Me: Oh hi, Moody Trudy. I see that you are back in the mix. Great.
My “moody Trudy” side: (big sigh) Yes, I’m here. But barely.
Me: So what brings your Debbie Downer, blah, negative energy to my otherwise even-keel psyche, in order to, in no way at all, in any sense of the word, brighten my morning?
Moody Trudy: Do you even have to ask? Coronavirus. Quarantine. The Economy. The boys headed up to their college campus to collect the last of their stuff to bring home for the long term of the unknown future. It’s sad and depressing for the boys and of course, who knows what the amount of all of the nasty, disgusting spiky round germs that they’ll bring home, stuck to all of their stuff. Just saying.
Me: Right. Well, I’m trying to stay “up” here. The good news is that I finally get to have a Zoom meeting with my mentees today and tomorrow. I haven’t had contact with them for about a month and the red tape is finally broken. I’ve been worried about them and I want them to know that I care about them and that I am here for them.
Moody Trudy: Well, let’s hope Zoom works. You computer could crash, theirs could crash. Also, I hope you don’t get too emotional and cry. That would really wig the girls out. Speaking of crashing, I hope the boys stay safe. This would be a terrible, horrible time to have to go to the hospital.
Me: True, but there is thankfully, a helluva lot less traffic on the road.
Moody Trudy: In other news, I was reading about what could go worse in 2020. Some have suggested that Yellowstone could erupt. And the post office may come to an end . . .
Me: Okay, you are really too much for me today.
Moody Trudy: What are you making for dinner? I’d start rationing the meat. Just saying. You will all probably end up becoming involuntary vegetarians and that’s when all of this “togetherness” is really going to wear thin.
Me: Do me a favor and make yourself scarce for the rest of the week, Trudy. I’m really doing my best to make the best out of this situation and you are just not very helpful.
Moody Trudy: Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow, or maybe I’ll check in later tonight.
Great post. I find that I am mostly on an even keel these days. I am managing to (outwardly) keep the panic at bay although I have lots of dreams about cages and prison.
I find in this situation people tend to be of two mindsets.
One group is doing well, looking at the positive and enjoying the down time and ability to connect online with friends, and catch up on pet projects. One of my friends has used the time to learn new skills like how to build a website and another is finishing her second book.
Then there are the other folks. Those who have been directly impacted by the coronavirus; who have lost friends or jobs and just can’t find the silver lining at the moment.
I am praying for all of us and trying to be supportive of people who are suffering. It’s a scary time with lots of unknowns. I am very grateful for my work, my kids, who are home and safe, and that we are adjusting to life at home all the time
Thank you, Pamela. Really good insights!! Stay well.