COVID-19

Obviously, it's an unusual time.  Stress levels are high all over the place.

The novel coronavirus is spreading across the world and in an attempt to slow the spread or "flatten the curve" we are all trying "social distancing" and staying home while at the same time supporting small business and being helpful to one another. The death toll at this moment is not that high but the economic repercussions from the virus are staggering.

It's all quite confusing and hard to do, to be honest.

People have panic-shopped and there is no toilet paper, milk, meat or bread to be found on store shelves. No pain relievers. No formula for babies.

Frank already worked from home so his business life hasn't changed much at first glance.  But all of his travel has been cancelled and, with the economic effects of the coronavirus spread, business everywhere is suffering. Everyone is worried about their jobs. Frank is too.

My work has not closed. So, though people are trying to work from home, I still go into work. I feel mixed feelings about this. I feel bad for going out and possibly coming in contact with the virus that could hurt my husband or myself. I feel obligated to go to work to help the people who are coming to the chiropractor because they have pain or have been in a car accident.  Our daily numbers are obviously going down as people decide not to go out but still, someone has to be there when people do come in.  We are a small business so I worry about weeks or months with not enough money coming in.

We are also working on the rental house we purchased 6 weeks ago. When we bought it, we knew nothing of the coronavirus and life was normal. We did the demo ourselves and then got some contractors for some of the things we need done: stucco, framing/drywall, mudding, electrical and plumbing. As one might expect, we've had glitches along the way. Miscommunications. Mind changing. Poor planning. And, of course, unexpected world events.

Stress levels are high at our house too.

Today we had an earthquake. It felt like the straw that broke the camel's back in a lot of ways!

One contractor got put back a day, one didn't show up. We had to cancel the electrical inspection because it wasn't ready. We are nervous that the city will shut down and we won't be able to get an inspection which means we won't be able to rent the house.  Two mortgages when jobs are in peril feels ominous. It's one thing after another.

Carter's wedding plans are in question too. It's unlikely that Katy and Austin will be able to come out.  Who knows if it will also affect travel for Branden and Amber as well.

Sigh.

I know we have it better than a lot of folks. We are currently both still employed. We were good about emergency planning so we didn't feel the need to panic shop and we have plenty of toilet paper and food. We have a home that is dry and warm.

Frank is generally keeping in good spirits but when he talks about all the things going wrong or potentially going wrong, I get super stressed out.

I still feel stressed and down when I go visit the rental house. It just needs so much work still. It's overwhelming.

The junk food is out. The carbs are back. The sweets are purchased. The soda is being consumed.
I'm not proud of my reaction really, but it is my reaction.  Bring on the comfort food!

These are the days of COVID-19