I used to get marks taken off my assignments in school because my teachers couldn’t read my handwriting. One teacher used to tell me to slow down and take my time to write clearly.
It’s not that I couldn’t write neater. Much like today, I have always in a hurry to get things done and move on to the next thing. It’s just the way my mind works. In the last year or so, I resumed writing in a journal so the memories of being lectured about my handwriting home come back. My handwriting has never really improved but I have learned to slow down.
Because I type so much and half ass it when I take notes (thanks to my voice recorder), I don’t write using a pen that often. My hand used to hurt if I wrote for more than a few minutes. Practice makes perfect and I can now write much longer.
These days I have had lots of time to write in my journal. I think it’s really important to write about what’s happening as we navigate through this pandemic. I want to be able to look back and remember in my own words how I was feeling and how we got through this together.
Social distancing
As I continue to run and walk along the Bow River and in my neighbourhood, I have noticed the pathways are less busy than a month ago. And people are literally jumping out of the way when they encounter another person. No doubt, social distancing will be the phrase everyone will remember from this pandemic (and what will save lives).
Now in my fourth week working at home, I feel like I am on a very bad staycation. Some days just drag on while others are never ending. Recent predictions suggest we will be on lockdown until June. I am trying not to let that sink in.
Between work and such, I have been having actual phone conversations with friends. It’s a perfect time to reach out to those people who you haven’t talked to in awhile because you know they are likely home too.
Take a break, listen to some music
Because all the concerts and shows have been cancelled, all our favourite artists and musicians are stuck home too. There’s been story after story of people playing musical instruments and singing together on apartment building balconies. (Italy got the ball rolling on this one. Now it’s happening everywhere.)
There’s also been virtual sing-alongs on social media platforms.
Artists are being creative as they share music by streaming on Facebook, Instagram or other platforms. There’s also been a few virtual charity concerts with big names. Late night hosts are streaming shows from their living rooms and basements. Lots of fun and creativity.
Pretty cool actually, to see Paul Simon or whomever standing around in his backyard singing with just a guitar. But my favourite lately has been John Fogerty.
Crazy and scary times. Like everyone I have my bad days and my good days. But as they say … nothing heals like the power of music.
Stay safe everyone. Reach out if you would like to chat. Keep up the social distancing and wash your hands.