Just checking in to say hello to everyone! I just returned from a week at my sister's home in southern Maine. We are in the same state, so the travel is "legal" without quarantine. Realistically, she hasn't been out of the house since September, when she trashed her back. She's been laid up so long that she's lost strength and can barely navigate the stairs in and out of her apartment (there are 26 steps) so she's been basically isolated. My niece is home with her, working remotely, and only goes out for grocery shopping or to visit one friend. I know, I know... not exactly a bubble, but worth taking the chance. Hey, I went to IN where there were people from IN, KY, CA, and OH. Yes, they thought I was crazy but I wore a paper mask much of the time while with others. Anyhow... lovely visit with my sister and niece. I love who my niece has become as an adult! We had a great time together, the 3 of us, going through old family photos and just being.
DH and I have decided we need some "away" time. Of course all plans are refundable, as we are watching virus levels everywhere, but we have booked a one-bedroom unit at a timeshare in the Orlando area. We are going to spend the time to ourselves, not going to Disney or anywhere. We are going to do takeout meals, enjoy the in-villa hot tub, sit around the pool if the weather cooperates or out on our screened balcony if it doesn't, and just relax. We WILL take our chances and go visit a good friend of DH's. Friend is older than I am, in kidney failure, has lung issues and is on oxygen 24/7. We want/need to go see him. I am struggling with the thoughts of going to see Orlando Ballet do Nutcracker. DD is a dancer, and Nut has been formative in our holidays for decades. OB is being very careful, you tell them how many seats you want in which section and they assign them so they can enforce distancing guidelines, but there is still the pre- and post-show crowd. We probably won't go- just too big a risk- but I want to!
I realized while at my sister's that I need to get myself back onto a regular schedule. This sitting around on my own time, working from home, can be as demoralizing as knowing we are in the midst of a pandemic in general. Students go home for the rest of the semester by Wednesday, so starting on Monday after T-giving, I am going to go into work every day. There is a TON to be done to be ready for spring semester, when we go back face-to-face (and I'm stressed about that), so I will haul my weary carcass into work from 10-2 every day, then go to the gym and ride the recumbent bike for an hour while I read. I have missed going to the gym, but even with sanitation protocols in place, distancing and limited hours with no locker room access, I still wasn't comfortable being around all those sweaty students and such. I am hoping that having a regular schedule and getting some regular exercise will help me feel some sort of normalcy again. I am not seeing a "return to reality" until at least the end of summer 2021, so it's time to do what I can to make my own little bubble seem more normal!
I'm also starting to think about Christmas. With reduced work hours and DD no longer dancing in Nut (not that she's living with us, but she's just up the street), it feels like there is plenty of opportunity to decorate and shop. OK, online shop, but still involves planning and organization. It's hard to believe that Chanukah is only 3 weeks, Christmas is only 5 weeks, from TODAY. I am all about the lights, so am looking forward to hanging more than ever. Why not? It's almost Christmas!!
I hope everyone is healthy and safe, and happy, too. I think we are only about half-way through the hardest part of the pandemic, and am thankful that there are supportive, friendly folks here on the DIS. Take care, and have a great Thanksgiving (for those of you in the US- Canadian friends can eat pie on Thursday in solidarity!)