My Daily Struggle in the COVID-19 Lockdown

 Yet another week passed. The good news was that the COVID-19 infection rate is starting to plateau, meaning that new cases and deaths have plateaued. Also, there is more talk of the vaccines and when people will begin getting them. As for the unpleasant news, I have learned personally what my commuting clients must endure with social distancing. I took a bus with him, and three buses passed us by before one could stop. Whenever a bus no longer has space to socially distance, it runs express. Hence, it took three times as long as it usually does to get where I am going. Also, I was talking to my friends about what to do on New Year's Eve, but it seems like we probably won't be able to get together as we planned. Damn you, COVID-19! Ruined the whole year and killed over 250,000 Americans. I think this video from Office Space sums up what I think of 2020, possibly the worst year of my life (hint: the year 2020 is the printer):  At least I accomplished one good thing this week; I...

  Tired of COVID-19 How much longer? People crying People dying Many more rules Children out of school How much longer? I feeling like wailing I feel like bailing I feel like screaming Am I dreaming? How much longer? No eating out Just stay home and pout Freedom's memories are hazy And I'm bloody well going crazy How much longer? No shaking hands Cancel all my plans Or I'll get sick Isn't that a trick? HOW MUCH FRICKING LONGER?!

I received some good news today. First, I am no longer exiled from my office. I can start working on-site again. Hallelujah! There are still things I cannot do, such as drive clients and stay in enclosed spaces with them, but I will be able to have my office again. In the words of Mabel Simmons: "Halleluyer! Praise de Lort!" 😁 More good news: my church can start worshiping inside now, with social distancing of course. I have seen it done, and it will work. It has worked. I know that there are others who are still uncomfortable coming inside, but it is time. The virus is being controlled, we have been taught what viruses can and cannot cling to and for how long. Besides, other churches just as small as us are letting people inside with the same rules, and these churches have vulnerable people too: elderly, sick, et cetera. Another thing: summer is coming, and Chicago summers can be extremely hot. It was in the 80's and 90's in late May even. Do we want our clergy to...

I am so glad it is Friday and that the weekend is coming. Just two more weeks until my much-needed vacation. For those who may ask, I will still do my posts when I am in the monastery. They might be a little late if there is little to no internet. When the monks are working, I plan to use that time writing my book. This was a ridiculous day. Since my program director wanted me to get groceries at Costco for a while until I can take clients grocery shopping again, I spent practically two hours in that place because their setup was out of order, and so was the shopping list. On top of that, the store was surprisingly busy for a Friday morning, and I hate crowds like that; they make me nervous! Social distancing helped nothing either. When, oh, when, will these restrictions end?! It was in the 90's today, and I was so hot wearing that stupid mask. My agency had better give us some concrete answers soon; this is driving me bloody insane! Before I go further, a big thank you to Past...

So, the good news is, the issue with Big Syl is not the compressor. Halleluyah! It appears to be electrical. They need another day, however, to find and resolve the problem, so I won't get my car back until tomorrow. More good news: the death toll for COVID-19 is the lowest it has been in a month. Yes, it does seem as if the virus is being controlled. So far, it seems that the move to Phase 3 on Friday is inevitable.  In retrospect, when the nation determines what the "new normal" will be after a vaccine or treatment is approved, they need to create laws to stop people from neglecting to cover their mouths in public areas when they cough or sneeze. We need to outlaw such carelessness of people. To take it a step further, schools must start making sure their students, even kindergartners, are aware of preventative measures. Additionally, all child care providers must either send sick children home or keep them in isolation. Workplaces must either provide sick pay for t...

Imagine a town torn apart by hatred                                                         Intolerance                                                                  Unequal protection under the law                                                                                        In a state known for its bigotry and subjugation                                     ...

Today was pretty productive. I ran an errand, bought groceries, and completed a small project for my side job. The wife and I then drove to Des Plaines to see my best friend and her family. There, we talked about old times when she and I worked together over a delicious Indian iftar dinner.  I talked more about how I lately feel taken advantage of at work since I am a veteran in the mental health field. I vented about how I keep being called on to do duties for one program when I am in another one. Yes, I should talk to my supervisors about my concerns, but then I have tried talking to them, and it does no good. Nothing changes. Besides, I don't want to give them any  fodder to use against me. Employers can be really fickle at times. I can do a million things with no reward, but I get a proverbial flogging over one little mistake. I have heard of hard workers who have been at my agency for years who are dismissed for the most petty things. For all my years at this agency, I...

Today is so far the best of the week. First, my congregation is preparing for a drive-in worship service this Sunday. Halleluyah! We can finally return to church, even if it is outside. I am even going to sing my hymn about being brave and having hope in the Lord even during the pandemic. If uses the tune of the Dutch National Anthem. I'll post the lyrics below. Second, I spoke to one of the organizers of the GoFundMe campaign for my alma mater. As it turns out, they did not know anything about my campaign. In fact, one of them was once burned by the "leadership" committee too. Again, some things never change. She agreed with me that the way I was treated was not only wrong, but un-Christian. They have invited me to join their campaign and other plans they have (Top secret, friends!), and I have accepted.  I just want to reflect a little more on how I was treated. It is like certain people were like a mad dog that was starving to death. I hold out a biscuit for them, ...

Another rough day. I found out when Aunt Hattie's wake and funeral will be. I am glad that the number of people allowed inside for the service is 25, and they will Zoom the service for everyone else. Another family funeral. It seems that the only time I get to see my whole family together is at funerals. Now my workplace is starting to step up precautions even more. Not only must I check my temperature before going to work, but whenever I am at the group home, I must make sure to have my clients check their temperature and then record it. I understand why this must be done, but it is still a headache. I am so glad that I will take time off from work in late June and early July. I am going to spend the first few days at a Lutheran monastery in Michigan (yes, Lutheran monasteries exist). I have lost so much peace of mind the past few years, and it is going to take getting away from everyone and everything to get it back. I remember a time a long time ago when, no matter how dif...