Tears my dears

I don't know about you, but Lady Gaga got me last night with the One World: Together At Home concert with Global Citizen and the WHO.  She is so boss and talented.  I loved the Rolling Stones performance, too.  I don't think I've ever seen Taylor Swift perform a song, so that was kind of interesting.  And all the vignettes they showed of medical professionals and workers, fine, I'll admit it, I cried...!  Sometimes ya just gotta.  Impressive show and way to bring light to and rally behind organizations and all the people in need of our support!

Catch-22

For all of us enduring this time at home, there seem to have emerged two schools of thought. It's either: what all have you been able to accomplish with this forced home time?  If laid off, have you launched a new app or company yet?  Explored your true passion and found a way to support yourself doing just that?  Or, on the flip side, how much of a couch potato have you become?  Are you taking care of yourself in the ways you never could when working full-time?  Have you added in yoga, meditation, and quiet moments?  Self-hugs?  These approaches to this downtime seem to mimic traits of Type A and B personalities.  Sure, I have cleaned my apartment, reorganized closets and cabinets, dusted and disinfected more than usual. I have rekindled a passion for this goofy, little blog. I'm riding my bike daily, weather permitting, and we have been enjoying some hilarious indoor workouts in this tiny studio apartment.  Some days, it feels like we are rehearsing an act for The Two Stooges. But don't get me wrong...I am also maintaining a healthy relationship with my sofa.  All in all, I'm doing whatever makes me feel ok day by day, trying to stay positive, active, healthy, and sane (tomato, tomahto).  And some combination of both these attitudes and outlooks seems to be the key.

Because really, this pandemic is gut-wrenching no matter where or how you look at our new reality.  While I am itching for outdoor time, not to mention socializing; again, I'm conflicted.  I want to volunteer and help out out there.  My job has an opportunity to help prep foods and organize the weekly grocery pick ups.  And I cannot emphasize enough how thoughtful and generous it is of the company to donate groceries to any employee who signs up for them.  It is a gift.  Most recently, they changed the pick up location to the spot where I had been working. So, it would super easy to help

Memorial and warning at Tompkins Square Park

in a space where I already know the lay of the land.  At the same time, I am quarantined with my significant other (thank heavens), and don't want to expose myself to anything (obvi).  But also knowing I would most certainly expose him adds another layer of caution and fear of the unknown.  It's a catch-22 no matter the situation.  And imagine the sich for essential workers.  A few of my buddies fall into this category and have only seen more work during this time.  None has tested positive for this virus, which is a blessing.  I can only imagine the catch-22 they face.  Is it better to be exposed to the virus, stay home and get better (fingers crossed), and get it out of the way?  And then hopefully be able to face any other waves with antibody immunity...?  Or simply hope and pray that you never get it?   But with negligible symptoms in some, others fall ill and die, with little rhyme or reason, across all age ranges.  It's a lot to take in.  And then there are the conspiracy theories.  And the updates.  Cuomo, De Blasio, the "President."  I discovered a jigsaw puzzle app the other day.  Talk about saving grace.

Think good thoughts

Another beautiful spring evening, I went out again tonight for a bike ride. We have been in self-quarantine now for 3 weeks and a day, heading out only for essentials or exercise. A full moon had just started to rise, as I pedaled along, and fewer people seemed out. I'm glad I went out a bit later today. Folks are still abiding by the distancing rules and most of us had faces covered.

Facing such scary times, I have been focusing on the positive efforts and stories out there.

A full moon above a Brooklyn
building across the East River

While biking tonight, I saw that residents on the top floors of a building across the river in Brooklyn had coordinated their windows to form the shape of a heart. Impressive and appreciated. Every single person on the promenade stopped to snap a picture of the full moon shining brightly above their show of love. Every night at 7pm, people hop outside, on their stoops, roofs, and fire escapes, and hang out windows banging pots to show support for essential workers. My neighborhood has a robust supply of (illicit) firecrackers and the neighborhood kids have also been setting those off every night in support of those still working. In this sea of confusion and uncertainly, these daily reminders to show love, support, and kindness are crucial. Stay safe out there!

Schwinning

I rode my sweet Schwinn today for the first time since the ribs incident back in November.  I usually ride to and from work, but the ribs and winter had the bike indoors.  I believe the vernal equinox was March 20, but it's officially spring for me!  Carried the bike down the steps with no issues.  And off to the races! 

The East River Promenade and surrounding parks were abustle today.  Lots of folks looking for a bit of sunshine outdoors.  All walks of life, and all keeping a distance, some masked, some nude faces.  The track was the most concentrated space with lots of runners and soccer players.  I rode up to the bandstand and saw a family who looked like they were finishing homework together.  I always loved when class was outside.

Day 18 of Home Time

Today has been a blessing in many ways, and scary still in others.  My guy found out that one of his best friends tested positive for coronavirus and is dealing with some symptoms.  He lives with his wife and daughter, and they are all wonderful people.  We spoke this evening and everyone is doing ok, but I can only imagine how frightened they must be.  This whole situation is maddening for so many in so many different ways.  But he is healthy and strong. And we will all get through it!

We left the house today to venture out for groceries. Huge shout out to the company I work for: Happy Cooking Hospitality. The owners and management team, many of whom I'd be in the trenches with today at work, have created Happy Cooking Grocery to help feed employees during this difficulty. One of the spots used to be a grocery, so there ya go. And once a week, employees can come pick up a chockfull bag. For FREE. Today we got fresh cauliflower, apples, oranges, grapefruit, avocado, eggs, limes, cucumbers, bread. And we have for safe-keeping marinated chicken (too late, it was DELICIOUS!!!!), rice, pasta, green lentils, TP (!!!!), and paper towels. Not only is it beyond generous but it also helps rekindle our community. I saw a few co-workers I would normally see daily and haven't seen in weeks. Oh, and I forgot to mention that my boss handed us masks the moment we walked up! The latest news indicates that this thing can travel on someone's breath. So, thank you, Ed!!! Which, side note, wearing a mask for the first time, I was not delighted with the scent of my own breath. As a plaque that still hangs somewhere in Dr. Granade's office suggests, "You don't have to floss all your teeth. Just the ones you want to keep." We also stopped by Trader Joe's wine shop for what we like to call the Neapolitan: a box of white, one of rosé, and one of red. We ain't fancy!

Broadway @ Astor Place...
no cars or humans

While New York City is the epicenter, the city is still chugging along.  Just at at least six-foot length from others. Encountering people walking on the sidewalks, it is a regular occurrence for one person to walk in the street. With so few cars on the streets, getting hit isn't really an issue. We counted maybe 5 taxis on our walk from East to West villages.  We did hear the subway rumble below us on a few occasions.  And I saw a slew of buses pass, but they were mostly empty.  I am relieved to see that most New Yorkers are taking this situation to heart and STAYING HOME!  I read an article about how Detroit is handling this crisis...grim, indeed. The Chief of Police tested positive and so one of his captains is in charge. And the captain was quoted in the article saying that you basically have to commit murder to get arrested.  And, what do ya know...supposedly, murder is up in Detroit 50%. And let's not even go into the state of prisons there...

I texted with some friends today, doing my best to stay optimistic.  I also spoke with my mom briefly tonight about all this happening around us. Reach out to your loved ones, people. You have no idea how much they may need it, and in return, you'll find you probably did, too.

The Early Bird

I woke up early this morning and couldn't get back to sweet slumber without having attempted to find ground turkey.  Yes, the ever elusive runner-up for America's national symbol, a true original native of America, at least according to Ben Franklin.
 

The flower section at my local supermarket

Ground beef and pricier cuts of steaks have been the only options lately at most supermarkets at the hours I have visited.  These are funny times indeed.  So, I snuck down my street and weaved the two blocks and two avenues to Key Food, my local.  There are a few Trader Joe's in walking distance as well, but that seemed too overwhelming.  My little local will suffice for today's tactical mission.  I waited in a short line outside, mindful to keep the requisite safe distance from others, and three minutes later, bee-lined to the meat section.  Eureka!  Ground gobbler goodness!  This early bird is thankful to find another bird early.

Sightseeing

Freedom Tower

I decided to take in the sights as best I could today.  For a nice burst of exercise and sunshine, I headed to the roof of my five-floor walk-up.  With 100% of non-essential services getting the kibosh today, I was also curious to see how many people were out on the streets.

Con Edison stacks in the distance

I live on the back of the building, so it's generally quieter, which I like.  My veranda (aka fire escape), therefore, is also on the back of the building.  So, I am forced up to the roof for any sort of street view.  We have a courtyard in the back, which I also like.  Green space in this city is a treasure.

I did see a number of folks outdoors.   It was a beautiful spring day with temperatures in the 50s and clear blue sky.  I also saw the bus that runs down Avenue C today.  So MTA is still chugging along.

Empire State

My street also has a connecting foot bridge to the East River Park, meaning we are often overrun with joggers.  Today seemed like business as usual from my perch up on the roof.  Just me, the pigeons, and NYC sights.

Freedom Tower through the trees

As many of you know, we have been facing difficulties for years living in this building in NYC.  Those of us who are "rent-stabilized" anyway.  The latest situation seems crueler than usual.  The owner has changed the intercom service from a buzzer intercom to some app-based nonsense.  First off, this begs the question that every tenant has a smart phone.  Second, this new system requires tenants to take up space on their personal phones, download the app, and provide all personal info to this random app.  Third, the reviews of the app are shit.  Fourth, it is contrary to the NYC building code.  So, that will be another fun topic to tackle with the owner, our lawyer, and city and state agencies.  But more than that, it is especially disheartening that the owner would impede anyone's access to delivery services right now.  Heartless.