For our aging days, I decided we needed one-level living. I searched and searched and found the perfect home. We put an offer in on February 1 and closed on March 2.
Wait, who said there would be a global pandemic now!!! We are among the many who just purchased a new home and are saying, “Hey What is going on?” Yes, my anxiety level is high. Why? Because we actually own our old home as well. We are real estate rich. Perhaps that is a good thing. It might go down for a bit, but real estate usually goes up eventually.
With the markets crashing a little…. Well a lot. (Although I guess Friday, things were a bit better). With the world’s countries shutting their doors to tourism to contain the spread of corona virus, and our country finally banning all flights from Europe, perhaps I can see a few good points. I always try to do that when I am worried. I try to put the upset away in a little box in my mind and focus on the good. So here we go!
First, I was supposed to be on a plane to Europe right now. I am obviously not there. I am sitting in my own home writing a blog. But with the move, I think I am happy to be home. I wonder if I will get any of my money back. Even with travel insurance, I am not sure if global pandemic is covered. I guess we will wait and see.
But also, I am not stranded in Europe. I am in my own home/s cleaning one and bringing stuff to the other. Which is unreal enough without the pandemic.
Colleges are going into remote learning. I worry. I hope they don’t stay that way. High school graduates need to get away from home and learn about living in a college dorm where it is somewhat safe and they socialize away from home. I would hate for that to end forever. Please let this last just for a short while. But at least the students can still learn. Think about time before computers and live streaming. School and learning would just end!
But at the same time, I am glad that Friday was the last day of school where I work. We now have a ten-day break. Perhaps that will help stop the spread of the disease. Our entire area is starting spring break. No one is traveling anywhere, or almost no one. Since all flights to Europe are ending tomorrow for a month. I think it is safe to say this will be a stay at home vacation. We have been informed that there is a possibility that Spring Break will be prolonged. An extra week at home. I brought my work computer with me, just in case.
However, what about all the stores and shops and theatres? We are supposed to avoid large crowds. I can do that. Already several concerts, programs and shows we were supposed to attend in March and early April have been cancelled or postponed. I. told my husband I have to renew our Symphony tickets now, so that they know we are not giving up on them! I also plan to get take out food from some of our favorite restaurants. I do not want those to close for lack of income.
With entertainment shutting down, we will have lots of time to pack and clean! But more important, I will still have time to read the six kindle books I downloaded for my trip!
My husband is a hospital-based physician. As a pediatrician he sees lots of sick children. And though they will get corona virus, most will be just fine as their immune systems are developing and learning about new disease. It’s us older folks who are in trouble. Even though I am not ill, I made the decision to stop my volunteer work at an elder care facility. Just don’t want to hurt these people who I have come to love.
I plan to practice safe social distancing with everyone I know. I will go to stores at off hours. I am carrying a baggie filled chlorox wipes to clean everything I touch. Hugging and kissing even my son and his girl friend is out for now. Elbow bumps and words of love will be enough.
My husband was supposed to be gone this weekend as well, at a medical meeting. It was cancelled. Most hospital have told their staff not to go to any meetings right now. They need their staff to be healthy. The impact on the corona virus could be devasting to our already stressed health care system. So I am spending much of my quiet time sending out prayers.
We will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary this month. Our plans included a trip to Europe and a cruise in late April. Although it has yet to be cancelled, we are already thinking that our 40th anniversary will be spent quietly at home. We already purchased a new home! What else could we possibly need?
I guess we won’t be spending too much money overseas, which is good because I had signed contracts previously to remodel much of the new home using some savings. My husband says don’t worry, he has a job and he will be needed for a while. Which is true. But I had not counted on a major market downturn.
Here is my rant. If you do not want to read anything political, please skip the next two paragraphs:
I do worry. I worry about everyone who might suffer. I worry about our government who seems to have no idea what to do. I worry that the CDC has been slashed by politicians who have no idea what they are doing. I am angry that the elected officials seem to care more about their own power and glory then about the health and well-being residents of our USA.
Buying a home and having a pandemic at the same time has made me rethink even more what I believe about our government and what politician really care about. In Kansas we have a Senate leader who cares more about banning abortion then about the people of the state and refuses to expand Medicare even though the people want it and the senate has come to bipartisan agreement. Her ignorance and self-righteous attitude will kill many more people than any abortion bill. I hope she is voted out of office or is forced to resign. In my mind she is an evil lady, sort of a Cruella DeVille, who wanted the Dalmatian puppies for her own nefarious plans. So this senate leader is holding Kansans medical care hostage for her nefarious plan.
End of rant.
I believe we will get through this pandemic. I know we will persevere. We lived through 9/11 and the stress and anxiety that seemed overwhelming. Perhaps this virus is a sign from the Divine that we need to work together. The world was getting too hostile. Groups were not working together. Lots of nasty behavior. To survive the corona virus, countries need to help each other and the world. I hope this adds to a world more dedicated to peace as the leaders realize even more deeply how we are really one world. Just one. And we have to act as one.
zicharonot 
In the midst of this pandemic, rallying by phone, our blogs, supporting the works and thoughts of others seems so important. I appreciated your post including your rant. Recently retired from education many of my friends are now facing school closures through April 24th here in WA, a granddaughter in-law, a university theatre professor has gone to online classes – thats going to be difficult for her with all production shut down. It’s an uncertain time but it sounds like you have a good handle it. Stay well and productive 🙂
I think we must all do our best to keep spirits up and not panic. I expect our spring break to be prolonged. So we will just do what needs to be done!
I am sorry about your cancelled trip. There are so many ways that we all will have plans disrupted and feel disappointed. But if somehow we can minimize the effects of the pandemic, those disappointments will see quite insignificant a year—or maybe three months—from now.
That is what I am hoping. Just so worried about people who will lose both their jobs and the insurance.
My daughter, who is a restaurant manager, is really worried about her staff. Business is so slow, and they get no compensation for the lost tips and the cancelled shifts.
Exactly. My son also works in food industry and he is worried he will lose his job.
Our governor just closed all the restaurants and bars in Massachusetts so now her restaurant is closed altogether. Not sure what that means for her job or her income.
Oy. We are not there yet. They are saying to do take out but not eat in a restaurant. It is going to hurt so many people!!
The ripple effect of all this is just staggering.
I know terrible. The entire world. It is truly unbelievable!