Livin… In Place

It has been just over two weeks that us folks in California have been under a Shelter-In-Place and nearly a month since the global pandemic that is the novel Coronavirus has changed our society. Early on, I shrugged at the chances this would be a big deal until one of my favorite sports writers, Clinton Yates, won the face-time on “Around The Horn” and used the time to alert us that, this is so serious, the Olympics would not happen this summer! I was like, damn… No way?!?… He was right. He made that statement in Feb. and the last nail in March’s coffin, 3.30.2020 – the Olympics have been moved to July 2021.

Looking out the window everything seems to be business as usual but we’re living in a very unique time of quarantine. Right now it’s disappointing that all we can do to combat the spread the virus is isolate ourselves. But staying inside, working from home and a subconscious fear of relative proximity to loved ones, let alone anyone, has us all acting some type of way. The first two weeks were most interesting where one sector of people were in so much panic that all the toilet paper disappeared while the other sections shuffled to their regular hiking spots, parks and bodies of water taking advantage of more free-time.

So who is really at fault in this example… The folks that overstocked & shacked up for an apocalypse or the folks getting their Vitamin D? The answer is both.

While it is not a straight lock down and we can go outside – it should only be for essential reasons. But while we’re quarantined inside it does not mean that you should buy 6 months of supplies and leave nothing on the shelf for those who need some. Stores are still open, go once a week if you can.

It’s all good tho. We can all adjust to this new paradigm in our own ways. Luckily no force is legitimately enforcing the SHiP (YET) but we do need to be considerate of our fellow man/woman who might be sheltering alone or with people they hate. So smile and say howdy on your walks.

What is not good tho, is not taking it seriously at all. Some states are still business as usual even though the cases are starting to pile up. Florida wouldn’t even close their beaches during spring break! I get that many folks rely on certain times of the year for the influx of cash from tourism; Florida beaches, Bourbon St., Coachella as examples but right now, this unique time in history… please stop, stay inside.

If for some reason you don’t believe the severity of the Coronavirus crisis, humble yourself by watching the videos of people suffering. Healthcare systems are being stretched to their breaking points, globally. The numbers continue to escalate, daily. Lastly, establishments like local gyms, restaurants, day-cares etc aka small biz can’t staff all their employees so people are filing for unemployment by the minute. I might sound like cable news but I am not trying to scare you, I’m just trying to level with you cause we’re all getting the same 24/7 Intel. I’ve come to terms with that fact that the night is always darkest just before the dawn, we’re going to make it… unfortunately it will be at a great cost. I could complain about the adventures I’ve had to postpone & friending missed out on but my sorry sticks are worth nothing these days. Therefore instead, why not be grateful? Consider these AlTRNTative perspectives:

I’m sure there are more silver linings but it’s not playtime for everyone. Shout-out to all those who have adjusted their homes into workstations – excellent creativity. My deepest condolences to communities already impacted and loved ones lost. But all my moral support is out there to essential workers like those at grocery stores and working delivery but the loudest of cheering is those fighting the front lines. Here is a link to fight a cause you can get behind if you want to help from a distance. May the force be with you.

Hang in there everyone, we’re all gonna get through this. Remember the greatest wealth we have right now, is our health. And Tiger King.