Instacart? Make sure you’re super picky with that. Land mines abound.

Shipt. And from my perspective based on what you're describing, I'm sure it varies from place and place and I don't know how things are going to go obviously until I do it for a while. Having said that, you also clearly have a higher standard of pay that you're aiming for to make it worth it than I do. That's another thing that's relative.

Everything I hear - I have a brother who is working on getting into it as well and works at the local Meijer - indicates the local shoppers are making good money right now and they are planning on adding 2k people just in this part of the state and basically hiring everyone they can get their hands on cause of demand. How long that lasts is clearly going to depend on unknowables just like everything else right now but even in worst case still seems to me to me worth doing.

I have been using Instacart at acme. Either delivery or pickup. Twice I’ve gotten the order and once they just cancelled it with no explanation or reschedule. I have another pending for tomorrow.

We're typically ordering out 2-3 times a week. Most of the time, we do curbside pickup. Last weekend, we had Mission BBQ deliver and it was excellent. The food was hot, packaged very nicely, and I didn't give it a second thought.

Last night, we used DoorDash for the first time to support one of our favorite local restaurants. Besides the driver turning into a different development and calling me to say the Security Guard can't find our name/address (the DoorDash website shows the current location of the driver, and I could see he drove right past our entrance), he also placed the food at our door with the bag turned sideways which caused spillage. I immediately made a decision to only order from restaurants that do their own deliveries. I've at least talked myself into thinking they may have a slightly higher level of care.

We're typically ordering out 2-3 times a week. Most of the time, we do curbside pickup. Last weekend, we had Mission BBQ deliver and it was excellent. The food was hot, packaged very nicely, and I didn't give it a second thought.

Last night, we used DoorDash for the first time to support one of our favorite local restaurants. Besides the driver turning into a different development and calling me to say the Security Guard can't find our name/address (the DoorDash website shows the current location of the driver, and I could see he drove right past our entrance), he also placed the food at our door with the bag turned sideways which caused spillage. I immediately made a decision to only order from restaurants that do their own deliveries. I've at least talked myself into thinking they may have a slightly higher level of care.

We do door dash about once a week and almost always have a great experience. We have been sticking to our local pizza joint. They do a great job and we want to support them. What we do it order a couple pies and a couple dinners and freeze what we don't eat.

Cool little story in the local papers about what one of my best friends and her husband are doing to help out while staying sane.

Interior designers’ colorful masks brighten dark days | Star News Group (https://starnewsgroup.com/2020/04/16/interior-designers-colorful-masks-brighten-dark-days/)

We're typically ordering out 2-3 times a week. Most of the time, we do curbside pickup. Last weekend, we had Mission BBQ deliver and it was excellent. The food was hot, packaged very nicely, and I didn't give it a second thought.

Last night, we used DoorDash for the first time to support one of our favorite local restaurants. Besides the driver turning into a different development and calling me to say the Security Guard can't find our name/address (the DoorDash website shows the current location of the driver, and I could see he drove right past our entrance), he also placed the food at our door with the bag turned sideways which caused spillage. I immediately made a decision to only order from restaurants that do their own deliveries. I've at least talked myself into thinking they may have a slightly higher level of care.

I DoorDash all the time and the cheeseburger people I see doing it makes me never want to order it for myself. Seen some “yikes” out there. Like no showers greasy ripped T-shirt types with kids in the car. I don’t think I’m fundamentally better than those people, but I do know proper grooming. Also there’s literally no ID check EVER once the account has been created. So whomever is delivering your food might not be the same as the person on the account. So good times, no background checks, yay! Probably also some exploited undocumented people working as well. I have no proof but it’s also not hard to imagine with the complete lack of verification .

As a company DoorDash used to routinely steal tips and force itself in on restaurants that didn’t even know they were on the platform. My area doesn't have any other food apps available so I’m stuck with them. It doesn’t make sense to commute out with no uber rides. Uber Eats is my personal delivery platform of choice to work for.

Interesting stuff. We've used Grubhub, UberEats, and Doordash. All have been pretty good, even though we live in an apartment complex with a gate. Maybe we're lucky.

I've often said that you don't want to order from a restaurant that doesn't have high standards. Get, say, chicken from a place that lets things slide and you don't get a bad meal - you potentially get salmonella. My recommendation is that if a delivery service, store, restaurant shows that they don't care - go somewhere that does, even if it's an hour-long drive each way. The alternative simply isn't worth it.

Shipt. And from my perspective based on what you're describing, I'm sure it varies from place and place and I don't know how things are going to go obviously until I do it for a while. Having said that, you also clearly have a higher standard of pay that you're aiming for to make it worth it than I do. That's another thing that's relative.

Everything I hear - I have a brother who is working on getting into it as well and works at the local Meijer - indicates the local shoppers are making good money right now and they are planning on adding 2k people just in this part of the state and basically hiring everyone they can get their hands on cause of demand. How long that lasts is clearly going to depend on unknowables just like everything else right now but even in worst case still seems to me to me worth doing.

Ah. Never messed with Shipt but I hear they sometimes have some great promos. Amazon Flex delivery pays decent (as low as $18 up to 23$) but hours are sometimes hard to scrape. You probably can’t get more than one 3 hour block a day. But if you’re trying to hit a $$$ daily goal it helps cause it’s actually guaranteed money. It usually takes me 2 hours to do a 3 hour block. (Did you used to work for amazon). Depends on how close the warehouse is to you and if it’s hiring.

And what I saw in Michigan the very first thing that's given me any reason for hope since the beginning of the panic junkie pandamonium. A few million like them, maybe there'll be something left to salvage after all.

{shrug}

At least some things never change. The Sun will rise in the morning, and Jon and I will never agree on anything remotely political. :)

(I think that's more reassuring then anything, actually :))

And what I saw in Michigan the very first thing that's given me any reason for hope since the beginning of the panic junkie pandamonium. A few million like them, maybe there'll be something left to salvage after all.

{shrug}

Jon, are you saying you agree with protesting the stricter stay at home orders that Michigan implemented, or that you agree with protesting the stay at home orders in general?

(Did you used to work for amazon). Depends on how close the warehouse is to you and if it’s hiring.

I did not. I used to work for Applebees. Amazon warehouse in our area is about 50 mins. roughly commute away, and is a weird case where other people tell me they are hiring, but the actual official Amazon stuff on the website and whatnot says they aren't. In any case, I looked into it and didn't get anywhere, and I can Shipt more locally.

I did not. I used to work for Applebees. Amazon warehouse in our area is about 50 mins. roughly commute away, and is a weird case where other people tell me they are hiring, but the actual official Amazon stuff on the website and whatnot says they aren't. In any case, I looked into it and didn't get anywhere, and I can Shipt more locally.

Ah. Yeah you’ll smash Applebee’s earnings most likely by doing some mix of gig stuff. I’m a bit worried about a month from now. But my overhead is really low.

Also track your own mileage.

Today is a down day.

I can't help but think about things I can't control and the fear that it brings. Even my standby activities that distract me aren't working today.

I did not. I used to work for Applebees. Amazon warehouse in our area is about 50 mins. roughly commute away, and is a weird case where other people tell me they are hiring, but the actual official Amazon stuff on the website and whatnot says they aren't. In any case, I looked into it and didn't get anywhere, and I can Shipt more locally.

Used to go to Applebees for the bourbon st. steak. The one close to us shut down and was replaced by a burger joint years ago.

And what I saw in Michigan the very first thing that's given me any reason for hope since the beginning of the panic junkie pandamonium. A few million like them, maybe there'll be something left to salvage after all.

{shrug}

Please clarify this, because for once I'm NOT going to jump down your throat about something until I'm absolutely sure you're being a complete imbecile.

The protestors were a group of open-carry yokels, playing militia dress-up, bemoaning their freedoms being taken away by liberal oppressors, while waving confederate flags.....are multiple people really wondering which side Jon was on??

The protests came about due to the stricter restrictions the governor decided to implement. Sure, there were some there who were against the entire stay at home order, but I think that was a small percentage.

That's why I asked Jon which part he agreed with. I took other comments that he's made over the last few weeks as he and his family were following social distancing, which means he agrees with the orders at least somewhat. The stricter orders could be a step too far...

Good day here. My brother found a web based poker site called bluff ave. You can set up private rooms with private games. The last few days we have been trying to get my 90 year old Dad in.
We get on Zoom and try to talk him through stuff. Mind you, he still uses AOL. So it is a chore.
My BIL went over 2 days ago and got Firefox ser up. And we tried to get him on. Now he gets testy and can be hard to deal with. That isnt an age thing, just a him thing. But at 90 you get it.
Today we got him in. We had to get over the hurdle of him thinking it was on the zoom site, which he got locked out of for too many incorrect log in attempts. But we got him to bluff ave and were able to play with zoom on in hte background so we could chat while playing.

Great time. Next is to get my other brother and my BIL together with us.

Oh, its Texas hold em.

And they announced graduation will be July 19. Awesome.

Same here, moved it to July 11, after the college closed all activities through June. Hoping I can move my days off in time to grab those dates now.

And the good stuff keeps coming. Got my refund back from Allegiant already.

Dang. A much better day than yesterday.

Please clarify this, because for once I'm NOT going to jump down your throat about something until I'm absolutely sure you're being a complete imbecile.

I don't speak for Jon, obviously. He's on record as being far more concerned about the economic impact than the virus. This does not make him an imbecile. It makes him someone with a different opinion.

I don't speak for Jon, obviously. He's on record as being far more concerned about the economic impact than the virus. This does not make him an imbecile. It makes him someone with a different opinion.

No worries Brian, Jon and I's disagreements and commentary go back over a decade. He's a very special imbecile to me.

;)

I actually give Jon a lot of credit. I'm fairly sure he knows his opinions aren't among the majority here, but he presents them openly, up front and doesn't pretend to be someone else than he is.

In all our arguments, I think we've never convinced each other on much of anything, but at least it's got to a respectful level where we know we're not going to agree, and rather than spend tons of vitriol and virtual anger with each other for no effect, we just say "Yeah, that's (Jon/Foz) for you."

I actually give Jon a lot of credit. I'm fairly sure he knows his opinions aren't among the majority here, but he presents them openly, up front and doesn't pretend to be someone else than he is.

In all our arguments, I think we've never convinced each other on much of anything, but at least it's got to a respectful level where we know we're not going to agree, and rather than spend tons of vitriol and virtual anger with each other for no effect, we just say "Yeah, that's (Jon/Foz) for you."


BINGO!

(eyes RendeR) for Jon, or me?

Actually, don't answer that, I don't want to know the answer ;)

I actually give Jon a lot of credit. I'm fairly sure he knows his opinions aren't among the majority here, but he presents them openly, up front and doesn't pretend to be someone else than he is.

In all our arguments, I think we've never convinced each other on much of anything, but at least it's got to a respectful level where we know we're not going to agree, and rather than spend tons of vitriol and virtual anger with each other for no effect, we just say "Yeah, that's (Jon/Foz) for you."

I do sometimes wonder why he chooses to fraternize with so many of "the enemy" on this board. But I will admit I got a little concerned when I hadn't seen him on the board for a couple of days, and was glad to see a post from him afterward.

I do sometimes wonder why he chooses to fraternize with so many of "the enemy" on this board. But I will admit I got a little concerned when I hadn't seen him on the board for a couple of days, and was glad to see a post from him afterward.

I'm alive. Pretty much doing the same flippin' thing everybody else is: trying to survive the shitstorm, however much me successfully doing so might chagrin some people*.

I generally float between despair and rage for the past month or so, - with a variety of prompts for each - with the only relief being occasional short spans where I can zone out completely (thank God for Civ 6 coming to console).

And while I may not be able to prevent either of those, I'm at least smart enough to TRY to limit how much I feed either. So if I have a longer than usual absence from threads (or the board entirely), odds are I'm just trying to avoid feeding my negativity (or anyone else's). And even higher odds that's the case if I uncharacteristically fail to respond to something specific.

If I'm wrong about how shit ends up, there's time to argue later with anybody here. And if I'm right, then how much is gained by arguing with anybody here?


(ftr, that's directed at exactly nobody in particular, merely acknowledging the reality that someone who'd prefer I didn't probably exists)

Jon, are you saying you agree with protesting the stricter stay at home orders that Michigan implemented, or that you agree with protesting the stay at home orders in general?

Was on a longer-than-usual-break, only saw this now. Perfectly fair question, I got no issue answering it at all.

Broadly speaking, I oppose virtually all the s.a.h. orders I've seen.

I'm not exponentially more incensed by the Michigan specifics than I am by (for example) the ones that were issued a month ago or whenever it was. There's kind of a ceiling on how mad anybody can get, if you follow me. I've been well into the 90+ percent of capacity from virtually the start so it's not like there's all that much room for me to get madder about it.

I took other comments that he's made over the last few weeks as he and his family were following social distancing, which means he agrees with the orders at least somewhat. The stricter orders could be a step too far...

This probably warrants a little explanation, so I'm gonna attempt that.

2-3 factors play into that "social distancing observance" you noted. Some are known to some of you, some may be entirely unknown, I ain't gonna try to guess which is which so I'll just hit 'em all

1) My wife is an elevated risk category, as a lung cancer survivor. Not because of any immune system issues (she's long since cleared from that kinda stuff) but rather because she has roughly 1.3 lungs left after the surgery that entailed. Pretty much any respiratory ailment for her is an elevated risk, and tougher to get through.

2) My mother-in-law lives just across town from us, she's 91. Hello elevated risk. We put her on lockdown in the early stages of all this mess, have handled her supplies, etc etc etc. She's literally been out of her house past the driveway once in ... two months? ... and that was for a doctor appointment.

*Let me note here that I can't put specific dates on my/our various behaviors cause, well, at this point I do well to figure out what day of the week it is without checking my computer clock, much less tell you dates & such. I'd tell you if I could but not even Googling a timeline let me pin it down very well. Sorry, that's just how it is.

So those two things combined for some "stages" of our behavior. Basically for 2? 3? weeks I handled about 98% of the various outings for food, supplies, etc. I was the lowest risk option available, simple as that.

Which brings me to the third factor which really represents the current stage / change in behavior, whatever you wanna call it

3) There ain't a helluva lot open around here. Athens went fairly hardcore on shuttering places independently of the (eventual) statewide stuff, give or take maybe 3 weeks ahead (the state order actually reduced some of that). A recent change we've made like switching to more delivery / less self-shopping has virtually nothing to do with health concerns and far far more to do with the practical limitations of self-shopping.

With the steady stream of trips I was making, to cover the needs of two households -- I know the Great Toilet Paper Search involved at least 11 stores over a 3 day period before FINALLY hitting the jackpot -- the constant drip-drip-drip of "will it be on the shelves or no" that came with every single turn of the aisle was getting to me.

My stress from that was getting to the level that I was conscious of it getting steadily worse, I was doing it with every item on the list large or small. That, plus the absurd conditions of trying to shop in person right now (Walmart parking lot looks like the last Saturday before Christmas), is why delivery became a higher priority option, not because I had any significant concerns about beer flu.

I think, maybe, that covers the subject about 50x more than anyone ever wanted to know.

But it's a mental health thread, right? Maybe it was ... theraputic for me in some way to actually put it into words, and in sequence. And I don't mean that facetiously. I am, daily, very aware of how little anybody anywhere wants to hear me bitch, since everybody is doing their own version of the same shit. And I'm trying REALLY hard to avoid it, so even talking about this level of detail MAY legit be useful, even if it falls short of cathartic.

Guys, let's not jack the thread. You want to talk about policy or other stuff go somewhere else. This is a place to unload yourself and open up for support from others experiencing the same things.

Well my job is doing interviews and is hiring right now. So that's lifting any worries that I'll be unemployed anytime in the near future.

If you saw my garage door saga, the management finally got back to me. They will refund me $100. Which I am happy with.

Been a good couple days here. Lots of stress relief.

Now onto a game of NCAA14 and then poker with the family again. Good way to end the week.

then poker with the family again.

For money?

Well my job is doing interviews and is hiring right now. So that's lifting any worries that I'll be unemployed anytime in the near future.

What are you hiring for?

This probably warrants a little explanation, so I'm gonna attempt that.

2-3 factors play into that "social distancing observance" you noted. Some are known to some of you, some may be entirely unknown, I ain't gonna try to guess which is which so I'll just hit 'em all

1) My wife is an elevated risk category, as a lung cancer survivor. Not because of any immune system issues (she's long since cleared from that kinda stuff) but rather because she has roughly 1.3 lungs left after the surgery that entailed. Pretty much any respiratory ailment for her is an elevated risk, and tougher to get through.

2) My mother-in-law lives just across town from us, she's 91. Hello elevated risk. We put her on lockdown in the early stages of all this mess, have handled her supplies, etc etc etc. She's literally been out of her house past the driveway once in ... two months? ... and that was for a doctor appointment.

*Let me note here that I can't put specific dates on my/our various behaviors cause, well, at this point I do well to figure out what day of the week it is without checking my computer clock, much less tell you dates & such. I'd tell you if I could but not even Googling a timeline let me pin it down very well. Sorry, that's just how it is.

So those two things combined for some "stages" of our behavior. Basically for 2? 3? weeks I handled about 98% of the various outings for food, supplies, etc. I was the lowest risk option available, simple as that.

Which brings me to the third factor which really represents the current stage / change in behavior, whatever you wanna call it

3) There ain't a helluva lot open around here. Athens went fairly hardcore on shuttering places independently of the (eventual) statewide stuff, give or take maybe 3 weeks ahead (the state order actually reduced some of that). A recent change we've made like switching to more delivery / less self-shopping has virtually nothing to do with health concerns and far far more to do with the practical limitations of self-shopping.

With the steady stream of trips I was making, to cover the needs of two households -- I know the Great Toilet Paper Search involved at least 11 stores over a 3 day period before FINALLY hitting the jackpot -- the constant drip-drip-drip of "will it be on the shelves or no" that came with every single turn of the aisle was getting to me.

My stress from that was getting to the level that I was conscious of it getting steadily worse, I was doing it with every item on the list large or small. That, plus the absurd conditions of trying to shop in person right now (Walmart parking lot looks like the last Saturday before Christmas), is why delivery became a higher priority option, not because I had any significant concerns about beer flu.

I think, maybe, that covers the subject about 50x more than anyone ever wanted to know.

But it's a mental health thread, right? Maybe it was ... theraputic for me in some way to actually put it into words, and in sequence. And I don't mean that facetiously. I am, daily, very aware of how little anybody anywhere wants to hear me bitch, since everybody is doing their own version of the same shit. And I'm trying REALLY hard to avoid it, so even talking about this level of detail MAY legit be useful, even if it falls short of cathartic.

Jon, thanks for sharing. Hopefully, thinking that through and putting it down helped somewhat. I hope you and your family are able to come through this healthy. Feel free to share and vent when needed. If you don't want to post, feel free to PM me.

This bullshit that we're going through is, well, bullshit. As much as I know this is helping keep my family safe, I'm not happy about it at all. Never thought one of the biggest accomplishments of my day would be successfully securing toilet paper, having a good line on liquid soap, and being ready to cut my boys' hair.

But, here I am, watching cartoons with my kids. Looking forward to when I can watch some sports. Even the NBA2K20, FIFA 20, and NBA HORSE airings have been enjoyable these days.

For money?

No, for fun. But my Dad keeps asking for a check for his winnings. :)

What are you hiring for?

I work for a window maker and under Ohio law we are an essential business, for now. We just did a bunch of interviews for production and warehouse people.

I really do not know what isnt an essential business besides restaurants, bars hair cut places and nail places. Everything else seems to be running business as usual.

I really do not know what isnt an essential business besides restaurants, bars hair cut places and nail places. Everything else seems to be running business as usual.

Needing a haircut soon.

I'm not enjoying day by day. I find myself wishing to fast forward 3-4-5 months ahead where we are in the new-normal or well on the way in our transition-to-a-new-normal.

Anyone else feel this way?

We need Green Day to sing "Wake me up when Corona ends"

We need Green Day to sing "Wake me up when Corona ends"

welcome to paradise should do it

hmmmm basket case, longview...american idiot...,all these work...just play all green day

I broke down and cut my hair with clippers last weekend. It went better than I expected.

I'm not enjoying day by day. I find myself wishing to fast forward 3-4-5 months ahead where we are in the new-normal or well on the way in our transition-to-a-new-normal.

Anyone else feel this way?

My description of that has been "does anyone make a coma-at-home kit?"

I'm entirely "wake me when this is over ... or just don't wake me" mode

I broke down and cut my hair with clippers last weekend. It went better than I expected.

We still have the clippers when my wife did my son's hair. She'll be doing mine soon.

We shaved my head a few weeks ago then recorded my kids reaction. Currently I am in talks with Americans funniest home videos. Not kidding.

We shaved my head a few weeks ago then recorded my kids reaction. Currently I am in talks with Americans funniest home videos. Not kidding.

Nice.

My Sharona ... Bye Corona

See video at approx 1min and 3min. Not that great but cute I guess.

The Knack debut coronavirus-themed 'My Sharona' parody video (https://nypost.com/2020/03/26/the-knack-debut-coronavirus-themed-my-sharona-parody-video/)
https://youtu.be/LjDidfSc52c

Too bad the singer died in 2010. Love that solo.

Misc musings ...

Saw a neighbor outside getting his grill ready. I wish I had picked up a Weber gas grill during the BF period. Maybe July 4 sales.

Did my grocery run from Kroger Saturday. Wife picked up from Walmart on Sun. So we are pretty stocked up again.

Ordered pick-up from a local Mediterranean place on Sat. Zapped the food.

Had a blueberry pie and ice cream tonight. A nice splurge and change of pace.

Not much on Netflix or Prime that I hadn't already passed on first time around. I'm kinda disappointed that streaming has greatly expanded their offerings. I am getting some free trial channels on Sling which are worthless.

Its been about 3 weeks since GA went stay-at-home. We were practicing it at least 2 weeks before so it's been 5 weeks like this now.

Misc musings ...

Saw a neighbor outside getting his grill ready. I wish I had picked up a Weber gas grill during the BF period. Maybe July 4 sales.


.

Grilling every chance I get. Just scheduled our pool guy to open up on May 9th. Cant wait to grill on the deck with the kids in the pool. Will almost feel normal

Today I have been infected with New Wave

My main symptomis that it makes me Shout.,..Shout...let it all out.,..

I'm doing quite well now - this week's family Zoom went better than expected and almost everyone was there, got most of the stuff I needed to do done on the vehicle for my new job (exhaust + battery + getting rid of all the junk I had in it) which it looks like I'll be starting middle-end next week, so I'm basically just anxious to be doing something more useful and only a few more days till that happens if all goes according to plan.

Tensions are still fairly high in my area, even among the more laid-back, apolitical people in normal times. It's going to be real interesting to see how people react to whatever happens closer to the end of the month.

Today I have been infected with New Wave

My main symptom is that it makes me Shout.,..Shout...let it all out.,..

Consult your physician.

;)

Consult your physician.

;)

I tried...they threw me out for making so much noise...:(

I tried...they threw me out for making so much noise...:(

Well, that isn't a situation where they can be too careful. Definitely can't have that spreading :lol:

Or maybe it was because when they asked for my symptoms I shouting "Doctor, Doctor, give me the news I got a bad case of loving you!"

Then I said "Doctor, Doctor, can't you see I'm burning burning..."

and they gave me a prescription for penicillun

Grilling every chance I get. Just scheduled our pool guy to open up on May 9th. Cant wait to grill on the deck with the kids in the pool. Will almost feel normal

Gas or charcoal? And what grill do you have?

I'm targetting a Weber e310 which has gotten down to $240 but more regularly on sale for like $350.

Gas or charcoal? And what grill do you have?

I'm targetting a Weber e310 which has gotten down to $240 but more regularly on sale for like $350.

Its a gas. Weber Genesis Silver. Have had it for years.

I have been grilling all year. I never stop. Did Brats and hot dogs last night. Pork chops tonight.

I go a weber gas grill last Fathers day. Makes life so much easier and the taste is not much different than a charcoal, but it is so much easier.

Our plan for the summer was to put in an outdoor kitchen but we tabled that until next year. Probably won't be doing much entertaining

I am a charcoal snob. I would love to have an outdoor wood pit and wood-fire stove. The Green Eggs look interesting as well, but not for the money.

You could always get something like a Traeger.

You could always get something like a Traeger.


Been tempted. There is a place near my work that sells out of stock/overstock/dented items, mostly outdoor stuff. They have had some pretty solid deals on some Traegers, and some Traeger like pellet grills. I have been tempted, but I just bought a barrel grill from there last year, and I can't justify the extravagance.

Im more tired and emotional than Ive ever been. Is it age or this virus. Im tearing up at the clap at 7 commercial for goodness sakes. I went to bed at 10 last night and could have slept until 9.

I did work hard yesterday filling in crack on my patio and walking 3 miles, but shoot, enen when Im not physically active Im tired.

But the tearing up shit is weird. This is a new.

Am I getting old?

I tend to wake up between 2 and 3 a.m., and my mind usually starts going on one thing or another (although usually not directly related to the virus situation). I've found that the way I can get back to sleep is to put on a YouTube video of a Sunday Night Football game. Listening to the announcers allows me to get away from whatever is on my mind and eventually fall back asleep.

Im more tired and emotional than Ive ever been. Is it age or this virus. Im tearing up at the clap at 7 commercial for goodness sakes. I went to bed at 10 last night and could have slept until 9.

I did work hard yesterday filling in crack on my patio and walking 3 miles, but shoot, enen when Im not physically active Im tired.

But the tearing up shit is weird. This is a new.

Am I getting old?

Things are fucked up right now.

If you weren't having an emotional reaction, I'd consider it weird.

A couple of weeks ago, I looked at my 6th grader's school schedule (what he would have been doing this quarter) and started crying.

Im more tired and emotional than Ive ever been. Is it age or this virus. Im tearing up at the clap at 7 commercial for goodness sakes. I went to bed at 10 last night and could have slept until 9.

I did work hard yesterday filling in crack on my patio and walking 3 miles, but shoot, enen when Im not physically active Im tired.

But the tearing up shit is weird. This is a new.

Am I getting old?

A) Obvious answer. Yes, you are getting older.

B) The epidemic is a thing that probably should affect all of us emotionally in the short term if not the long term.

I tend to wake up between 2 and 3 a.m.

I've literally gone through two full sleep cycles during this shit. What I mean is that it's "normal" for me to get my sleep turned around (days become nights & vice versa) when the kid is home.

For decades now my sleep tends to be in phases with a 1-2 hr "nap" somewhere in a 24 hr span, then a 4'ish hour "sleep". I've now wrapped around the clock with where those fall twice.

Last night was "early" full sleep at like 330a-8a, so I'm now dying for a nap while waiting for the Instacart delivery.

Im more tired and emotional than Ive ever been. Is it age or this virus. Im tearing up at the clap at 7 commercial for goodness sakes. I went to bed at 10 last night and could have slept until 9.

I did work hard yesterday filling in crack on my patio and walking 3 miles, but shoot, enen when Im not physically active Im tired.

But the tearing up shit is weird. This is a new.

Am I getting old?

These are all typical symptoms of depression, FWIW.

Things are fucked up right now.

If you weren't having an emotional reaction, I'd consider it weird.

Well, I guess my gig is up. I'm the psychological oddball.

I've been more or less feeling like this is summer, only I've been teleworking.

1. Son is home, and he is back to his schedule of sleeping until 4PM most days then staying up until 4-5AM, spending most of that time on the computer.

2. My daughter has "school" but it's her senior year and three out of four classes are filler anyway. Calc is the only real one, that's pass/fail, and she's already into college. So, essentially summer.

3. My wife is still working three nights a week.

We seldom went to church (everybody's schedules, differing beliefs). Don't do much with neighbors, don't really have local friends. (My wife is part of a ladies' group and I have band booster duties, but honestly skipping those for both of us is a relief.)

If anything, I feel like everyone is making out like they have all this bonus free time and outside of not having to commute, I'm not seeing that. But, I'm still gainfully employed so I'll take it.

I'll say though, I think I will quite enjoy retirement. Lots of stuff I'd like to do. Mostly by myself.


edit: Right, family. Dad's in Thailand, haven't seen for ten years and will probably never see again. Mom's in PA, see her a couple times a year. See my brother every few years. A couple of aunts and a cousin and that's pretty much it. Wife's folks are in FL, I've skipped the last couple of trips down there (fewer vaca days at this job, less will to want to sit through Fox News). Sister lives in NoVa, but they're busy and their kids are grown.

Essentially, other than work I've been living with in-person social isolation for 20 years. Probably why I'm so dogged with sticking around online forums.

I've been more or less feeling like this is summer, only I've been teleworking.

Aside from the work part, you did a helluva job describing my life through this awfully well.

Especially #1 (except we're seeing daybreak most 'nights') and the "in-person social isolation (I see actual people during HS football season but that's mostly the only time)

So, if nothing else, you're definitely not alone.

I'm doing good. Wish it was over and we're able to travel, shop etc. Many have it worse than me so can't complain.

Heard some job/group related news. Based on what was said, I won't have to worry about losing my job anytime soon. I wasn't really worried but good to get some reaffirmation.

GA is opening up. We'll stay with the stay-at-home for at least a couple more weeks and see how it goes (I don't need a haircut that bad). Nevertheless, I am glad to see some action in the right direction, I hope it doesn't cause a spike.

School is almost done for my wife (teacher) and senior daughter. Having them start the "summer" will reduce some stress levels in the house.

Got my stimulus check. Got an okay from wife to spend it on a new laptop so waiting for new models to show up and planning on the July 4 sales.

Two weekends ago, I went to Kroger and found pretty much everything except for hand sanitizer. There was toilet paper, paper towels, bread flour etc. This past Sun, I went a 8am and again found everything except for hand sanitizer. So my sense is the supply chain is catching up (but am slightly worried about recent news about meat places closing up).

And finally, although deaths are still in the 1,000+ they have come down from the 2,000+ just a week or so ago. So some optimism there.

Essentially, other than work I've been living with in-person social isolation for 20 years. Probably why I'm so dogged with sticking around online forums.

I'm a bit like this. Since we moved away from Chicago to Connecticut 12ish years ago, all of my college friends live in other parts of the country. I'm no longer in contact with any high school or earlier friends, aside from very occasional Facebook interaction. I have no local friends, aside from my wife's family and my coworkers (who I'm friendly with but who I don't do anything with outside of work). Turns out it is hard to make friends as an adult introvert. So, yeah, FOFC represents most of my male interaction in life.

I'm a bit like this. Since we moved away from Chicago to Connecticut 12ish years ago, all of my college friends live in other parts of the country. I'm no longer in contact with any high school or earlier friends, aside from very occasional Facebook interaction. I have no local friends, aside from my wife's family and my coworkers (who I'm friendly with but who I don't do anything with outside of work). Turns out it is hard to make friends as an adult introvert. So, yeah, FOFC represents most of my male interaction in life.

God you sound exactly like me.

I'm a deep/serious thoughtful friend person. I don't really go for lots of very loosely connected, superficial friends, and I've found myself pulling away from people who aren't willing to give me that. I've tried opening up to some new people and put myself out there, but something always ends up in the way and I get ghosted. So I don't really try anymore. I moved in highschool in my soph year. I have couple times a year contact with my best friend as a kid, but he's the only one from my first 13 years, and limited FB contact from my HS years, but no one close. No friends from college. My aviation friends are scattered to the wind and even the ones who live close are living their own lives on a different timeline. I vacillate between needing friends and pushing people away by doing my own thing. That does weigh on me at times.

Even with all this. At times it's been great. No responsibilities, our boys are nearly grown and can handle themselves. I'm still getting paid for now. But it's that last part that is weighing out the hardest. This week, with no notice, the company announced that the entire fleet of 757/767 across the company was grounded for May. Last minute. This is the ripple before the storm. Last night, we got word that the company is preparing for a years long restructuring and that it will be a smaller company going forward (meaning in no uncertain terms that people will be losing their jobs), and that entire fleets may disappear from the company. We're looking at multiple displacement bids (meaning that in a seniority based system, when a fleet gets removed, all those pilots bid for new seats at whatever their seniority will allow) and then it will shuffle down the ranks and people at the bottom will be unemployed. Those things can last for a few months to years, and just like that, the great aviation job shortage of 2020 and beyond just disappeared. The only silver lining here, that we didn't have previously was that there's a LOT of retirements on the schedule the next 10 years, and they will help the sooner they go. I'm guessing that the company will have some buyouts on the horizon for them to gtfo. I do have (nearly) 7 years of service under my belt and I'm sitting around the 30% percentile in seniority, which is (was?) nearly 4,000 pilots. That's a staggering amount, but I don't think it'll be enough to see me safe.

I head back to training in late-mid May and then who knows? As a commuter, there is no simple way for me to get to work anymore. As of earlier this year most days had between 7-9 direct flights to Newark a day to cover my schedule. Now, there are none. All flights to Newark now either go via Chicago, or DC. Meaning that even if I wanted, I can't get to Newark until about 3 in the afternoon. I don't know. It's really one of those things I have no control over right now, but it's still weighing heavily.

My Mom is still hanging in there. I've been video chatting with her at least once a week. She's not being productive at all, and she really should be. She does recognize that she's a very high risk and said she's going to be cautious even after things start to open back up again. She's taking the bad news about our cat really hard, especially after having had him there for 10 days pet sitting.

If you made it this far, thanks. I'm up and down, and all around. The time with my boys has been outstanding and tiring. I want to do things with them, but I miss having my own down time too. In a house with 5 adults who get along, we have managed very well to be together and give one another space. We're privileged enough to be able to have some of these amenities that make life easier for everyone here. The Mrs and I went on a picnic yesterday in the nice weather, just the two of us. We really needed to get away, if even only for a couple hours. The droning monotony of the day was actually hurting our relationship. We needed some time to connect again.

I'm sharing all this, mostly just to get it off my chest, but because I also know what a healthy life looks like (instead of my own, Ice Cream and French Onion Dip body). I don't mind listening if anyone else out there, just needs an ear. Besides, my therapist said she's not seeing anyone in person for a while, so there's that. LOL!

We are living in a time of great uncertainty. When you throw possible job implications into the picture, it makes it all the worse. Hang in there Pilotman.

My 15-year-old son is a total hermit playing games and watching TV alone in his cave downstairs. Now my 11-year-old daughter spends all her free time online with friends playing Roblox and stuff like that. Not much time left to do stuff with Dad. Which hurts, because I've always been her favorite. It sucks getting pushed out, especially when she has most of the workday to do stuff with her friends. Let's go throw the football around in the yard or work on our Lego Millennium Falcon, sweetie. The years left with you at home are quickly draining away...

Actually tearing up just typing that.

Turns out it is hard to make friends as an adult introvert. So, yeah, FOFC represents most of my male interaction in life.

I hear ya.

We are living in a time of great uncertainty. When you throw possible job implications into the picture, it makes it all the worse. Hang in there Pilotman.

My 15-year-old son is a total hermit playing games and watching TV alone in his cave downstairs. Now my 11-year-old daughter spends all her free time online with friends playing Roblox and stuff like that. Not much time left to do stuff with Dad. Which hurts, because I've always been her favorite. It sucks getting pushed out, especially when she has most of the workday to do stuff with her friends. Let's go throw the football around in the yard or work on our Lego Millennium Falcon, sweetie. The years left with you at home are quickly draining away...

Actually tearing up just typing that.

Lots of Roblox happening here with my 7 and 10 year old. They will call friends on kids messenger then all play Roblux together. It is hilarious to listen to them play the hunger games or whatever.

I feel mostly ok. Miss arbitrary things like baseball, seeing friends, etc...but I also don't miss running around to gymnastics, karate, soccer, etc...We thankfully don't have to worry about job security. It has gotten eassy to get food etc..online.

One pattern I have fallen in to is wrapping up schooling around 1:00 then taking a nap around 2 while the kids play on ipads, etc..Often I am not even tired, I just feel like napping. Yesterday my wife woke me up at 6 wondering about dinner. I think it's maybe just my way of mentally shutting down for a while.

Hopefully somebody here will get a laugh out of this besides me. Those of you using shopping services, this is not how you do it.

My second delivery today was somebody who put in an address and phone number not their own. Since nobody is accepting returns, I just have a bunch of groceries now. Bacon, pork loins, onions, spaghetti, pasta sauce, eggs, milk, salad … almost all of it stuff that I will use. I'm not getting groceries for a while longer than I usually would. Normally it would just be a loss for the platform -- but the order was prepaid. Nobody, including the support system, can get ahold of them or figure out what's going on.

If you're going to scam somebody, you don't do it by paying for a fake order ahead of time. What do I do now, thank them for being an idiot? If you're going to scam somebody, do it right. Don't do it in a way that mostly just rips yourself off.

LOL.

I am trying to figure out what the scam is?

Somebody signed into an account that they use to order for multiple addresses choosing the wrong one? I have like 6 or 7 saved on my amazon account and I’ve accidentally ordered things to my mother in laws house on multiple platforms because we order her stuff all the time due to the fact she’s completely computer illiterate

You should watch John Krasinkis SGN. Always good stuff going on and he is doing a great job of highlighting them. Never fails to bring a tear to my eye.

Some days I feel like I am starting to flounder. Monday was a bad work day. A couple people being idiots within about 30 minutes of each other really fucked my day. I was swinging back and forth from mad to sad the rest of the day.

Wife cut my hair today with clippers & scissors she used on my son when he was a kid. Didn't turn out half bad.

The mall that has the hair salon I go to is supposed to open this Fri. I think I'll make an appt on May 16. Hopefully we'll know how things are trending with the GA experiment then.

A couple of activities that the family and I have been doing over the past couple of weeks to break things up and to do an activity together are putting together jigsaw puzzles from Springbok Puzzles and Architecture sets from Lego.

So far, we've done San Fran and Las Vegas with Lego and a 500 piece donut jigsaw puzzle, with a kitten puzzle and Paris on deck. The nice things about Springbok are they're based in KC, Missouri and their pieces are unique across the puzzle. Definitely was a change from the standard shapes most puzzle are cut in.

Not a good day today. Seven years to the day that I got the hired call for my company, my literal dream come true, I got the strongest signal yet that I'll be furloughed in October. The company announced bids today that result in a 30% reduction in staffing, effective the end of June. I sit at 71.2% company wide. There could be some early retirements, and guys who take voluntary leaves, but the company also said this is just the first round. So even if this one slips past me, the next one will not. I am simply numb today.

There are 3755 pilots between me and the back of the line, another 600 will retire in the next 18 months. But even with all that the numbers aren't there. They're talking about deeper cuts. Basically, whatever level of flying they can support, they'll cut to that level. So if it's half, they're prepared to dump half. More if necessary. That could take years and years to staff back up to where it was earlier this year. The company can only really train 1000 pilots a year off the street. Guys who were hired this year could be on the street who knows how long? I have no clue what's next.

Really sorry my friend

Genuinely sucks PilotMan, and I wish I had a clue of what to say that'd be worth a damn to improve it :(

Damn, that terrible PM. I'm sorry to hear it :(


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Sorry to hear. Pretty shitty to have to deal with job worries in addition to all the other crap that is happening.

Sorry to hear PM Should I avoid flying because of this?

Hopefully somebody here will get a laugh out of this besides me. Those of you using shopping services, this is not how you do it.

My second delivery today was somebody who put in an address and phone number not their own. Since nobody is accepting returns, I just have a bunch of groceries now. Bacon, pork loins, onions, spaghetti, pasta sauce, eggs, milk, salad … almost all of it stuff that I will use. I'm not getting groceries for a while longer than I usually would. Normally it would just be a loss for the platform -- but the order was prepaid. Nobody, including the support system, can get ahold of them or figure out what's going on.

If you're going to scam somebody, you don't do it by paying for a fake order ahead of time. What do I do now, thank them for being an idiot? If you're going to scam somebody, do it right. Don't do it in a way that mostly just rips yourself off.

My friend got 12 bottles of (cheap)wine the other day. It's likely that the person ordered to the wrong address or something. free food is a great fringe benefit obviously.

Not a good day today. Seven years to the day that I got the hired call for my company, my literal dream come true, I got the strongest signal yet that I'll be furloughed in October. The company announced bids today that result in a 30% reduction in staffing, effective the end of June. I sit at 71.2% company wide. There could be some early retirements, and guys who take voluntary leaves, but the company also said this is just the first round. So even if this one slips past me, the next one will not. I am simply numb today.

There are 3755 pilots between me and the back of the line, another 600 will retire in the next 18 months. But even with all that the numbers aren't there. They're talking about deeper cuts. Basically, whatever level of flying they can support, they'll cut to that level. So if it's half, they're prepared to dump half. More if necessary. That could take years and years to staff back up to where it was earlier this year. The company can only really train 1000 pilots a year off the street. Guys who were hired this year could be on the street who knows how long? I have no clue what's next.

Sorry to hear that PM.

Is the furlough scheme in the US similar to here, in that you are guaranteed a percentage of salary up, to a maximum level?

Sorry to hear this PM.

Wishing you the best of luck moving forward.

Sorry to hear that PM.

Is the furlough scheme in the US similar to here, in that you are guaranteed a percentage of salary up, to a maximum level?

No, there is no protection here. Basically, I will keep my place in line at the airline, and if say, the date of furlough is Oct 1, which I expect it will be, then on that date I will no longer be employed by them, and I'll be just like the other 33 million people waiting in line at unemployment, losing my family health insurance, life insurance, etc. Some furloughs can last months, some years. There's no guarantee you'll come back, but everyone who has ever been furloughed in aviation has always had a chance at some point. There might be other opportunities along the way that change things, but that is the reality that I know at this point in time.

:( Ouch, that’s rough. Try to stay positive, and maybe follow the example of one of your nemeses in Brian Swartz and look for outside the box opportunities?

I have to say in all fairness it's a lot easier for me. I'm not supporting a family and before the pandemic I made less than 20% above minimum wage. I wasn't an airplane pilot, to put it mildly.

Definitely encouraging alternative solutions for anyone who can find them, but on my side I've informed my former employer that I won't be coming back. For me it's ending up a straight upgrade in career. For others … that won't be so easy to come by.

I can't really vent this anywhere else safely, so you're stuck with it:

Being adopted led to me "inheriting" an awful lot of relatives that are dumb as @#$^#% fenceposts.

Under the current stress load, that makes social media like walking through a minefield ... especially given that I'm regularly in the mood to just throw rocks at any mines I see.

I can't really vent this anywhere else safely, so you're stuck with it:

Being adopted led to me "inheriting" an awful lot of relatives that are dumb as @#$^#% fenceposts.

Under the current stress load, that makes social media like walking through a minefield ... especially given that I'm regularly in the mood to just throw rocks at any mines I see.

*pat pats*

Yeah that's tough.

I have kept myself from posting on walls of dumb piece of shit posts from FB friends.

In the end I just post things I believe and like on my own wall and not woory about what other people think about that. If they wanna unfriend me they are welcome to.

I've unfriended some just because they never talk to me and when I DO see their posts it makes me unhappy. There is no point in adding stress/unhappiness in my life when there is already plenty

Putting this in mental health thread (pulling from my personal FB) cause, by God, this was easily one of the best mental health boosts I've had in quite a while.

Nothing but high marks from me for Texas Roadhouse on their first day returning to seated customers.

Amazing job from start to finish, as close to a "normal" experience as I imagine is possible. From the people coming up with their procedures to the boots on the ground executing those plans, a standing ovation wouldn't be overdoing it.

Considering what absolute disasters two previous (just takeout) "day ones" had been, this might not be transformative but it sure was good to have a positive experience for a change.

Putting this in mental health thread (pulling from my personal FB) cause, by God, this was easily one of the best mental health boosts I've had in quite a while.



Considering what absolute disasters two previous (just takeout) "day ones" had been, this might not be transformative but it sure was good to have a positive experience for a change.

now if only they could actually make a steak that didn't taste and feel like the bottom of a shoe

now if only they could actually make a steak that didn't taste and feel like the bottom of a show

They're reasonable solid here, on par with anyone else in the tier below Longhorn/Outback.

They're reasonable solid here, on par with anyone else in the tier below Longhorn/Outback.

I'm in the midwest which gets all the other states' food rejects...

Down to 9 rolls of toilet paper, so I decided to go online to see how Amazon was doing. 48 roles of Seventh Generation T.P. for $30. Well that's cheaper than the local Kroger (which apparently did not have an Cottonelle and no substitutes during pickup). And it can be delivered by a week from Wednesday? Sold!

That's way more TP than we'll need, but I guess better to have some in spare.

Here in the Lehigh Valley, I think we've gotten a little lazy.

The warm weather was nice, I did yard work, killed a hornet's nest, and the boys and I enjoyed the hot tub on the deck.

Now the cold is settling in again.

The teens are finishing up freshman semester (I say teens because my daughter and girlfriend have been living with us - fortunately the house is big enough to accommodate).

We are fully stocked and have plenty of TP. The internet hasn't gotten too jumpy with four laptops, and Ipad and tv on (we only have netflex, hulu and amazon prime).

The boys at 8 and 4 are a little friend deprived, but have managed well.

I work 2 to 3 days a week on-site and the rest remote, it's been nice, my commute is 9 miles as it is, so that hasn't been an issue and frankly I want to be seen and heard so if there are cuts I get some credit for being there.

Wife is having a tougher time, and I haven't been great with her with handling it.

In the end, I'm good and hope the rest of the family handles it as best they can.

Saw someone on my towns facebook page claiming we have to reopen because all the suicides that will happen are going to be worse than the virus. Now I would never ever minimize suicide or anyone struggling with mental health issues, my BIL committed suicide and I helped raise my niece and nephews from the time they were 2. I full well know the effects. That being said we are approaching 70K Covid deaths. There is zero chance we are even close to that many suicides caused by shelter in place.

There is zero chance we are even close to that many suicides caused by shelter in place.

The fairly long-standing expectation is that for every 1% rise in unemployment, there is a roughly corresponding 1% rise in suicides.

If the restrictions lead to the 20-30 unemployment rate that some predict, that would equate to a five figure increase in suicides alone.

And the associated deaths from unemployment increases - which include a significant increase in heart attack deaths and homicides - is close to 40,000 _per each additional percent of unemployment_. (“Corporate Flight: The Causes and Consequences of Economic Dislocation” by Barry Bluestone, Bennett Harrison and Lawrence Baker")

So yes, the deaths via "cure" are quite likely to dwarf the virus itself.

The fairly long-standing expectation is that for every 1% rise in unemployment, there is a roughly corresponding 1% rise in suicides.

If the restrictions lead to the 20-30 unemployment rate that some predict, that would equate to a five figure increase in suicides alone.

And the associated deaths from unemployment increases - which include a significant increase in heart attack deaths and homicides - is close to 40,000 _per each additional percent of unemployment_. (“Corporate Flight: The Causes and Consequences of Economic Dislocation” by Barry Bluestone, Bennett Harrison and Lawrence Baker")

So yes, the deaths via "cure" are quite likely to dwarf the virus itself.

and what about the people who suffer mental health issues from losing loved ones they wouldn't have lost had we not reopened? Not to mention the tens of thousands that we will lose from reopening?

I mean, is anyone actively denying reopening won't cost more lives? Most of the arguments I see are we have to accept a certain casualty rate.

I mean, is anyone actively denying reopening won't cost more lives?

Depends upon what sources you find credible I suppose. I'll simply say that, yes, some of us fervently believe that the cost has already exceeded any supposed benefit and that every day's delay is costing even more lives in the long run.

And I think we should probably leave it there in this thread, rather than continue with a derailment that neither of us intended. Do as you will, but on this sub-topic, I'm gonna bail. Nothing personal, I just feel like I've hit my comfort level for playing a part in sending this thread off the rails.

There are days where normal is almost reachable.

This is not one of them.

Just kinda out of it mentally, didn't eat much except a handful of chex mix throughout the day (not physically sick, but no energy etcetera), and my brain decided that it was time for one of those super extra-fun-dreams. With death and destruction on a level that Wes Craven would go "Ok, that's a bit much", to the point of absurdity.

Then the hours afterwards where you're trying to sleep and telling your brain "Don't take me back into that nightmare", and the brain shrugs and says "Well, that's all I had for you. NO SLEEP FOR YOU"

Hang in there, Fozzie I've found that putting a football game on in the background allows me to distract myself to sleep. Might be worth a try for you.

My wife got into the habit of putting Disney movies on. You know them already, you won't watch them. They rarely have loud noises, aren't scary, and provide some sort of comfort. She's gone through Moana, Frozen, Happy Feet, Bedtime Stories, Hercules and the Secret Life of Pets. I love the first Wreck it Ralph. John C Reilly's voice is very soothing to me.

I'm pulling for you Foz. Today's a bad day for me too. I'm smoking a pork shoulder, which is normally one of my favorite things to do, but I can't seem to find anything to put a smile on my face today.

Hang in there, Fozzie I've found that putting a football game on in the background allows me to distract myself to sleep. Might be worth a try for you.

I've used episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000 to go to sleep. May I recommend the episode that features a German production of "Hamlet".

I used to fall asleep to the TV every night. Sportscenter, a late game, whatever. Since this started I haven't once put the TV on when I sleep.

What happens to me is I wake up, my mind starts working on something, and then I move to the family room and put on a game. It usually works pretty quickly. I try to choose soothing announcers over, say, the current MNF team. Al Michaels/Cris Collinsworth is the best for me.

When I have difficulty sleeping, I just drink whisky/gin while watching TV or playing the early turns in Civ 6.

To fall aslepp, I put a comedy special on my ipad. Put one ear phone in and turn on the side I like to sleep.

If I struggle to fall asleep the comedy is a great distraction. And I love comedy.

netflix and Prime have tons of specials. They are an hour long, so you know if you havent slept and its time to walk a bit. But I havent gotten that far very often if ever.

Comedy is the great insomnia helper.

Good luck Foz.

Thanks, doing a bit better now. Of course, this means I start my day at 6:00 Pm but that is somewhat close to normal for me :P

dola:

I used to only be able to sleep if a game was on. It would distract my mind from the process of actually falling asleep.

Over the last few years, I somehow transitioned to needing complete silence/dark around me to fall asleep. The problem is that my mind still wants to run during that time, and when you're fighting off recent/vivid dreams/nightmares it's got a lot of fuel to run on.

To use a nautical example, I need a calm placid sea to fall asleep. What I was dealing with was the after effects of a virtual hurricane (the nightmare) still causing choppy waters)

I found something similar with the silence, but found that it was more of a familiarity and routine I was after (as an ex-metalhead I also have a bit of tinnitus)

I ended up getting a unit that isn’t an alarm clock, but just mimics the sounds of a fan (bear with me here!) which gives a constant background noise to drown out unexpected outside influences, which ultimately becomes a soothing sound to fall asleep to, and somehow eases the tinnitus too.

Maybe worth a look?

I have bad tinnitus. Constant ringing. There is a great app called calm that helps a lot. I recommend anyone checking it out.

When I have difficulty sleeping, I just drink whisky/gin while watching TV or playing the early turns in Civ 6.

I do this also. I find if I go to sleep when my wife does, between ten and eleven I am fine. If I stay up past her I end up playing online poker and drinking way more until 2AM. Then I feel like hell the next day.

Can sympathize with this Foz - had the first serious nightmare and mostly sleepless night I've had in a very long time last weekend, followed up by a semi rough night with smaller episodes the night after. The first night was so bad I ended up with a stress migraine that I couldn't get rid of with any painkiller in the house for most of the next day.

They are usually pretty few and far between for me (like every couple years at most), but this situation clearly hasn't helped. I'm NDA'd for a pretty impactful project at work and even though I'm not remotely stressed about it, that was apparently enough nightmare fuel in the current situation to allow my brain to get to work.

This is a link to the thing I use just in case of interest to anyone else

Sleep Sound and White Noise Machines - Sound of Sleep (https://www.soundofsleep.com/)

I actually use the sound of my computer (fan) as white noise. But yeah, probably a sleep machine would use less electricity :)

Well last night was weird. Fell asleep around 1030p, woke up (minus one brief interruption around midnight) at about 830a. That's rare stuff for me.

I completely lost my shit on my son over a blueberry waffle this morning, so yeah, things going well over here.

I completely lost my shit on my son over a blueberry waffle this morning, so yeah, things going well over here.

It happens. To damned near everybody.

For me it was the cat who tried to trip me three times in a matter of about five minutes Wednesday.

Cats just love to get under your feet, or right behind you when you're reaching up into a cabinet.

Cats just love to get under your feet, or right behind you when you're reaching up into a cabinet.

Mine does NOT understand that my balance isn't what it used to be, and has been trying to kill me for several years now.

And the feeling of "almostfallingohshitwhewthatwasclose" gets kinda old after a while.

It's like they were trained by people that run out in front of cars for the insurance money

Ain't necessarily 'mental health' but in Atlanta, the low temps for tonight and tomorrow is 40F, which is a complete WTF for May 8th.

Ain't necessarily 'mental health' but in Atlanta, the low temps for tonight and tomorrow is 40F, which is a complete WTF for May 8th.

I saw there may be significant snowfall for parts in NE

Just got an email from the state organization i am a member of. They are saying that schools may be cancelling PE and Band programs next year.

That means I could be out of a job. Just what i need, more stress in my life.

Is this over yet?

luckily I found some wood pellets for my burner cause it’s supposed to be in the 30s all day

Today was a pretty good day. I was part of a group that put on two “graduation” ceremonies for seniors from the local high school. One for our subdivision and one for the subdivision next door. We had a total of 104 kids that took part. They got to don their cap and gowns, walk across a portable stage to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance, received a “diploma” from a member of the school board, and get some professional photos done with their families. Those that attended seemed to enjoy themselves. It was really cool to see the kids cheering for each other as their names were called to walk the stage.

feeling :( today :(

why won't it stop :(

Finally successfully got some takeout from a Thai restaurant. It's been 5-6 weeks since we've eaten from an asian restaurant and it was great.

We have tried to order a couple times from asian restaurants before but they were either closed or phone kept on ringing (e.g. probably didn't know/want to setup with GrubHub).

mmmmmmmmmmmm thai

Max Power ALWAYS eats Thai food!

Just posted in the summer plans thread, but decided to post here as well. Not that we expected otherwise, but Monday and Tuesday brought a deluge of cancellations for summer plans. Again, none of this was unexpected, but I think the rapid fire emails about this cancellation and that cancellation has me down today.

I've seen various & sundry people mention the added stress that social media seems to be causing them, so I'm gonna share a thought fwiw: it's okay to take a day off.

Yesterday turned out to be largely disconnected from the world outside my batcave. With only a couple of exceptions to let friends vent about their own situations, I basically played Stellaris for 12 hours.

And that's okay.

We have to make sure we give ourselves permission to take those breaks (even if I have been dealing today with a literal stranger bitching at me cause I failed to update my weekly spotify playlist in a fashion timely enough to suit him)

I've seen various & sundry people mention the added stress that social media seems to be causing them, so I'm gonna share a thought fwiw: it's okay to take a day off.

Yesterday turned out to be largely disconnected from the world outside my batcave. With only a couple of exceptions to let friends vent about their own situations, I basically played Stellaris for 12 hours.

And that's okay.

We have to make sure we give ourselves permission to take those breaks (even if I have been dealing today with a literal stranger bitching at me cause I failed to update my weekly spotify playlist in a fashion timely enough to suit him)

Well said and it probably needs to be repeated a bit more often. If it is possible for you to avoid social media, take the opportunity to do so.

I've seen various & sundry people mention the added stress that social media seems to be causing them, so I'm gonna share a thought fwiw: it's okay to take a day off.

Yesterday turned out to be largely disconnected from the world outside my batcave. With only a couple of exceptions to let friends vent about their own situations, I basically played Stellaris for 12 hours.

And that's okay.

We have to make sure we give ourselves permission to take those breaks (even if I have been dealing today with a literal stranger bitching at me cause I failed to update my weekly spotify playlist in a fashion timely enough to suit him)

I never watch the news or go to web sites about the news or visit the Trump thread or Covid thread here on the weekends. I just shut it out. Dont need it dont want it.

Well said and it probably needs to be repeated a bit more often. If it is possible for you to avoid social media, take the opportunity to do so.

And nobody is saying you have to, which also gets lost in the shuffle whenever someone says some version of what we're saying (not here, but I see that overdone message a lot on, ironically, social media).

Just if you need to do it, or even want to do it, it's okay.

Hell, it's really the same message we probably oughta repeat more often without waiting for any sort of dramatic crisis: self-care is okay. Do what you need to do for yourself.

It's okay to be on whatever platform as much as you want if you need that.
It's okay to be off whatever platform as much as you want if you need that.

I've seen various & sundry people mention the added stress that social media seems to be causing them, so I'm gonna share a thought fwiw: it's okay to take a day off.

Yesterday turned out to be largely disconnected from the world outside my batcave. With only a couple of exceptions to let friends vent about their own situations, I basically played Stellaris for 12 hours.

And that's okay.

We have to make sure we give ourselves permission to take those breaks (even if I have been dealing today with a literal stranger bitching at me cause I failed to update my weekly spotify playlist in a fashion timely enough to suit him)

I fired up Classic WOW and really enjoying it so far. Keeps me from blindly surfing twitter, etc...

I've seen various & sundry people mention the added stress that social media seems to be causing them, so I'm gonna share a thought fwiw: it's okay to take a day off.

Yesterday turned out to be largely disconnected from the world outside my batcave. With only a couple of exceptions to let friends vent about their own situations, I basically played Stellaris for 12 hours.

And that's okay.

We have to make sure we give ourselves permission to take those breaks (even if I have been dealing today with a literal stranger bitching at me cause I failed to update my weekly spotify playlist in a fashion timely enough to suit him)

I think this is largely why this Im not feeling the burden of this that so many are. This site, a Clemson recruiting message board and an offroad and trail riding forum I founded 15 years ago are the total extent of my social media presence. Ive never had a facebook, myspace, insta,snap whatever account. If it isnt physically interacting with me I dont see it, know about it, or candidly sort of even care about it.

It makes me cold to lots of people, has cost me some friends, but it keeps me (relatively) sane and for the most part happy. I understand the COVID pandemic is a big deal intellectually but it truly has had almost no impact on my life.

It makes me at times feel like Im walking around in a bit of an alternate reality. I think a doctor would probably have a diagnosis of anti-social or something but Im just me.


Well said and it probably needs to be repeated a bit more often. If it is possible for you to avoid social media, take the opportunity to do so.


1,000,000 x this. And it is 100% Possible for 100% of people. There is no one who can't avoid it.

Its ok if you choose not to avoid it, just recognize and understand that we all can.
Just accepting that choice can be empowering.

I was starting to feel pretty comfortable, but seeing the absolute mess we are as a nation with regards to opening up and seeing some of Dr. Brights testimony today I can't help but wonder if 8 months from now worrying about toilet paper will be the least of our worries.

Severe social media customization can be an answer to if you don't want to go all the way. My Facebook wall is incredibly uplifting and supportive, and has almost no politics or drama. It's really pivotal for me right now to stay connected with friends and family and acquaintances, and love seeing photos of their pets and kids and home improvement projects. And I am just not someone is going to pick up a phone and talk to someone, so I would be pretty isolated right now without those connections. (Also, there's a million things you can follow on facebook that are not people - I follow a ton of groups about dogs, nature, local events and organizations, etc - I guess that's how most people use twitter.)

I've had a pretty traumatic week or so with a dying dog, and being able to share just a little of that experience quickly and easily has helped a lot.

Edit: I was pretty excited to go back to the office last week, and, things have definitely been better since I did, but - I'm pretty much the only one there.

I've avoided facebook.

I have to go into work 2 to 3 days a week. Hasn't been bad. The trouble is when working remotely trying to get things achieved due to availability of others.

Movies, games, and this board help me.

I've started working out (3x a week).

Ive never had a facebook, myspace, insta,snap whatever account.

If I did that I'd have virtually no socialization whatsoever.

Outside the two in my house, I literally see people I give the slightest shit to see roughly 10-12 weeks a year (HS football season), and even then you're talking about less than a half dozen people I truly care about. Other than that my next closest "personal" experience is saying hi to the longtime Walmart greeters down the block.

While I've never been a big in-person socializer, that degree of isolation is probably a bit on the unhealthy side.

I generally think Facebook is a good lifeline to the outer world. You can of course curate your friends list (and you don't have to block folks, just unfollow them for a month or so). Instagram and Snapchat are potentially even better - because generally people are just sharing photos and videos of what they are up to.

I also still enjoy Twitter. Plenty of political stuff (which I enjoy anyways), but that and reddit is how I learn about sports stuff - like the absolutely bat shit silly season that just started in F1.

With the other thread regarding Peloton, my wife and I were talking about how maybe we should use the stimulus money to buy it.

I had already budgeted a new laptop so now its laptop vs Peloton.

I know I'll use the laptop. I'll use the Peloton initially but no guarantee I'll keep up with it. However, my wife used to cycle a lot (now she runs more) and am pretty sure she'll use it if I don't.

Need that second round of checks !!

Doesn't Peleton require a subscription? I mean you can bike on it without the classes, but then you spent a lot more money for a dumb bike without it

Doesn't Peleton require a subscription? I mean you can bike on it without the classes, but then you spent a lot more money for a dumb bike without it

Yes, I think its about $500 a year to participate in the live stuff. Family can share one bike.

That's the angle, to compete with others. I'm not sure that would work for me but know that would work for my wife. She runs half and full marathons and signs up for the 5K and 10K. She also used to do Tri's (amateur level, not the ironman level).

So after the initial investment, it would come out to be $42 a month.

How much is initial investment?

And a good relatively future proof laptop is $1000-$1500... and no year fee... I realize I'm probably preaching to the choir on this one.

You could always look into these guys:

Free fitness equipment with $39/month membership | ProForm (https://www.proform.com/free-equipment)

You commit to 3 years at $39 / month for classes and at the end of three years the equipment is free. No idea how good the equipment or classes are.

How much is initial investment?

And a good relatively future proof laptop is $1000-$1500... and no year fee... I realize I'm probably preaching to the choir on this one.
Around $2200

If I did that I'd have virtually no socialization whatsoever.

Outside the two in my house, I literally see people I give the slightest shit to see roughly 10-12 weeks a year (HS football season), and even then you're talking about less than a half dozen people I truly care about. Other than that my next closest "personal" experience is saying hi to the longtime Walmart greeters down the block.

While I've never been a big in-person socializer, that degree of isolation is probably a bit on the unhealthy side.

I see people, for work, near daily. Yes even during the COVID deal we have not taken one day off. In fact we are busier than ever.

But as far as socializing...Ive got maybe 7 college football games a year and maybe 2 UFC events with my sister.

Add in a Christmas extended family fight, and you have my entire social life covered. But Ive always been happiest by myself. On a free day Ive been known to drive out to the farm and just walk around with no one but the cows, or fish for 8+ hours...with maybe half the time no line in the water.

Im fairly at peace with being relatively "lonely" though it doesnt feel bad

Off topic but how are UFC events in person? Slowly started to get into it the past year and was wondering if they're fun in person or just tough to see the action. That show on Saturday Night was awesome.

Off topic but how are UFC events in person? Slowly started to get into it the past year and was wondering if they're fun in person or just tough to see the action. That show on Saturday Night was awesome.

Sorry that reads wrong, if directed at me, I meant we go to my sisters house or they come to ours to PPV UFC, never been to one in person.

Off topic but how are UFC events in person? Slowly started to get into it the past year and was wondering if they're fun in person or just tough to see the action. That show on Saturday Night was awesome.

I've been to one in Vegas, one in Boise (plus a Bellator show in Boise).

You can't follow the fights the same way you can on TV. Obviously where you're sitting is important, but even in the best spots, you're not going to be able to follow everything at the same level of detail. The best view you'll have at the show is watching the big screen. I sat 2nd row for Bellator and was sure that would be a unique viewing experience, but, it was actually very limited where you had to look up and couldn't really see the far side of the cage at all. Best seats are probably front row of upper tier, on the sides of arena closest to cage.

But I still think it's really fun to do at least once in Vegas, and if they happen to come to your town. Especially when the crowd is really behind somebody and/or really hates someone. Then it can just get electric. I was in a sea of Mexican Cain Velasquez fans in Vegas when he murdered Bigfoot Silva at UFC 146, and while I had to watch the show later to get a full accounting of what happened, I'm so glad I experienced that. When someone is going for a finish, you kind of feel the urgency and violence of it better in person, but regular run-of-the mill fights can be tough to follow live. Pre and post fight atmosphere is awesome if show is in a place people can hang out and linger and drink. It's also super-fun in Vegas to place your bets at the sportsbook outside, go in and see the fights, and then collect your winnings (hopefully) on the way out. I'd say definitely worth doing if you haven't gone. (Of course now that I type that I'm depressed that we won't have that crowd energy and in-person excitement again anytime soon.)

I think this is largely why this Im not feeling the burden of this that so many are. This site, a Clemson recruiting message board and an offroad and trail riding forum I founded 15 years ago are the total extent of my social media presence. Ive never had a facebook, myspace, insta,snap whatever account. If it isnt physically interacting with me I dont see it, know about it, or candidly sort of even care about it.

It makes me cold to lots of people, has cost me some friends, but it keeps me (relatively) sane and for the most part happy. I understand the COVID pandemic is a big deal intellectually but it truly has had almost no impact on my life.

It makes me at times feel like Im walking around in a bit of an alternate reality. I think a doctor would probably have a diagnosis of anti-social or something but Im just me.





1,000,000 x this. And it is 100% Possible for 100% of people. There is no one who can't avoid it.

Its ok if you choose not to avoid it, just recognize and understand that we all can.
Just accepting that choice can be empowering.

I know too many people who work in non traditional occupations in which social media is a requirement or was a requirement when they were starting their careers and is a big part of their business. I would probably have a business one if I worked under different circumstances.

Socially, I identify as a extroverted introvert.

Today is not a great day for me.

Just a lot of shit built up and worrying too much about major global and national issues over which I have no control.

So a social media break is in order.

Take care of yourselves. This is hard on everyone.

I know too many people who work in non traditional occupations in which social media is a requirement or was a requirement when they were starting their careers and is a big part of their business. I would probably have a business one if I worked under different circumstances.

Socially, I identify as a extroverted introvert.

I think this is becoming the new norm with the saturation of technology in our society. This is how Children will be experiencing life.

I'm not sure about that. I think the way kids interact now is more extroverted. Even playing video games is now a social thing - Animal Crossing is so huge because people are sharing their islands on Twitter, etc., even though you mostly play the game by yourself

I have had the most emotional last few days of ups and downs. It's been all over the place. You know the down with our kitty. The most recent news and speculation on work says better chances about my ability to weather the downturn without losing my job. However, it's still only best guesses. My kids had their last day of school. One graduated. My youngest got to buy his first car, one that he's so excited about. Then the next day we said goodbye to a long time family member. Then the middle son got and started his first job today. My best days are the ones where I try to escape the negativity. Avoid the vast majority of social media and stay in my own little world. The unhealthy part of all that of course, is that my distrust and exhaustion for the general public is palpable. This is especially clear dealing with anyone who lives in my subdivision. It's extreme burnout.

I've lost track of how many naps/sleeps have been interrupted by nightmares lately. At least 2-3 per week.

And everybody in the house has had the same thing happen at least a couple times in the past two weeks.

Thankfully, no recurring themes or crossovers in the dreams so it probably isn't anything out of a movie or something.

Oh, if we're on dreams, get a load of this one. (And one you might appreciate, Jon.)

I was with my wife at some type of banquet event, but it was either at a hidden location or perhaps affected by social distancing in some way. Either way, kind of hush-hush. We left and I *think* tried to go back at some point (or maybe this was an unrelated dream the same night, who the hell knows with these things). She got in, but I got stopped at this big gate (think iron gates outside Camden Yards) by a bunch of young women. One particularly tall woman - not like mortal tall, but like 8ft tall - starts talking to me; seems she remembers me from high school (in this dream I was younger than I am now) and she starts with the "oh, I'm sorry I didn't get to know you better, etc. kind of thing."

Now, I still want to get inside, but she wants to continue talking. So she SITS on me, Fuseli The Nightmare style. Nothing sexual (though I was...trying to stroke her bare legs). Just...sat on me.

The woman? (I shit you not) Stacy Keibler.

I've lost track of how many naps/sleeps have been interrupted by nightmares lately. At least 2-3 per week.

And everybody in the house has had the same thing happen at least a couple times in the past two weeks.

Thankfully, no recurring themes or crossovers in the dreams so it probably isn't anything out of a movie or something.

My middle son told me last fall he had a nightmare where he found out that our cat was dying. He woke up crying. You know how that ended.

I had one night within the last week where it was nightmare after nightmare.

Also, I don't remember any details, but there was one with a lot of sexual stuff. Like a "why did I have to wake up" sort of dream.

Oh, if we're on dreams, get a load of this one. (And one you might appreciate, Jon.)

I was with my wife at some type of banquet event, but it was either at a hidden location or perhaps affected by social distancing in some way. Either way, kind of hush-hush. We left and I *think* tried to go back at some point (or maybe this was an unrelated dream the same night, who the hell knows with these things). She got in, but I got stopped at this big gate (think iron gates outside Camden Yards) by a bunch of young women. One particularly tall woman - not like mortal tall, but like 8ft tall - starts talking to me; seems she remembers me from high school (in this dream I was younger than I am now) and she starts with the "oh, I'm sorry I didn't get to know you better, etc. kind of thing."

Now, I still want to get inside, but she wants to continue talking. So she SITS on me, Fuseli The Nightmare style. Nothing sexual (though I was...trying to stroke her bare legs). Just...sat on me.

The woman? (I shit you not) Stacy Keibler.

I want someone to do a Taiwan animation news video on this in the worst, worst way.

But, nah, we ain't all stressed out of our fuckin heads or nothing.

Nope, not us.

Oh, my dreams are weird on the regular*. This was just particularly memorable because...8ft Stacy Keibler.


* Probably just a sign that I'm a little askew all of the time.

dola - Then again, perhaps I'm like that because I've been semi-reclusive for 20 years. Who's to say?

because...8ft Stacy Keibler.

Well,if I gotta die someway ... :cool:

Well,if I gotta die someway ... :cool:

Like

I know I dream but I don't remember my dreams.

I had an interesting dream last night. I was getting accused of killing Mike Pence because he had died from anaphylactic shock after eating something I’d prepared for him. I was like “Nobody told me he was allergic and I’m not a doctor.” Weird.

It's always nice to come from work, walk into your kitchen, and then notice there's water dripping from the light fixture.

So the quote is from the random thread.

I talked to my neighbor above me and he says his daughter spilled an entire mop bucket. This relaxed me because I was more afraid of the recent rain or busted pipe caused the water and it would've been a lot of money to fix.

I've been feeling very lonesome recently since because of social distancing and because that's how I've lived my life for the past 20 years. Life has been feeling kind of nihilistic and that's not a good thing.

I've been contemplating knocking on neighbor's doors and seeing they're interested in a weekly/monthly card or board game night.

I've been feeling very lonesome recently since because of social distancing and because that's how I've lived my life for the past 20 years. Life has been feeling kind of nihilistic and that's not a good thing.

I obviously don't know what's going through your head, everyone has different perspectives etc. so can only offer a "hang in there, don't give up, it will get better".

I've been contemplating knocking on neighbor's doors and seeing they're interested in a weekly/monthly card or board game night.

I've thought about playing D&D with roll20-and-like when I'm retired. There's a game store within 5 miles that sells games, comics and has multiple tables for gaming sessions. They are obviously impacted right now but something to think about as places start to gradually open up.

---------------------------

FWIW, wife and I took a 4 mile hike on a trail. There was a fair number of people walking & trail running. Everyone respecting distances and stepping off to one side as the other group passes, saying "hello" or "morning".

Went to Kroger Sat evening (vs my routine of going in the morning). Just like past mornings where pretty much everything was available (even toilet paper, Kroger branded) except for bread flour and hand santizers.

We are pretty stocked on Kroger food. However we are missing some variety from Indian and Asian grocery stores. Thinking about dropping by next weekend early/late and stock up again. We did talk about dropping by Costco again. Last time my wife went there was a line outside waiting to be let as Costco was limiting no. of shoppers. I am missing their $1.50 hotdog + drink !!!

I've thought about playing D&D with roll20-and-like when I'm retired. There's a game store within 5 miles that sells games, comics and has multiple tables for gaming sessions. They are obviously impacted right now but something to think about as places start to gradually open up.

My D&D group is one of the things I'm most missing, thanks to covid. :(

To echo others, I've always been pretty introverted, and at this point my social life is filled by more and more friends that have drifted out of local range, and turned into long-distance friends, and I'm less likely to 'go out' anyways as I get older, to the point that it seems like the effects of staying-at-home should be no problem, and isn't that far removed from my normal daily life.

....instead it's served as something closer to 'a moment of clarity' (or more likely 'a moment of depression'), realizing that I wish I did have more friends here to hang out with, and I wish I did 'go out' more (in some capacity consistent with being a crusty middle-aged person). I'd like to believe when things return to some level of normalcy I might be motivated to try and make some change in that regard, but that's a lot easier said than done.

My D&D group is one of the things I'm most missing, thanks to covid. :(



We have been playing every week (except this weekend). Weirdly enough, we had moved online a week or two before the hammer went down. We use fantasy grounds (it does better a better job tracking than roll20 imo. Once FG Unity is stable, we will move to that). I actually enjoy it even more.

We have been playing every week (except this weekend). Weirdly enough, we had moved online a week or two before the hammer went down. We use fantasy grounds (it does better a better job tracking than roll20 imo. Once FG Unity is stable, we will move to that). I actually enjoy it even more.

Never heard of this.

I went to the site and looked at the user manual, but it is 157 pages long. Way to imposing for me.

Could you give me a quick rundown of how it works?

A few questions; Is there a monthly fee? Is it easy to use? Does the system work as the DM so all can play? How many players does it support? Things like that.

Thanks

Hey guys, not sure how many of you are friends with him on fb, but eaglefan has had a rough couple days. His Mom went into the hospital on Saturday and tested positive for Covid, and today she passed. Keep him in your thoughts.

Hey guys, not sure how many of you are friends with him on fb, but eaglefan has had a rough couple days. His Mom went into the hospital on Saturday and tested positive for Covid, and today she passed. Keep him in your thoughts.

Feel horrible for the guy but when I saw the first 6-7 comments were from FOFCers I was proud of our community.No where else like this place in the history of the internet.

Prayers for his family

Hey guys, not sure how many of you are friends with him on fb, but eaglefan has had a rough couple days. His Mom went into the hospital on Saturday and tested positive for Covid, and today she passed. Keep him in your thoughts.

:(

Thoughts with his family. :(

oh that's horrible to hear.

If I did that I'd have virtually no socialization whatsoever.

Outside the two in my house, I literally see people I give the slightest shit to see roughly 10-12 weeks a year (HS football season), and even then you're talking about less than a half dozen people I truly care about. Other than that my next closest "personal" experience is saying hi to the longtime Walmart greeters down the block.

While I've never been a big in-person socializer, that degree of isolation is probably a bit on the unhealthy side.



Understanding this about Jon and realizing just how much alike we really are in our daily lives kind fucks with my hread.

I've actually started talking to people more now than I have in probably the last 10-15 years. I used to call my mom every day, but that was about it. Now I call my cousin once a week, the BFF who doesn't hate the phone about once a month, a few other people randomly to see how they're doing.

Hell, just today I was helping an old family friend I rang up figure out how to block spam callers, get his email set up on iPhone, and creating an Apple ID so he can download and play solitaire.

It's weird, but also kind of nice. There's something about that vocal connection text can't bring.

Prayers to EF and family.

I am officially over the homeschooling shit today. They just need to pull the plug. There is no way I believe this is healthy for our kids not to mention working parents.

My first grader needs constant attention and maybe takes in one in every five words I say, but when I have to repeat myself she throws a fit and plays the victim. If I am not on her constantly she is up from her seat chasing the cat or dog. She will have a 1 minutes youtube clip to watch and will ask to go up to her room for it. My 4th grader races through his assignments and when I make him go back and add more detail, etc...he gets frustrated and acts like I am punishing him.

Sorry to hear about EF's mom. That's an awful blow to the family.

I am officially over the homeschooling shit today. They just need to pull the plug. There is no way I believe this is healthy for our kids not to mention working parents.

My first grader needs constant attention and maybe takes in one in every five words I say, but when I have to repeat myself she throws a fit and plays the victim. If I am not on her constantly she is up from her seat chasing the cat or dog. She will have a 1 minutes youtube clip to watch and will ask to go up to her room for it. My 4th grader races through his assignments and when I make him go back and add more detail, etc...he gets frustrated and acts like I am punishing him.

Yup, somewhere in heaven your 5th grade teacher is nodding knowingly.

I hope when all this is done people will appreciate their teachers more.. but I'm guessing if that happens at all, it'll be like 5 weeks before they start acting like assholes to them again.

I hope when all this is done people will appreciate their teachers more.. but I'm guessing if that happens at all, it'll be like 5 weeks before they start acting like assholes to them again.

There will be tons of appreciation for the teachers. There will be praise for the special skill set that they have Now as far as an increase in pay and providing them with the quality resources needed to do their jobs goes... okay I will save that for another thread.

I am interested in what the takeaways are from this time for both parents and for educators. I hope both groups are learning valuable lessons. To be fair on parents, teaching is a full time job that most of us have no training or the experience to do the job well. I don't think it is a slight on any parent to say so. That being said, I hope some parents are seeing that sometimes their perfect little angels are not so perfect in the classroom and that there are days when the kids just decided it is not a good day to do any learning.

As far as educators go, I hope they are understanding the difficult circumstances some of their students are trying to learn in. I listened on a one of my son's zoom session that included his whole class. I have no idea how one of the girls in the class gets anything accomplished based on the noises I heard of her home environment Some teachers are noticing some students actually understanding their work more now that when they were in the classroom due to the difference in teaching online. Add to that the number of smart devices that were issued by the state, how many students still struggled to get consistent internet service throughout the year and how many students showed up to get lunch every day, this has exposed a number of gaps that won't be solved by just getting the kids back into the classroom.

As far as educators go, I hope they are understanding the difficult circumstances some of their students are trying to learn in. I listened on a one of my son's zoom session that included his whole class. I have no idea how one of the girls in the class gets anything accomplished based on the noises I heard of her home environment Some teachers are noticing some students actually understanding their work more now that when they were in the classroom due to the difference in teaching online. Add to that the number of smart devices that were issued by the state, how many students still struggled to get consistent internet service throughout the year and how many students showed up to get lunch every day, this has exposed a number of gaps that won't be solved by just getting the kids back into the classroom.

Believe me, teachers know this. The educational administration on the other hand...

I have always had appreciation for my kids teachers and never taken them for granted. Never once have we argued that they need to be challenged, or it must be the other kids, etc...When my son was diagnosed with ADHD we listened to everything the teacher told us and worked with her. It was an amazing experience.

That being said I realize we are likely the minority.

And almost on cue I get an email from my sons teacher that says

"I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that I'm really proud of Colin! He stands out to me as an active participant during our live lessons! He's always raising his hand and offering his ideas. He has also been doing a wonderful job with all of his assignments. I love that Colin is choosing to make the best of this situation and continuing to learn and grow as much as possible! I also know this is a crazy time, so I really appreciate all of your support.

Have a great day!"

Really proud of my boy.

I have always had appreciation for my kids teachers and never taken them for granted. Never once have we argued that they need to be challenged, or it must be the other kids, etc...When my son was diagnosed with ADHD we listened to everything the teacher told us and worked with her. It was an amazing experience.

That being said I realize we are likely the minority.

I always wonder about those parents who challenge the teachers when they say their kids aren't doing well or are acting up in class. Like, what do they hope to accomplish? Don't they realize that kids are (generally) manipulative bastards that will lie to get their way (every kid that I've seen will try to play off mom vs. dad to get candy at least) ;).

Question for Parents (626 respondents):
Are you more or less likely to enroll your son or daughter in a homeschool, neighborhood homeschool co-op, or virtual school once the lockdowns are over?

More Likely: 40.8%
Less Likely: 31.1%

Let's just go ahead and stipulate that the veracity of the poll can be questioned due to the results matching the desired outcome of the group that paid for it (https://www.federationforchildren.org/national-poll-40-of-families-more-likely-to-homeschool-after-lockdowns-end/)... but there it is regardless.

My own suspicion is that the results aren't so much due to the experiences with learning from home as much as they are a reflection of the attitude of parents toward the lockdown itself, an increased mistrust of anything related to government.

Let's just go ahead and stipulate that the veracity of the poll can be questioned due to the results matching the desired outcome of the group that paid for it (https://www.federationforchildren.org/national-poll-40-of-families-more-likely-to-homeschool-after-lockdowns-end/)... but there it is regardless.

My own suspicion is that the results aren't so much due to the experiences with learning from home as much as they are a reflection of the attitude of parents toward the lockdown itself, an increased mistrust of anything related to government.

Right now, we're on the side of caution and have asked what our options are w.r.t. school in the fall. All of the new info coming out about the odd diseases potentially related to COVID-19 in kids is concerning. That's not the way we want to go, but feel it's something we can do to help keep them safe. As we get closer to schools opening, we'll reevaluate that position.

And I agree, homeschooling is for the birds. Our kids are pretty good with doing their work, but there's still a lot of interaction from us that needs to be done to get the work completed.

Also, we're also following the vaccine trials closely. I can't see getting it early to be a guinea pig. Too many cases of rushed medications having unforeseen long-term consequences.

Went to the mall to get my haircut. It wasn't busy at all but the parking at the front entrance was half-full. Saw most people coming out wearing masks.

The hair salon was not busy at all. They marked off every other chair. There was another customer and everyone was wearing masks and kept them on. Today was the first day and she told me they had a day of training. I could see someone wiping down the register and credit card machine.

Glad to get my haircut !!

Homeschooling is haphazard at best. I must commend the teachers though for trying to have zoom gatherings for the kids to interact.

My son's teacher actually spent about 40 minutes one on one on face-time because he's been emotional lately.

It's all about routine though...the more you keep a routine the better off you are, there's nowhere to go so it's vital to keep the kids moving into activities.

Of course, it's raining this weekend, so they'll be cooped up.

I didn't watch it (not a golf fan) but appreciate the first steps to normalcy for sports. Tennis should work well also.

Don't know what will happen to Football, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer but I'm guessing that Baseball & Soccer can be played with some modified rules and stringent testing.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/26/sport/the-match-viewership-record-turner-sports-spt-intl/index.html
It's official: People really have missed live sport.

The proof was in Sunday's charity golf match between Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady which attracted an average of 5.8 million viewers.

According to Turner Sports, the spectacle was the most-watched golf telecast in the history of cable television after appearing domestically on four channels in the US and internationally on CNN International.

It peaked at 6.3 million viewers between 5:45 and 6 pm. ET.

The record audience tuned in to watch Woods and Manning emerge victorious after a rain-soaked match which raised $20 million for the coronavirus relief effort.

FWIW, I'm planning a 6+ day solo backpacking trip in the Appalachian mountains. Sometime in late July and it depends on work and the pandemic. Need to get out into nature and figure by late July things will be much better. If not I'll postpone.

There'll be people on the trail but most times there's social distancing by default. I plan to tent vs use the shelter and don't plan to go into any town.

FWIW, I'm planning a 6+ day solo backpacking trip in the Appalachian mountains. Sometime in late July and it depends on work and the pandemic. Need to get out into nature and figure by late July things will be much better. If not I'll postpone.

There'll be people on the trail but most times there's social distancing by default. I plan to tent vs use the shelter and don't plan to go into any town.

I did a 6 day backpacking trip around the presidential range when I was an older teenager (with a group obviously). Good times.

I've always wanted to go back and I need to before my body gets too old on me.

I am officially over the homeschooling shit today. They just need to pull the plug. There is no way I believe this is healthy for our kids not to mention working parents.

My first grader needs constant attention and maybe takes in one in every five words I say, but when I have to repeat myself she throws a fit and plays the victim. If I am not on her constantly she is up from her seat chasing the cat or dog. She will have a 1 minutes youtube clip to watch and will ask to go up to her room for it. My 4th grader races through his assignments and when I make him go back and add more detail, etc...he gets frustrated and acts like I am punishing him.

I missed this one before. I feel for you dude, at that age it is SO hard to keep them even mildly disciplined and focused. Stay strong!

I find we are branching out a bit more. Doing play dates at the pool and letting the kids go over to a friends across the street to play outside. Driveway happy hours while kids bike in the street (we live on a cul de sac). Adults still somewhat social distancing. No hugs, handshakes, etc...but loosening up for sure. I just don't think we can keep the kids cooped up and not seeing friends. I realize it is somewhat of a risk but I thin at this point it is an acceptable one.

I find we are branching out a bit more. Doing play dates at the pool and letting the kids go over to a friends across the street to play outside. Driveway happy hours while kids bike in the street (we live on a cul de sac). Adults still somewhat social distancing. No hugs, handshakes, etc...but loosening up for sure. I just don't think we can keep the kids cooped up and not seeing friends. I realize it is somewhat of a risk but I thin at this point it is an acceptable one.

When you say pool is that a friend's pool or community pool? We've been discussing if we want to risk going our community pool even if they restrict capacity and what is a our point of view on masks.

When you say pool is that a friend's pool or community pool? We've been discussing if we want to risk going our community pool even if they restrict capacity and what is a our point of view on masks.

Sorry. Our pool in my backyard. I wouldn't be comfortable using a community pool. We are still limiting interaction to our core group of friends/ kids friends. I still have no interest to go anywhere there would be a crowd. Keep in mind I am also in NJ.

Honestly, I feel more locked down then at any point. Mostly because the first signs of life around me, but I'm locked down more than ever (RI is #1 in % of current population infected with COVID-19)

With my upcoming disability hearing as well, it's just, all stress all the time (and the temperature being so weird doesn't help, we had snow a couple days ago and it's close to 90 today!)

We had our house cleaner come today for the first time in 3 months. We kept up OK with the bathrooms and such, but man, it is so nice to have a super clean house. Also nice to know she is back to work and making some money. Felt like seeing an old friend.

After a week of pure exhaustion from dealing with ... ya know, I finally got back into the kitchen today. I don’t know what it means but I feel so much better mentally after cooking meals for the family today.

We had our house cleaner come today for the first time in 3 months. We kept up OK with the bathrooms and such, but man, it is so nice to have a super clean house. Also nice to know she is back to work and making some money. Felt like seeing an old friend.

I never stopped mine from cleaning my house. Her husband used to work for me on the farm and after I shut down he went to work in a factory and got furloughed during this. I still feel some moral obligation to help out if I can with old employees. I probably would have paid her anyway if she didn’t want to clean but she insisted and I got a clean house out of it. Definitely love the feeling coming home to a spotless house.

The company dropped the 2nd displacement bid on us today. The last one affected close to 5000 guys, and handed me a future 35k pay cut. This one downgrades another 1500+ captains and wide body FO's (the union stated that they convinced the company to basically half this bid in the last few hours, so it could've been much bigger), either as a pay cut to a smaller plane, or a cut to the right seat from the left. That will, in turn, push the people, already at the bottom of now fattened categories, even further down, and set up a 3rd round of bidding at the end of the month.

That 3rd round will ultimately decide the fates of a 2-3k pilots, who will hit the streets, for estimates of 12-24 months.

I've been in a better place, as it looked like things might be favorable for me making it, but the fact that I'm still in the thick of this, that nobody below a certain seniority (above me) has been trained as a result of the last bid, and that they simply aren't being very transparent with us on what the plan is for us. I think that part of it is that we're in contract negotiations, and they would love for us to take a concessionary contract, when just a few months ago, everyone had been working toward a longer term deal. I just don't see how the union is going to willingly give away anything when it takes about 10 years to get any of it back.

As Petty said, "the waiting is the hardest part." Trying to enjoy my time as we count down to the middle on heading off to college, and along with his life, and the breakdown of our amazing 5-member family that I hold near and dear to my heart. I realized it a couple days ago. It's over. For years, I've said, "slow down" and "don't grow up so fast" and "don't take them away from me so soon" and "eat up every moment" and "don't blink". Well, now...it's past us. We won't ever get those times back, and all we have is the path in front where we watch them navigate adulthood, and we hope they get to come home to visit and have dinner, and sit and talk with us. Gone are the days of every day, where we talked and strategized and played games together. It's like that for one this year, and this time next year it'll be like that again, and my heart will have been ripped from my chest. Where now as I reflect on all that, tears fill my eyes, and I can't hope but to yearn for those younger innocent days where all I did was live in fear of the reality that I now find myself in.

Tough times. We’re a few years away with our oldest. Want it to come as slowly as possible. Sorry you’re going through strife with your livelihood too. Hang in there.

So thanks to, umm, that other thread I posted in earlier, my mental health cycling in the past few weeks probably makes a little more sense :)

But today DID have something that was definitely good for my state of mind: first time to walk in and have lunch at a former go-to spot in about 23 years give or take.

Just a local dive that was down the block from our old office many years ago. About all that's changed was the permanent smoke cloud that hovered over the bar, and some additional interior lighting, and the switch from booths to tables. Otherwise though, it was still a damned good burger and still some of the best fried mozz sticks I've had anywhere.

And a great discussion with Will about how what his life -- in Athens as well as his years in Oxford -- lacked was enough places like this one "where normal people go do normal things ... 'cause neither town has much in the way of normal people".

That eventually translated into how both of "his" towns had really lacked any sort of serious "neighborhood vibe" kinda joints, that neither town was the sort of place where there was a lot of "Hey Norm" going to take place.

Good food, laid back meal, it was just ... mentally healthy.

So thanks to, umm, that other thread I posted in earlier, my mental health cycling in the past few weeks probably makes a little more sense :)

But today DID have something that was definitely good for my state of mind: first time to walk in and have lunch at a former go-to spot in about 23 years give or take.

Just a local dive that was down the block from our old office many years ago. About all that's changed was the permanent smoke cloud that hovered over the bar, and some additional interior lighting, and the switch from booths to tables. Otherwise though, it was still a damned good burger and still some of the best fried mozz sticks I've had anywhere.

And a great discussion with Will about how what his life -- in Athens as well as his years in Oxford -- lacked was enough places like this one "where normal people go do normal things ... 'cause neither town has much in the way of normal people".

That eventually translated into how both of "his" towns had really lacked any sort of serious "neighborhood vibe" kinda joints, that neither town was the sort of place where there was a lot of "Hey Norm" going to take place.

Good food, laid back meal, it was just ... mentally healthy.

FWIW, hang in there. I know I can't really appreciate what you guys are going through but do wish you & yours the best. Hope your son is doing good also.

Not really mental health but somewhat related to BLM so thought I would post here anyway and see if you guys have any suggestions.

Have some drama going on right now with a daughter's school friend. Friend is 18 and has graduated from HS, works part-time at local grocery store, planning to go to community college. Wife and I have met friend several times, no problem.

Last night daughter asked if we can put up friend in our house.

Apparently friend and father-stepmom-grandmom had tense exchanges (household has siblings and step-siblings also). Friend is a girl but is transgender and for the past 2 years at least, has been dressing/acting/asked to be referred to as a boy. Wife and I have heard enough to know the family situation isn't all that great. It's not like physical abuse, from what I know dad is a hard working guy with many mouths to feed, I picture him as the typical white, GA conservative type guy. I met the guy once when I (with daughter) picked up friend. I've also texted him to let him know I was picking up friend etc. So he knows of me but we are barely acquaintances.

There's been other incidents resulting in the friend living with grandmom for a short period of time. There has been tension because dad is struggling with friend's gender-identity situation. From what we know, last night came to a head because of something friend said about BLM-cops etc. Apparently an uncle is a cop and dad-stepmom-grandmom didn't appreciate friend's view of uncle & cops.

This situation seems to be a significant escalation because grandmom is pissed off at friend too (whereas previously friend would stay with grandmom). Don't know all the details but you get the idea.

Wife and I told daughter that yes friend can stay with us. We have a finished basement with room and bath but (1) it's going to be a limited time of 7 days (2) after that, if it doesn't get better we'll help friend find an apt, go to Texas where there's another relative, or any other option but we don't really know right now (3) we tell dad we are taking friend in, give contact info, be transparent about this (4) friend has to abide by the typical rules of no smoking, drinking, drugs etc.

Daughter said okay and let friend know. We were thinking we would have to pick friend up last night but daughter told us last night that friend will stay at house for now but things may change tomorrow (e.g. today).

Taking care of friend, giving safe place to stay, helping friend go to Texas isn't the worry. My concern I guess is how to deal with dad.

I could see him taking this wrong re: butting into his business, enabling his kid to do things he disagrees with etc. Or he could see it as someone trying to help, give time for people to calm down etc.

If we go pick up friend today, we plan on taking 2 cars where wife-daughter-friend will leave and if needed, I will stay to talk to dad and let him vent etc.

Any thoughts on how you would approach dad?

To add to the fun, taking my daughter to a permitted, peaceful BLM protest today in my suburbia town. We've tried to go before twice but those were cancelled.

Apparently there was one yesterday and saw some news clips. Not a lot of protesters, saw cops on the road, saw cops on roof of building, my guess is 20-30 protesters with signs. They were behind barricades waving signs.

Any thoughts on how you would approach dad?

He's an adult at 18. You don't owe his dad anything. I wouldn't even address it. What I would do is sit with the friend and talk about everything. If you're willing to bring him into the home then you have to set the boundaries and expectations up front, as an adult. That's where I would leave it too. You seem to have the rest thought out to your standards, but his family doesn't come into play here at all. You don't owe them anything.

He's an adult at 18. You don't owe his dad anything. I wouldn't even address it. What I would do is sit with the friend and talk about everything. If you're willing to bring him into the home then you have to set the boundaries and expectations up front, as an adult. That's where I would leave it too. You seem to have the rest thought out to your standards, but his family doesn't come into play here at all. You don't owe them anything.

TBH I have a concern that if I don't try to have the discussion with dad at friends house, dad may show up at my house and things escalate from there. Obviously better to head that off.

I don't really know how real that concern is but I could see that happening if he thinks I'm butting into his business.

TBH I have a concern that if I don't try to have the discussion with dad at friends house, dad may show up at my house and things escalate from there. Obviously better to head that off.

I don't really know how real that concern is but I could see that happening if he thinks I'm butting into his business.

1) How his Dad responds should have nothing to do with you. He has no legal recourse, one way or the other. He should be able to handle his own shit. Fuck him if he's got his own set of issues.

2) Adult decisions have adult consequences. Kids who turn 18 aren't kids anymore in the eyes of the world. They are adults. Parents don't have the same luxury to know those things about their kids, especially if they aren't dealing with them as adults.

3) Are you butting into his business though? You were asked if you can house an adult friend. You handled that. You don't need to know, or understand anything beyond that to be in your situation. Your house, your expectations.

To add to the fun, taking my daughter to a permitted, peaceful BLM protest today in my suburbia town. We've tried to go before twice but those were cancelled.

Apparently there was one yesterday and saw some news clips. Not a lot of protesters, saw cops on the road, saw cops on roof of building, my guess is 20-30 protesters with signs. They were behind barricades waving signs.

Went to the protest at the courthouse. I was surprised at the number, my swag is 100+. Barricades separating road from sidewalk, fair number of cops. I saw a couple cops on rooftops. Good diverse crowd and many with small children, a couple with strollers. Everyone had mask but admittedly 6ft social distancing rule was broken.

Lots of cars driving by. The anti-protesters gave thumbs down, middle finger, honking etc.

All in all a good experience, definitely peaceful with shouting and signs, no signs of police aggressiveness. Daughter got sunburned some so need to do SPF 50 next time. In the car she said there were rumors the KKK may hold a counter protest and I was thinking she should have told me about that earlier.

Man,what a year. First covid, then the race issues, and now Iowa football.

Im at my limit. I cannot take another kick to the balls. Can we just fast forward to 2021?

Man,what a year. First covid, then the race issues, and now Iowa football.

Im at my limit. I cannot take another kick to the balls. Can we just fast forward to 2021?


https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/848/694/5b4.jpg

FWIW, quick update on what I posted above. A little more drama past several days but friend is staying with parents for now with the goal of getting out of dodge soon. Friend is planning more.

Honestly it doesn't really seem that the parents are unreasonable here. Just keep your thoughts to yourself especially if you know you are going to piss off people with your talk about BLM and cops especially when your uncle is a cop ... and you are not independent. Don't go out of your way to offend the family who is still taking care of you.

Last day of school for my kids. I am obviously relieved but all I can think about as I drink my coffee is how incredibly proud I am of them to have handled this all so well. Way better than I would have as a kid.

Last day of school for my kids. I am obviously relieved but all I can think about as I drink my coffee is how incredibly proud I am of them to have handled this all so well. Way better than I would have as a kid.

Goodness gracious, I think most everyone here has been out for about a month now (some even more).

This is actually closer to the schedule I had back in olden tymes but it seems almost strange now having gotten accustomed to the modern schedule of getting out somewhere in May.

*I prefer Labor Day start, early June finish but that's rare around here anymore

We are actually finishing 3 days early, they gave us unused snow days

Last day of school for my kids. I am obviously relieved but all I can think about as I drink my coffee is how incredibly proud I am of them to have handled this all so well. Way better than I would have as a kid.

Goodness gracious, I think most everyone here has been out for about a month now (some even more).

This is actually closer to the schedule I had back in olden tymes but it seems almost strange now having gotten accustomed to the modern schedule of getting out somewhere in May.

*I prefer Labor Day start, early June finish but that's rare around here anymore

Easily a throwback to my childhood. We would out around this time and then comeback the Wednesday before Labor Day. Absolutely hated that shit.

School here finished May 11th and online learning was as absolutely useless as you probably think it would be. We have used NTI days to make up for some snow days so as not to push school into June, but those are few and far between. Using the same process for everyday school is a waste.

It's funny - on the college level, my other daughter also finished school off campus and you can tell how worthless it was because nearly every college sports team is posting about record-breaking team GPAs.

My wife finally finished last Thursday. People weren’t doing their shit remotely so she had to keep reporting. Situation is so stupid. There wasn’t a single thing she did In the physical building that she couldn’t do online.

At our PS, the guidance was a student could not get lower than what he/she had before going on remote learning. The student can only improve his/her grade.

My daughter already had all A's so she was cruising through her final senior semester.

Picked up a 10 piece bucket at Popeye's. As I waited at the drive thru, I saw 3 workers. There was one at the cash register and she had her blue mask on.

There was the guy at the window who had his mask hanging off one ear. There was a woman filling orders & putting them in the boxes. Her mask was "on" but it was pulled below her lips. I could see her putting pieces of chicken in the boxes and just imagining all the nice covid aerosol floating down into the chicken.

There was a "let us know how we are doing" website by the window. I'm tempted to report this.

BTW - my 10 piece bucket did not come from her but considering how lax things were I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon.

Shifted this post out of the Fuck Cancer thread into this one, cause it just seems to fit better here.

I'm (obviously) not the important factor in the current equation here with my wife & all but I gotta tell ya, I'm steadily not doing great with this as tomorrow approaches. My nerves are shot to the point of being downright queasy. The list of minutiae that I'm stressing over borders on the absurd (and maybe on the wrong side of that border). Easier than stressing over THE big shit I imagine.

But fuck me, I'm accustomed to a certain level of personal dysfunction. This is waaaaaay past that level. I ain't as young as I was in her first battle with it I guess, and I'm coping (a term I use loosely) with it very differently. I think that time I was so openly terrified about it all that it was less internalized to some extent. This time, I'm probably more outwardly calm but more fucked up inside.

I feel like a longtailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

Shifted this post out of the Fuck Cancer thread into this one, cause it just seems to fit better here.

I'm (obviously) not the important factor in the current equation here with my wife & all but I gotta tell ya, I'm steadily not doing great with this as tomorrow approaches. My nerves are shot to the point of being downright queasy. The list of minutiae that I'm stressing over borders on the absurd (and maybe on the wrong side of that border). Easier than stressing over THE big shit I imagine.

But fuck me, I'm accustomed to a certain level of personal dysfunction. This is waaaaaay past that level. I ain't as young as I was in her first battle with it I guess, and I'm coping (a term I use loosely) with it very differently. I think that time I was so openly terrified about it all that it was less internalized to some extent. This time, I'm probably more outwardly calm but more fucked up inside.

I feel like a longtailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

FWIW, This sounds like a pretty normal reaction to me. The feeling of being the person who is "supposed" to hold things together can be daunting. I suspect that it is even more difficult when we are not in a very normal period of time and the silly things that could be distracting i.e. sports, games etc are not available or are not working. Hang in there.

Starting to get pissed at my parents, Mom in particular.

they decided to host their annual July 4th BBQ. They usually invitr 100 people, gets crowded. Talked to her today and only 30 confirmed so far, so thats good I suppose. They have a big yard and will be easy to distance. I am not sure we are going and I told her that today. I just don't get the point in having it though. My dad is almost 90. Seems unnecessary. Then to top it all off, she tells me my Aunt and her husband are flying in from Minnesota for it, and staying with them for a week.

WTF.

In good news, I think I finally won a years long battle with a clogged floor drain. I probably should have called someone 14 bottles of drain-o ago. The other night I was elbow deep trying to figure out why it wasn’t going down. I ended up pulling out 2 fist sized chunks of white death that looked like blue cheese. And it still was barely draining. And of course nothing being open 24/7 meant that I couldn’t even go and get a snake or a new plunger til the morning. Like Wal Mart has to go back to 24 hour service. They’ve killed every other business in the world. 8:30pm ain’t cutting it. Anyways the next day I grabbed some CO2 powered death machine plunger thing and some drain clearing granules and I’m thinking merry Christmas the war is over.

In good news, I think I finally won a years long battle with a clogged floor drain. I probably should have called someone 14 bottles of drain-o ago. The other night I was elbow deep trying to figure out why it wasn’t going down. I ended up pulling out 2 fist sized chunks of white death that looked like blue cheese. And it still was barely draining. And of course nothing being open 24/7 meant that I couldn’t even go and get a snake or a new plunger til the morning. Like Wal Mart has to go back to 24 hour service. They’ve killed every other business in the world. 8:30pm ain’t cutting it. Anyways the next day I grabbed some CO2 powered death machine plunger thing and some drain clearing granules and I’m thinking merry Christmas the war is over.

I had a long term fight with the 3rd bathroom down in our basement. it hasn't drained properly in 15 years.

Finally I got the room completely cleaned out, opened the floor drain, removed the toilet and sink completely and filled the drains with hydraulic cement (with something blocking the exits so it wouldn't just flop down the pipe)

since then, no water, no muck from our main floor disposal backing up, just nice dry basement.

As for mental health...I have 2 nights left before my first vacation of the new fiscal year. I'm taking 12 day break from this shit. I need it. I'm seriously brain fried.

As for mental health...I have 2 nights left before my first vacation of the new fiscal year. I'm taking 12 day break from this shit. I need it. I'm seriously brain fried.

I did the same Thursday/Friday, Monday/Tuesday. I don’t think I took long enough off :(