much guaranteed that she will be introduced as a former playboy bunny rather than for all her work advocating for women's rights. She has noted this reporting bias and experiences this even now at age 85.
While improvements have occurred in some sectors and regions, there is still a long way to go. The UN web site today reports that women earn 23% less than men globally; that women occupy only 24% of parliamentary seats worldwide; and that 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence. Clearly more work is needed to improve such statistics.
A song that came to mind today wasn't one of the feminist anthems, but one that has a unique meaning when covered by women. The three voices blend so well -- it gives me shivers. It is so wonderful to see them all together during their early careers. Enjoy!
I Shall be Released -- Cass Eliott, Mary Travers & Joni Mitchell (from Cass Eliott Show June 1969)
Overnight big winds arrived. As the day wore on they strengthened with very loud gusts that rattled windows and threw things against the side of the house (likely small branches that I will check on tomorrow). It was a good day to remain indoors. Laundry was partially done -- like maybe half of the job. Very little of note other than that was accomplished today. I did have a nap in the afternoon -- this after a bit of a lie in this morning. <shaking head> Just one of those days.
The storm blew by out in the Atlantic with just the edges of the nor'easter brushing the south and eastern shores of the province. Major winds covered most of the province with major winds -- Les Suetes -- warnings in western Cape Breton. Late in the evening some snow accompanied the wind, though just a skiff to cover the porch and sidewalk. It will disappear with the sun we expect tomorrow. Luckily, the increased solar loading of the sun is beginning to warm the ground. Spring is definitely in the air. As I've said before, it brings hope.
Interestingly, tonight marks the new earlier date for time change -- spring ahead. Coming from a part of the country that does not change to Daylight Savings time, I still find this whole spring ahead and fall back stuff nonsensical. It creates such confusion and a lot of resetting clocks and watches and such. However, it is part of life for many people globally, with Australia and New Zealand Falling back this weekend due to the seasonal differences between hemispheres. I live with it but will likely continue to grouse about it for as long as it or I am around <grin>.
The song is perfect for the major weekend event -- time change. Enjoy!
Daylight Savings Time (Green Day Parody) -- The Holderness Family
The day started earlier than my brain wanted it to -- only 4 and bit hours of sleep. Just one of those nights. The lecture I gave went well, though longer than planned as I was a bit tangential -- a focus thing when tired, I guess <smile>. All went well and some great conversations and thoughts shared by students. The afternoon seemed to drag, but I managed to complete some of the key parts of documentation for my annual professional registration and license renewal. Just a few things to polish and that will be on its way.
On the way home from campus, I met with some friends for a beverage and some supper. It was enjoyable -- something we do often on Fridays. This allows time to decompress a bit from a busy week. It is eagerly anticipated throughout some weeks more than others <smile>. Seeing people outside of the work setting helps us to see each other as whole people and friends and not only coworkers. Knowing that there will be two days without major scheduled items -- well not the specific time scheduling -- can make one feel a sense of freedom from the workplace routine. Talking about weekend plans also helps with the transition away from some work tasks. Granted, as academics there are always work items that enter the weekend times, but it a different rhythm exists -- pressure is present but at a different intensity. Sadly I found that by Sunday afternoon, the work week tension began to resettle, which makes the Friday time taken from the work week all the more justified. <smile>
Lyrics from a song came to mind as I thought through the blog topic today. It was the first song recorded (and the second single release) by the first rock supergroup -- a group where each member has had a successful career either solo or with other successful groups. The vocal intro is unique and amazing. So, while digging for a video of this, I found myself down a Youtube rabbit hole and again was struck by an amazing guitar intro for another song by a second group -- one stated to have formed at the recording of George Harrison's first album, All Things Must Pass. Enjoy!
After the big winds last evening, cold winds blew outside today -- still happening outside my window. Yet, it still has a spring feel. It was much colder today than it has been, but any snow that will fall in the coming days won't last long. A lot of melting has occurred, though there is still a ways to go before we see all open ground. There is some there, which is all I need to see. <smile>
A comment from an acquaintance encountered on a shopping out today reminded me that Spring brings a degree of hope -- hope for the ending of a dismal and cold season as well as hope for new growth. I look forward to seeing green grass, spring flowers and budding trees. Personally, continued growth will occur. The season brings refreshed views -- literally and metaphorically. So, hope was a great word to hear today.
Winds have often been a metaphor for change, which could entail positive growth with the change of season. Lyrics of the song chosen for today deal with this notion of winds bringing change. Enjoy!
A rather usual day with two meetings and getting materials ready for a lecture at the end of the week. I did have time to sit and catch up with a colleague I hadn't seen since before Christmas. That was great <smile>
This week I've encountered two new albums that I'd like to share with you here. The first covers older standards by a great voice with stunning phrasing. I chose one song that my dad enjoyed. The second was a single released at the end of last week. The lyrics are beautiful. Enjoy!
The Nearness of You -- James Taylor (American Standard album)
Today involved a research meeting for a project that is nearing completion of the current stage. That is exciting. I spent longer than usual appointment with the Physio to workl with the arm and jaw. I now have some new stretching exercises to do each day. By late afternoon, I had time in office to deal with e-mails and ready work for tomorrow. A highlight of the day was the music class I'm taking this term. This week we covered the Beatles' career for 1967 -- the year of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album, the death of Brian Epstein and the misadventure of The Magical Mystery Tour film. After viewing the film, one student noted that this made HELP! look like the Shawshank Redemption <smile>. It was a challenge to sit through it again.
From a musical perspective, the group continued the experimental process begun with Revolver and produced 26 songs in that one year. I chose two selections to share tonight. The first was part of an international project for the first satellite broadcast to air simultaneously in several countries. The second is less mainstream and includes some Hendrix guitar styling. Enjoy!
What a glorious day! Brilliant sunshine, warmer temperatures, melting snow and still some snow and ice sparkling in the trees. I did a ton of walking today. I shoveled snow that fell between the time I shoveled yesterday and this morning. A neighbour appeared and cleared out the end of the driveway -- all the street and sidewalk plow stuff that is very heavy and wet. What I shoveled today felt lighter, so was a bit drier than what I moved yesterday. Then I headed to a friend's place to check mail while they are away for a few days. After a quick meeting downtown, I walked to the physio to chat about a meeting time this week. I ate lunch at a coffee shop and headed to the hospital for a meeting. That was a full day.
Early in the day, I called the health insurance carrier to discuss purchase of a piece of equipment that can help with ongoing pain. While the answers may not have been what I wanted to hear, the person on the other end of the phone checked all they could to help me find a work around. That kindness gave me two new directions to head, so not a complete NO <smile>. Another meeting seemed to go in a civil manner, which I hadn't been sure of. Other encounters cemented the idea that being kind and working with someone rather than being confrontational or combative can help all parties contribute to a workable solution. Mutual respect and caring go a very long way. Rather than open a chasm that may take forever to close, acting like adults may avoid negative outcomes. Seeking to understand all sides can assist problem solving, while accusing and offensive actions move people no where. So, even this Monday brought bright moments whether from the sun or other people.
The song chosen for today is in memory of an amazing Canadian blues and jazz guitarist who died 12 years ago today -- a huge loss to the music world. The selection is an amazing cover of a Beatles song, with great guitar work by the guitarists in the band. The sound is as near perfection as the sunny day I had today. Enjoy!
While my Guitar Gently Weeps -- The Jeff Healey Band
The world turned white, well whiter, overnight. Snow as part of a spring-like storm has been falling overnight and all day today. Since at least the 1800s, in England it was said that the weather of early March could predict that of late March. -- In like a lion, out like a lamb. I have heard this piece of weather folklore since early childhood. Today being March 1st made me think of these few words again. This storms definitely feels like the lion accompanying the entry of a new month. There is a lot of snow out there, yet, thankfully, it is falling with very little wind. The forecast noted accumulations would reach 15-25 cm (6-10 inches). Being wetter snow, it has compacted a bit, which makes it difficult to determine how much actually has fallen. I shoveled for a while to clear the path to the street and the front and back porches. That was an effort, but a slow and steady pace helped. The fine small snow flakes falling reminded me of another predictive phrase -- " big snow, small snow" and its corollary "little snow, big snow". This is a local phrase that confused me for years, until I understood that the first reference to snow in each phrase indicates the snowflake size and the latter refers to the accumulation on the ground. So, given the smaller flakes today, there will likely be something significant to shovel tomorrow morning. <smile> Now, a calmer, less snowy end of the month would be most welcomed -- folklore or not <grin>.
Since the snow is expected to taper and end (for now <smile>) into the overnight, one song seemed perfect for the day. The title and many lyrics are sung in Zulu. The term Mbube is Zulu for lion -- pronounced "eem-boo-bay". Interestingly, the anglicized version of this has been closer to "a-wim-bo-way' -- interesting. Enjoy!
Mbube (Lion Sleeps Tonight) -- Lebo M. (from The Lion King movie cast)
